Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining

I didn’t want to buy a new slow cooker—my son accidentally broke the one my grandma gave me (RIP to the queen of Sunday dinners). But this Crock-Pot 7 Quart Slow Cooker came through like it knew it had big shoes to fill—and it did not disappoint.I work long 10–16 hour shifts, and this has become my secret weapon for feeding my family without stress. And YES—every single meal you see in my pictures was made in THIS Crock-Pot:🍗 Juicy drumsticks over rice🥔 Sausage, potatoes, bacon & green beans that taste like comfort🫘 Ham hock beans with all the smoky, Southern goodness🥣 Chicken Tortilla Stew🌮 Even a whole 9 lb pork shoulder turned into perfect carnitas for my coworkers!✨ Here’s why I’m in love:✔️ Durable as hell – I’ve loaded this thing up and moved it around full, and it never cracks, leaks, or complains✔️ Easy to transport – handles stay cool and steady, and it travels like a pro✔️ Sleek Black color and stainless steel – looks so clean and modern, it blends in beautifully with my kitchen✔️ Cooks fast for a slow cooker – I’m always surprised at how quickly things get tender and flavorful✔️ Set it and forget it – I can go to work and come back to a whole comforting meal✔️ Huge capacity – feeds the family and gives me leftovers (blessings on blessings)If you’re a busy parent, work long hours, or just want to serve good food with less stress—this is your new best friend. I didn’t think I’d move on from my old Crock-Pot, but this one’s got me in my feelings (and in the kitchen again 😅).

This slow cooker is everything I hoped it would be it has a nice big size that easily fits a whole chicken with plenty of room for potatoes and rice the stainless steel outside gives it a classic look and the oval shape makes it perfect for cooking large meals I love how simple it is to use just turn the dial and let it work its magic today I made chicken potatoes and rice all in one pot and it came out so tender and flavorful the slow cooking really brings out the taste and the aroma fills the whole house making it feel warm and cozy just like when I was littleI have wanted one of these for a long time because my mama and my grandmother always had one in their kitchens they would cook everything from roast beef to beans and it always smelled amazing especially on Sundays now that I have my own family I wanted to bring that same feeling back into my home while my husband is at work I can have a meal cooking all day so when he walks through the door it feels like home I love how easy it is to clean since the pot lifts out and I can just wash it in the sink I do wish it had a built in timer but I just use my phone to keep track either way I am so happy to finally have this slow cooker it makes cooking easier and brings back such wonderful memories

