This slow cooker seems very good but Id really like one that has a delayed start. I'm getting conflicting answers when reading these.
637190
There's no delayed start that I know of. It will automatically revert to warming once the timer is done though.
637191
Slow cookers can't have a delayed start because it's not safe to leave raw meat sitting unrefrigerated for any significant period of time. The only way you could do a delayed start would be to plug it into a timer, but I wouldn't trust it.
637192
No delayed start on this one, it has a programmable timer that auto switches to keep warm either once it reaches temp desired or time desired.
712235
The reason slow cookers don't have start timers is it wouldn't be safe to leave raw ingredients out at room temp for anything longer than prep time. You don't want bacteria growing in your food before you begin ooking.
2025312
Yes, the slow cooker has a timer that can be set to any time you like - once that time is reached, it automatically switches to the "warm" setting.
712233
No you can't, but if you are going to gone for 10 hours, and only need 8 hours of cooking, you can start cooker,and after 8 hours it will go to warm for up to 8 hours. I don't know of any slow cooker that has a start timer feature.
334499
You can't set the timer to turn on at a certain time. I read up on this possibility before I decided on this crockpot, and I did read somewhere that a start delay on crock pots is in general not recommended, so that people don't let chicken & foods sit out for hours before it starts cooking.(Especially here in California where it's relatively warm all year, maybe in colder states that would be a better option :) )
702663
You might call CrockPot to check, as this is basically a small slow-cooker, and we use those to cook raw meats in all the time, with the caveat that it takes perhaps 6-10 hours to do so on the low setting. The company can tell you exactly how it works in this instance, as it is surely a safety issue they need to tell consumers about to avoid illness.
1091625
The cooker works best if it is filled at least half full. Smaller dishes that basically cover the bottom cook way too fast because the whole liner gets hot. I cook for two people all the time but when I use the slow cooker I make large batches of soups, green chile pork, spaghetti sauce, etc. I freeze the leftovers in freezer containers in portions for two servings. Then when you have a night you are rushed and don't have time to cook you can make use of that frozen "dinner."
2103058
I have two older models, which are still working. I purchased the 3rd West Bend, Nov., 2014, because I needed a larger slow cooker. As far as I can tell, the quality of my newest slow cooker seems to be the same as my older ones. Time will tell! I really enjoy having these slow cookers for large family get-to-gethers.
584265
The more used it, the more I like it. As a slow cooker it only has one heat level...it doesn't have a high a low setting. It is very convenient to have the searing Function right there in the pot. It's also great to have the pressure cooker and the steamer in that same appliance.
584260
I did find another "fast/slow" cooker, and thought it was actually the Breville model- but upon closer study I realized that there were a number of factors that suppressed my enthusiasm for the unit- I don't remember all of the considerations, but the controls were definitely an issue, and it just didn't sound as "put together" as the unit on the Breville advertisement. The engineering/quality of the Breville is excellent (and I should know, since I'm an engineer). It is worth the premium price. Sorry I didn't have more tangible observations.
1123084
I have used the slow cooking mode frequently and have not experienced burnt food. In fact, I have repeated the cycle a few times or added time after one cycle without adding more liquid and have not experienced burnt food. It could be an issue of how long the timer is set for and the liquid level. Hope this helps. This cooker is easy to use and quite functional.
26743
I have cooked frozen meat in this slow cooker a number of times. Cracking could be a problem I think if the setting were on high and there was no liquid in the slow cooker. I always start on low and use a little liquid to avoid the possibility of cracking.
861638
No, it can't delay slow cooking. I believe all timer based machines will not allow that for safety reasons. You don't want your raw uncooked meats to stay at room temprature for hours befor it starts cooking (unless you enjoy food poisoning). Instead most machines do the slow cooking first and then go to the keep warm mode. The pot for this machine is around the size of 3 quarts cooking pan but can be filled to the ~2 quarts line only. Depending on your roast size, it can handle it or not.
1805466
I wouldn't use it as a slow cooker. Sometimes the area near where the control plugs in can have a hot spot. I was trying to make a roast on low, simmer, and the liquid kept coming to a boil. Crock pot's if you don't have one are the way to go for slow cooking. I have a rival that has an automatic feature that after 4, 6 hrs on high or 8 to 10 hours on low after time is up it goes to warm. Can't beat it for slow cooking. As far at the electric skillet it's great for frying, making pancakes ect. I hope this helps you.
2108482
My slow cooker will reach a very gentle boil on high, though it takes a long time. I am not a particularly patient person so it's seems like a long time. If you are like me (impatient) do not use the slow cooker for reheating cooked foods after they were refrigerated. It takes forever :-( I put the food in a pot and put it on the stove. This is a slow cooker and does that well.
6940
This is really not a slow cooker or (crock pot) it actually cooks fast. It is like the big roasters you might use to roast a turkey, but the right size for a large chicken. Roasts turn out wonderful, but you wouldn't want to put one on in the morning before work like in a slow cooker though. Think of it like a small oven or roaster. My favorite thing to do is put a whole frozen chicken (4-5lbs) in the roaster with salt pepper and whatever favorite seasonings, set the temp at 350 and in 1hr and 15 min it is moist tender and delicious very close to the rotisserie chicken you get at the store. I use mine at least 3-4 times a week. This is really not a slow cooker or (crock pot) it actually cooks fast. It is like the big roasters you might use to roast a turkey, but the right size for a large chicken. Roasts turn out wonderful, but you wouldn't want to put one on in the morning before work like in a slow cooker though. Think of it like a small oven or roaster. My favorite thing to do is put a whole frozen chicken (4-5lbs) in the roaster with salt pepper and whatever favorite seasonings, set the temp at 350 and in 1hr and 15 min it is moist tender and delicious very close to the rotisserie chicken you get at the store.... » Read More This is really not a slow cooker or (crock pot) it actually cooks fast. It is like the big roasters you might use to roast a turkey, but the right size for a large chicken. Roasts turn out wonderful, but you wouldn't want to put one on in the morning before work like in a slow cooker though. Think of it like a small oven or roaster. My favorite thing to do is put a whole frozen chicken (4-5lbs) in the roaster with salt pepper and whatever favorite seasonings, set the temp at 350 and in 1hr and 15 min it is moist tender and delicious very close to the rotisserie chicken you get at the store. I use mine at least 3-4 times a week. « Show Less
1198152
The Crock-Pot SCVT640 PS 6-1/2 quart automatically goes to warm when the cook time is done. That is one thing I really like about this slow cooker.