Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Slow Cooker - 33163H Review

I have owned many slow cookers; all which were given to me, also they were typically hand me downs. This is the first cooker that I have actually bought. For me, this cooker does a great job, it does not cook any better or worse than the other cookers I have had, but it is larger and has a few nice features. 1, it has a sealed lid than can be tightly connected for travel (the other night we moved 5 quarts of hot pasta sauce to my sister-in-law's house. There was sauce all over the inside of the lid, but none of the sauce made it out). 2, It comes with a plastic spoon; nothing special about the spoon, but it attaches to the lid for travel. 3, there is a lid rest that allows you to set the lid to the side without setting it on your counter. 4, the side handles have a rubber coating , are securely attached and extend quite a way from the side of the cooker (which is good because it gets hot). This cooker did not come with the carry case, but there are versions that do. Those versions cost more than the $28.00 that this one cost me.

Some reviews go own about the cookers being too hot on the low setting. I put 4 quarts of water in the cooker. After 6 hours, the water temp was 208 degrees. I don't know if that is good or bad, but I don't think it should boil (212 degrees)on the low setting.

The cooker is roughly 13.5 pounds (on my scale)
I measures approximately 10.5" tall by 17' wide by 13" deep.

It cleans up well, the crock is removable and dishwasher safe. The exterior is stainless steel;I use a stainless polish on my appliances. The cord is not detachable.

I believe this is a great little cooker, it has Off, High, low, and warm settings. It does not have the fancy electronic controls and timers that some of the more expensive units have, but I kind of like the reliability of the switch style controls.

Perhaps the feet on the bottom of the cooker could be a little better than the protruding metal dimples. It slides very easily (maybe too easy) across the counter.

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Product Description:
HAMILTON BEACH STAY OR GO SLOW COOKER *6 quart *Oval cooker *Spoon included *Removable stoneware *Hi, low and keep warm settings *Glass lid with rubber gasket *Clip lock for sealed, spill proof travel *Full grip handles *Recipes and name tag holder on side *Dishwasher safe lid and stoneware *White

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Crockpot 64451LD-C 6.5 Quart Slow Cooker with Bonus Little Dipper Slow Cooker Review

This is a 5 star item.
I've never owned a slow cooker and was a bit concerned after reading that Rival slow cookers received significantly lower ratings than other brands of slow cookers.This one works like a charm.I was also concerned because I read that older models of slow cookers cooked more slowly on low, and that some newer slow cookers cooked at a heat that was too high.

Not to worry.On low, it's exactly that.Perfect and slow and will cook roasts to perfection in 8-10 hours.On high, it works perfectly too.It's a lovely looking black ceramic stoneware insert too.I'm on my way to being a crock pot fanatic.I am a brand new fan.

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Product Description:
For today's busy families, the Crock-Pot Slow Cooker is an essential piece of cookery. Start your meal before leaving for work or school and it's ready by the time you return home! This Rival 6.5-qt. slow cooker is roomy enough to hold an entire chicken or roast and vegetables, too. It features three heat settings and a keep-warm setting, an auto-protect safety system, and a rinse-clean, stick resistant coating in the removable stoneware pot. The glass lid lets you view contents as it cooks, so you retain moisture without the need to lift the lid. Attractive chrome exterior with improved grip and comfort side handles. Included with your Crock-Pot Slow Cooker, a Bonus Little Dipper. Perfect for entertaining, the 16-ounce stoneware server keeps dips and sauces at perfect serving temperature for hours. Recipes included.

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Proctor Silex 3-qt. Slow Cooker Review

I've been making many meals for my husband and I in this slow cooker and it is just the right size. I was debating on whether to get a 3 quart or something smaller. I researched many of the 1-2 quart models and although many of the reviews raved about how those sizes were perfect for a couple, I am so glad that I got this one since I can't imagine making a meal for two in anything smaller. Plus, this leaves a little extra leftover for lunch the next day.

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Product Description:
Dishwasher safe stoneware and glass lid. Keep warm setting and wraparound heat. Low and High temperature settings. Includes recipes.

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Crockpot 6-Quart Oval Smart-Pot Slow Cooker with Dippers Review

I have been using the rival brand of crock pots for years now and love them. I recieved this as a gift last Christmas and these new smart pots do get hotter than a older modle of crock pot.

It cooks faster but I have never had anything burn.

