‎Crock-Pot ‎CSC026 Slow Cooker - Review

The Crockpot DuraCeramic Slow Cooker is a 3.5L oval shaped slow cooker that provides a simple and convenient way to prepare home cooked meals. Crockpot is a well known brand in slow cooking with over 45 years of experience.

This particular model features a stylish black and silver exterior and a durable DuraCeramic ceramic cooking pot that Crockpot claims eliminates the risk of chips, cracks and stains. It's designed to cook food slowly at low temperatures which helps retain moisture and flavor. The lid and ceramic pot can be removed for easy cleaning.

With its oval shape, the Crockpot DuraCeramic Slow Cooker is ideal for cooking roasts, chickens and larger cuts of meat. It has a simple dial with low, high and warm settings so you can adjust the temperature based on your recipe. The keep warm function automatically switches to warm once the cooking time is up so food stays at an ideal serving temperature.

Design

The Crock-Pot CSC026 slow cooker has a compact and lightweight design perfect for small kitchens or portable use. It measures 25 x 25 x 19 cm and weighs just 1.52 kg, making it easy to lift and store.

The cooker base and lid are made from durable stoneware ceramic with a non-stick glazed coating on the interior. This allows for easy cleaning and prevents food from sticking. The exterior features a glossy fingerprint-resistant coating.

With a power rating of 120W, the CSC026 can hold up to 1.5L total capacity. This makes it suitable for cooking small batches of food for 1-3 people. The oval shape also accommodates larger cuts of meat or poultry compared to round cookers of the same capacity.

Overall, the small footprint, lightweight body, and modest power consumption makes the CSC026 an ideal choice for singles, couples, or using as a secondary cooker. The durable ceramic construction provides reliable low-and-slow cooking.

Another excellent option is the ‎Greenpan ‎CC007845-004, which features a stylish design with a ceramic non-stick surface that promotes healthier cooking. This slow cooker is known for its energy efficiency and versatility, allowing you to prepare a variety of dishes easily. Additionally, it is equipped with multiple heat settings, making it perfect for both slow cooking and sautéing. Its contemporary look adds a modern touch to any kitchen setting, while its removable pot simplifies cleanup. The Greenpan model is an ideal companion for those who value both aesthetics and functionality in their cooking appliances.

Settings & Features

The Crock-Pot CSC026 slow cooker has several useful settings and features that make it very convenient to use. It has high, low, and keep warm temperature settings that allow you to cook food at different temperatures depending on the recipe.

The high setting brings food to a boil quickly and is good for recipes that need a shorter cooking time. The low setting cooks food more slowly, which is ideal for tough cuts of meat that need longer cooking times. There is also a keep warm setting that holds the temperature at around 65-75°C once the cooking is done, so food stays hot and ready to eat for hours.

A programmable timer can be set up to 20 hours, allowing you to cook while you're away and have the slow cooker automatically switch to keep warm when the cooking time is up. This is great for starting dishes in the morning that will be ready by dinnertime.

The unit also comes with a serving spoon that clips onto the side of the cooker. This spoon rests right inside the pot for convenient access while serving. Overall, the various settings and built-in timer provide flexibility, while the serving spoon adds an extra touch of usefulness.

The Cookworks ‎2W-GAC8-CAOP-TR slow cooker is another excellent option, featuring a large capacity, making it perfect for preparing meals for families or gatherings. It has multiple cooking functions, including a robust high setting, a gentle low setting, and a keep warm feature, ensuring optimal cooking for any dish. Its sleek design makes it a stylish addition to any kitchen, and the removable pot is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. For more information, visit ‎Cookworks ‎2W-GAC8-CAOP-TR.

Ease of Use

The Crock-Pot CSC026 slow cooker has a simple and straightforward control panel that makes it very easy to use. The controls consist of a low, high, and warm setting, as well as a programmable timer up to 20 hours. Each setting is clearly labeled in an intuitive layout.

The user manual provides clear instructions for using the various settings and functions. It covers topics like setting the timer, choosing heat levels, removing the ceramic vessel, and cleaning. The directions are easy to follow, even for beginners.

One downside is that it can be difficult to judge cooking progress since you can't see inside the slow cooker while it's operating. The lid and ceramic vessel retain heat and moisture, so lifting the lid frequently isn't recommended. Instead, you have to rely on the timings provided in recipes. Using a food thermometer is helpful for checking if meat is fully cooked. Overall, the intuitive controls and helpful manual make the CSC026 very simple to operate.