The **Crock-Pot**, also known as a slow cooker, is a staple in many kitchens due to its ability to cook meals with minimal effort. It’s a versatile appliance that’s perfect for busy people, allowing you to prepare flavorful meals with little hands-on time. Here’s my experience with it, including both its advantages and some of the challenges I’ve encountered.### **Design and Build**The **Crock-Pot** comes in a variety of sizes, ranging from **2-quart to 8-quart** capacities, making it suitable for everything from individual meals to large family dinners. The design is simple, typically featuring a **removable ceramic pot** that fits into the heating base. The ceramic pot is durable and easy to clean, either by hand or in the dishwasher.The **lid** is usually made of glass, which is great because you can see how your meal is progressing without having to lift it and release heat. The design is functional, though some models have **locking lids** for spill-proof portability, which is helpful if you need to transport your dish to a potluck or event.### **Ease of Use**The main selling point of the Crock-Pot is how easy it is to use. Most models feature **low, high, and warm settings**, allowing you to adjust the temperature based on the recipe or how quickly you want your meal to cook.You simply **add your ingredients, set the temperature**, and walk away. The slow cooking process ensures that flavors develop over time, resulting in rich, tender dishes like soups, stews, and roasts. It’s great for people with busy schedules—you can start a meal in the morning and come home to a fully cooked dinner.### **Cooking Performance**The Crock-Pot excels at cooking dishes that require **low and slow heat**. It’s ideal for:- **Stews and soups**: The long cooking time allows flavors to blend beautifully.- **Meats**: Cuts like pork shoulder, beef brisket, and chicken thighs come out incredibly tender after being slow-cooked for several hours.- **One-pot meals**: You can throw in vegetables, protein, and broth for a hearty meal with minimal cleanup.The **low and slow** cooking process also makes it perfect for **meal prep**. You can make large batches of food, divide them into portions, and refrigerate or freeze them for later use.### **Challenges and Considerations**- **Lack of Browning**: One of the main drawbacks of using a Crock-Pot is that it doesn’t **brown meats**. If you want a deep, rich flavor from caramelized meat or vegetables, you’ll need to sear them in a separate pan before adding them to the Crock-Pot. This adds an extra step to the cooking process, which can be a bit inconvenient, especially if you’re looking for a true one-pot solution.- **Long Cooking Times**: While the Crock-Pot is designed for long, slow cooking, the downside is that it’s not ideal for **quick meals**. If you realize at the last minute that you need to make dinner, the Crock-Pot won’t be much help unless you have hours to spare.- **Overcooking**: Though the Crock-Pot is designed to slowly cook your meals over several hours, it’s possible to **overcook** certain foods, particularly vegetables like peas and zucchini that become mushy if left in too long. Meat, on the other hand, tends to fare better, but you still need to watch cooking times to avoid overcooked or dry textures.- **Cleaning the Pot**: While the ceramic insert is dishwasher safe, it can be **heavy and cumbersome** to clean if you’re washing it by hand, especially when there’s food stuck to the bottom. Some models come with **non-stick surfaces**, which are easier to clean but can scratch over time.- **Bulky**: Depending on the size, Crock-Pots can be **bulky** and take up a lot of counter or storage space. If you have a small kitchen, this might be something to consider, especially if you don’t plan on using it frequently.### **Energy Efficiency**One of the benefits of the Crock-Pot is that it’s relatively **energy efficient** compared to using a traditional oven or stovetop for long periods. It uses a lower wattage and heats slowly, which can result in energy savings if you’re cooking meals that take several hours.### **Pros**- **Hands-off cooking**: Once your ingredients are in, you can walk away and come back to a fully cooked meal.- **Versatile**: Perfect for soups, stews, meats, and even desserts.- **Tender, flavorful results**: Slow cooking enhances flavor and makes even tough cuts of meat tender.- **Convenient for meal prep**: Ideal for making large batches of food with minimal effort.### **Cons**- **No browning**: You need to brown meat separately for certain dishes.- **Long cooking time**: Not ideal for last-minute meals.- **Can overcook vegetables**: Some vegetables get too soft if cooked too long.- **Bulky**: Takes up a lot of counter or storage space.### **Final Thoughts**The **Crock-Pot** is a fantastic kitchen tool for anyone who enjoys low-maintenance cooking, especially for meals that benefit from slow, gradual heat. It’s ideal for people with busy schedules who want to come home to a ready-made meal. However, it does have its limitations—like the need for browning meat separately and the potential for overcooking delicate vegetables. Despite these minor drawbacks, I find the convenience and versatility make it a worthwhile investment for any kitchen.

I needed a replacement, and decided to choose a name brand. I like that it has a WARM setting, as well as the other two. It heats up quickly and stays at the desired temperature. The first time I used it I made chocolate-covered peanuts. It really made the job easy—plenty of room for the different kinds of chocolate and the dry-roasted peanuts. I did not have to keep checking it in the microwave or worry about the chocolate burning. One tip I learned: put a paper towel under the cover, draping it over the edges. This towel will absorb any moisture that forms on the cover from dripping down into the chocolate. Water makes chocolate seize up and your batch will be ruined. If that happens, you may be able to save it by adding shortening, but no promises. I like that the outside is stainless steel and does not detract from a tidy countertop. It is great in the summer to make a one-pot meal and avoid heating up your kitchen.