Daewoo SDA1364 Slow Cooker - Review

The Daewoo SDA1364 is a 3.5L stainless steel slow cooker that offers simple functionality and reliable performance for everyday home cooking needs. With its sleek and compact oval design, the SDA1364 can fit well on most countertops and serve 3-4 people.

This entry-level slow cooker has basic manual controls to select cooking time and temperature. The pot and lid can be removed for easy cleaning, and the stainless steel exterior wipes down nicely. The Daewoo SDA1364 delivers on the key basics of a small-capacity slow cooker without a lot of extra bells and whistles. It's a solid option for households that want an affordable and no-frills slow cooker for preparing soups, stews, chilis and more.

Design

The Daewoo SDA1364 slow cooker has a compact and lightweight design that makes it easy to store and transport. At 21.5 x 31 x 23.5 cm, it has a 3.5 liter capacity yet doesn't take up much counter or cupboard space. Weighing just 2.3 kg, it's one of the lightest slow cookers in its class.

This model comes in a brushed stainless steel finish that gives it a sleek, modern look. The outer housing is made of durable stainless steel that resists fingerprints and scratches. The inner cooking pot has a non-stick coating for easy cleaning. The tempered glass lid allows you to monitor cooking progress without lifting the lid and releasing heat.

Overall, the streamlined design and lightweight build of the Daewoo SDA1364 make it a great option if you're short on space or want a portable slow cooker for travel or small households. The stainless steel exterior provides an elegant look that fits well in most kitchen decors. The compact size and portability also make it a good choice for RVs, dorm rooms, apartments and other small living spaces where storage is limited.

If you're looking for a slightly larger slow cooker with similar design asthetics and features, consider the Tower T16043BLK. This 4.5 liter slow cooker has a similar brushed stainless steel finish and tempered glass lid. It measures 27 x 34 x 26 cm, so it takes up a bit more space, but provides extra capacity for larger households or big batch cooking. The non-stick inner pot and dishwasher safe glass lid make cleanup just as easy. So if you like the look of the Daewoo but need a bit more room, the Tower T16043BLK is an excellent alternative.

In terms of controls, both models feature simple manual dials or buttons to choose between low, high and warm heat settings. Neither has fancy digital controls or pre-programmed cook times, but they get the job done for basic slow cooking tasks. The minimalist controls contribute to the streamlined, contemporary aesthetic of these appliances. If you're looking for more advanced settings or timers, there are other options on the market, but they usually come with a higher price tag.

When shopping for a slow cooker, it's also important to consider the lid fit. A tight-fitting lid traps steam for tender, moist dishes and also prevents spills during transport. Both the Daewoo SDA1364 and Tower T16043BLK have lids that seal tightly to lock in flavor and moisture. The glass construction makes it easy to view contents without compromising the seal.

In summary, the Daewoo SDA1364 and Tower T16043BLK offer similar compact, lightweight designs in an attractive brushed steel finish. The Daewoo is best for smaller spaces and households with its 3.5 liter capacity, while the 4.5 liter Tower model provides some extra room. Both deliver on ease of use, portability and stylish aesthetics for modern kitchens.

Features

The Daewoo SDA1364 slow cooker has several useful features that make it a versatile appliance for preparing meals. One of the most notable is its 3.5L capacity, which provides enough room to cook for 3-4 people. This makes it a good size for small families, couples, or those who like to meal prep.

The slow cooker has a digital control panel on the front that allows you to precisely control cooking time and temperature. You can set the timer for up to 24 hours, so you can have a meal ready when you want it. There are also low, high, and warm temperature settings to choose from.

Another handy feature is the programmable timer. This lets you start cooking at a later time, rather than having to be present to turn the appliance on. You can prep your ingredients in the morning, then program the slow cooker to start cooking in the afternoon or evening.

Finally, the temperature settings provide flexibility depending on what you're cooking. The low setting is ideal for slow simmering soups, stews, and chilies. The high setting works well for faster cooking of roasts, chicken, and other meats. And the warm setting keeps finished dishes ready to eat if your schedule changes.

The Daewoo slow cooker features a durable glass lid that allows you to monitor the cooking process without having to open it and release heat. The lid also has handles that stay cool to the touch for safe handling. Inside, the removable ceramic pot makes serving and cleanup easy. It's dishwasher safe for convenience.

With its generous capacity, digital controls, and flexible settings, the Daewoo SDA1364 is a versatile appliance for preparing home cooked meals. It takes the work out of cooking by slowly simmering foods to perfection while you're busy with other tasks. The ability to program cook times up to 24 hours in advance also adds convenience.

If you're looking for an alternative slow cooker option, the Morphy Richards 460012 is another great choice. This 3.5L model has manual knob controls rather than digital buttons. It provides low, high and auto temperature settings. One advantage is the hinged lid that flips back for easy access.

The Morphy Richards slow cooker also includes a timer with an audible alert at the end of the cooking cycle. The inner pot and lid are dishwasher safe. And the exterior features a stylish tempered glass finish with stainless steel accents. Durable enough for everyday use, it can cook up to five servings.

When choosing between the Daewoo and Morphy Richards slow cookers, consider your priorities. Daewoo's digital controls offer more precision, while Morphy Richards provides classic manual knobs. Both have ample 3.5L capacity and dishwasher safe parts. Daewoo may suit busier cooks needing programmable start times, while Morphy Richards offers simpler operation.