I did a water test for tempature and used this exact modle and also tested my older modle with the turn knob for off, low, high.

I filled both pots to a couple inches below the rim then left them on for 2 hrs before taking my 1st reading and after that I increased the tempature settings and let them sit for a hour before taking another reading. I used my digital thermometer that i use for candy to measure the temp.

These are my results. the temps are listed in order of "warm", "low", "High" settings (the old pots don't have warm so it doesnt apply) on the pots and readings are taken in fahrenheit.

Smart pot: 122, 154, 174
older pot: na, 127, 167

so as you can see the new moddles do get hotter and you will have to take that into concideration when figuring your cooking time.

i have not used the smaller pot that comes with this set. I have intended to but with a family of 5 It just hasn't happened.

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Hamilton Beach 33133H 3-in-1 Slow Cooker, White Review

I am very happy with this, but it is enormous.With the handles, it's 15.5" across - i wasn't expecting anything that big.So keep that in mind when you factor in where you plan to store it. But it operates very well, have not had any problem at all with overheating, which seems to be a major complaint of many brands and models, and have tried it with several recipies using the 2- and 4-quart size bowls.On Target site, multiple people complined that it stopped working shortly after purchase.That worried me, but so far I have been lucky, and it's working fine.

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Product Description:
With its sleek, contoured shape, this three-in-one slow cooker looks stylish on the counter or when taking it along to parties and family gatherings. The versatile unit provides an electric base and three different-size stoneware vessels that fit inside depending on the size needed. Choose from 2-quart, 4-quart, or 6-quart capacities. Thoughtfully designed, its see-through glass lid fits all three sizes, helps keep in heat and moisture, and makes it easy to check on food at a glance. The unit's simple control panel features a temperature-control knob with high, low, warm, and off settings, and three stoneware-size buttons to correspond with the stoneware being used. Best of all, the stoneware vessels can go in the oven, microwave, and dishwasher, plus they nest together inside the electric base for compact storage. A user manual comes included with recipes ranging from artichoke dip, meatballs, and cranberry sweet potatoes to marinara sauce and chocolate fondue. The slow cooker measures approximately 17 by 14-2/7 by 16 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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West Bend 84716 Versatility 6-Quart Oval Slo-Cooker Review

What I love about this product:
- Cooking times are accurate.If a recipe specifies 8 hours to cook a pot roast, that's how long it will take.I've never owned a slo-cooker that came close to this degree of accuracy, and I've owned many over the years!
- Ridiculously easy to clean (non-stick).
- The removeable cooking pot is very light-weight, and can be used in the oven, on the stove, or in the refrigerator, hence the term "versatility".
- 6 quart capacity and oval design accomodates most recipes and cuts of meat...it is ideal for me.
- I've cooked 15-20 meals of all types with this cooker and have NEVER had a problem with the results.
Why I could not give this product 5 stars:
- It does not have an on/off indicator (light), nor does it have an "off" setting - once you plug it in, it goes into a "warm" mode, even though the heat switch is turned all the way to the left.
- Speaking of switches, the one on this model appears (to me) to be a bit flimsy with no positive feedback as to whether it is on high or low or somewhere in between. No big deal, and for all I know it might last through a nuclear war, but if it ever breaks, the appliance will probably be rendered useless.
All in all, based on ease of cleaning, light-weight design, and of course consistency of results, this is the best slo-cooker I've ever owned and would, despite its price, strongly recommend this appliance to any and all interested in purchasing a slo-cooker.

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Product Description:
Imagine having all your meals ready when you come home each day! This 6-quart cooking pot goes from heating/serving to stovetop, oven, refrigerator, freezer or dishwasher. It holds a whole chicken, ham or roast and offers low, medium and high settings for roasting or slow cooking, plus a keep warm setting for serving. The durable cooking pot has a premium nonstick (non-teflon) interior and stainless steel handles; a glass cover allows easy viewing as sauces simmer and meats sizzle. The handy lift-out rack lets you remove roasts and meat with ease. Cooking pot, cover and rack are all dishwasher-safe. Base is heat-resistant.

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Crockpot 4.5-Quart Round Manual Slow Cookers Review

I've owned Crock Pots since the mid-seventies, starting with one of the originals with the non-removable insert.This one is my latest.

I prefer round Pots, though I've had both.As a single person, my smaller Crock Pot gets the bulk of the cooking (and it's excellent, a $9 purchase at Wal-Mart!)

