When it comes to electric roaster oven size, it depends on the size of your turkey. Most electric roasters range in size from 16-quart-capacity to 22-quart-capacity. In general, a roaster can hold the weight of its capacity plus four pounds. Therefore, an 18-quart roaster can hold a 22-pound turkey, and a 20-quart roaster can hold a 24-pound turkey. However, all electric roasters aren’t created equally, so make sure to check your specific brand of roaster for their recommended size guide. If you’re worried about the size of your turkey, opt for an electric roaster with a domed lid. The domed lid helps to add extra height for those particularly robust turkeys and creates more space for air to circulate.
Turkeys that weigh 20 pounds usually measure 24 inches long by 12 inches wide. They weigh between 10 and 12 pounds, but this might vary widely.
If your oven is a smaller type, make sure you know the inside measurements, even though it seems foolish. It’s a good rule of baker’s thumb to go with the smallest roasting pan that will fit your needs—too big and the juices will burn; too tiny and constrained airflow will prevent uniform cooking.
Cooking the perfect Thanksgiving turkey starts with having the right size roaster. An 18 quart roaster is a popular choice, but what size turkey will it accommodate? Here’s a comprehensive guide to selecting the ideal turkey for an 18 quart roaster.
The 18 Quart Roaster
With a capacity of 18 quarts or 4.5 gallons, an 18 quart roaster provides ample space for turkeys up to a certain maximum size. Made of enameled steel or aluminum, roasters conduct heat evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Most feature handles for easy carrying and tempered glass lids.
Thanks to their versatility high sides and large capacity, roasters excel at cooking turkey compared to regular oven pans. The enclosed environment traps in moisture for tender, juicy meat infused with flavor.
Determining Turkey Size
The general guideline is that an 18 quart roaster can fit a turkey up to 18 pounds. However, you must also consider the dimensions of both your specific roaster and turkey to ensure proper fit.
Roaster Dimensions
18 quart roasters are typically around 16-17 inches long 12-14 inches wide and 4-6 inches deep. Measure your exact roaster dimensions prior to purchasing a turkey.
Turkey Dimensions
Turkey sizes vary not just by weight but also by structure. A compact, rounded 18 lb turkey may fit fine, while a lanky 18 lb one may be too large.
If possible, check the dimensions of potential turkeys to find one suited to your roaster. Length and width are more important than height since the turkey will rest directly in the roaster.
Allowing Air Circulation
Don’t pack a turkey into the roaster too tightly. Leave 2-3 inches of space around the sides and 2 inches between the breast and lid.
This air gap allows heat to circulate evenly around the entire turkey for thorough, uniform cooking. Crowding the turkey can lead to undercooked and unsafe meat.
FAQs
What if my turkey is larger than 18 lbs?
Turkeys over 18 pounds won’t fit safely in an 18 quart roaster. Opt for a larger roaster, cut the turkey in half, or cook it in the oven instead.
How small a turkey can I cook in an 18 quart roaster?
You can use an 18 quart roaster for turkeys down to 10-12 pounds. Add extra vegetables around a smaller turkey to take up space.
Should I cook a stuffed turkey in an 18 quart roaster?
No, a stuffed turkey is not recommended. The stuffing may not reach a safe 165°F, and juices could leak out and be absorbed by the stuffing, resulting in bacterial growth.
Can I roast vegetables in the roaster with the turkey?
Yes, add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and onion in the empty space around the turkey during the last 1-2 hours.
How long does it take to cook an 18 lb turkey in a roaster?
Cooking time is about 15 minutes per pound, so allow 4-4.5 hours for an 18 lb turkey at 325°F. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
Should I baste the turkey while roasting?
Basting isn’t necessary since the enclosed roaster environment traps moisture. However, basting provides added flavor and color if desired.
What temperature should I cook the turkey at?
Most experts recommend roasting at 325°F. Higher temperatures can dry out the breast meat before the dark meat is done.
Can I use my roaster to keep the cooked turkey warm?
Yes. Set the empty roaster to 170°F, add broth to the bottom, and place the cooked turkey inside with the lid on to keep warm for up to 2 hours.
With the right technique, an 18 quart roaster produces a mouthwatering holiday turkey up to 18 pounds. Follow these guidelines and your Thanksgiving meal will be a huge success!
What Size Oven Do I Need to Cook a Turkey?
For medium-sized turkey, you may use 24-inched oven brands. However, even a giant turkey roaster can fit in a 27-inched oven, and a 30-inch range can accommodate two cookie sheets side by side.
Oven manufacturers typically specify the overall volume of the oven when discussing oven size. However, the usable cooking space is measured in tests, which provides a more realistic representation of what’s available.
So, don’t forget to add a few centimeters to either side of the bird when measuring. Then, assess the space from the bottom of the shelf to the ceiling to get an idea of how much space is available.
A crowded turkey will cook unevenly and burn on the edges if it comes into contact with the oven’s sides. In most cases, removing the turkey’s legs is all that is required to make the rest of the bird fit in the range.
- Cut down to the thigh bone by pulling the leg away from the body and cutting between the leg and the breast.
- Bend the turkey leg away from the body until the socket pops out.
- Remove the portion by cutting through the joint and skin.
- Legs should be cooked separately in a roasting pan. This bird part can take longer, so put it in approximately 30 minutes sooner.
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When it comes to electric roaster oven size, it depends on the size of your turkey. Most electric roasters range in size from 16-quart-capacity to 22-quart-capacity. In general, a roaster can hold the weight of its capacity plus four pounds. Therefore, an 18-quart roaster can hold a 22-pound turkey, and a 20-quart roaster can hold a 24-pound turkey. However, all electric roasters aren’t created equally, so make sure to check your specific brand of roaster for their recommended size guide. If you’re worried about the size of your turkey, opt for an electric roaster with a domed lid. The domed lid helps to add extra height for those particularly robust turkeys and creates more space for air to circulate.
Turkeys that weigh 20 pounds usually measure 24 inches long by 12 inches wide. They weigh between 10 and 12 pounds, but this might vary widely.
If your oven is a smaller type, make sure you know the inside measurements, even though it seems foolish. It’s a good rule of baker’s thumb to go with the smallest roasting pan that will fit your needs—too big and the juices will burn; too tiny and constrained airflow will prevent uniform cooking.