How to Use a Magnalite Covered Roaster

A large, aluminum, oval roaster beckons to be filled. When used correctly, roasters can create juicy meats with a crave-able crust or saucy delicacies dished out to awaiting foodies.

Compared to other pots and pans of its caliber, it is loved for its steady and even heat distribution and ease of care. However, there are a few ways to use the Magnalite roaster to produce the best results for turkeys, beef chuck roasts, whole chickens, lamb shoulders or other large pieces of protein that are ideal for roasting.

The Magnalite roaster is designed to evenly heat on all sides. This makes for more efficient cooking, browning and heating within the oval cavity. The thick insulation of the aluminum provides even heat retention and distribution.

The classic aluminum oval roaster is made from hand-poured cast aluminum and can be used on any type of stove, such as gas, electric or cooktop, according to American Kitchen Cookware. However, it is built to perform best in the oven. The Magnalite roaster is reasonably priced for all it does at about $100, according to The Cookware Channel.

To cook a large turkey or other large meat items where you also want gravy, use a V-rack inside the roaster to elevate the protein. The V-rack allows the fats and juices to drip down the body and collect in the pan. The pan drippings make great gravy or succulent bases for broths or creamy sauces.

The contents of the thick cast aluminum of the Magnalite roaster are insulated, which is what makes it such an efficient tool for creating juicy dishes from large cuts of meat. If you want to brown the skin on whole chickens, turkey breasts or fat caps on certain cuts of meat, then you'll want to elevate the piece of protein.

Leave the lid off of the roaster if you want the skin of the meat to be brown and crisp. You can leave the lid on in the first third of cooking if you prefer; however, the skin will only brown if the lid is left off of the aluminum oval roaster.

The sturdy Magnalite roaster can become discolored, pitted or otherwise damaged if not properly cared for. This should not affect how the Magnalite performs when roasting thick marbled cuts of beef and vegetables or other culinary creation. However, it can bring down the aesthetic of the gleaming Magnalite roaster, pots and pans.

You can return the shine to a discolored Magnalite roaster with a simple paste and a good scrub. Create a paste with cream of tartar and water. Mix until you have a thick paste that can stick well to the sides of the roaster. Cover the entire roaster or discolored area with the paste and scrub clean. This gentle method can be repeated as necessary.

Rinse well and towel dry. Don't leave the Magnalite roaster soaking in water for a long period of time or it can lead to more discoloration. Large Magnalite pots should be washed by hand. Getting knocked around in the harsh environment of the dishwasher can hurt the finish.