I've read a pile of complaints from people on here who have had problems with the handles on the sides breaking.Mine haven't yet; I don't haul my pot by the handles anyway and don't care whether there are handles or not.The crock insert has its own carrying tabs.Also, this pot has the type of lid handle that some have had trouble with; again, no problem with mine.I'd rather have a glass knob like the originals but they are more susceptible to slipping and dropping.

An obvious difference between the original Crock Pots and these is that I think all the Rival pots are now made in China.There appears to be a real problem with the thermostats not providing the proper temperatures for cooking.The low setting is supposed to be approximately 200F and the high, 300F. The problem appears to be that the low is high enough to boil and the high, hot enough to burn.Fortunately, this isn't the case with my Pot; the temps are appropriate.

There isn't a 'keep warm' setting on this pot, but when the low setting is indeed around 200F, there's no need for it.

All of my Crock Pots have gotten hot on the outside; this one may be warmer than the old ones but it's not hot enough to burn, certainly.

One nice feature over the oldest Crock Pots from the seventies is that the glass lid has a metal rim around the edge.Go looking on one of the auction sites at vintage Crock Pots and discover how many have chipped lids!I had a Crock Pot in the 80's, a big one, and it had a plastic lid that in short time turned translucent.Didn't ruin the pot but one couldn't see the food to check on it.

There is no doubt that the original Crock Pots like I had in the seventies were better made in this country.However, in adjusted dollars, they would cost several times what this one does when made by the red Chinese.A pot such as this represents a great though inexpensive investment in convenience cooking, as well as enabling users to save considerable money on cooking less-expensive meats. Just be sure and test immediately after receipt to confirm that the thermostat is working at the proper temperatures!

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Product Description:
4.5 QT ROUND MANUAL MATTE BLACK SLOW

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Hamilton Beach Stay or Go 6-qt. Slow Cooker Review

I was given a Rival programmable 6qt over the holidays. Cooked way too hot. Did some research and decided on this slow cooker. I decided to do an experiment. I took my old 3.5qt Rival(about 10yrs old), the new 6qt Rival programmable and the Hamilton Stay or Go and put water in each about an inch from the top. Set them each on low and took temperature readings after 6 hours. The Rival 6qt was 20 degrees warmer than the other two. This slow cooker works great.

My only complaint was the rubber smell. I believe this smell comes from the seal on the lid.

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Product Description:
Copper look STAY or GO with a clip-tight sealed lid that locks onto slow cooker to help prevent messy spills. Large, full grip handles make carrying easier. Convenient lid rest keeps lid out of way for stirring and serving. Party recipes included with matching name tags.

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Toastess TSC-310 Elegance 6-1/2-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker Review

My work schedule changed and I wanted to get a programmable crock to make dinner less of an ordeal as I couldn't rely on my non-programmable crock to not leave my meal totally dried up by the time I got home. I had read really bad reviews of the Rival Smart Pot so I went with this one.

I love it. I've made a few of my "old standby" meals (like a roast with a packet of onion soup mix and a can of diet coke) and they have turned out SO much better than with my old non-programmable crock.

It's easy to use, it doesn't burn, have hot spots or leave the dish dried out. I highly recommend it!

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Product Description:
Enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals even with a busy schedule thanks to this easy-to-use oval-shaped slow cooker. With its generous 6-1/2-quart capacity, the unit works great for cooking up soups, casseroles, pot roasts, curries, and more. Simply add ingredients to the unit's ceramic casserole, insert it in the cooker, and use the programmable control pad to select the time and temperature. The unit slow cooks food at just the right temperature, then it switches over to a keep-warm setting for keeping food at a safe serving temperature. For exceptional versatility, the removable ceramic casserole doubles as a serving dish and can be used in the refrigerator, freezer, microwave, or oven. The slow cooker also comes with a dome-shaped tempered glass lid that drips moisture back into the ceramic casserole and allows for keeping an eye on the cooking process. Integrated stay-cool side handles provide safe transport, and the ceramic casserole and glass lid clean up easily by hand or in the dishwasher. The slow cooker measures approximately 13 by 17-1/2 by 13 inches and carries a two-year limited warranty.

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

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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Product Description:
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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KitchenAid Slow Cookers Review

After my experience, I looked up KitchenAid's website. There they have a forum and a special thread for those who have had their crocks crack. Some people are on their 3rd replacement and the crocks are cracking in the same place every time.

