Why would a graniteware roaster need an inch of water during use?

Question

I just got my mom a graniteware roasting pan for roasting turkeys. The packaging has a few "directions" with a few no-brainers like "don't drop on a hard surface" but there's one that stands out - "do not use without 1" of water."

What does that mean? 1" of water a pretty large amount, as it's a pan that's supposed to be able to hold a 25lb turkey. I know that cookware isn't supposed to boil dry, but I wasn't aware that it was needed for roasting. Is it in danger of warping or will the enamel peel? My mom's used roasting pans for turkeys before but was never required to put water in them during use.

Or is this a common rule that we've somehow remained ignorant of for years and years?

Answer 1

Well, I looked up Graniteware to make sure I was thinking of the same thing that you're talking about. I've never added moisture - much less an inch - unless my recipe called for it. I have watched friends use them without adding water. I couldn't find the "directions" for it on the web, but I can't imagine why it would need the moisture.

My current roaster happens to be stainless steel, but I'd suggest you call them and ask why!