How to stop roast veg sticking to the Ultimate Roaster

Roasted vegetables are one of my favourite things to cook — and one of my family's favourite things to eat.

A tray of golden potatoes, caramelised carrots or roasted pumpkin can turn even the simplest meal into something special. If you’ve tried roasting vegetables in the Ultimate Roaster and they’ve stuck to the pan or not turned out as golden as you’d hoped, a few simple tweaks make all the difference.

Here's how I roast vegetables in the Ultimate Roaster — just how my family likes them.

1. Start with a properly heated pan

One of the biggest reasons vegetables stick to stainless steel is that the pan isn’t hot enough when the food goes in.

I always place my Ultimate Roaster in the oven while it preheats (220°C fan forced). When the pan is properly heated, it helps create a natural barrier between the vegetables and the surface of the pan.

Once the roasting pan is hot, carefully remove it from the oven and add oil before adding the vegetables. You should hear a gentle sizzle.

2. Make sure your vegetables are dry

This step makes a surprising difference.

If vegetables are wet when they go into the oven, the moisture turns to steam. Instead of roasting and caramelising, they begin to steam — and that can make sticking more likely.

After washing or peeling vegetables, I pat them dry with a clean towel before roasting.

3. Use enough oil

Oil helps conduct heat, encourages caramelisation and prevents sticking. After making sure they're dry, I toss my vegetables lightly in olive oil before roasting, making sure every piece is coated.

Be sure to add enough oil to lightly cover the base of the pan. I love using vegetable oils — they have a higher smoke point than olive oil so are best used for roasting.

4. Give the vegetables space

Roasting works best when hot air can circulate around the food. 

If the pan is overcrowded, vegetables release moisture and begin steaming instead of roasting.

Spread vegetables in a single layer with a little space between each piece. This is one reason I designed the Ultimate Roaster to be generous in size — it gives food room to cook properly.

5. Give them time

If vegetables appear to be sticking when you try to move them, they may simply need a little more time. As vegetables roast and develop a golden crust, they naturally release from the pan.

Turning them gently multiple times while roasting is usually enough to ensure even browning.

6. Roast at a higher temperature + grill 

Because the Ultimate Roaster cooks with the lid on, it creates its own beautifully controlled roasting environment.

For that reason, I've found setting the oven slightly higher than a standard recipe suggests works best. E.g. if a recipe calls for 180°C, try increasing the temperature by around 20°C - 40°C when using the Ultimate Roaster.

To get that final touch of colour on your roast vegetables, you may wish to turn on the grill / fan grill function for the last 10-20 minutes (leave the lid on).

When I was designing the Ultimate Roaster, I chose premium 3-ply stainless steel for the base because it distributes heat evenly.

Combined with a properly heated pan, sufficient oil, higher temp, and good air circulation in the oven, the Ultimate Roaster produces deliciously golden, tender and slightly crisp roasted vegetables. 

Served beside a juicy piece of roast meat, and my lot are happy. 

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