Crock-Pot 38601-W 6-Quart Smart-Pot Slow Cooker, White
by Rival
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: RivalBrand: Rival
Model: 38601-W
Color: White
Product features:
- 6-quart, oval-shaped slow cooker with programmable timer
- Time settings include 4, 6, 8, and 10 hours; keep-warm mode
- Removable dishwasher-safe stick-resistant stoneware crock
- Stay-cool sure-grip handles; dishwasher-safe glass lid
- Measures 18 by 9 inches; 1-year limited warranty
- Rival BR200 Roaster Oven Buffet Server
- Rival SS120 12-Inch Stainless Steel Electric Skillet with Tempered Glass Lid
- Rival RO200-W 20-Quart Programmable Roaster Oven
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Crock-Pot 38601-W 6-Quart Smart-Pot Slow Cooker, White
Customer Review: (Just about) perfect for my needs
Summary: 4 Stars
A while ago, I read the preceding reviews with trepidation, because I had just made arrangements to buy this crockpot, after having my eye on it for about a year. I got it home and immediately made preparations for the first meal, which I planned to cook overnight. Because of the warnings of overheating I read here, I stayed up with it for several hours, watching carefully, but there were no problems whatsoever! The first meal, a beef dish, cooked for the allotted time, switched to warm (and yes, I left it on warm for probably six or seven hours, waaay longer than Rival suggests), and came out wonderful. As for cleanup, I simply took out the hot leftovers, and filled the crock with hot tap water and dish soap, wiping it immediately--no problems there, either. :)
Why didn't I wait to cool the crock down, you ask? Well, because I was getting my second meal ready, this time a chicken dish. I decided that if the thing was going to overcook, it would be with chicken. Not even a whole chicken, but drumsticks only, PLUS, I didn't fill it more than halfway! This is a recipe for disaster; I thought I was planning for a failure!
No failure, just another delicious meal, not overcooked, dried out, nothing. I left this thing warming for several hours as well.
I live alone, but even when I'm only cooking for myself, I often cook several servings at once, so I can always have something easy to microwave in the oven. For someone who only cooks for one or two and doesn't like leftovers, I would recommend a smaller size.
Pros: *The programmable timing is great, and I love that automatic switch to "warm." *When it's off, but still plugged in, the power light blinks to remind you to unplug it. *The removable fridge to cooking base to table stoneware crock is very convenient. You can put everything in the crock the night before, stick it all in the fridge overnight, pop it into the base and start it cooking on your way out the door in the morning, and it's ready when you get home! *The handles on the crock and the tempered glass top are large enough for big hands. You'll need potholders to pick up the hot crock, but I can lift the hot glass cover with my bare hand. *The crock is dishwasher safe, but I found it easiest to just fill it with hot soapy water, swish around for a bit, and you're good to go. If you have some cooked-on bits up around the edges, just turn it on with the water inside for a few minutes.
Cons: *I wish there were an option to go directly to warm, like others have mentioned. *The outside gets very hot, and the metal rim around the top of the base gets EXTREMELY hot! *Like with any stoneware, be careful of sudden temperature changes with the crock. *It's heavy, and easy handling may be beyond someone with wrist or hand weakness.
Overall, I highly recommend this product, and would give it five stars if it had a direct warm button. I'm glad I went with my instinct, and so are my dinner guests.
Description of Crock-Pot 38601-W 6-Quart Smart-Pot Slow Cooker, White
This 6-quart Smart-Pot¿ Slow Cooker prepares meals with the touch of a button, allowing you to choose from 4 pre-set cooking time/temperature options. The slow cooker automatically shifts to the keep Warm setting when your meal has finished cooking so that dinner is ready when you are. The removable oval stoneware is dishwasher safe and has a Rinse Clean¿ stick-resistant coating.The original slow cooker, the Crock-Pot was first introduced by Rival in the 1970s and has proved to be much more than a fad. This convenient appliance helps you prepare delicious family-style meals while you?re working, running errands, hiking, or just relaxing around the house.
The 6-quart, oval-shaped Crock-Pot measures 18 by 9 inches and is large enough to cook marinated lamb chops, chili, beef stew, or even a pot roast for five to six people. The easy-to-use programmable timer turns on and off with the push of a button and lets you choose among time settings of 4, 6, 8, and 10 hours. When cooking time is complete, the Crock-Pot automatically shifts into warming mode, which keeps food at the right eating temperature but doesn?t overcook it.
Plastic handles provide a secure and comfortable grip for transporting the cooker. The Crock-Pot?s internal liner is made of durable stoneware that is attractive enough to go from cooker to tabletop to serve your meal. The liner also has a stick-resistant coating and is dishwasher-safe to make clean-up easy. The glass lid lets you peek at your food while it cooks and is also dishwasher safe. Rival offers a limited 1-year warranty on this stoneware slow cooker. --Cristina Vaamonde