MY REVIEW:
I bought this KitchenAid slow cooker in black and I really had to talk myself into buying it because it was so expensive. I kept telling myself you get what you pay for. Well, tonight I want to cry because I had just started a pork roast to cook overnight. After leaving the kitchen, my husband and I both heard a loud pop. I went back and found my slow cooker leaking liquid all over the place. I took out the crock, turned it upside-down and found a winding crack all along the bottom.

I've only owned my KitchenAid slow cooker for about 2 weeks and the crack occurred during the third time I used it. At this point I don't know if I want a replacement slow cooker directly from KitchenAid or whether I want to return the slow cooker to Amazon for a refund. If I got a replacement, I would be nervous to leave it on overnight or when I leave home, which is the whole benefit of having a slow cooker. Worrying about your slow cooker that has a retail price of $150 doesn't seem like a very good value to me.


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Product Description:
New KitchenAid Slow Cooker offers unparalled food safety and convenience.Programmable electronic timer with 5 cooking settings provide users with the flexibility to Keep Warm, Simmer or cook on Low, High or Auto settings. Cooker switch automatically to Keep Warm mode after program timer expires. LED lights provide a 3 Digit display with countdown cook timer for easy to program functions. 400 Watts of power and electronic temperature sensor deliver accurate temperature setting and a rapid warm up of food for safety.Ob-round, ergonomic flared rim ceramic insert helps capture condensation while providing an elegant look and solid grip area. Quart markings on interior of cooking insert easily measure food servings. Glass lid with silicone soft seal to maintain moisture during cooking and prevent edge chipping. Ergonomic cool-touch handle assures a confident grip.

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Cuisinart PSC-650 6.5 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker, Brushed Stainless Steel Review

This is a good product. It's definitely big and takes counter space, but if you have a big family or like having leftovers, this is the right size. I haven't had any problems with the slow-cooker itself, no food burning on the high setting or steam coming out through the lid, for example. It's true that the unit itself gets hot, but I just move it away from any other kitchen utensils or appliances. It's heavy, but manageable. I'm not giving it 5 stars because the knob on the lid as well as the handles on the sides are made of cheap plastic, and for that price, I really think Cuisinart could have done better.

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Product Description:
Cuisinart kicks up the technology in this new slow cooker to offer today's busy consumers more options than ever.24 hour programmability and a countdown timer allows them to plan meals way ahead of time, and then lets them know when it's time to set the table.Simmer and Keep Warm settings, add stainless styling elegant enough to place on a buffet, provide versatility and convenience second to none.

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Crockpot 3735-WN 3-1/2-Quart Slow Cooker Review

I'm single and live by myself, and I have found that this Crock Pot is an excellent way to have a really nice meal waiting for me when I get home from work. I can make enough to last a few meals, but the Crock Pot works great even with a smaller amount of food -- you just want to make sure you've got plenty of liquid in there. I use my Crock Pot all the time, and it has worked perfectly from the moment I took it out of the box. It is also quite easy to clean; even if you forget to clean it right away, a bit of a soak with hot soapy water does the trick.

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Product Description:
This slow cooker is ideal for smaller families and singles, after all even if you're dining solo you still deserve a hearty healthy meal, don't you? Operation and clean up are easy. Coming home to a hot and tasty dinner will make it seem as though some kind of cooking fairy visited your home while you were out to work.

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Hamilton Beach 33966 Set 'n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker Review

I LOVE this slow cooker. The meat probe means I can make a roast that can be medium or medium well, not nessecarily cooked to a lump o mush. I love that you can cook on "manual" mode like a traditiona slow cooder, or you can use the timer and once the time is up it will automatically keep the food warm on warming mode, or you can set a temperature for doneness for the meat probe and then the slow cooker will switch to keep warm. Doens't cook overly hot and is able to cook perfectly even when the crock is only half or 3/4 full.

