The Hamilton Beach 18-quart roaster oven can be used to cook foods or keep foods warm for serving. Accessories for the roaster are available that will turn the roaster into a buffet server and warmer for parties or other events. The roaster has a removal lid, base, insert pan and wire rack. Before using the Hamilton Beach roaster, you need to know how to use it correctly so that foods cook correctly.
Cook Foods
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Step 1
Insert the pan into the base of the roaster. Place the lid on the roaster and plug the unit into a power source. Turn the temperature knob on the front of the unit to the temperature you are planning to cook at. The roaster should preheat for 15 minutes. Do not place the rack into the unit during the preheating time.
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Step 2
Place the food to be cooked in a pan or directly on the rack. If using a baking pan such as a cake pan, the sizes that will fit into the unit are one 9-by-13-inch pan, one 10-by-14-inch pan, two 9-by-5-inch pans or two 8-by-4-inch loaf pans. One bundt pan or one tube pan will fit as well. Pans must be placed on the rack and not directly in the roasting pan.
Step 3
Place the rack with the pan or food into the roaster. Replace the cover and let the food cook. Do not remove the lid during cooking unless absolutely necessary. Removing the lid unnecessarily can cause a loss of heat and increase cooking times.
Step 4
Remove the lid when the cooking time is reached. Use pot holders to remove the rack with the food. Turn off the unit and unplug.
Keep Foods Warm for Serving
Step 1
Use the buffet pans with the roaster to keep foods warm. Remove the insert pan. Fill the base with 2 gallons of warm water. Place the cover on the roaster.
Step 2
Turn on temperature knob to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and let warm for 30 minutes. Remove the cover and turn the heat down to 200 degrees Fahrenheit to keep food warm.
Step 3
Place the buffet pans in the base with the lips of the pans resting on the edge of the base. Place the cover on top of the pans. When you need to add food, lift up the lid over the pan you will fill, or remove the entire lid.