Crock-Pot ‎SCV800-R Slow Cooker - Review

The Crock-Pot Express Crock Multi-Cooker is a versatile electric pressure cooker that can cook meals up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods. This 8-quart multi-cooker combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, and yogurt maker into one convenient appliance.

With its one-touch settings, digital display, and removable cooking pot, the Express Crock Multi-Cooker streamlines meal preparation while still delivering delicious results. Its generous 8-quart capacity can accommodate large batches or meal preps for the whole family. The locking lid, gasket seal, and digital controls help maintain even pressure and temperature for tender, moist dishes cooked quickly.

This multi-cooker is designed to be easy to use, even for beginners unfamiliar with pressure cooking. The pre-programmed settings automatically adjust time and temperature for flawless cooking results. With options for pressure cooking, slow cooking, browning/sautéing, making yogurt, keeping food warm, and more, the Express Crock Multi-Cooker offers incredible versatility to prepare all kinds of one-pot meals.

Design

The Crock-Pot SCV800-R has a sleek and modern design. It is available in either red or black, with a brushed stainless steel finish on the handle and control panel. The oval ceramic cooking pot has a capacity of 8 quarts, making this a medium to large sized slow cooker.

The exterior dimensions are approximately 16.5 x 9.9 x 11.5 inches. It has an oblong shape typical of oval slow cookers. The brushed stainless steel trim around the base, handle and control panel adds an elegant touch. The digital control panel is angled upwards slightly for easy viewing. Overall the Crock-Pot SCV800-R has a contemporary look that would fit well in most kitchens.

Features

The Crock-Pot SCV800-R 8-Quart Slow Cooker has a variety of features that make it versatile for all your slow cooking needs. This model has 8 cooking functions - low, high, warm, brown/sauté, steam, roast, bake, and slow cook. There are also manual controls so you can customize the temperature and cook time.

The slow cook function allows you to prepare food on low or high for up to 20 hours unattended cooking. The warm setting keeps already cooked food at an ideal serving temperature. With the brown/sauté function, you can sear or brown ingredients right in the cooker before switching to another cooking function.

Some other notable features include a dishwasher-safe, removable oval stoneware crock pot and stainless steel housing. There is a secure-fitting lid with gasket for locking in heat, moisture, and flavors. The wrap-around heating element distributes heat evenly for consistent cooking results.

Performance

The Crock-Pot Express Crock Multi-Cooker performs very well for pressure cooking and slow cooking. The pressure cooking function heats up rapidly to create a sealed environment that builds pressure, allowing food to cook up to 70% faster. It reaches high temperatures of up to 400°F, significantly reducing cooking times for dishes like roasts, beans, soups, and more. The pressure cooker settings include high and low pressure, allowing you to customize cooking times.

For slow cooking, the Crock-Pot Express Crock Multi-Cooker offers adjustable temperature settings of high and low. It maintains consistent heat distribution and temperatures throughout the 6-quart ceramic cooking pot. This allows ingredients to simmer and tenderize properly over longer cooking times from 4-10 hours on average, depending on the recipe. The cooking pot does an excellent job of retaining heat and preventing burning.

In terms of cooking results, the Crock-Pot Express Crock Multi-Cooker delivers moist, tender meats, evenly cooked grains and beans, and flavorful sauces and soups. The combination of pressure cooking and slow cooking in one appliance provides versatility for producing a wide variety of dishes with great outcomes. Users mention the meats coming out very juicy and vegetables cooked to perfection.

Ease of Use

The Crock-Pot Express Crock Multi-Cooker is designed for simplicity and ease of use. It has an intuitive control panel with a large LED display that clearly shows the cooking settings. There are only a few buttons to operate the cooker - power, pressure cooking, slow cooking, browning/sautéing, and keep warm.

The buttons have indicator lights so you can easily see what settings you have selected. Switching between functions is seamless. The display counts down the cooking time and switches to a keep warm setting when done. It's easy to make adjustments by pressing buttons to change the time or temperature.

The included instruction manual provides clear directions for operating the cooker, pressure cooking times, slow cook times, and recipes. It has detailed safety information and troubleshooting tips. The manual also has guidance on converting traditional recipes for use in the multi-cooker.

Overall, the Crock-Pot Express Crock Multi-Cooker has been designed for simplicity. The buttons and display provide an intuitive user experience. Between the straightforward controls and detailed manual, it's easy for anyone to start pressure cooking, slow cooking, and sautéing.

Accessories

The Crock-Pot SCV800-R comes with several handy accessories that enhance your cooking experience. Right in the box, you'll find a non-stick cooking pot, locking lid, steaming rack, serving spoon, and recipe booklet.

The non-stick cooking pot makes cleanup a breeze and allows you to brown, sauté, or sear before slow cooking. It's dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

The secure locking lid prevents spills and locks in heat and moisture. The lid fits tightly onto the base while cooking.