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Product Description:
Enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals even with a busy schedule thanks to this easy-to-use programmable 6-quart slow cooker. Simply add ingredients to the unit's oval-shaped stoneware pot, insert the pot into the electric base, and select one of three cooking options--program, manual, or probe--using the flat-panel push-button control panel with an easy-to-read LED digital display. Especially convenient when away from home, Program mode cooks for a specified amount of time, then automatically shifts to keep-warm so food doesn't overcook. Manual mode allows for selecting high or low heat settings--great for cooking the traditional way without setting the time or for heating up previously cooked food. When cooking a large cut of meat or using a recipe that requires food to reach a certain temperature, use the Probe mode. The included thermometer probe takes the guesswork out of slow cooking. After reaching the desired internal food temperature, the slow cooker automatically shifts to keep-warm. The thoughtfully designed slow cooker also provides power-interrupt protection, attractive stainless-steel housing, and full-grip metal handles for safe transport. Perfect for soups, casseroles, pot roasts, curries, and more, the slow cooker measures approximately 9-2/3 by 16 by 16 inches.

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Crockpot 3060-W 6-Quart Round Slow Cooker, White Review

This is a great value and enduring product.I've had my Rival crock pot for over 10 years, and have used it literally HUNDREDS of times.This is another one of those very low cost but high value kitchen tools.
The low setting allows for slow (12 hour+) cooking overnight or all day.I love to put on a pot of chili before I go to bed or work, and let the house soak up the aroma!
Just be careful with the countertop placement, as the sides get very hot!

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Product Description:
Ideal for 5 to 6 People Rival's 6 Quart Round CrockPot/Slow Cooker for the busy family

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Crockpot 38501-W Round 5-Quart Smart-Pot Slow Cooker, White Review

I'm an engineer, not a cook, hence the appeal of a crockpot (I can't boil water without burning it...)

I had an old Rival crockpot that worked well for many years (manual, round, and small).It broke, so I bought a 5-quart Smart-Pot at Costco this past weekend.I noticed it ran very hot (top of outsideWILL burn your hands if touched!), so decided to test it.

I filled the unit 3/4 full of water and placed it on the high setting (4 hours) and measured the temperature after several hours with a thermometer.Water temperture was about 215 to 220 degrees F.I then repeated the process for the low temperature setting, but the temperature was about the same!

This disturbed me, so I placed a Kill-A-Watt (very handy device to measure electrical power consumption and wattage for electrical devices) between the pot and the outlet.Sure enough the unit draws the same power on the low and high settings (about 245W).Occasionally on the low settings the unit would pulse the power (this is probably how they get the lower temperature; by modulating the power, rather than using separate, and more expensive, heating elements in the manual units).The problem is that sometimes the low setting does pulse the power, and sometimes it does not.Even on the warm setting I found that occasionally the device will draw the maximum power without pulsing.It is apparent to me that they have a controller problem with the SmartPots that is overdriving the temperature.The units themselves run very hot, and I wonder if the excessive temperature causes controller problems.

I am going to return and try another one, but I suspect I will get precisely the same results, in which case I'll avoid the Rival brand entirely.This is an obvious problem that many people have complained about over the past year or so (viz. the comments), so they have either a major defect, or severe quality control problems, both of which shoudl warrant some kind of response from them.I am disappointed.If the second unit workscorrectly, I'll post on my success.

Interestingly, Rival makes a separate controller for an older crockpot to allow timing and temperature control (same idea of pulsing the heater current, and varying the duty cycle to change the effective heating capability --a perfectly legitimate approach), and it is inexpensive ($13-$15 on the street).

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Product Description:
Rival's Smart-Pot 5-quart white oval crock-pot

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

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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Product Description:
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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Fagor 670040230 Stainless-Steel 3-in-1 6-Quart Multi-Cooker Review

I purchased this to replace five slow cookers (Yes, I really had five), a rice cooker, and a Nesco roaster.When it arrived, I ran a water test which worked perfectly.The cooker heats quickly and then cooks on pressure and beeps when done.If not turned off, it goes to a warm cycle to hold the dish until you are ready.The next dish I tried was rice on the rice cycle.It is set for white rice and I was cooking brown rice so I just repeated the cycle twice after the first cycle.The rice turned out perfectly in 18 minutes.The removable pan is easy to clean since it is Teflon.I then put in the ingredients for black beans and set the timer for 27 minutes on the high pressure cycle.I punched start and walked away.The beans were done, tender and delicious! It used to take me 12 hours to cook beans in the crock pot!There is a brown cycle which heats up fast and can be used for sauteing items. I made a Mexican chicken soup and sauteed the onions and celery, threw in cubed raw chicken breast and browned, then added the rest of the ingredients for the soup except for the avocado which I added after the soup was done and cooked it on high pressure for 8 minutes.It sure didn't take me long to cook lunch that day! There is also a low pressure cycle for vegetables which I haven't tried yet. I can see that I am going to get lots of use out of this cooker.I think it is wonderful!

