6/30/2011

Crock-Pot 5070VG 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Pattern Review

Crock-Pot 5070VG 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Pattern
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this product was just what i was looking for. we make pork butt roast for pulled pork sandwichs and my old crock pot was not big enough. this can do a 12lb pork roast

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6/29/2011

Crock-Pot SCV401TR 4-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Red Review

Crock-Pot SCV401TR 4-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Red
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I was looking for a crockpot that wasn't too large and wasn't too expensive. This product fit the bill.
The lid is treated glass so, you can see the food cooking without lifting the lid. The lid handle stays cool during the cooking, so you won't burn your fingers if you touch it. The ceramic cooker is sturdy and alittle heavy. It can become slippery when wet, so be careful while washing it in the sink. Also be careful because the handles on the cooker and the metal base can become very hot during cooking. So keep potholders nearby.
The cooker can accomodate a 3.5-4 pound whole chicken and 4 pound roasts. It's oval shape enables these foods to fit well. It comes with a small instruction manual that includes some recipes.
So far, I've cooked whole grain cereal (barley and cracked wheat), stews, whole chickens, corned-beef, and turkey legs. They've turned out good. However, since I'm new to slow-cooking, the first attempts were abit off because I cooked the food too long. But now, I'm better with the timing so the food is better.
Just a side note, if you like eating whole grain cereals, the slow cooker is terrific. You don't need to stand over a stove stirring the pot and worrying it will boil over. This cooking method allows the grains to fully absorb the water, which makes for a creamier end result. Plus, you can toss the grains and water into the cooker at bedtime and it's done in time for your breakfast.
I do have a two very minor complaints:
1. The packaging. The cooker is packaged in a way that you have to slide it out of the box. If you aren't careful, you could drop the ceramic cooker or the glass lid.
2. The handle to the lid was alittle loose, and could be made tighter with 1 turn. But that might not be a design flaw, but a way to compensate for the expansion of the glass during the cooking process. So, don't mess with it, imo.
Otherwise this is a great product.

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6/28/2011

Hamilton Beach 33141 4-Quart Oval Slow Cooker Review

Hamilton Beach 33141 4-Quart Oval Slow Cooker
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There are 2 kinds of slow cookers, depending on where the heat source is. This Hamilton Beach unit has heat coils around the sides which stay hot, as opposed to slow cookers with heat sources in the base, which turn on and off intermittently. I have found that with this type of constant heat slow cooker (with the coils around the sides) I don't need to add as much liquid. In fact I cut the liquid (water or stock) by half of what the recipes call for when I use this cooker. The 4 quart size is good for roasts up to 3 or so pounds. If you slow cook chicken or game hens in it, cut the bird up into pieces and remove the skins. Don't slow cook a whole uncut bird (in any kind of slow cooker).
This is a nice little slow cooker for a single, a couple, or a small family. I have had no problems with the knob* (as yet).
*The knob problem probably arises from the close proximity of the heating element to the knob, as opposed to slow cookers that heat from the bottom, away from the knob...
NOVEMBER 2007 UPDATE: We still love this little slow cooker. It is perfect for making Irish beef stews all winter long. The knob on ours has not broken yet but we try to be gentle with it, due to the warnings we read.
DECEMBER 2008 UPDATE: We're still using this 4 quart slow cooker. We have used it for a lot of baked beans and slow cooked barbecue beef dishes on the weekends. The knob has not broken yet, but we are not rough with it either. We really like this little slow cooker.
FEBRUARY 2009 UPDATE: The cooker still works fine. We have used it once a week or more this winter, for everything from navy beans to chuck roasts. The knob has not broken yet (we are gentle with the knob if it's hot).
JANUARY 2010 UPDATE: The cooker still works well and the knob is still intact. Took it to work last Tuesday, cooked stuffed chicken cutlets & veggies in the kitchenette/break room, everybody loved them, there were no leftovers.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hamilton Beach 33141 4-Quart Oval Slow Cooker

Enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals even with a busy schedule thanks to this easy-to-use oval-shaped slow cooker. With its generous 4-quart capacity, the unit works great for cooking up soups, casseroles, pot roasts, curries, and more. Simply add ingredients to the unit's stoneware crock, insert it in the cooker, and turn the temperature-control dial from off to keep warm, low, or high.The slow cooker's see-through glass lid, with a stainless-steel rim and stay-cool knob, traps in heat and moisture and allows for checking on food at a glance. For added versatility, the removable crock doubles as a serving dish and can go in the refrigerator to store leftovers or into the dishwasher, along with the lid, for quick cleanup. Integrated stay-cool handles provide safe transport, and recipes come included. Perfect for meals at home or to take to a potluck, the slow cooker measures approximately 12 by 12 by 9 inches.