A handy steaming rack is also included. This lets you elevate foods out of the liquid to steam vegetables, seafood, tamales, and more for healthier cooking.

No need to buy utensils, as a serving spoon comes in the box. Use it to stir and serve soups, stews, oatmeal, and other dishes.

To get you started, Crock-Pot provides a recipe booklet with 30 delicious ideas. It includes classics like pot roast, chili, pulled pork, and more.

Cleaning

Keeping the Crock-Pot Express Crock clean is straightforward and simple. The inner pot and lid are dishwasher safe, making cleanup after cooking a breeze.

For manual cleaning, the nonstick surface means food does not stick, so you can easily wipe away any mess with a soft cloth or sponge and warm soapy water. Be gentle when scrubbing to avoid scratching the nonstick coating.

The exterior housing can be wiped down as needed with a damp cloth to keep the appliance looking its best. Avoid submerging the base in water or using abrasive cleaners on the exterior that could cause damage.

The accessories like the cooking rack and serving spoon are also dishwasher safe for fast and easy cleanup. When washing any of the parts by hand, hot soapy water is all you need for cleaning.

Overall, keeping the Crock-Pot Express Crock immaculate is quick and painless thanks to the dishwasher safe components and nonstick interior that prevents food from sticking and burning on. Just be sure to use care when scrubbing the nonstick pot by hand to prevent scratching. With simple cleaning after each use, this appliance will continue looking great and performing for many meals to come.

Size

The Crock-Pot Express Crock 8-Quart Multi-Cooker is a relatively large slow cooker with an 8 quart capacity. This substantial size allows you to cook meals for large gatherings or make sizeable batches of food to freeze and enjoy later.

The 8 quart ceramic cooking pot has enough room to cook a whole chicken, large roasts up to 7 pounds, or stew recipes that serve 10+ people. You can also use it to prepare big batches of chili, soups, oatmeal, or dips for parties and potlucks. With the generous 8 quart size, this Crock-Pot is ideal for feeding large families, meal prepping several days worth of dinners, or preparing food for gatherings and events.

Yet despite the sizable capacity, the Crock-Pot Express Crock still has a compact enough footprint to fit comfortably on most kitchen counters. So you get all the benefits of a large slow cooker without taking up too much precious counter space. Overall, the 8 quart size makes this an extremely versatile slow cooker suitable for both everyday meals and special occasions when you need to cook large quantities.

Price

The Crock-Pot SCV800-R 8 qt Slow Cooker retails for around £90, which puts it at the higher end of the price range for slow cookers. However, given its features and performance, it provides good value for money.

The SCV800-R is priced similarly to other 8qt programmable slow cookers from major brands like Cuisinart and Hamilton Beach. It costs more than basic manual slow cookers, but less than some of the higher-end "smart" models with WiFi connectivity and companion apps.

When compared to non-programmable slow cookers of a similar size, the SCV800-R commands a moderate premium. However, the ability to program cook times and cooking modes makes it much more versatile and convenient. The higher price tag also reflects the solid build quality and durability that Crock-Pot is known for.

Considering the generous 8qt capacity, flexible programming, and consistent performance, the Crock-Pot SCV800-R delivers excellent value. It has the features most home cooks need for simple set-it-and-forget-it slow cooking, without unnecessary bells and whistles that drive up the price. Overall, it hits the sweet spot of quality and functionality for the price.

Reviews

The Crock-Pot Express Crock 6 Quart Multi-Cooker has received largely positive reviews from buyers. It currently has a 4.5 out of 5 star rating on Amazon based on over 5,800 global reviews. Here are some of the most common pros and cons mentioned:

Pros

• Fast cooking times - Many love how it can cook food much faster than a traditional slow cooker, with pressure cooking taking only 20-40 minutes depending on the recipe. The ability to brown/saute also cuts down total time.

• Versatile/multi-function - Having 8 appliances in 1 (pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute pan, yogurt maker, warmer, sterilizer) makes it very useful.

• Easy to use - Simple interface and controls, with preset programs, make it straightforward even for beginners.

• Good size - 6 quart capacity can cook for 3-6 people. Large enough for most households.

• Affordable - Provides great value at a reasonable price point compared to other electric pressure cookers.

Cons

• Lid issues - Some have trouble getting a good seal or the lid can be tricky to put on and take off. May need extra care.

• No low setting - Unlike some cookers, there is no true "low" pressure setting. Only high pressure or low temp "simmer".

• Durability concerns - Some questions on long-term durability, with a handful of reports of failures after 1-2 years.

• No stainless steel inner pot - The nonstick inner pot makes cleanup easy but less durable than stainless steel.

Overall, most buyers find this to be an excellent electric multi-cooker that makes cooking faster, easier, and more convenient for the price. It's a great option for anyone looking to try pressure cooking or upgrade from a basic slow cooker.