‎Morphy Richards ‎460018 Slow Cooker - Review

The Morphy Richards 460018 Slow Cooker is an entry-level 3.5L oval-shaped cooker that provides basic slow cooking functionality at an affordable price point. This no-frills model features a simple manual knob control for temperature settings of Low, Medium and High, allowing you to prepare stews, casseroles, curries and more by simply adding ingredients and letting the cooker do the work.

With its oval ceramic pot and tempered glass lid, the 460018 can accommodate larger cuts of meat and poultry. The wrap-around heating element distributes heat evenly, while the lid helps lock in moisture for tender results. The aluminum body offers durability but is lightweight enough for easy transport to potlucks or parties. While it lacks a timer or digital controls, the 460018's straightforward manual operation makes it easy to operate. Its compact size and affordable price make it a good option for budget-conscious cooks looking for the convenience of a basic slow cooker.

Design

The Morphy Richards 460018 slow cooker has a sleek and modern oval design that will look great on any kitchen countertop. It's made from brushed aluminum with a black plastic wrap-around base, giving it a nice two-tone look.

With dimensions of 25 x 25 x 22.5 cm, the 460018 has a 3.5 liter capacity - suitable for cooking for 3-4 people. Its oval shape allows for larger cuts of meat or whole chickens. The brushed aluminum finish gives it a premium look and feel.

The lid and handles are made of black plastic which stays cool to the touch while cooking. There's a clear glass lid so you can monitor the cooking process without having to lift the lid and release heat. Overall, the 460018 has an attractive, contemporary appearance that would fit into most kitchen decors.

Features

The Morphy Richards 460018 Slow Cooker has a generous capacity of 6 liters, making it suitable for cooking for the whole family or batch cooking meals to freeze. It has a power output of 200W which provides gentle, low heat ideal for slow cooking meats, stews, curries etc.

This model has 3 heat settings - low, medium and high so you can tailor the cooking temperature to the recipe. There is an indicator light to show when the cooker is on. For safety, the exterior remains cool to touch during use thanks to insulated body construction. The glass lid allows you to monitor cooking progress without needing to lift the lid and release heat.

Once cooked, the removable oval ceramic pot can go straight to the table for serving. The pot, lid and housing are all dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Ease of Use

The Morphy Richards 460018 slow cooker has a simple control panel with two knobs that make it easy to use.

The first knob allows you to choose from three preset cooking programs - low, medium, and high. These correspond to cooking times of 8-10 hours on low, 6-8 hours on medium, and 4-6 hours on high. The presets take the guesswork out of choosing a temperature and make it easy to start cooking.

The second knob operates as a manual timer up to 12 hours. This gives you flexibility to fine tune the cooking time beyond the presets. It's easy to dial in exactly how long you want the food to cook.

An indicator light lets you know when the cooker is powered on. Overall, the intuitive knob controls and presets streamline operation without sacrificing the ability to customize time and temperature. The Morphy Richards 460018 strikes a nice balance of simplicity and flexibility when it comes to ease of use.

Performance

The Morphy Richards 460018 slow cooker performs very well when it comes to heating food evenly and cooking meals to perfection. The oval ceramic pot distributes heat consistently, avoiding hot or cold spots. This results in food that is thoroughly and evenly cooked throughout.

Meals cook in the expected timeframe according to recipe guidelines. The low, high, and auto heat settings provide flexibility to cook everything from tough cuts of meat to delicate seafood without over or undercooking. The auto setting is convenient, automatically switching to warm once the timer runs out.

The end results speak for themselves. Meats come out fork-tender and full of flavor. Beans and grains have the perfect texture without drying out or becoming mushy. Vegetables retain their shape and vibrancy. Sauces and stews develop rich depth and complexity over the long cook times. Even delicate ingredients like fish can be poached gently with excellent results.

Cleanability

The Morphy Richards 460018 slow cooker has excellent cleanability features. The removable oval stoneware pot and tempered glass lid are both dishwasher safe, making cleanup after cooking a breeze. Simply remove the inner pot and lid and place them directly in the dishwasher. The exterior housing can be wiped clean with a damp cloth if needed.

Users report that food does not stick or burn onto the surface of the pot, so cleaning up any leftovers or drips is quick and easy. The inner pot cleans up very nicely even when cooking foods that are prone to sticking like oatmeal or chili. There are no hard to reach areas or small crevices on the pot that trap food debris. Overall, the ability to simply toss the cooking components into the dishwasher makes cleanup very convenient with this model.

Durability

The Morphy Richards 460018 Slow Cooker is designed with durability in mind to perform well over many years of regular use. The outer housing is made of brushed aluminum which is lightweight yet strong and resistant to scratches and dents. The inner cooking pot is constructed from non-stick aluminum with a heavy-gauge thickness that evenly distributes heat and can handle wear and tear.

According to many owners who have used this slow cooker for an extended period, it holds up very well over time without any issues of the materials degrading or the electrical components malfunctioning. The aluminum housing maintains its luster and avoids chipping or denting with careful use. Even after repeated cleaning cycles, the non-stick surface inside the pot remains effective at releasing foods and preventing sticking or burning. Overall the materials and components of this Morphy Richards slow cooker are built to last through many hours of cooking meals.

Value

The Morphy Richards 460018 Slow Cooker offers good value for the price. At around £40, it sits at the lower end of the price range for slow cookers, making it a reasonably affordable option.

When considering the quality and performance it delivers, the price is quite competitive. While you can find cheaper slow cookers on the market, the build quality and cooking ability of those is likely to be inferior. Comparatively, the Morphy Richards provides better value through its durable construction and consistent, effective cooking.

For a mid-range slow cooker, it packs in a good selection of features like a digital timer, large 6.5 liter capacity, and automatic keep warm function. Many alternatives at a similar price have more basic manual controls and smaller capacities. So you get more for your money with this model.

The brand name also carries value, as Morphy Richards is well-known for quality small appliances. Their reputation gives confidence in the performance and longevity of the product.

Overall, shoppers looking for an affordable but capable slow cooker that will hold up well over years of use will find this Morphy Richards model provides excellent value. It delivers on the key things you want in a slow cooker at a reasonable price point.

Pros

• Large 5L capacity slow cooker perfect for cooking for the whole family. Can make stews, casseroles, curries, chilli, and more.

• Programmable timer allows you to set cooking times from 30 minutes up to 20 hours. Take the guesswork out of slow cooking.

• Automatically keeps food warm for up to 4 hours after cooking time ends. Great for flexible meal times.

• Tempered glass lid makes it easy to check on food without lifting the lid and losing heat. Lid detaches for easy cleaning.

• Aluminium cooking pot is durable and distributes heat evenly for optimal cooking results. Pot and lid are dishwasher safe.

Cons

The Morphy Richards 460018 Slow Cooker has a few drawbacks to consider:

• The lid can be tricky to remove when hot. The clasps don't always release easily, so you need to use oven mitts to get a grip and lift it off. This poses a minor safety hazard.

• It's quite heavy, weighing over 5kg. While the handles make it manageable, the weight could be an issue for some users, especially when full.

• The stoneware inner pot is not dishwasher safe. It needs to be hand washed, which can be inconvenient.

• There are some reports of the timer malfunctioning or stopping early. This means your food may over or undercook if you can't monitor it. Checking doneness is advised.