Magnalite Classic Covered 18-inch Oval Roaster

I have not baked with it yet, but cooked a stew on the stove top. (This is one of the few roasters that can be used that way—most are suitable for oven use only.) Mainly, I wanted to correct and expand on some of the description details. This roaster is higher and wider than listed. The roasting "dish" (the pan) is 20.75 in. long (handle to handle), 13.25 in. wide at the top (widest point, but tapers down to 11.75 in. at the base), and 6.25 in. high. With the domed lid in place, the total height from base to lid handle is nearly 11 inches. It just fits in my large (4.65 cu. ft.) oven, with the oven rack in the lowest position. The roasting pan is a full 6 inches deep. Most dome-covered oval roasters are no deeper than 4 inches, and rated for a turkey of 20 lbs. or less. They will overflow when the juices are released during cooking, if filled with too large a turkey or roast. I read elsewhere that this roaster will accommodate a turkey up to 25 lbs.; I believe it. The roasting pan base is a quarter inch thick of solid aluminum, which makes this roaster suitable for the stove top. When my stew came to a boil, though, the bubbles were rising right over the burner. I obtained more even heating by straddling the roaster across two burners, with the heat turned low on each. (According to the instructions, the flame or heat must not be allowed up the side of the pan.) Straddling two burners may not be possible on some stove tops, but it certainly helps if it can be done. Thick aluminum and the resulting heat distribution and retention are as described. This roaster continues cooking well after the heat is turned off. Beware, your food may overcook on you before it cools. Some experimentation may be necessary to discover best cooking times. The inside surfaces of the roasting pan and lid are somewhat rough and unfinished, which means that food is more likely to stick. It would probably be best to coat the insides with oil every time the roaster is used, not just the first time. The roasting pan handles are part of the casting, and probably will not break off or become loose in normal use, unlike roasters with spot-welded or riveted handles. The lid handle, however, is attached with standard Philips-head machine screws. If these become loose, be careful not to over-tighten them, as they are threaded into an aluminum handle, and soft aluminum threads strip out easily. There is no pouring spout as such, but it is possible (though perhaps a bit difficult) to pour from the rounded roasting pan ends. The "flame guard" may be the lip cast on the inside edge of the lid, which holds it in place on top of the pan. Per the included instructions, the "Oven-safe up to 350 degrees" applies to Magnalite cookware that have plastic (phenolic) knobs and handles. Since this roaster has no plastic parts, it is probably oven safe at higher temperatures. (Aluminum melts at 1,220 degrees!) And the warranty is for 50 years, which will probably be a lifetime for many of us (grin). I wanted a sturdy roaster that would last the rest of my life, and I believe I have one. A bit pricey, but 16 lbs. of solid aluminum does not come cheap. If you cook as much as I do, quality cookware is a lifetime investment that pays for itself.

• How did the color on site compare with the actual product? same
• Please tell us about the quality of the product. Appears to be as advertised: heavy duty, sturdy, and durable
• How accurate was the on site description of the product? Several inaccuracies - will discuss in my review.

This a fantastic product. I have some of the cookware that was mom's for 30 plus years & is still just as good as new. Recently I have purchased additional cookware & the New Magnalite seems be be just as good as the original. I HIGHLY recommend this product. After using the new cookware myself, I ordered some of this product for as a surprise Christmas gift for my daughter & her family.