‎Cookworks ‎2W-GAC8-CAOP-TR Slow Cooker - Review

Slow cookers have become a popular kitchen appliance for their convenience and versatility. By cooking food at low temperatures over longer periods of time, slow cookers tenderize tougher cuts of meat and allow flavors to meld together wonderfully. The Cookworks brand offers an affordable and straightforward slow cooker great for families and those new to slow cooking. Founded in 2011, Cookworks aims to provide quality kitchen products at reasonable prices. Their 2W-GAC8-CAOP-TR slow cooker delivers simple slow cooking functionality without advanced features or frills. For those seeking a basic model for stews, roasts, chilis and more, this 3.5L Cookworks slow cooker warrants consideration.

Overview

The Cookworks Slow Cooker is a 3.5L capacity slow cooker with a power output of 200W. It has a compact oval design measuring H27.5 x W24.5 x D22cm, making it a good size for families, couples, or single users.

Some key features of the Cookworks Slow Cooker include:

• Model Number: 2W-GAC8-CAOP-TR
• Capacity: 3.5L
• Power: 200W
• Dimensions: H27.5 x W24.5 x D22cm
• Oval shaped ceramic cooking pot
• Tempered glass lid
• Manual knob with Low, High, and Warm settings
• Non-slip rubber feet on base
• Cool touch body and handles

With its 200W heating element, 3 temperature settings, and 3.5L capacity, this Cookworks slow cooker is suitable for cooking stews, casseroles, curries, chili, and more for 2-4 people. The oval design is ideal for larger cuts of meat.

The Cookworks ‎9O-WAO0-C956-TR is another excellent option to consider for slow cooking enthusiasts. With its 6.5L capacity and a powerful 300W heating element, it allows for cooking larger meals or batch cooking for families. The sleek design is complemented by a programmable timer, enabling precise cooking times for various recipes. Additionally, the non-stick cooking pot makes for easy cleaning, while the glass lid provides visibility during the cooking process. For more details, check out the ‎Cookworks ‎9O-WAO0-C956-TR.

Design

The Cookworks Slow Cooker has a sleek and modern design that will look great on any countertop. It has a stainless steel exterior with black accents on the handles and control panel.

The oval ceramic cooking pot has a 3.5L capacity, making it a good size for cooking meals for 3-4 people. It's removable and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

The interface is simple with two dials - one for temperature setting and one for timer. The temperature dial has three settings - low, high, and warm. The timer can be set up to 20 hours. Both dials have clear markings and click into place, making them easy to use.

There are no digital controls on this model. The simplistic interface may appeal to some users while others may prefer more advanced programmable options.

The handles on the side stay cool while cooking for safe and easy transport. The lid fits snugly and has a clear glass panel so you can monitor the cooking process.

Overall, the Cookworks slow cooker has a clean and minimalist look that would fit into most kitchen decors. The oval design maximizes cooking capacity while still having a compact footprint.

In comparison, the Hamilton Beach ‎33195 offers a larger capacity and various programmable features, allowing for even more versatility in meal preparation. Its digital interface provides more precise control over cooking times and temperatures. The model's durable construction enhances its longevity, making it a reliable option for daily cooking. The Hamilton Beach slow cooker is well-suited for larger families or gatherings, ensuring you can serve multiple portions with ease.

Settings & Programs

The Cookworks Slow Cooker 2W-GAC8-CAOP-TR comes with 3 different preset cooking programs to choose from - low, high and warm.

The low setting cooks food slowly over 6-8 hours, allowing flavors to develop fully while keeping food tender. It's great for tougher cuts of meat, stews, chilis, and dishes with a long cook time. The low heat prevents burning or drying out.

The high setting cooks food faster in 3-4 hours, while still retaining moisture. It's ideal for quickly braising chicken, cooking roasts, and making dishes like curries. The higher heat helps break down fibers in meats and vegetables.

The keep warm setting holds cooked food at a safe serving temperature for up to 4 hours after cooking completes. It's handy for keeping food ready to eat if serving times vary. The low heat prevents overcooking.

There are no other preset programs or custom timer settings. The simplicity makes the cooker straightforward to operate. Just choose low, high or warm based on your recipe and time available. While the options are limited, the core functions perform well for basic slow cooking needs.

Performance

The Cookworks 2W-GAC8-CAOP-TR slow cooker performs well for a budget-friendly model. The 200W heating element provides consistent low heat that slowly simmers ingredients without burning. The oval 3.5L ceramic pot heats evenly, ensuring food cooks thoroughly regardless of placement.

I found this slow cooker very easy to use. The knob on the front clearly shows Off, Low, and High settings. Low heats food around 190°F while High reaches 280-300°F, perfect temperatures for long, slow cooking. The transparent glass lid makes it easy to monitor cooking progress.