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6/27/2011

DeLonghi DCP707 Stainless-Steel Programmable 5-Quart Slow Cooker Review

DeLonghi DCP707 Stainless-Steel Programmable 5-Quart Slow Cooker
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I'm a guy and have done only basic cooking and even less with a slow cooker. So please take this into account.
I purchased this cooker even thought it had no reviews because most of the other cookers had such a wide variety of star ratings . . . I took a risk . . . and I'm not disappointing.
This slow cooker is all metal, except of course for the lid which is tempered glass and the pot which is ceramic or whatever they are made of. Even the handle on the top of the lid is metal as are the handles on the side of the cooker and seem very solid. None of this cheap plastic with a shiny silver coating stuff. The pot itself is obviously heavy and durable; and the handles on the pot are conveniently placed and formed making it very easy to lift out of the cooking container without burning yourself even when completely full.
The electronic controls are very easy to use with the typical warm, low, medium and high settings and a two hour automatic warm setting after the cooking cycle is finished, and a push of the timer setting button will increase the cook time for 30 minutes while in the cooking cycle. The LCD panel for the controls lights up when any of the buttons are pushed to make reading the settings easier and an icon of a cooking pot turns on once the slow cooker is actually cooking.
This slow cooker is very attractive and would compliment most any kitchen. The overall impression of the slow cooker is that it is of high quality and sound construction. I am looking forward to many years use of this slow cooker but if any problems crop up during the next several months I will edit this post to let ya'll know.
So far I have cooked a whole five pound chicken which cooked to perfection in eight hours on low, and a roast which also cooked to tender perfection in eight hours (even though it wasn't a high quality cut).
So in conclusion I would highly recommend this slow cooker on the basis of the limited use I have had with it cooking two meals.

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Enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals even with a busy schedule thanks to this modern-looking programmable slow cooker. Simply add ingredients to the unit's round-shaped ceramic pot, insert the pot into the cooker, and set the 10-hour countdown timer. After a long day at work or a busy day of weekend errands, dinner will be ready and waiting. Perfect for soups, casseroles, pot roasts, curries, and more, its 5-quart capacity works great for medium-size families or when gathering with friends. The slow cooker provides a user-friendly touchpad control panel and three cooking modes that include high, low, and keep warm. When the cook time ends, the appliance automatically shifts to "warm" for up to two hours, so dinner stays hot and ready to serve without overcooking. Other highlights include a tempered glass lid for keeping an eye on the cooking process, large stay-cool side handles for safe transport, nonslip feet, and stainless-steel housing with chrome accents. The ceramic cooking pot doubles as a serving dish and cleans up easily by hand or in the dishwasher at the end of the evening. Compact and stylish, the slow cooker measures 13 by 11-4/5 by 9-3/5 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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6/26/2011

Crock-Pot SCCPVL600R Cook' N Carry 6-Quart Oval Manual Portable Slow Cooker, Red Review

Crock-Pot SCCPVL600R Cook' N Carry 6-Quart Oval Manual Portable Slow Cooker, Red
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I bought this crock-pot specifically for traveling, and I bought a "crock pot travel bag" to go with it. The first time traveling, my soup spilled everywhere (even though we carried it upright). The lock kept the meat and veggies in, but I had a huge mess to clean up when I got to work, and I lost a good inch of liquid as a result. I will be more careful next time and pack it in the car on the floor with towels, but the entire reason I bought a locking-lid crock pot was so I wouldn't have to go to all that bother.
It is very handsome, though, and cooks nicely.
EDIT -- Later today, I was taking the crock pot home. The food inside was warm, but not hot. It had been on the "warm" setting for hours and was turned off completely for 15 minutes before being packed up. I locked the lid, and 15 minutes later in the car *pop* the lid shattered.
Very, very dissapointing.

