Rival 18-Quart Roaster Oven

Even though this roaster has a few minor details, over all I love it. I have outlined the good and the bad below. Benefits: 1. Great for a second oven. This is especially nice during the holiday season (Thanksgiving and Christmas). I can bake up to a twenty-pound turkey or two twelve-pound spiral cut hams in a single roaster. 2. Great for keeping food warm. During the holidays or any time when you have out of state relatives coming in, you can prepare food and have it warm when your guests arrive. My mom and dad come in from a distance of over 1000 miles and you never know for sure when they are going to arrive. This way I can fix some pork chops and allow them to simmer a little in the roaster. This way they have a warm home cooked meal waiting for them when they get in. 3. It's an extremely versatile kitchen appliance. I have baked turkeys and hams in it. In addition, I have fixed pot roasts, chicken, chili, and stew with amazing results. 4. It doesn't heat up the house as much as a conventional oven. During the summer time I occasionally get a craving for a roast or even a nice turkey. This way I can fix a nice hot meal and without a hot house. This saves me money on the AC bills. In fact, I bet you over the last five years I have save more than enough to pay for the unit. 5. Dependable...I have had my two roasters for five years now. In addition, I bought two for my mom and dad and all four are still working fine. 6. Safer than an outdoor turkey cooker. I don't have to worry about a grease fire like I would with a turkey cooker. 7. Turkey is extremely moist. Because the bird is halfway submerged in juices it comes out very very moist and tender. Negatives: 1. The cord is way to short. Without a proper extension cord you are guaranteed to have this cooker right up against the wall where it is plugged in. While it is still safer than an outdoor turkey cooker, one should seriously consider investing in a properly rated extension cord. 2. It takes up a lot of space when not in use. While it is a great space saver for cooking a turkey, it takes up a lot of space in our pantry. I have seriously considered storing it in our shed outside. However, I am not sure even with its dependability how it will handle the heat of summer and the cold of winter. 3. It's a real pain to clean. Unless you have an over sized sink this thing is frustrating to say the least to clean. I have found that I can just barely fit in the bottom of my dishwasher. But for best results I have to rinse it off using the sink sprayer and then place it in the dishwasher. In addition, I have to wash the different parts separately or they will not come clean. My friend actually uses his bathtub to wash his. I am not sure on the cleanliness of this method, but I guess you can try it. 4. My biggest pet peeve is that you have no idea when it's actually on or off. Then is no indicator light. The only way to tell is by the heat coming off the unit. 5. Unfortunately the outside gets hot to the touch. While it will not cause second or third degree burns, it can cause pain and a first-degree burn. Important safety note.....KEEP kids away from the unit.