Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)

When functional counts…don’t overlook this option. It’s easy to get distracted by models at a higher price point with more bells and whistles but don’t overlook this simple to use, plug and play, very reliable option.This is a solid model with basic functions and settings that more than gets the job done. The inner dish itself is sturdy and easy to clean if you get to it right away. The main casing is light weight and easy to handle, move around and wipe clean. It is susceptible to dents if handled roughly. At times I wish the power cord was a little longer.This is my second purchase of this exact model over the years. Sadly, my first one met an untimely demise when accidentally dropped (it doesn’t bounce!)

Last years compared to my friends that have digital. I ordered one 14 years ago and it obviously is super dependable. I dropped the pot this last weekend and cracked it. So I reordered the same one. I hope the mechanics have stayed the same and I will enjoy this one for 14 years plus.

Good buy. I prefer the crock pots that aren’t all digital. So this is perfect for someone like me. Its simple and sometimes simple is all we need. I have had mine for about 3-4 months now and I use it about 3 days a week. Haven’t had a single problem yet and dont think I will anytime soon.

Inexpensive, does exactly what I needed it to do, has cons I knew & can live with. Ok, I really love love LOVE cooking with my CrockPot (as much as my Le Crueset cookware). It makes great stews, sauces, chilis, soups etc. I had the original round 4 qt CrockPot that was awesome but a bit too small, so I knew what I was getting, both the good and the not so good.Let’s start off with the not so good (which existed with EVERY low cost Rival CrockPot I ever owned):1. They refuse to add an one-off light which tells you that the unit is on. You need to relax on touching it or seeing that the knob is turned to hi or low. This caused a slight problem when I had a short in the outlet of the last unit…you’d think it was on, but the plug was loose and works need a jiggle. My fault, but a light world be nice to verify from a distance that the unit was”on”2. For some weird reason, they only put three legs on the base of this unit instead of four, so it could be a tiny bit tippy if you push down on the front. I don’t plan on doing that, and since I’m the one using it, that’s fine. Not a deal breaker.3. As with my last unit, the back of the cooker container(where the plug is) gets a bit hotter than the the sides and front, so after a few hours, I know that with thicker sauces and chilis, it will sorta stick to that area/sorta burn (not really burn badly, just a definite hot spot area, about an inch or so, that cooks hotter). I solve it by stirring every few hours or turning the pot, sorta like turning a mattress every few months. Wish it didn’t do this, but no big deal to me.4. The outside of the unit (anywhere that’s metal) gets REALLY hot. Do not touch it. The plastic handles stay cool. And don’t wrap a towel or anything around it (for insulation ) or you will burn out the unit. Again, this is something I’m already aware of, I don’t have kids and my cat has enough sense to not go hear it. So no it’s fine for me. For those with small children etc, you may want to go with a pricier unit that is better insulated and stays chill on the outside.5. Although this unit has a low and high setting, I really can’t tell the difference. After a few hours, whatever in cooking is still boiling around the sides at both settings. I’m assuming the low heats stuff up to the same temp, but cycles less frequently (stay off longer). I dunno. If I’m not home, I leave on low all day and it’s ready when I get home. If I’m home, I start stuff on high and, after three hours, I then put on low until I’m ready to eat. I don’t think I ever used the warm setting.Again, this is all stuff I was already aware of and willing to live with….. I know how to work with this unit. So the bottom line is that while I sorta wish they could fix some of the easier things (the light, the legs), I absolutely love the unit and the low cost. And this bigger size is perfect to make a meal that lasts for three days, the last day leftovers gets added to my Leftovers Soup™

Large and cooks great. I can cook a lot more than my previous slow cooker. It is reasonably priced and does the job well.

Simple and good. 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.

Must have for busy days. I recently purchased this crockpot, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision! It’s incredibly easy to use, and the results are always delicious. The slow-cooking feature is perfect for preparing meals in advance, and I love how tender and flavorful everything turns out. Whether it’s soups, stews, or roasts, this crockpot consistently delivers excellent results.