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This is an excellent appliance; I'm on my second one. However, it's no substitute for a true Crock Pot.
As with a whole string of multicookers, this cooker is basically a container-removable in this case-on a heat source with a thermostat. Unlike most of the thermostats, this West Bend simply has numbers approximating some of the settings on Crock Pots. A Crock Pot has heating elements surrounding the crockery insert to provide a more even heat.
There are advantages to both designs. One of the great advantages to this type of cooker is that one can cook much faster in this. The hot plate will heat up the ingredients hours faster. The wattage is ten times higher, so of course it will boil faster.
What's the disadvantage? That same thermostat. Rather than providing a steady heat, the thermostat in these cookers cycles on and off and without the crockery insert to 'even out' the heat, the food will alternately boil and cycle off. Not such a bad thing necessarily, but it can and will cause some foods to stick to the nonstick interior. Even if they have a crockery pot to go on the hot plate, these cookers will still have a hot zone on the bottom that isn't present in a true Crock Pot.
Another advantage is that, because these pots have much higher power, one can take the lid off and stir to minimize sticking, and the heat source will quickly restore the preset temperature. In a Crock Pot, removing the lid will add at least 30 minutes to the cooking time.
Why am I on my second pot like this? Just wore the finish off the bottom on my first one-though it took many years to do that, even only using plastic utensils. After a year or two the outline of the heat source became visible on the bottom, though the nonstick finish was still there. It just started flaking off and so I got rid of it. For those who are nervous about chemical nonstick finishes this isn't the setup for you.
For those who are used to cooking in a true Crock Pot, there will also be some adjustment required to recipes. This type of cooker loses moisture like an average pot on the stove, so most slow cooker recipes will lose more steam/water in this type of pot.
West Bend made 'bean pot' cookers for many years with a crockery pot on a hot plate; I've got one and it does an excellent job as this type does. Just don't expect it to do what a Crock Pot does.
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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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I received this 6qt oblong cooker back in the 80's for a gift. It was gold in color. I LOVED this unit! I use it all the time. Over the years it has shown wear. Because of my love for this unit, I attempted to replace it, even though the old one is still functioning. I found that this unit is no longer available in the 6 qt size, it is now a 5 qt. Very disappointing but acceptable. I ordered it. Upon receipt I found the glass lid did not fit properly. It rocked allowing heat, steam & moisture to escape...Very dangerous for transporting. Called the Company and was sent a new vessel, assuming mine waa warped. I didn't think the glass lid could be faulty. Received vessel (after a 2 week wait). Same problem! Vessel is much more thinner than original. Again, I can deal with this. Not happy but will deal with it. I am VERY VERY disappointed in the unit because of the ill fitting lid. I am very sorry I ordered it. Definitely would not recommended it.
Honest reviews on West Bend 84905 5-Quart Oblong-Shaped Slow Cooker
I ordered this slow cooker to replace a Rival that was 10-years-old and no longer coming up to temperature. When it first arrived, I was a bit skeptical as it appeared to be smaller than my original slow cooker, but despite its compact size, this slow cooker holds the same amount as the much bulkier Rival.
PROS: I love the fact that I can brown meats on the stove in the cooker before placing the cooker on the base to slow-cook no need to dirty up an additional pan browning the meat. I also enjoy using the base as a griddle for pancakes or French toast, or grilled cheese sandwiches freeing a burner on my stove. The griddle and slow cooker are very easy to clean the non-stick surface is great. The temperature settings on the griddle range from 1 -5 1 being low, 2 medium, 3 representing high for a slow cooker, and 4 and 5 used for griddle use. This slow cooker is so compact! I've never seen a slow cooker of similar capacity take up so little space.
CONS: I have not discovered any yet.
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I wore out my West Bend cooker of some 20 years ago, bought one for my dad, and sister and two friends.
This item is sturdy, versatile, easy to maintain, and reliable. Better suited to large pieces of meat like whole chickens because of the shape.
The only negative is the short cord length.
