A Slow Cooker, also known by many as a Crock-Pot, is a cooking appliance that is used to slowly cook meats and vegetables at a low, constant temperature for hours at a time. A majority of brands have simple settings such as Low, Medium or High cooking temperatures. I have seen a few with a Warm Temperature setting to keep the ingredients warm, well after the initial cooking time. They can also be purchased with timers, clocks, etc. Without a doubt, there are plenty of different brands available on the market to satisfy even the pickiest of cooks.
Over the past two months, I have had the opportunity to review two of the newest slow cookers on the market:
- KitchenAid (KSC700SS) 7-Quart Slow Cooker
- Breville (BSC560XL) 7-Quart Slow Cooker w/EasySear Insert
Let's start with the KitchenAid model. This model surprised me from the very beginning. It features a 10-hour programmable timer. This allows you plenty of versatility in cooking times. It also features an automatic warm setting once the initial cooking time has expired. It has 400 Watts of power and electronic temperature sensor deliver accurate temperature setting and a rapid warm up of food for safety. The quart markings on the inside of the cooking insert makes in very easy to measure food servings. The glass lid features a silicone soft seal to help maintain moisture while cooking. As far as value goes, I would give this unit a 7 out of 10 on cost vs. performance. On average, I discovered the unit retails for about $115.00. It definately pays to shop around for the lowest price on this unit.
Specifications/Features
- 400-watt 7-quart slow cooker with electronic temperature sensor
- 10-hour programmable timer; auto, high, low/simmer, buffet, and keep warm
- Ob-round ceramic cooking pot offers flared rim and interior quart markings
- Glass lid designed with silicone soft seal; large stay-cool handles
- Measures 14-1/2 by 19 by 9-4/5 inches; 1-year hassle-free replacement warranty
Let's move on now to the Breville model. Well, this unit also surprised me from the beginning. I enjoyed using this unit because of the extra features it has compared to the other model. While this unit is a bit more expensive, the ease of use and versatility it offers speaks loudly. This Stainless-Steel model features a wrap-around heating element to ensure even cooking temperatures. The best addition to this unit has to be the EasySear stove-top insert. You simply remove the insert and place it on your stove-top and you can sear meats, saute veggies and brown different ingredients. Once complete, simply place the insert back into the cooker to add even more flavor. Made of scratch-resistant, die-cast aluminum with a Quantanium nonstick coating, the removable Easysear insert functions as a premium piece of stand-alone cookware. It can even be lifted out of the slow cooker for use as a banquet-style serving piece. Other highlights include a domed stainless-steel lid that can be used in the oven, removable silicone handle covers for safely transferring food from the stove to the cooker, a simple temperature-control dial, and a removable cord for serving at the table and compact storage. A stainless-steel roasting rack is also included. Now, let's talk value. I would have to give this unit a 10 out of 10 on cost vs. performance. The unit retails for about $130.00 but the additional features and extras included are well worth the extra $15.00 when compared to the other unit.
Specifications/Features
- Stainless-steel 7-quart slow cooker with wrap-around heating element
- Nonstick, die-cast-aluminum EasySear insert can be used for stovetop searing or oven roasting
- Temperature-control dial; 3 heat settings; domed stainless-steel lid; removable cord
- Removable silicone handle covers; stainless-steel roasting rack included
- Measures approximately 18-1/4 by 11-1/2 by 9-1/2 inches; 1-year limited warranty
For many, a slow cooker can ease the strain of preparing meals for the family especially if you have a busy schedule. Rather you are cooking a stew or a soup, etc., slow cookers offer a hassle free way of preparing great meals. Of course, there are other brands available on the market from which to choose but, with everything these days, you get what you pay for. I suggest shopping around for the best price. I found that Amazon.com offers some of the best prices I have seen on the Breville model as well as the KitchenAid model. I hope this review of these two models have helped shed some light toward your next purchase.
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