Cooking Performance

The Crock-Pot Slow Cooker CSC026 provides excellent cooking performance. The heating element and ceramic bowl work together to distribute heat evenly for consistent cooking results.

Meats brown nicely on the sauté setting before switching to slow cooking. The browning gives meats a delicious caramelized flavor. Compared to other slow cookers, the CSC026 excels at searing and browning.

Cook times are very accurate when following the guidance in the recipe booklet. If set on low, dishes cook in 6-8 hours as expected. Using high reduces cook time to 4-5 hours. I've never had food turn out undercooked or overcooked. The smart technology maintains the ideal temperature throughout the cooking cycle.

Overall, the cooking performance matches or exceeds my expectations for a quality slow cooker. Dishes turn out perfectly cooked with great flavor development. The Crock-Pot CSC026 delivers on its promise of delicious slow cooked meals.

Cleaning

The Crock-Pot CSC026 slow cooker features a removable ceramic crock pot and glass lid that make cleaning a breeze. Both the crock and lid are dishwasher safe, so you can simply pop them in the dishwasher after cooking.

The exterior housing is also easy to wipe down with a damp cloth to keep the slow cooker looking new. There are no cracks or crevices for food to get stuck in.

Overall, cleaning the Crock-Pot CSC026 is very minimal effort compared to other models on the market. The removable, dishwasher safe crock and lid combined with the seamless housing really cut down on time spent scrubbing after meals. Being able to quickly clean up after use encourages more frequent slow cooking.

Safety Features

The Crockpot CSC026 Slow Cooker has some great safety features to provide peace of mind.

• The lid locks securely in place during cooking. This prevents spills or the lid accidentally coming off, even when transporting the cooker. The lid locks when the cooker is on and unlocks when off.

• There is an auto shutoff function that turns the cooker off if it overheats. This prevents the internal cooking pot from getting too hot and burning food. If the internal temperature exceeds a safe limit, the heating element will automatically turn off. This is an important protection against potential fire hazards.

• The exterior of the cooker remains cool to the touch while cooking. It will not burn you if accidentally touched while hot.

• The non-stick cooking pot is safe, avoiding any concerns about chipping or flaking coating into food. It is made from durable DuraCeramic materials.

Overall, you can feel confident using this slow cooker safely. Key features protect you and prevent potential accidents. It takes safety seriously with an auto shutoff and locking lid.

Noise Level

The Crock-Pot Slow Cooker operates very quietly while cooking. It does not have a fan or other components that generate significant noise.

Some users note the lid can make a popping noise when pressure builds up inside, but this is relatively rare and not too loud. It should not disturb you even if cooking overnight.

The Crock-Pot does have an audible alert that sounds when switching between modes or turning on/off. This beeping sound ensures you know when a setting has changed. It is not overly loud or annoying.

Overall, the noise level is very minimal. The Crock-Pot lets you cook without disturbing others even if it's located in living spaces. The quiet operation makes it suitable for apartments, dorms, offices and other shared environments.

Warranty

The Crock-Pot CSC026 slow cooker comes with a 1 year limited warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal home use.

The warranty does not cover damage from misuse, abuse, neglect, alteration, failure to follow instructions, or improper installation. Glass lids and stoneware crocks are covered for thermal shock breakage during the 1 year warranty period.

To receive service under this warranty, customers need to provide proof of purchase and date, as well as describe the nature of any defect. Crock-Pot will repair or replace the product if a defect is confirmed.

This 1 year limited warranty provides peace of mind that the slow cooker is backed by the manufacturer against defects for a reasonable period of time. Just be sure to follow all instructions and care guidelines to keep the warranty valid.

Price

The Crockpot DuraCeramic Slow Cooker CSC026 retails for around £39.99 on Amazon UK. This puts it in the mid-range for slow cookers in terms of pricing.

Compared to similar sized slow cookers from other brands, the Crockpot is very competitively priced. For example, the Morphy Richards Sear and Stew Slow Cooker is around £10 more expensive at £49.99. Other comparable models from Russell Hobbs and Tefal also retail closer to £50.

Considering the decent capacity, attractive design and range of settings, the Crockpot DuraCeramic represents very good value for money. While it doesn't have the most advanced features or largest capacity, it provides great functionality at a reasonable price point.

For those looking for an affordable mid-sized slow cooker from a reputable brand, the Crockpot CSC026 hits a sweet spot between price and performance. It delivers on the core necessities without breaking the bank.