Why Do You Need to Cure a Nesco Roaster?

If you are considering buying a Nesco electric roaster, you may be wondering why you need to cure or "burn off" the roaster before use.  It is due to its unique design and materials.  Nesco is one of the oldest companies that have been producing electric roaster ovens since the 1930's.  Most of the Nesco roaster ovens are made of porcelain and have a unique cooking method design.

But first before cooking anything in this electric roaster oven by Nesco, you must "burn off" or "cure" the heatwell which can be a "stinky" process.  It is recommended to have a large open area to conduct this procedure.  If you can do this on a patio or open air area without bothering the neighbors, that is the best scenerio for conducting this "curing" of your new Nesco roaster oven.

When buying a Nesco Roaster, factor in this procedure into your holiday season.  I would encourage you to buy this roaster in advance of needing it for cooking your holiday turkey or ham. It takes about 60 minutes or longer to "cure" or "burn off" the heatwell of the Nesco appliance.  While you are doing this, take the cook pan liner and lid to the sink and wash.  Set aside to dry.  Once the roaster stops putting off wisps of smoke, then it is done and ready to use.

Make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions on "curing" your new Nesco electric oven; it will be worth every bit of effort.  This Nesco electric roaster has been around for a long, long time and you will be passing it down to your children and then to their children for generations to come!

Tips on Roasting a Delicious Turkey in a Roaster Oven

There are several tips I would like to share with you regarding roasting a delicious turkey in a roaster oven.  First, let me say that roasting a turkey in an electric oven is easy and foolproof.  You will be surprised on how juicy your turkey, no matter the size, will be when served.  The first tip I can recommend is finding the right size roaster oven that is best for you.  If you regularly have a large gathering at the holidays, than I would purchase the largest size 22 qt roaster oven.  It will hold up to a 25 pound turkey easily.

The second tip I will share is to roast your turkey without stuffing.  There are several reasons I prefer to roast my turkey without stuffing such as a quicker cooking time, less opportunities for possible food borne illnesses from raw drippings and I like a baked stuffing casserole the best!  I do "stuff" my bird with large pieces of onion, celery, apple and oranges.  This does flavor the turkey from "inside-out".  I also rub the outside skin of the turkey with light olive oil, a blend of poultry seasonings and pepper.


Another tip is to follow the manufacturer's directions on roasting temperatures and cooking time for a large turkey.  Keep the roaster covered and with the domed lid this is the secret to cooking a juicy turkey.  The lid is designed to keep the moisture inside the roaster oven and circulate around the bird.  I do baste my turkey every hour for the first couple of hours of cooking time, then every half hour thereafter. 

The last and most important tip I can recommend to you to produce a delicious turkey for your guest is to bake it in the conventional oven for the last half hour to crisp the turkey's skin.  That is the one thing that an electric roaster oven is lacking in which is producing the dark crispy skin of an oven baked bird.  Baking the skin in a hot oven for a short time will not dry out the bird which is the ultimate goal of a delicious turkey. 

I hope my tips help you bake a delicious turkey this holiday season.