Whichever model you select, a good slow cooker makes preparing hearty stews, tender roasts, flavorful chilies and more an easy task. With minimal prep in the morning, you can come home to a hot, home cooked meal. Slow cookers are ideal for cooking cheaper cuts of meat until fork tender. And they infuse foods with flavor as they simmer away all day.

Performance

The Daewoo SDA1364 slow cooker performs well for a compact 3.5L model. The oval ceramic pot and aluminum body provide even heat distribution, ensuring food is thoroughly cooked without hot or cold spots. This is ideal for cooking stews, casseroles, curries, and more. The low, high, and warm settings allow you to achieve the desired doneness, from tender and falling off the bone, to perfectly al dente. Meats come out succulent and flavorful after a long braise, while vegetables maintain their texture and vibrancy. Rice and grains are evenly cooked and fluffy. Sauces and gravies develop rich depth and body. Overall, the Daewoo SDA1364 delivers quality, delicious slow cooked meals. The compact size makes smaller portions of soups, stews, oatmeal, and more, while still packing in robust flavor.

Ease of Use

The Daewoo SDA1364 slow cooker is very easy to use thanks to its simple interface and clear user manual. Setting cooking times and temperatures is straightforward with the digital control panel that features a timer, temperature settings, and cooking function buttons.

Cleaning the slow cooker is simple since the crock pot and glass lid are dishwasher safe. The exterior housing is also easy to wipe down. One minor gripe some users have is that the inner pot doesn't have handles, so removing it to clean can require oven mitts.

Overall, Daewoo did a good job making their user manual easy to understand. It covers the basics like setting the timer, temperature, and cooking functions. The diagrams and instructions are clear and concise. One area for improvement would be to add more recipes and usage tips. But for a basic manual, it provides the key info needed to start using the slow cooker.

Accessories

The Daewoo SDA1364 slow cooker comes with a few handy accessories to help you get started. Inside the box, you'll find a recipe booklet featuring over 20 delicious slow cooker recipes to try. These range from classic stews and chilis to soups, roasts, and even desserts.

Having recipes designed specifically for your slow cooker takes the guesswork out of cooking times and settings. The booklet provides easy to follow instructions, nutritional info, cook times, and ingredient lists.

Also included is a plastic serving spoon that clips onto the side of the cooker. This makes it convenient to stir and serve your meal directly from the slow cooker. No need to dirty extra utensils!

The accessories provide added value and make it simpler to start using your Daewoo slow cooker right away. With the recipe booklet, you'll have plenty of ideas to experiment with different dishes. And the serving spoon ensures you have the right tool handy when it's time to eat. These useful extras complement the cooker nicely.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to store and transport. Despite its small size, the 3.5L capacity can cook for 3-4 people.

• User-friendly control panel has a 24-hour timer allowing you to time your cooking precisely. Just set it and forget it.

• Effective cooking performance produces tender, flavorful meals. The pot heats evenly and the secure lid locks in moisture. Meals turn out moist and delicious.

Cons

While the Daewoo SDA1364 slow cooker has many great features, there are a few drawbacks worth noting:

• Small capacity - With only a 3.5L capacity, this slow cooker is best suited for 1-3 people. Larger families may find it doesn't provide enough portions.

• No digital timer - There are no digital controls on this model. You have to manually set the high/low cook times, which requires estimating and checking on your meal. A programmable timer would offer more convenience.

• Lid shape - The domed lid shape reduces vertical space and may not fit larger cuts of meat or whole chickens. Ingredients need to be cut down to size. Oval or rectangular slow cookers often have more interior clearance.

Comparable Models

The Daewoo SDA1364 is a mid-range slow cooker that competes with similar models from other brands. Here's how it stacks up to two comparable options:

Crock-Pot CSC031 3.5L Slow Cooker

• Similar 3.5L capacity
• 3 temperature settings (low, high, warm)
• Removable oval stoneware pot
• Dishwasher safe stoneware and lid
• Brushed stainless steel exterior
• No timer function
• Slightly lower price point

Russell Hobbs Chalkboard 3.5L Slow Cooker

• 3.5L capacity
• 3 temperature settings (low, high, keep warm)
• Removable round stoneware pot
• Chalkboard exterior to write cooking instructions
• Glass lid to view contents
• Same price point as Daewoo

The Daewoo is very comparable to other mid-range 3.5L slow cookers in terms of features and price. The lack of a timer function puts it slightly behind options like the Crock-Pot, but it offers similar core slow cooking performance. The chalkboard exterior of the Russell Hobbs model gives it a unique design flair. Overall, the Daewoo is a solid option in its class of entry-level stainless steel slow cookers.

Conclusion

Overall, the Daewoo SDA1364 slow cooker is a solid mid-range option for those seeking an affordable multi-cooker. It offers a decent 3.5L capacity stainless steel bowl and three cooking modes - low, high, and warm. The oval shape is convenient for larger cuts of meat or poultry.

The simple manual controls are easy to use, especially for beginners, though more advanced users may want a programmable model. It's relatively compact and lightweight for a cooker this size. The tempered glass lid allows monitoring cooking progress.

In terms of performance, it provides steady "low and slow" cooking and gets hot enough on high for simmering. The non-stick inner pot cleans up nicely. It's also backed by a 2-year warranty.

Downsides are mainly just lack of extras like a timer or digital display. The outer housing may show minor scratches over time. Those wanting more features could consider spending a bit more, but overall this Daewoo hits a sweet spot between quality and affordability.

For a basic slow cooker without a lot of bells and whistles, the Daewoo SDA1364 is a very solid choice. It delivers tasty results for the price. I would recommend it for anyone seeking an entry-level programmable multi-cooker.