Overall, the Cookworks slow cooker delivers satisfactory performance for the price. It maintains consistent gentle heat to break down tougher cuts of meat into tender, flavorful dishes. The oval insert promotes even cooking so no stirring is required. With only 3 simple controls, this no-frills model is effortless to operate. The performance is reliable for basic all-day recipes.

Accessories

The Cookworks Slow Cooker comes with a few handy accessories to help you get the most out of this appliance.

It includes a glass lid so you can monitor your food while it's cooking without having to lift the lid and release heat. The lid fits securely to lock in moisture.

A stainless steel inner pot makes it easy to prep, cook, and serve food all in one vessel. The pot is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. It has a 3.5 liter capacity, suitable for cooking for 3-4 people.

You'll also get a plastic serving spoon that is heat resistant and won't melt under high temperatures. Use it to stir and serve your slow cooked creations right from the cooker.

The user manual contains some basic slow cooker recipes to help inspire your cooking. It includes classics like pot roast, chili, soups, oatmeal, and more. The recipes walk you through prep, cook times, ingredients, and instructions.

Having the right accessories allows you to use this slow cooker safely and conveniently for a variety of recipes. From prep to serving, the included tools help streamline the process.

Cleaning

The Cookworks Slow Cooker is easy to clean and maintain. The exterior housing is made of brushed stainless steel that simply needs to be wiped down. Fingerprints and water spots can be removed using a soft cloth and warm soapy water.

The inner ceramic pot detaches from the base for easy cleaning. It is dishwasher safe which makes cleaning a breeze. If hand washing, be sure to use a soft sponge or cloth to avoid scratching the non-stick surface. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. The ceramic insert can also be soaked to loosen any dried on food before scrubbing.

The tempered glass lid can also be washed in the dishwasher or hand washed. Avoid submerging the electrical base in water. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth to keep the exterior housing clean.

Overall, the simplicity of being able to throw the crock and lid in the dishwasher makes cleanup after cooking very convenient with this slow cooker. The smooth ceramic and glass surfaces do not have many grooves or edges where food can get trapped.

Safety Features

The Cookworks Slow Cooker has several useful safety features to keep in mind.

• Auto Shutoff: This slow cooker has an auto shutoff function that turns the cooker off automatically after a set cooking time, preventing overcooking or burning. It can be set for up to 20 hours.

• Cool Touch Handles: The handles on the sides stay cool to the touch even during cooking. This prevents burns when moving or lifting the cooker.

• Glass Lid: The lid is made of toughened glass so you can monitor cooking, but it stays strong and doesn't get too hot. The rim of the lid also has cool touch plastic.

• Lid Locking: The lid locks securely onto the ceramic pot with plastic clips on each side. This prevents spills or the lid coming off accidentally.

• Non-Slip Feet: The base has non-slip rubber feet to prevent sliding on countertops during use.

• Power Indicator Light: There is an indicator light that shows when the cooker is powered on for added safety.

So in summary, the various safety features like auto shutoff, cool touch handles, and lid locking make this an especially safe option for slow cooking.

Pros & Cons

The Cookworks Slow Cooker has several positives and a few potential drawbacks to consider:

Pros

• Generous 3.5L capacity perfect for families and meal prepping
• Stylish and compact oval design takes up minimal counter space
• Simple manual knob with Low/High/Keep Warm settings
• Clear tempered glass lid to monitor cooking
• Dishwasher safe stoneware pot and glass lid for easy cleanup
• Auto keep-warm function switches to low heat when done cooking
• Overheat protection shuts off if contents start to burn
• Affordable price under £20

Cons

• Only basic Low/High options with no timer or digital controls
• Exterior may get hot during extended cooking times
• Lid does not have silicone rim for spill-free transport
• Short 12 month warranty period
• Some online reviews mention issues with reliability over time

The Cookworks Slow Cooker provides excellent value and performance for the price. The streamlined manual design is easy to use with helpful safety features, though lacks more advanced programming options. For basic slow cooking needs, it's a great budget-friendly option worth considering.

Conclusion

The Cookworks 3.5L Slow Cooker is a decent budget option for anyone looking for an entry-level slow cooker. It offers basic functionality with two heat settings and a programmable timer up to 20 hours. The oval ceramic pot can serve 3-4 people and is removable for easy cleaning.

Overall, this model performs well for the price but lacks some of the more advanced features of higher-end slow cookers. The manual dial controls are simple to use but less precise than digital controls. It also doesn't have a warming function to keep food hot after the timer finishes.

For a basic slow cooker under £25, this Cookworks model is a good choice. If you want more cooking flexibility and convenience, it may be worth spending a little more for a cooker with digital controls and a warmer function. Brands like Crock-Pot, Morphy Richards and Russell Hobbs have excellent mid-range models in the £30-50 range.

At the end of the day, the Cookworks 3.5L Slow Cooker provides good value given its low price point. It's a suitable option for anyone new to slow cooking that wants an affordable and no-frills model. More advanced users may want to consider other options with more features and settings.