Water between insert and roasting pan in Nesco electric roaster?

There are many ways of roasting and it is a matter of personal preference which you use. My wife wraps the roast in foil (shiny side inwards) and places it in an open roasting tin with about half an inch of water while I prefer the oval roaster with the self-basting lid.
Some people will not prepare the roast and just put it in the roaster but generally it is considered best to sear or brown the surfaces in the tin over the hob. Some will use a frypan or heavy shallow saucepan for searing but what is left behind during the searing process is more flavour to eventually add to the sauce or gravy. If the meat is very lean adding a small amount of water and a knob of pork or beef dripping will help.

The upper middle of a medium hot oven and I use 20 minutes per pound plus 20 minutes, turning up the heat for the last 10-15 minutes. Lots of people add potatoes and various vegetables to the roasting tin for the final 20 minutes, or more if not par-boiled.

I suggest you google search roasting recipes and begin practicing. Bear in mind you should buy a bigger roast than you imagine you need because these days (especially supermarket) meat shrinks a great deal during cooking. Cheaper cuts should be roasted for longer at a slightly lower heat.

Hello, Judy -

Do you mean a Hamilton Beach electric roaster? If so, it will help in providing an answer to know the model number of your roaster. You can choose Comment and type the model number in the Comment box.

See the general information here regarding roaster ovens:
https://www.ehow.com/info_12328329_put-water-bottom-roaster-oven-before-cook.html

Best wishes.

For sale online:

https://www.zibbet.com/lauraslastditch/nesco-4-roaster-oven-instruction-manaul-recipe-booklet-for-4-quart-roasting-pan

Free manual online:

https://archive.lib.msu.edu/DMC/sliker/msuspcsbs_nese_nationalen13/msuspcsbs_nese_nationalen13.pdf

CAUTION: NEVER add water directly inside the ROASTER OVEN BODY. From the owner's manual.

Your Owner's Guide for the Rival 18 qt. Roaster Oven with Buffet Server can be found here:

http://www.rivalproducts.com/manuals/MANUALS/RO180BR-C_43_18972586.PDF

Refer to page 6 for complete instructions.

You do not add water or anything below the roasting pan. You fill your roasting pan 1/2 to 3/4 full with water, place in the empty serving dishes, then preheat at 350 degrees until hot (about 1/2 hour).

Then fill the serving dishes and reduce heat to 250 degrees. You may need to adjust heat and more hot water if necessary.

There sometimes are Nesco roaster owner's manuals here, which should help: http://stores.ebay.com/Lauras-Last-Ditch/_i.html?_nkw=roaster+manual&submit=Search&_sid=93311479

Download manual here: http://www.rivalproducts.com/search?q=rival%20manual%20roaster
Page 4:
NOTE: Never place food or liquid directly into the ROASTER OVEN BODY

No, you specifically DO NOT put water in the base between the roaster and the cook pan, this actually interferes with cooking.

No, do not put water near the electric element. Only inside the roasting pan.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/craig_3fa289bf857b1a3c