This holiday season, get delicious turkey without using valuable oven space by making electric roaster oven turkey! The turkey cooks separately, and you can enjoy a juicy, perfect roast turkey with golden brown skin.
One of the big problems home cooks face at Thanksgiving is fitting everything in the oven! You have pies, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, scalloped potatoes, rolls, and more, all fighting for precious oven space.
And a turkey will take up most of the space. I’ve never had a house with a double oven, so my solution is to cook the turkey in an electric roaster oven. A separate roaster oven cooks the turkey and contains all the juices and mess.
And your holiday bird cooks even faster in an electric turkey roaster than a regular oven, so you don’t have to get up at 7 am to start dinner!
As Thanksgiving approaches, many home cooks start thinking about roasting a turkey for the big feast. If you’re planning to use an 18 quart roaster, one of the most common questions is what size turkey will fit inside? I faced this same dilemma last year when cooking Thanksgiving dinner for my large extended family. After lots of research and trial-and-error, I learned exactly what size turkey can be accommodated by an 18 quart roaster.
In this article, I’ll share everything I learned about fitting a turkey in an 18 quart roaster We’ll cover the maximum weight, how to select the right shape, tips for ensuring it cooks evenly, and answers to other frequently asked questions Whether you’re a first-time turkey roaster or a seasoned pro, read on for a complete guide to selecting the perfect bird for your 18 quart roasting pan.
The Maximum Turkey Size for an 18 Quart Roaster
The general guideline is that an 18 quart roaster can hold a turkey up to 18 pounds. However it’s not quite as simple as matching the quart size to the pound size. You also have to consider the shape and dimensions of both your roaster and the bird.
Based on my experience, a good rule of thumb is that an 18 quart roaster can comfortably fit a turkey around 16-18 pounds. I wouldn’t recommend going much bigger than 18 pounds. It’s important to leave enough room around the turkey for proper air circulation so it cooks evenly.
I tried putting a 20 pound turkey in my 18 quart roaster one year and it was a tight squeeze! The turkey ended up not browning properly on the bottom and took forever to cook through. So take it from me, stick to 18 pounds or under for an 18 quart roaster.
Choosing the Right Shaped Turkey
The overall weight isn’t the only factor that determines whether a turkey will fit. The shape and proportions also play a key role.
Some turkeys are short and stout while others are tall and slender. You want to select one that matches the shape of your roasting pan as closely as possible.
If the turkey is a lot wider or taller than the dimensions of the roaster, it won’t cook evenly. Aim for a bird that sits comfortably in the roaster without the breast or legs touching the sides.
Before buying your turkey, measure the dimensions of your 18 quart roaster. Then look for a turkey that has a similar stature. A slightly shorter, squatter bird usually fits best. Going too tall results in uneven cooking.
Trussing for Even Cooking
Trussing the turkey is another helpful technique for ensuring it roasts evenly in the 18 quart roaster. Trussing involves tying the legs and wings close to the body with butcher’s string. This gives the turkey a more compact shape so it cooks more uniformly.
It also allows the heat to circulate fully around all sides of the turkey as it roasts. Untrussed turkeys tend to cook unevenly since the legs and wings spread out, preventing air flow.
If you aren’t experienced with trussing, it may take some practice to get the technique down. There are lots of helpful YouTube tutorials that walk through the process step-by-step. I recommend trussing your 18 pound or under turkey before placing it in the 18 quart roaster.
Using a Roasting Rack for Air Flow
Another key tip is to use a roasting rack when cooking your turkey in an 18 quart roaster. The rack elevates the turkey off the bottom of the pan so air can fully circulate around the bottom too.
Without a rack, the turkey has a tendency to cook unevenly and the skin may stick. The rack allows the heat to reach all sides for golden, even cooking.
Look for a sturdy roasting rack that fits nicely inside your 18 quart roaster. It should keep the turkey lifted a couple inches off the bottom. You can also place some rough chopped vegetables like onions in the bottom of the pan to elevate the rack.
Monitoring Temperature for Doneness
Since the 18 quart roaster is an enclosed environment, you can’t visually monitor the turkey as it cooks. That’s why using a meat thermometer is crucial for determining doneness.
Turkey needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and thigh before it’s safe to eat. I like to use a leave-in digital thermometer with a wire that stays in the turkey while it cooks.
Test the temperature periodically once the estimated roasting time is reached. If it hasn’t hit 165°F, continue roasting and re-checking every 15 minutes or so until it’s ready. Removing the turkey on time prevents overcooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stuff the turkey in an 18 quart roaster?
Stuffing the cavity is risky since it’s harder for the stuffing to reach a safe internal temperature. Cook stuffing separately to be safe.
How long does it take to roast a turkey in an 18 quart roaster?
Estimate 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F. A meat thermometer is the best doneness indicator.
Can I use a roasting bag?
Roasting bags aren’t recommended as they can inhibit air circulation. Roast uncovered for the best results.
What if my turkey is partially frozen?
Make sure it is fully thawed before roasting. Allow 24 hours of thawing for every 4-5 pounds.
Should I baste the turkey while roasting?
Basting isn’t necessary but can add flavor and moisture if desired. Avoid opening the roaster too frequently.
Can I roast vegetables or side dishes along with the turkey?
Yes, place them in disposable pans around the turkey for convenient holiday cooking.
The Perfect Roast Turkey
As you can see, there are some nuances to selecting the ideal turkey size for an 18 quart roaster. While the quart and pound measurements can give you a general guideline, also consider shape, trussing, rack position, and use of a thermometer.
⭐Tips for Making the Best Turkey
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- Know the size of your electric roaster before you buy a turkey, or you might end up with one that doesn’t fit.
- Keep the lid on the roaster as much as possible. If you have a wireless thermometer, you only need to open the cover once it is done.
- Every time I’ve had a disappointing holiday dinner, it was due to the turkey not being completely thawed. So thaw the turkey completely and safely!
- Don’t skip the resting time. The bird will be juicier and easier to carve after resting.
FAQ About Cooking Turkey in a Roaster Oven
Maybe, but I don’t recommend it because it increases the chance of undercooked food. An electric roaster frees up oven space, so use some of that space to bake the stuffing or make slow cooker stuffing.
I’ve had a Nesco 18-quart roaster oven for years, which holds up to a 22-pound turkey, and it works great. The Oster 22-quart is also very popular and can hold a bird up to 26 pounds. You can’t go wrong with either.
Start at 450 degrees F. Then after half an hour, reduce the heat to 350 degrees F. This allows the skin to brown quickly at the start of the cooking time for a golden brown color.
No basting is necessary. The smaller size of the roaster oven keeps the turkey moist and juicy. There is also no need to add water to the bottom.