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Product Description:
An exceptionally versatile addition to any busy kitchen, this 6-quart multi-cooker offers a variety of functions all in one handy appliance--use it as a rice cooker, a pressure cooker, or a slow cooker. In rice-cooker mode, the unit automatically cooks any type of rice to light, fluffy, restaurant-quality perfection. In pressure-cooker mode, the appliance offers high (9 psi) and low (5 psi) pressure settings for cooking healthy meals in no time. The higher the pressure the faster the results. For peace of mind, the unit's self-locking lid comes with an automatic pressure-release setting, which means the lid won't open until all the pressure inside gets safely released. In slow-cooker mode, the appliance can be used to make delicious pot roasts, soups, and stews. Simply add the ingredients in the morning, set the timer, and dinner will be ready and waiting after a long day at the office. Best of all, the multi-cooker automatically shifts to "keep warm" at the end of any cooking program, keeping food hot and ready to serve without overcooking. Other highlights include a "brown" function for true one-pot cooking, an LED screen with soft-touch control buttons, a programmable eight-hour delay timer, stay-cool handles, overheat protection, and two independent pressure-control valves for added security. When finished, the nonstick cooking pot can be removed for quick cleanup by hand or in the dishwasher. A user manual with 40 delicious recipes comes included. Attractively housed in brushed stainless steel, the ETL-approved multi-cooker measures approximately 12 by 12 by 13 inches.

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All-Clad 99009 Stainless-Steel 6-1/2-Quart Slow Cooker Review

I work almost everyday (including Sundays) so this pot has been my life saver (or the dinner saver).My older one was 5qt. cool touch Rival.This All-Clad cooker cooks so much faster than my older one (the inside temperature of All-clad gets 230F in high setting).Ribs and 5 pound chicken done in 4 hours in high.If you want crispy chicken skin, let it cook for 6 hours.I highly recommend this product.

By the way I put small roasting rack when I roast chicken or ribs so that they don't stew in the dripping.Save the dripping broth.Put it in the fridge overnight, and get rid of the fat.And use it in your soup or stew, of course, this cooker can do that job just fine as well.

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Updated Review: 4/17/2008

I've been using this slow cooker at least twice a week.Time to time I would hear "pop" sound either in the middle or toward the end of the cooking time. I couldn't figure out what was making this sound.One day my husband found cracks on the ceramic insert.They were fine cracks, but the cracks were in inside and outside.I contacted All-Clad.The service rep. told me to send a picture of the cracks.So I did.For several weeks I didn't hear anything from them. So I contacted them again.Apparently they didn't get my email with the pictures.So I sent them again.The next day I got a phone call from All-Clad that they would send me a new insert.It arrived a couple of days ago.I made a most wonderful chicken soup with leftover rottisserie chicken yesterday.I'm starting my love affair with this slow cooker again.

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Update Review: 11/9/2009

I wish I could say that my slow cooker insert is still going strong.Unfortunately it isn't. I really tried to use them (I have gone through 3 inserts) as much as I could - until I could see the leak.I thought of getting a metal insert. However, it costs $200 NOT including shipping and handling.So I got the most modest Rival Slow Cooker: a 7-qt. with a turn dial.I've had it for 7 months.So far no cracks.It boils water quicker than All-Clad even in the low setting, but still no cracks.I had talked to an All-Clad rep about a possible defect in the ceramic insert, but she didn't seem to believe that theory. I wish I could change the rating to 2-star.It could have been 1-star, but I liked All-Clad's customer services.

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Additional Comment: FYI the 2nd insert cracked within 2 hours in the high setting and the 3rd insert cracked in the low setting.After that I began to think maybe the inserts were defective.I did not abuse them.I only used as directed: high or low and went through the dishwasher.I'm using my humble and simple Rival cooker in the same way, and so far no cracks.I thought ofgetting the metal insert for the All-Clad Slow Cooker, but it was too expensive: $200 for the insert, over $50 for the metal lid (required for the metal insert) and $70 shipping and handling.Besides the reviews were not good for their non-stick metal insert.I'm very happy with my humble Rival 7 qt. Slow Cooker.

