The best, most versatile I've ever had
Written: Jun 19 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: The automatic temperature control
Cons: not a one as far as I'm concerned
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| isinga's Full Review: Hamilton Beach 33625 Meal Maker 6.5-Quart Slow Coo... |
I know, I know; we've all got the very best. If it wasn't the best, we wouldn't have bought it. In this particular case, however, it happens to be true for me. Looking at the manufacturer's photo when I began this, I now think my particular appliance may be slightly (but very importantly) different from the one listed with epinions.
I'm familiar (as are most of us) with the good old "Crock Pot" type appliance. A round fairly large capacity pot with an on/off control sticking out of the side. The variety is large. There are round ones, oval ones, and I've even seen almost-square ones. There are those with a single unit pot/heating element, and those with removable pots for easier cleaning. I've seen some where the pot lifts out and some where the pot lifts off. Both are adequate even though the lift-out variety does a better job of cooking. There is something I've seen only on MY pot, however.
Most slow cookers have an off/high/low temperature control. Some have an off/high/medium/low temperature control. The problem with these is that if you start out cooking at the high setting, there comes a point where you have to go back to the pot and turn it down. Well, folks, my little handy-dandy Crock Watcher jewel of a slow cooker takes care of this little task -- automatically!
That's right, not only does my slow cooker have the lift out pot that receives both side and bottom heat, it also has an off/low/high/automatic temperature control! The beauty of this feature is that with items that benefit from a high starting temperature, you don't have to watch them and come back later to turn it down.
I use this feature to turn out perfectly scrumptious pot-roasts (after pan browning the meat first, of course) and completely addictive Ham Hocks and Lima Beans (my favorite musical-encore meal). There are so many slow-cook meals that benefit from this feature and, thanks to Proctor-Silex, you also receive a little users guide and recipe booklet to suggest some starter menus.
It may sound ridiculous coming from a man, but as a professional cook and single parent, I LOVE my Proctor-Silex Crock Watcher! I found this little jewel entirely by accident at, of all places, WalMart. It was one of their on-special items that I almost passed by -- until I noticed the automatic feature. Once I spotted that, the $29.95 price was virtually an offer I couldn't refuse!
Since then I've used it both with and without employing the automatic feature. I've done pot roast, beans, the infamous weight-loss wonder cabbage soup, stews, and a variety of dishes that I prefer not to mention because just thinking of them make me drool! My Crock Watcher has saved me hours of work, untold amounts of frustration, and earned the gratitude of both my and my daughter's stomachs.
I don't know where or if they still sell these items, but I think they must! After all, this is too good to just let pass by. I've had it for two years now, and wouldn't trade it for any other appliance I have in my kitchen!! My recommendation to you is, look for it and, if you find it, get it. After all, why shouldn't you, too, share the blessings of such carefree cooking?
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
isinga
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 - Top 1000 |
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Member: Chad Reeser
Location: Lovelock, Nevada
Reviews written: 413
Trusted by: 160 members
About Me:
Korea/Vietnam Vet, 75,angry over contemporary political corruption and the idiot voters supporting it.
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