A convenient and healthful alternative to stovetop cooking, this countertop appliance roasts fish, burgers, steaks, and other foods without the need for fat and without having to heat a full-size oven. Top and bottom heating elements make it unnecessary to turn food, which sits on an 11-1/2-by-8-inch rack above a pan into which water must be poured. That results in moist roasting, ideal for fish though not as good for meats that benefit from browning. Without water in the pan, the roaster turns off automatically to prevent damage. A large timer controls cooking so food doesn"t need constant attention. When attention is given, a large window affords a view of cooking progress. The silicone-coated rack, enamel pan, door, and charcoal-gray exterior all clean easily in soapy water. A catalytic filter in the roaster"s top traps odor-causing particles and smoke. The 1200-watt roaster measures 17-1/2 inches wide, 7 inches high, 13-1/2 inches deep. --Fred Brack