Cuisinart CSC-650 Slow Cooker Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I did quite a bit of research before purchasing this slow cooker.
America's Test Kitchen recommends West Bend Versatility slow cooker. It is a truly versatile model, but I didn't like its aluminum insert. As you may know, aluminum can be hazardous to health, so this slow cooker was scratched off my list pretty quickly.
The other models I looked at were All-Clad Stainless Steel Slow Cooker (available from William Sonoma only), Farberware Millennium (also recommended by America's Test Kitchen), Cuisinart CSC-650 and various Rival models ("various Rival models" has an interesting ring to it :) ).
All of the latest slow cookers are made in China, so I was somewhat concerned about the construction quality. One of the main reasons I picked Cuisinart model was a 3-year warranty, compared to just 1 year for the rest of the competition.
Another factor was the generally positive feedback from CSC-650 owners. Cooking.com is probably a better place to check for reviews, because they let you post a review only if you actually purchased that particular item from them.
I had this baby delivered to me about a week ago, and I put it to work right away. I must say I am satisfied with my purchase decision. Having said that, here's a list of things that I do and don't like about this machine...
Do Like:
--------
- 3-year warranty (1 year for every other slow cooker I researched)
- retractable cord (I wish every appliance had it!)
- cooks well (overall), and no, it doesn't burn food as some reviewers have indicated
- construction quality seems to be good, although it is impossible to say for sure until appliance is a couple of years old
Don't Like:
-----------
- stainless steel housing gets stained quite easily, should have been more fingerprint-resistant
- "Made in China": $99 is a premium price to pay for an item that was manufactured using cheap labor; manufacturers who reap huge profits from the North American market should invest into the local labor market
- cooks most things faster than recipies (even the ones included in Cuisinart booklet) indicate, so you have to keep an eye on your food to make sure it doesn't overcook
After purchasing the slow cooker, I headed straight to the local bookstore to pick up a recipe book. I skimmed through about 6-7 titles, and ended up buying Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook by Beth Hensperger and Julie Kaufmann. Most of its recipies are made from scratch and rarely use any canned ingridients. It also seems to have the best overall collection of recipies.
Yesterday, I had a few friends over and we had ourselves a feast. I cooked quite a few things in the slow cooker:
- Lamb Goulash (which was ruined/overcooked - the first thing I ever done in this slow cooker)
- Chicken Casseatore (not sure about spelling, it's from the Cuisinart booklet) came out nicely, it was around the time that I started looking closely after the cooking process.
- Short Ribs In Red Wine were perfect, here, again, the cooking time was 5 hours instead of 7 hours indicated in the recipe.
Overall, I am happy. I didn't experience any of the problems reported by some reviewers. I can safely recommend this appliance.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cuisinart CSC-650 Slow Cooker

Cuisinart Slow Cooker has 6 quart Ceramic cooking vessel and brushed stainless steel housing embossed with Cuisinart logo

Click here for more information about Cuisinart CSC-650 Slow Cooker

Crockpot 6-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cookers Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Contrary to the August 29, 2005 reviewer's comments about "operator
error", this crock pot truly has a problem with heating at too high of a level, to a point of being dangerous (and yes, I did read the instruction book!). I have been using crock pots for 26 years, and never had any meals burn. This particular pot burned each of the four meals I made with it, and I used recipes which I have been making for years in my older Rival model of the same size. The last straw was when I came home to a somewhat smokey kitchen caused by a meal which burned after only 4 1/2 hours of cook time on LOW (I suppose the HI setting would be useful for launching rockets to the moon?). Had I not come home until closer to the usual 8 to 10 hours cook time for that particular recipe, I might not have had a home to walk into!
I agree with reviewer J. Jarrard - my foods burned primarily on just one side of the crock. The heating element is not only too hot, but it also heats unevenly.
I have read in other reviews that in recent years Rival has set the temperature of their pots higher for food safety purposes. Does anyone know if this is true, and if so, what other options are out there (i.e. - other brands, or perhaps other Rival models which don't have this problem)? Thanks!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Crockpot 6-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cookers

Enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals even with a busy schedule thanks to this easy-to-use oval-shaped slow cooker. With its generous 6-quart capacity, the unit works great for cooking up soups, casseroles, pot roasts, curries, and more. Simply add ingredients to the unit's stoneware pot, insert it in the electric base, and choose from low or high heat settings. The simple control knob can also be set to "keep warm", which keeps cooked food at the perfect serving temperature. The slow cooker comes with a dome-shaped tempered glass lid that drips moisture back into the pot and allows for keeping an eye on the cooking process. The oven-safe stoneware pot can also be used as a baking dish, and it features a decorative border of raised leaves on its outer rim, which makes it a useful and attractive serving piece as well. Integrated stay-cool side loop handles allow for safe transport, and the pot with its Rinse-Clean stick-resistant coating, along with the glass lid, cleans up easily by hand or in the dishwasher. The slow cooker measures approximately 20 by 9-2/5 by 14-3/5 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

Get 40% OFF

Click here for more information about Crockpot 6-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cookers

Crockpot SCVP600-W Oval 6-Quart Smart-Pot Slow Cooker, White Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this just over a year ago and we've used it extensively. As long as you do soups and very moist meats (lots of liquids) it works fine. It is much too hot for most slow cooking and it will dry out foods on the warm setting.
Even with all of that, I got used to using it. However, the handle to the lid just broke off today and you must buy a whole new lid if you are out of warranty. That is $18.00!!! Rival says that this isn't a known issue and so maybe I'm the unlucky one. Also, when I called customer support, they were very unwilling to give me information about this problem. It seemed to me that they are aware of it, but don't want it publicized. When I asked the rep how long she had worked there, she replied that she couldn't give me that information because of "security concerns". I just wanted to know what level of experience she had!
If you are not going to leave it alone for very long or you only cook with lots of liquids, this may work out for you as it did for me for a year. If you want to have a long lasting more versatile slow cooker, you should probably look elsewhere. And after reading the reviews on most of the other Rival crockpots, I have decided that my initial feelings were justified and I will take Rival products out of my considerations.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Crockpot SCVP600-W Oval 6-Quart Smart-Pot Slow Cooker, White

Using Rival's latest 6-Qt. SmartPot Crock Pot, you barely have to give a thought to meal prep. It combines 30 years of reliability with the latest technology, allowing you to set the temperature level and cooking time, so even if you're running late, your meal is kept warm without overcooking. The oval shape allows you to cook larger cuts of meat, casseroles, and even 2 whole chickens at once. The removable stoneware pot with glass lid doubles as a serving dish that's safe for conventional and microwave ovens, the refrigerator and dishwasher.

Click here for more information about Crockpot SCVP600-W Oval 6-Quart Smart-Pot Slow Cooker, White

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

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Crock-Pot 64451LD-C 6.5 Quart Slow Cooker with Bonus Little Dipper Slow Cooker

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.

Get 27% OFF

Click here for more information about Crock-Pot 64451LD-C 6.5 Quart Slow Cooker with Bonus Little Dipper Slow Cooker

Crock-Pot SCR500-GF 5-Quart Slow Cooker Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had one of the newer Smartpot crock pots and found that it got way too hot. I then purchased this one and is much more consistent and works very well.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Crock-Pot SCR500-GF 5-Quart Slow Cooker

This 5-quart Crock-Pot Slow Cooker has 3 heat settings, including keep Warm, and features a fun flower print that will fit in perfectly with your serving peices or dishware!The removable round stoneware is dishwasher safe and has a Rinse Clean¿ stick-resistant coating.