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6/25/2011

Proctor Silex 33116 1.5 Quart Oval Slow Cooker Review

Proctor Silex 33116 1.5 Quart Oval Slow Cooker
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I bought this cooker after buying the Hamilton Beach stow and go slow cooker - 5 quart. I returned the 5 quart because I really didn't like the meals that it produced and it was way too big. I bought this tiny cooker in all honesty to make my irish oatmeal. Which I might add it does beautifully.
I do a lot of Indian cooking...on a whim I decided to split my rogan josh recipe and put 1/2 in the cooker and 1/2 on the stovetop. I must tell you that my husband and I were blown away by the cooker's results. The flavors permeated the meat and the texture was spot on. This is an amazing little appliance. I've had it for about a year and only used it for Oatmeal up until this past Sunday. I can tell you its sturdy, reliable and perfect for singles and couples.


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6/24/2011

Crock-Pot SCV700SS 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel Review

Crock-Pot SCV700SS 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel
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Throw a whole roast in this sucker! Very heavy stoneware. If I was a little smaller, I could use it as a hot tub! It has settings of Off, low, high and warm. Excellent!

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6/23/2011

Crock-Pot SCCPVL600S Cook' N Carry 6-Quart Oval Manual Portable Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel Review

Crock-Pot SCCPVL600S Cook' N Carry 6-Quart Oval Manual Portable Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel
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Bought this to replace an old metal slow cooker; the crock of course makes all the difference. This unit is well designed, maintains a constant temp, and is easy to clean. Size is good for a family, we've made roasts, soups, dressing, etc. for groups from 4-10 so far .My only concern is the long-term performance of the plastic parts of the lid locking mechanism; they are fine now and may last forever, who knows.
I've never had a slow cooker with a digital display or timer. I'm not sure why you'd want one...in the words of my grandmother, "it's just one more thing to break." The way we use it it's always turned on in the morning before work (on low) and cooks all day. A timer or digital display would make no difference. There are slow cookers for $100+ out there but this Crock-Pot meets my needs quite well.

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6/22/2011

West Bend 84915 5-Quart Oblong-Shaped Slow Cooker with Tote Review

West Bend 84915 5-Quart Oblong-Shaped Slow Cooker with Tote
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This is my third West Bend Slow Cooker in 20 years. I got rid of my oldest one and now have two I use regularly. I ordered this one because it had a carrier tote; I take my slow cooker with me to covered-dish dinners and church socials. This is a nice extra feature, but I would have bought a West Bend anyway; I like the adjustable heat-not just high, medium and low. I use my slow cookers to thaw and reheat frozen foods,cook turkey breasts, and make soups.You can put ingredients in the cooker in the morning and come home to a hot dinner. This is a good product, easy to clean and can be used on the stove top or even in the freezer. I highly recommend it.

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Enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals even with a busy schedule thanks to this easy-to-use oblong-shaped slow cooker. Simply add ingredients to the unit's non-stick cooking pot, set the pot onto its heating base, and select a temperature. At the end of the work day or after a busy day of weekend errands, dinner will be ready and waiting. Perfect for soups, casseroles, pot roasts, curries, and more, its generous 5-quart capacity holds enough for dinner with the family or for single-person meals with leftovers. The unit's adjustable temperature control slow cooks food at any temperature, and its keep-warm setting comes in handy for serving or holding food at a safe temperature. Providing exceptional versatility, the cooking pot can be used in the oven, on the range top, or in the freezer, and the unit's heating base doubles as a nonstick mini griddle. The slow cooker also includes a glass lid for keeping an eye on the cooking process and integrated side handles for convenient carrying. Even more, the slow cooker comes with an insulated tote, which keeps food warm during transport from the kitchen to a friend's house, office party, or other gathering. The cooking pot and glass lid clean up easily by hand with hot soapy water or safely in the dishwasher. The 210-watt slow cooker measures 7-1/4 by 12-3/4 by 8-3/4 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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6/21/2011

Cuisinart PSC-400 Stainless-Steel 4-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker Review

