Proctor Silex 33040 4-Quart Round Slow Cooker

Comment: It's the perfect size for my parents - big enough for two with enough left-overs to feed them both for another meal, or just right for when they're having me and my boyfriend over for dinner. So far, she's made beef stew which cooked overnight (about 7 to 8 hours on low) while she slept and produced the tastiest and most tender beef stew I've tasted in a long time; parts of the meat actually fell apart into the sauce giving it more flavor.

Also tried the Lentil and Tomato Soup from Rick Rodger's recipe book, Slow Cooker Ready and Waiting, and it was a hit. After cooking all morning (about 5 to 6 hours on low), she left it on the keep Warm setting while out shopping so my father would have something hot if he got hungry. The soup did not burn or dry out. She reports no problem with steam bubbling over or food overcooking. Of course, it takes some trial and error in the beginning to get cooking time right for different recipes, ingredients, cookers, etc. It's also best not to overload the cooker; the crock should only be two-thirds full.

I am considering the 1.5 or 3 quart Proctor Silex for myself - the clean design, removable crock, Keep Warm setting, and generally positive reviews here at Amazon, are all attractive selling points. I give this slow cooker a 4 instead of 5 stars because she hasn't had it long enough to testify to its durability. I paid $20-something for this in Nov '08 and it's a great value.

ADDENDUM:
Tried the same beef stew recipe under high heat and reduced cooking time; the meat came out tender but the sauce dried out. It's possible the high setting is too hot, but just as likely we should've compensated for the higher heat with a bit more water. I'm still happy with the purchase, but as it is I prefer the low heat/longer cooking time which is ideal for my situation anyway.

Comment: I have used the rival crock pots for years. The older ones are hard to clean because the pot doesn't come out. I like this one because the pot comes out to wash. It cooks hotter than the other slow cookers I have used, so have had to adjust the time. I like meat cooked in it on high and have it on an appliance timer so food is done when I get home from work. I use this almost daily during the winter on work days. Don't use it as much during summer because we grill most days. I would buy this again. The only thing I wish were better is a slicker inside surface so it would clean better. I spray the inside with Pam before adding anything and this helps cleanup of the inside crock.

Comment: I have had 2 Rival crock pots and there is a design flaw. I found out what it is that lets liquid spit and sputter from the steam and make a puddle on your counter...the lip on the top of the crock is almost level with the lid.
Now I purchased a Proctor Silex crock pot and I can see the difference. The PS has a higher ridge around the edge that holds the lid. That prevents condensation and steam from spitting out over the edge. So with the Rivals there is a design flaw - a silly little millimeter (ok, maybe a few) makes all the difference. I even switched lids between the 2 brands and that is it! I am sticking with my new Proctor Silex now as it works great and no mess.

Comment: No matter what I cook in this slow cooker, it comes out brown, tough, and overcooked. I would NOT recommend this AT ALL. Rival makes a much better line of products, and I CAN recommend those. Avoid this one at all costs. It's not even worth the $26.00 I paid for it.

Comment: I am using this today to make stew. I needed to verify the size to calculate carbs for the recipe and searched through my purchases until I located it...

So, thought, as long as I was here I would add my two cents...

I received this as a premium with another appliance in November of 2003, even though I had a larger slow cooker, I thought the price was right, and it would make a nice secondary unit!

Instead, I find I use it more than the large one.

I knocked off one star for the noisy sloppy lid...

;0))

PK