West Bend 84346 6-Quart Oval Crockery Cooker

Oval 6 Qt. White exterior. Removable white crock. Lo, Hi and Keep Warm settings with operating light. Dishwasher-safe crock and glass cover.

This is a little larger than the average crockery cooker, so those who cook in quantity might be particularly interested. The enclosed recipe booklet includes a recipe for a 5-pound pork roast; most roaster chickens would also do nicely in there. The clean, white curves of the slow cooker and its off-white accents will look good in just about any kitchen, and it would seem right at home in a buffet line-up. (During fall and winter, it's great for keeping hot cider or mulled wine warm.)

There are three temperature settings--Hi, Lo, and Keep Warm, and an indicator light underneath the control dial verifies that the heating element is engaged. The domed glass lid helps keep an eye on whatever's cooking. The body of the slow cooker is metal, so exercise caution, as it does heat up along with the contents as they cook. The lid and handles, however, are made of a stay-cool plastic and can be safely touched during the cooking process.

Clean-up is very easy; warm soapy water will do the trick. (The base unit is not immersible; just use a soapy rag or cloth.) Do not use scratchy, abrasive cleaners on any part of the slow cooker. The glass lid and stoneware insert are both dishwasher-safe. The slow cooker measures 17-1/2 by 12 by 10 inches (including lid and handles). West Bend products include a 90-day warranty against defects and come with a detailed booklet of instructions, recipes and tips. --Garland Withers