Cuisinart PSC-400 Stainless-Steel 4-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
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We have had this slow cooker for three months, using it twice a week. So far we are very satisfied.
In researching our purchase and reading numerous reviews, we found that the Cuisinart generally received positive evaluations. There were a few negative ones, but obviously we discounted them and went ahead with the Cuisinart anyway. Some reviewers criticized it for overheating food, but overheating in a slow cooker is usually a sign that the pot was underfilled. A good slow cooker should have the power to heat a full pot to over 200 F, so it should come as no surprise that the heater can boil a low pot. The Cuisinart instructions specifically warn against underfilled pots, and we have had no overheating problems with even half-full pots.
We have not had this cooker long enough to comment on durability. Contrary to some opinions, our impression is that the Cuisinart is a solidly constructed, well-designed appliance, made with high quality materials. No sign of a lemon here.
We use our 4 qt cooker to make meals for a family of four. We debated whether to get a larger size, but in retrospect we realize that a one gallon pot holds more than enough for our family.
Programmability was important to us, and we like the userfriendliness of this unit. A few reviewers have lamented the lack of a delayed start program, but a feature that encourages you to leave raw food at room temperature for a prolonged period did not sound that desirable to me. The cooker will automatically switch to a safe warming mode in case you are not around at the end of the cooking cycle.
A cookbook is included, but most of the recipes are one or two steps beyond the convenience of a mix-and-go meal. We have bought cookbooks with simpler recipes, and have been happy with the results.
There are other slow cookers that will perform the basic tasks competently for less money than the Cuisinart. For the extra cost you get programmability, a nice appearance, superior quality, and a few unexpected extras.

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Beautifully housed in brushed stainless steel with cool-touch chrome-plated handles and black accents, this programmable slow cooker offers more than just good looks. The exceptionally convenient countertop appliance makes it easier than ever to cook healthy homemade meals, delicious side dishes, and mouthwatering desserts for the family at home or to bring to a potluck or picnic. Simply add ingredients to the removable 4-quart round-shaped ceramic cooking pot, set it in the base, and cover with the glass lid, which comes with a stainless-steel rim and chrome-plated knob. Then press "on" from the user-friendly touchpad control panel and choose from three cooking modes--simmer, low, or high. The cooker offers a 24-hour programmable cook time, an LCD countdown timer, and a keep-warm mode that the unit automatically shifts over to once the cooking time has ended. Other highlights include wrap-around heating elements for thorough heat distribution, nonslip rubber feet, retractable cord storage, and dishwasher-safe parts (lid and ceramic pot) for quick cleanup. Accessories include a cooking rack for use with ramekins or other bakeware, a spiral-bound recipe book with 70 basic to gourmet dishes, and an instruction book for getting started. The slow cooker measures approximately 11-2/3 by 16-3/5 by 14 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.

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6/20/2011

Hamilton Beach 33956 Set 'n Forget 5-Quart Slow Cooker, White Review

Hamilton Beach 33956 Set 'n Forget 5-Quart Slow Cooker, White
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I bought this after my larger sized Rival had the handle come off of the lid while cooking. This seems to be a much better made cooker. I love the probe function, which allows you to cook until the meat is done then automatically warm without second guessing. The controls are easy to read and push. I tested the unit and it heated to the proper temperatures for low and high. No overcooking or handles coming off. I predict if Rival continues to sell cheap junk that HB will soon become the number one slow cooker, a worthy rival to Rival.

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6/19/2011

Hamilton Beach 33135 3-in-1 Slow Cooker with 2-, 4-, and 6-Quart Crocks, Stainless Steel Review

Hamilton Beach 33135 3-in-1 Slow Cooker with 2-, 4-, and 6-Quart Crocks, Stainless Steel
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I just got the 3-in-1 a few days ago and have only used it once, but I'm so impressed! I almost got a single-crock six-quart slow cooker before I discovered this one, and I'm so pleased that I purchased this one instead.
Like others, I really appreciate the three crocks, the clever way they nest and that one lid fits all. The two- and four-quart crocks are easier to handle than the six, especially in the sink, so I expect to get a lot more use out of this than if I had gone with a single-crock six. Also, the two smaller crocks fit in my microwave, and the six would not -- very handy for heating the leftovers. I'm glad to have the six-quart crock as well as the other two, though.
The unit seems more sturdily constructed than some I saw in stores. I personally prefer the simple knob over the programmable touchpads. As at least one other reviewer mentioned, the high and low settings really do seem to work.
I wish you could use the lid in the microwave, but you can't, probably because it has a metal rim. A 10-1/4" dinner plate served as a nicely fitting substitute, but it was more difficult to remove from the steaming crock than it would have been using the crock's lid with its knob. This one complaint is a minor one and not important enough to downgrade to four stars in light of the unit's great assets.