Click Here to see more reviews about: All-Clad 99009 Stainless-Steel 6-1/2-Quart Slow Cooker

Product Description:
Even with a busy schedule, you can still enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals thanks to this easy-to-use oval-shaped slow cooker. Simply add ingredients to the unit's black ceramic pot, insert the pot into the cooker, and set the 26-hour programmable 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 large 6-1/2-quart capacity works great for single-person meals with leftovers or for dinner with the family. Thoughtfully designed, the slow cooker also provides attractive stainless-steel housing; an integrated control panel with an LCD display; three temperature settings--high, low, and keep warm; a glass lid for keeping an eye on the cooking process; and riveted stainless-steel handles for safe transport. The ceramic insert and glass lid clean up easily by hand with hot soapy water or safely in the dishwasher. A recipe booklet comes included for getting started. The slow cooker measures 19-7/8 by 14 by 11-3/8 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Crockpot SCVP600-SS 6-Quart Smart-Pot Programmable Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel Review

Even on the lowest setting it boiled, it cooks at way too high a temperature.Food was overcooked, it is a waste of money.I'll stick with my old one.You would think appliances could be IMPROVED upon over time.It looks good, but doesn't do the job for which it is intended.

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Product Description:
Prepares meals with the touch of a button.Cooking in two easy steps: 1. place ingredients in stoneware, 2. select cook time.Four time settings with automatic temperature settings.Automatically shifts to warm when done.

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West Bend 84905 5-Quart Oblong-Shaped Slow Cooker Review

This is the best small appliance I have ever had.I have had it 20 years or so.I cook everything in it: pot roasts, pork roasts, stew, pulled pork, beans, etc. I have purchased about 8 of them over the years for wedding gifts, college graduation gifts, Xmas, etc.

There are two main reasons I love this so much. One is the versitility of the heat control.I hate crockpots because all you get is low and high!Give me a break, who cooks like that??These have settings from 1-5, almost as many as a stove burner. I can brown my stew or roast on 5 then turn it down to 3 or halfway between 3 & 4 or 4 depending on how long I want to be away from the house or want it to cook. The base doubles as a griddle by itself. Takes up very little counter and storage space.The pot goes into the oven or on the stove if you need or want it to.The pot and lid go into the dishwasher, although I ususally just give a quick wash with hot soapy water and wipe off the base. The other reason I love it is it is small and lightweight.No heavy monster crockpots to handle, try to lift full of food and then try and wash!

I have the older model of this cooker that is 6 quarts.At the time I purchased it you had the choice of 4 or 6 qt size.After 20 years I need to replace it, although it still works perfectly, the teflon pot lining is scratched and the teflon coating on the base(griddle) is flaking. But after 20 years of using it 3-5 times a week, its certainly held up wonderfully. I am now purchasing two more, one for me and one as a wedding gift!My only regret is that they no longer make the 6 quart in this model, only the 5 qt.I would recommend it without question!! Enjoy!

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Product Description:
The West Bend 5-Quart Oblong Slow Cooker makes homemade meals a snap.Just add the ingredients, select a temperature, and return to a delicious, ready-to-serve meal.

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

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 justhigh, 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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Product Description:
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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Maxi-Matic MST-800V Elite Gourmet Large 8-1/2-Quart Slow Cooker, Stainless Review

We have a family of 7 and required a larger crock pot. This one is excellent as it holds twice what we could normally get in our old crock pot.As the exterior is stainless steel, it does get hot. But the upside is that the cooking time is about the same if not better than with the smaller pots.Definetely worth the investmest if you are cooker for larger groups.

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Product Description:
Elite by Maxi-Matic's large 8.5-quart slow cooker with removable stoneware pot is great for all of your large gatherings. Features include beautiful stainless steel body, convenient lowhighauto defrost settings, keep warm function, large oval capacity, tempered glass lid, and cool-touch handles and knobs.

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Hamilton Beach 33134 3-in-1 Slow Cooker with 2-, 4-, and 6-Quart Crocks Review

This is the best slow cooker I've ever used.Having three sizes of crocks let us cook just for the two of us, or for the whole family when they're home.And they stack inside each other for storage, so they take up little room. The crocks and heating unit wipe up easily.The simple, manual controls are all we need.I make a large crock of chili or soup, using a liner, serve and then freeze the remaining portion in the liner. After a few weeks, I take out the chili in the liner, put it in the smaller crock, and heat it through in the slow cooker.I saw a version of this slow cooker in Target for $59.99, but all the crocks were tan; this is much prettier.You can't go wrong with these, and you'll be the envy at your next potluck.