Click here for more information about Crock-Pot SCR500-GF 5-Quart Slow Cooker

Flame Tamer SIMMER Ring Aluminum HEAT Diffuser DISTRIBUTER gas stove top stovetop with Wood Handle Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Look at my discussion of the Norpro which I also own. 1) of COURSE the handle burns!!!! would you rather have a wooden smell for a bit, or burnt plastic for longer? and metal would make you get welders gloves -- the IDEA is to put it under your pot and LEAVE it there -- so really, there's little use for the handle. These products with the holes in them will keep water, even in the space age layered metals of today's pots, at a 'steep', below a simmer --- at a 'steep' -- which is wonderful. Yes they will rust - and if you go camping yes you will need to put it in a plastic bag -- EVERY pan has a 'hot spot' -- weather it's your great grandmothers Lodge or Cascade or Fireside or what ever Castiron, or if it's a $400 Kuhn-Rikhon pressure cooker -- this will make that 'hot spot' go away -- it will allow you to cook tomato sauce ALL DAY without having to stand there to stir it every so often, so you can go out to the garden, visit your neighbors, go shopping - and come home and take your WOODEN spoon and stir the pot.
I've tried many ways over the past 50 years to keep the handle on, and none has worked -- so don't fight it -- I have a pair of vice grips set for this, and the vice grips cost about $2 as a counter special at an auto parts store and should cost you maybe $5 at a hard ware store -- you only need he small one -- and that's to do the final little fraction of an inch push this way or that.
I didn't believe it, but these ARE hard to find -- when I was looking for some for my girlfriend last Valentines day -- I was saved by the bell because the local cooking supply/hardware store called in the order with half an hour to spare so they would arrive on time.
So-- the spray they use to make them all shiney will burn off -- and smell -- so do it before you cook -- both sides and get it hot -- the wooden handle will sooner or later burn off -- get used to it. It will turn black and rust -- but it's not IN your food, so it's like ditry dishes in your sink -- they don't change the color of your shirts in the laundry. and vice grips of pliers will help you make the final fractional inch adjustment that's not necessary except in your mind!
But when you think of all the vitamins, amino acids, poly-and phyto saccharides from your plants that are destroyed by boiling -- you can cook AND slowly leach out the chemicals into the water -- This and the other one with the holes on top are amazing --
Someone complained because these did their job - the paraphrase was "I put some water on to boil and it took 20 minutes rather than the regular X minutes -- it's so cheap, I'm just going to throw it in the back of my cupboard and forget about it.
so -- if you can stand the smell of metal preservative, and a wooden handle smoking (and eventually falling off) -- these are the most energy efficient items around your kitchen -- they put the hot stuff exactly where it belongs on the bottom of the pan, and don't soak up a lot of heat themselves, they allow it to pass through and do it's job.
So -- I'd suggest this over ANY other -- there was one that was star shaped and was really nothing more than a pot raiser -- put one open grate on top of another -- but the problem remains -- that 'hot spot' that every pan seems to have -- and you have taken for granted for so long you forget that it's there.
You can even use cheap one layer thick aluminum-- you an use a coffee can -- and cook in it without boiling the water over -- and if you do? turn up the flame, burn it clean -- let it cool, stack it with the others on the back burner so you can get to it -- and you are done cleaning -- LOOK MA! NO WATER!
I've used the cast iron ones -- and they are worth not much -- FIRST you heat the cast iron, THEN you heat the pot, and if too hot, you turn down the flame, but the cast iron is still hot and it keeps getting hotter until a bit AFTER you have turned it down -- it's like talking to Mars -- you can do it, but what you do NOW no one will know for 20 minutes.
With these - what you do now, happens now -- so you really CAN 'steep' with no problem and not worry about 'simmer' at all!
so -- these kinds will always be at home in my kitchen -- just like they were in grandmas and my great grandmothers -- my mothers, and mine -- burned beans? only when I gave most of mine away-- burned tomato sauce -- only when I gave them away -- otherwise -- set and forget as they say on late night TV - I sure would like to see this in stainless steel!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Flame Tamer SIMMER Ring Aluminum HEAT Diffuser DISTRIBUTER gas stove top stovetop with Wood Handle

When cooking a delicate sauce or melting chocolate, it's important to use low, gentle heat.This diffuser adds a layer of protection between the burner and the bottom of the pan, yet its perforations allow heat to get through. Protect your beautiful pots and pans with this clever gadget. Made of lightweight yet sturdy aluminum. Measures 12" and 8.5" wide. Hanging loop for easy storage. Reduces cleanup time.