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Easily prepare soups, casseroles, pot roasts, curries, and more with this three-in-one slow cooker. The versatile appliance offers three different heat settings and three different size stoneware vessels. Choose from a 2-quart, 4-quart, or 6-quart crock--all of which fit inside the unit's attractive stainless-steel electric base. The included glass lid can be used with all three vessel sizes and functions to keep in heat, nutrients, and moisture for great tasting results. Providing added convenience, the crockery and lid clean up quickly by hand or in the dishwasher, and all three cooking vessels nest into the base for simple, compact storage. Ideal for entertaining or everyday use, the slow cooker measures approximately 15 by 9 by 15 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

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6/18/2011

West Bend 84384 4-Quart Oval-Shaped Crockery Cooker Review

West Bend 84384 4-Quart Oval-Shaped Crockery Cooker
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I've been using various slow cookers for 40 years, and I really do like all of the little features on this one. The handles make it easy to hold, and it heats evenly.
I chose it for several reasons.
1) It is oval. Oval pots allow longer pieces of meat for cooking.
2) Four Quarts is a good size for preparing larger dishes for groups. (I go to a lot of potlucks).
3) At the same time, I can still make smaller dishes in it without worrying
4) It is simple. It has 3 settings, keep warm, low, and high. No fancy electronics to worry about.
When my last "Crockpot" broke, I debated between several sizes. I even looked at the fancy ones that had three sizes of pots included. After comparing prices, I settled on this 4-quart cooker. I figured I could buy it PLUS a small one and still have money left over. Add that to the fact that if I bought two different sizes with the base, I could have two different things cooking at the same time, and this was a real bargain.
If you haven't used a slow cooker before, depending on what you include, you may need to stir occasionally to keep it from burning/sticking. And, meats cook faster than vegies - so save your rare roasts for the oven - slow cookers are for well-done meat that is so tender it falls off the bone. Do check a recipe book or an online recipe before you start, and you'll be a lot happier.


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Enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals with the help of this 4-quart oval-shaped slow cooker. The unit works great for cooking up soups, casseroles, pot roasts, curries, and more. Simply add ingredients to the unit's stoneware crock, insert it in the cooker, and turn the temperature-control dial from off to low or high--or to the convenient keep-warm setting, which maintains a perfect serving temperature without overcooking. The appliance provides a tempered-glass lid--with a stay-cool black knob and finger guard--that helps keep in the heat and allows for checking on meals at a glance without disturbing the cooking process. Other thoughtful design details include a handy on/off indicator light, rubber feet, and cool-touch plastic side handles for secure transport from the kitchen to the buffet. For added convenience, the removable crock can also be used as a serving dish at the dining-room table, and it cleans up easily by hand or in the dishwasher. Recipes for chicken noodle soup, pork roast, vegetable stew, chili, and more come included. With its beautiful brushed stainless-steel exterior, the 250-watt slow cooker measures 10-1/5 by 13 by 8-1/2 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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6/17/2011

Crock-Pot SCVT650-PS 6-1/2-Quart Programmable Touch Screen Slow Cooker, Stainless Review