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Product Description:
Easily prepare soups, casseroles, pot roasts, curries, and more with this three-in-one slow cooker. The versatile appliance offers three heat settings and three different size colored stoneware vessels. Choose from a 2-quart, 4-quart, or 6-quart crock--all of which fit in the unit's beautiful electric white-decorator base. The included glass lid fits 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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Rival 5025WG 2-1/2-Quart Crockpot Review

I have this Crock Pot but my crock insert is white instead of black. I bought this slow cooker probably in the late 1990s. I own three slow cookers (the Rival 3-1/2-quart oval and the Rival 6-quart), and this is the best one and the one I use the most. It is 2-1/2 quarts and is perfect for two people. It cooks the best out of all three of my slow cookers as it does not overcook the food as the other two will. I find that the cooking times listed in most slow cooker cookbooks are very accurate for this Crock Pot, but for my other two larger models, I must reduce the cooking time. I have never had overcooked food in this slow cooker. Everything has always cooked to perfection. Most recipes in slow cooker cookbooks are written for 6 to 8 servings. If I cut the recipes in half, they will fit perfectly in this Crock Pot and fill it 3/4 full. That is just enough food for my husband and me and will usually leave leftovers for one or two more meals for one person. This slow cooker also looks very nice as it is all white and matches my kitchen, so it is always out on the counter. I use it many times a week and I am very happy with it. Since it cooks at such a low temperature, whenever I cook meat, I use the high setting for the first hour and then reduce it to low and cook for one hour less than the stated recipe (since one hour on high is equal to two hours on low). Everything turns out perfectly this way. The potatoes and carrots are perfectly tender and have not cooked down to mush as has happened in my larger, more powerful Crock Pots.

I highly recommend this model if the size is big enough for you because it works the way slow cookers are supposed to work - cooking the food slowly and gently.

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Product Description:
2.5qt Slow Cooker White

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Maxi-Matic Elite Cuisine Slow Cooker Review

I was hesitant to order this since there were only two reviews, and one was very negative.I have had it about 5 days, and have made at least three meals with it.It is very like the the slow cooker that it replaced, another brand, but the same wattage, etc.This one appears to work just fine, and I very much like the red color.It also has a defrost setting, which I have used one time, and found it very useful.Otherwise, it is just like my old 1 1/2 quart model.That one lasted 7 years.For one or two people this size is ideal.For soups, beans, spaghetti sauce, and small portions of meat, like pork chops, it can not be beat.

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Product Description:
Serving dips and sauces has never been so tasty. Elite by Maxi-Matic's 1.5-quart mini slow cooker is excellent for cooking hot delicious dipping sauces. Features include a 1.5-quart removable inner stoneware pot, convenient lowhigh| defrost settings, beautiful red finish body, tempered glass lid, cool-touch handles and knobs and 120-watt of power.

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

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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Product Description:
5 quart Oval slow cooker with flat panel digital controls & temperature probe for large cuts of meat- Never over cook or under cook meat with this precise temperature probe . Slow cooks three ways - manually or pre-programmed by time or temperature with the included meat probe. Includes clip tight glass lid feature to reduce spills when travelling . Automatically shifts to warm to prevent overcooking

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

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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Product Description:
Programmable technology makes homemade meals easier than ever!This Cuisinart Slower Cooker features 24 hour programmable countdown timer, three cooking modes- and it automatically shifts to Warm when it's done cooking!Whether preparing one-pot entrees, sides, or desserts, operation is easy.Meals can be served in the ceramic pot they're cooked in, and cleanup is dishwasher-quick.Designed for today's busy lifestyles, all the work is done ahead of time.Dinnertime is as relaxing for the cook as it is for the diners.Enjoy!

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Proctor Silex 33015 1.5-Quart Round Slow Cooker Review

This is a quality product, perfect for cooking for 1-3 people (smaller families, college students, etc.).I highly recommend it.It is so easy to use and fuss-free.Also, most smaller crock pots have only one setting, but this one has three (high, low, and keep warm).It has a nice glass lid and a removable ceramic crock, both of which you can clean in the dishwasher.I use mine at least a few times a week, and I'm very satisfied with the purchase.

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Product Description:
Dishwasher safe stoneware and glass lid. Keep warm setting and wraparound heat. Low and High temperature settings. Includes recipes.

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

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.

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Product Description:
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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