West Bend 84716 Versatility 6-Quart Oval Slo-Cooker

What I love about this product:

- Cooking times are accurate. If a recipe specifies 8 hours to cook a pot roast, that's how long it will take. I've never owned a slo-cooker that came close to this degree of accuracy, and I've owned many over the years!

- Ridiculously easy to clean (non-stick).

- The removeable cooking pot is very light-weight, and can be used in the oven, on the stove, or in the refrigerator, hence the term "versatility".

- 6 quart capacity and oval design accomodates most recipes and cuts of meat...it is ideal for me.

- I've cooked 15-20 meals of all types with this cooker and have NEVER had a problem with the results.

Why I could not give this product 5 stars:

- It does not have an on/off indicator (light), nor does it have an "off" setting - once you plug it in, it goes into a "warm" mode, even though the heat switch is turned all the way to the left.

- Speaking of switches, the one on this model appears (to me) to be a bit flimsy with no positive...Read more

This is a much better product than a Rival crock pot. For one thing, it will do so much more ("Versatility" is a good name for it). You can, for example, brown your pot roast in it on your stove before setting the pot on its heating base to slow cook. Hence, fewer pans to clean up. I consider the variety of settings a plus. More choices means more control. Also, the "keep warm" settings come in really handy. I haven't used the heating base as a griddle but it's nice to know I have that option. The only thing I don't like about it is the chord length- it's a bit on the short side. Other than that I love it! Everything comes out tasty. It's easy and convenient to use. It's easy and convenient to clean. It's even light weight!

Oh, well, in all fairness I guess I should mention some things the Rival is equiped to do that the West Bend is not: 1) the Rival pot can break if you drop it or subject it to sudden significant temperature change. 2) The...Read more

I bought this slow cooker for two reasons. First, it was nonstick, which is a BIG plus in my house. Second, I liked the idea that it wasn't a heavy crock.

Well, I have been so happy with my decision! I have used this slow cooker more times over the last month and a half than I ever used the three or four crockpots that went before it.

Yes, as someone pointed out, it does seem flimsy when you first look at it. The key word here is 'seem'. You're so used to a crockpot being a big, heavy crock that this thinner nonstick version seems less substantial in comparison. But it's not. I have no fear of it bending or giving. It's as tough as a crock, if not tougher, but loads lighter and therefore easier to handle.

And, yes, as someone also pointed out, the cover can slip, but only when you're putting it on -- it's not like it spontaneously decides to slip off while cooking. The reason the cover needs precision when it's put on is, I think, due...Read more