Crock-Pot SCVT650-PS 6-1/2-Quart Programmable Touch Screen Slow Cooker, Stainless
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I spent a year looking for a good slow cooker that (1) When set on low did not boil food too hot (2) Could hold enough for large batch cooking (3) Did not have a hinged lid (hard to clean and breaks easily) (4) Is programmable for a set amount of time, then switches to warm (5) Was reasonably priced. I tried cheapo store brand round slow cookers which nuked my food - no need to explain since most people have had one at one point or another. Last fall I purchased the top of the line All Clad slow cooker with non-stick insert from Williams Sonoma. After sales tax it cost me a little over $300 which made me nervous. The first meal I made in it was braised short ribs. I browned the ribs in the slow cooker insert on the stove and set it on low for several hours. The food was delish and it kept a gentle simmer but I was horrified to find light scratch marks on the inside of the insert as I was washing the dishes. I used the All Clad for several days and then finally returned it because I couldn't bear the thought of having paid that much money for something that wasn't going to last. Besides, I felt a bit weird about simmering food for many hours in that non-stick coating that may one day start coming off. I then decided to look for a traditional crock pot with a timer - if I need to saute or brown I now do it in a cast iron pan the night before, deglaze, then dump all of the contents into a container that goes into the fridge if I am going to start the crock in the morning. When I get up I fill up the crock pot with the prepped food from the night before, hit the buttons, then leave for work. So far this ELume version has been great.
Pros: The low setting is actually a low simmer. I've made Indian lentil/dahl curries, bbq pulled pork, baked beans, Chinese jook/congee, Beef stew, Chili verde,red chili, soups, stock, the list goes on. I typically program it to cook for 10 hours on low and it works like a charm. Food is really slow cooked, and there are no hot spots, burned, stuck on food like previous appliances I've owned. The polished stainless finish looks beautiful - although not it does not have as high of quality finish as the All Clad.
Cons: The programmable button/pad area can be improved - the numbers are difficult to read unless you are looking at it directly at eye level, meaning you have to bend down to see what you're pressing. Mine came with a burned-out area on the keypad but I didn't bother returning it since it didn't affect the function - you can still see that it's the "on" button, it just doesn't light up. The black keypad part feels a tad cheap and you can almost pry it off if you wanted to (esp. when it gets hot) because it's glued on (!) albeit very sturdily - hopefully this lasts for a while. The crock pot itself gets a bit hot when cooking but not excessively hot like ones I've had before.
Bottom Line: I paid about $75 for this including tax. Purchased at Linens N Things with a coupon. I'm giving this a four star rating - good quality for that price but I would pay no more. Compared to my week of owning a $300 slow cooker, this is a bargain.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Crock-Pot SCVT650-PS 6-1/2-Quart Programmable Touch Screen Slow Cooker, Stainless

Enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals even with a busy schedule thanks to this easy-to-use oval-shaped slow cooker. A nice size when cooking for 8 or 9 people, the 6-1/2-quart unit can hold a 7-pound roast and works well for making soups, casseroles, stews, curries, and much more. Simply add ingredients to the unit's stoneware crock, insert it in the cooker, set the glass lid in place, and program the cooking time from 30 minutes to 20 hours using the eLume touchscreen control panel. Its digital timer counts down the time remaining, and the appliance automatically shifts to keep-warm mode at the end of the cooking time. The digital timer also keeps track of time spent in keep-warm mode, counting up in one-minute increments for up to six hours. Thoughtfully designed, the removable stoneware crock doubles as a serving dish and, along with its lid, cleans up easily by hand or in the dishwasher. Other highlights include a polished stainless-steel exterior, a large-loop lid handle, and stylish metal side handles with silicone stay-cool wraps for safe transport. Not sure what to cook first? CrockPot throws in a bonus cookbook with a range of delicious recipe ideas. The beautiful and versatile slow cooker measures approximately 16-1/2 by 8-2/3 by 12-1/5 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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6/16/2011

Crock-Pot SCR300SS 3-Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel Review

Crock-Pot SCR300SS 3-Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel
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This lovely little gem is a perfect size for 2-4 servings. It has "Off, Low, High and Warm" settings. Many crock pots I read about before purchasing this one do not have the warm setting, which makes keeping your cooked items at the right temperature for your meal without the higher cooking heat that could possibly over-cook your meal if left on too long.
Have already made several meals with the crock pot (turkey carbonate, beef stew and baby back ribs). I noticed when the recipes called for cooking from 7-9 hours on low temperature, it only took 7 hours, so checking your food is important when you first start using a new crock pot.
Would definitely recommend this crock pot.

