Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting, Black Stainless Steel, Includes Cookbook (Pack of 1)

Admittedly I am a Crock Pot snob.Let me explain.I love the old, original Crock Pots.I have actually burned out two, my husband pulled one off the counter and broke it, and I now have 3 of them in my pantry.One of those was bought in an antique shop, in the original box and packaging never having been used.But when wanting to make a large batch or spaghetti, chili, or whole chicken one was just not large enough.Enter a different brand 6qt slow cooker.After only about two years the writing was worn off of the dial, the metal portion was stained beyond belief, and the dial itself was rickety.It was unreliable often over heating and boiling when it should not have been.So, when Prime Day came around and I discovered the 8qt Crock Pot brand slow cooker it was love and first sight.Generally, I am not fond of the newer removable ceramic cookers for several reasons.It is too easy to damage or break the ceramic removable pot, the cords are way too short, but primarily because there is no insulation whatsoever; just brushing up against the cooker can quickly burn.When bustling around the kitchen that can happen all too easily, but I understand that is the way they are made these days; grin and bear it I will.Even though it is touted to make clean up easier, I am not sure that is the case with any removable pot.When the new 8qt beauty arrived, despite the removable ceramic pot, it was quite large and very nice.After washing it and of course reading the booklet (sans cookbook which was noted in the description) I plugged it in and began experimenting.It was very simple to master and actually quite impressive.There are 3 heat choices and when programmed for cook time, it automatically switches to warm when that time has elapsed which I found reassuring; it can be programmed for up to 20 hours.It appeared to cook low on low and then high on high as it should.I have already used it 3 times.First it cooked an 8lb pork shoulder to perfection.Next 16 chicken thighs were used in a recipe my son calls, "Mississippi Mud Chicken," which he got from a local fireman.Lastly, just on a whim, I wondered how boiled peanuts would fare in the slow cooker.Half of the peanuts were boiled on the stove the traditional way and the other half were cooked in the Crock Pot on high for between 6-8 hours both pots at a slow boil.As it turns out, both were done at the same time and tasted exactly the same-texture, flavor and all.According to the description, this slow cooker can prepare enough food for up to 10 people, so no more multiple crock pots for get togethers.Despite no insulation, this programmable, stainless steel Crock Pot is going to be well used and well loved.

After 20+ years the inner part of the Crock-Pot cracked, so it was time to throw out! Ithad clips to seal the lid . This time, we couldn't find a single slow cooker with lid clips, so we decided to go with this one. We are enjoying to cook meats with it and will so stews and chili in the fall. Capacity-wise, it is a nice size for a large household of 5 adults and two kids - we can lay side-by-side2 flat briskets or two round eye roasts. The controls are basic and easy to use ( although the control labels on the pot are small and a little difficult to read). The meat cooks evenly and is moist at the end ( we do add some water inside with the meat and veggies). The inner pot cleans up nicely.

Have only used it once since receiving it but so far I love it. It replaces a smaller crockpot (5 1/2 or 6 quart) that we’ve had for many years. You could no longer read the countdown timer and the handle on the lid broke so it was time for a new crockpot. I like the larger size, the lid fits well and display is easy to read. First thing cooked, (pulled pork) turned out great so very happy so far. Time will tell how long it lasts!