Click here for more information about Flame Tamer SIMMER Ring Aluminum HEAT Diffuser DISTRIBUTER gas stove top stovetop with Wood Handle

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

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Crock-Pot SCVP600-SS 6-Quart Smart-Pot Programmable Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel

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.

Get 67% OFF

Click here for more information about Crock-Pot SCVP600-SS 6-Quart Smart-Pot Programmable Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel

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

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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 outside WILL 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 works correctly, 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).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Crock-Pot 38501-W 5-Quart Round Smart-Pot Slow Cooker, White

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

Get 62% OFF

Click here for more information about Crock-Pot 38501-W 5-Quart Round Smart-Pot Slow Cooker, White

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

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: DeLonghi DCP707 Stainless-Steel Programmable 5-Quart Slow Cooker

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.

Get 32% OFF

Click here for more information about DeLonghi DCP707 Stainless-Steel Programmable 5-Quart Slow Cooker

Simmer Mat Diffuser Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It's quite by accident I found this product - on another website to boot. I had been looking for what I called a "burner grid" for about 2 years for our motorhome. The gas burners do not go low enough to simmer. I had checked all kinds of websites and stores over the past couple of years to no avail. Then I came across a mention of a "cooking mat" somewhere & had to check it on Amazon, which, of course, had the best price. I was ecstatic to find it. I really thought I was looking for a product that no one made & I would never find. It works just like it's supposed to: it sets over the burner (in my case, gas) and diffuses the heat enough to enable you to maintain a low simmer. No more burned sauces or soups! Thank you, thank you.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Simmer Mat Diffuser

One of the essential ingredients to successful stovetop cooking is temperature control. Heat needs to be even and consistent. Tired of hotspots? Tired of burning rice and deserts? With the Harold Import Simmer Mat you\'ll be able to slow cook without the worry and frustration (and inconvenience and cost) of ruining your culinary creations. It\'s constructed of Quality Zero Carbon Steel. It\'s safe to use on all surfaces; use it on gas, electric, coil rings, solid plate, halogen, ceramic, glass or on your travels over barbeque, camping or marine stoves. It\'s the perfect companion, when preparing casseroles, rice, sauces, jams and jellies, custards, soups, curries, pickles, oatmeal. Enjoy the benefits of cast iron cooking without the cost, maintenance, and storage issues associated with cast iron. Dishwasher safe.

Get 23% OFF

Click here for more information about Simmer Mat Diffuser

Ilsa 7-Inch Cast Iron Heat Defuser Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This device is worth it's weight in gold. I cook a lot of pasta sauce and like to simmer it for 2-3 hours. Without this diffuser I would have to stir and scrape the bottom of the pot every 15 minutes to prevent scorching now it is every 30 to 40 minutes between stirs. It evenly distributes the heat to the entire bottom of the pan.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Ilsa 7-Inch Cast Iron Heat Defuser

One of the most important elements of stovetop cooking is even heat. That\'s one of the reasons why cooks worldwide turn to cast iron cookware. However, cast iron cookware typically requires a considerable amount of care and attention and it is heavy, for your wrists and shelves. With the Harold Import Cast Iron Heat Diffuser you can have the even heat of cast iron cookware, without having to use cast iron cookware. Simply place the diffuser on your electric or gas burner then place your regular pots and pans on top of the diffuser. Voila. No more hot spots; even heat for all of your culinary creations. Includes stainless steel handle for safety and convenience. Cast iron. 7-inch in diameter.

Click here for more information about Ilsa 7-Inch Cast Iron Heat Defuser