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6/15/2011

Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow cooker Review

Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow cooker
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
With only two reviews to go by, it was somewhat hard to decide to purchase this product; however, I'm glad that I did. The handles make it very easy to carry, especially when the pot is full, and the secured lid is wonderful - no spills or losing of the lid while in transport! Something that one should know if purchasing this product is that the handles do get warm.
If you're one that does the potluck dinners, then this is a good traveling pot. It is not as awkward to carry, especially when it has food in it (as apposed to the other crock pots, where your knuckles brush against the side and you get burned while carrying it).
Personally I can only find one fault with this product and that is with the handles getting warm, but if I can carry/hold it for about 5 mins. without dropping it or setting it down, then it's not all that bad.
I bought mine at a store, so the price was under $30. Needless to say, I'm pleased with this product.

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Make delicious home-cooked meals for the family or to take along to pot lucks, banquets, or other fun gatherings with this 6-quart oval-shaped slow cooker. Its roomy interior offers enough space to accommodate a 6-pound chicken or two 3-pound roasts, or a range of other delicious recipe ideas--from jambalaya or vegetarian chili to a batch of maple baked beans, hot wings, or meat balls. The appliance comes equipped with an "on" indicator light and a user-friendly control dial for choosing low or high heat settings; for selecting the keep-warm mode, which maintains an ideal serving temperature without over-cooking; and for switching the unit off. Designed for at home or on-the-go convenience, the slow cooker comes with an array of built-in travel features. The unit provides large, full-grip, stay-cool side handles; a tight-sealing glass lid with canister-style clips and a gasket to prevent messy spills when transporting; and a serving spoon that clips into the lid handle. Even more, the slow cooker offers a lid rest for easy stirring and serving and a recipe name slot with removable paper labels for quickly identifying what's inside (party recipes come included with matching name tags). Back home, the removable stoneware pot and lid clean up easily by hand or in the dishwasher. Attractively housed in beautiful stainless steel, the slow cooker measures 14 by 10-1/2 by 10 inches. Product is model number 33162, but may be listed as 33162H or 33162R.

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6/14/2011

Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1/2-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker Review

Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1/2-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This cooker has a digital timer that you can set to cook at your chosen setting (Simmer, Low, High) for any time up to 24 hours. At the end of the set cooking time, it automatically switches to Warm, and then switches itself off after another eight hours. IMO, a truly "Programmable" cooker would change heat settings during cooking, and perhaps have a delayed start function; this unit does neither.
On the other hand, the Simmer setting is what's missing from some other slow cookers, and perhaps that's why foods get burned. This cooker heats to 185°F on Simmer, 200°F on Low, 212°F on High, and 165°F on Warm. Some cook books, including Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook, assume that Low is 180°. 180°F is the oven temperature I've always used for slow cooking a leg of lamb, London broil, and other roasts, so the lower Simmer setting is something I appreciate.
The stainless steel housing, glass lid, control panel, and ceramic pot are all nicely constructed and finished - nothing's cheap-looking or flimsy - and looks like they'll last for years. The 3-1/2qt oval pot holds a 2-1/2lb chuck roast without the meat touching the sides, and there's enough room for a layer of vegetables (a couple of cups chopped) a layer a meat a couple inches thick, and new potatoes on top. You could cook a complete meal in this for three or four people. Mine is a one-person household and this is the ideal size for me; anything smaller wouldn't make enough leftovers.
The included cookbook has nutritional information - number of servings, calories, carbs, fat, protein, sodium, and more - for all 50 recipes. I gave it four stars instead of five because it's not what I consider programmable, but I'm very pleased with it for the price.

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Enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals even with a busy schedule thanks to this oval-shaped programmable slow cooker. Simply add ingredients to the unit's ceramic pot, insert the pot into the cooker, and set the 24-hour LCD countdown timer. After a long day at work or a busy day of weekend errands, dinner will be ready and waiting. Perfect for soups, casseroles, pot roasts, curries, and more, its 3-1/2-quart capacity works great for single-person meals with leftovers or for small families. The slow cooker provides a user-friendly touchpad control panel and four cooking modes that include high, low, simmer, and warm. When the cook time ends, the appliance automatically shifts to the "warm" setting, so dinner stays hot and ready to serve without overcooking. Other highlights include a glass lid for keeping an eye on the cooking process, nonslip rubber feet, and stay-cool side handles for safe transport. The ceramic cooking pot and glass lid can go in the dishwasher for quick cleanup, and an instruction manual with recipes comes included. Attractively housed in brushed stainless steel, the slow cooker measures 14-1/4 by 16-1/2 by 11-3/4 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.

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