‎Status ‎AUSTIN1PKB4 Slow Cooker - Review

The Status AUSTIN1PKB4 is a 4.5 liter slow cooker that provides a convenient way to prepare meals by cooking food at lower temperatures for longer periods of time. This model features a simple oval design with a clear glass lid and black plastic housing. It's an entry-level slow cooker ideal for singles, couples, and small families who want an affordable and easy-to-use appliance for making stews, soups, chilis, and other one-pot dishes. The AUSTIN1PKB4 has basic controls including low, high, and warm settings. The oval stoneware insert can be removed for serving at the table and cleans up easily in the dishwasher. With its compact shape and mid-range capacity, this Status slow cooker is best suited to fitting on countertops and making smaller batches of food. It provides a simple option for anyone looking to start slow cooking without advanced features or a steep learning curve.

Design

The Status Austin 1PKB4 slow cooker has a sleek and modern design that will look great on any kitchen countertop. It features a black and silver exterior made from brushed stainless steel that gives it an elegant, high-end appearance.

Despite its premium look, the Austin 1PKB4 has a compact footprint, measuring just 25 x 25 x 25 cm. This makes it easy to store away in a cupboard when not in use. The 1.5 liter capacity is perfect for cooking meals for 1-3 people.

The ceramic cooking pot has a oval shape that evenly distributes heat and fits comfortably inside the base. The tempered glass lid allows you to monitor cooking progress without lifting the lid and releasing heat. Overall, the aesthetic design and smart dimensions make this an attractive option for small households with limited space.

While the Status Austin 1PKB4 has an attractive modern design, some people may prefer a more classic and retro look for their slow cooker. The Crock-Pot CSC085 is a great option for those who want a vintage style slow cooker. It has a oval shape red ceramic vessel with simple chrome details that give it a retro 1950s appearance. The black plastic outer housing has minimal buttons and dials, keeping the focus on the red crock pot.

With a 3.5 liter capacity, the Crock-Pot CSC085 is better suited for cooking for 3-4 people. It measures 29 x 35 x 27 cm, so it does take up a bit more counter space. However, the vintage look and larger capacity make it a great choice for larger households who want that nostalgic feel. While not as sleekly modern as the Status Austin, the Crock-Pot has its own charm and is ideal for those desiring a retro aesthetic.

When choosing a slow cooker, personal style preferences definitely come into play. The Status Austin caters to those wanting a contemporary high-tech look, while the Crock-Pot appeals to those loving mid-century retro vibes. Both deliver great slow cooking performance, so it comes down to whether your kitchen style is modern minimalism or vintage charm.

Consider where the slow cooker will live - on the counter for daily use or tucked away in a cupboard? How many people do you regularly cook for? These factors along with your personal sense of style will determine if the sleek Status Austin or retro Crock-Pot is the right design choice for your home.

Slow cookers are useful appliances that simmer away while we're busy with other tasks. Choosing one that aligns with your cooking needs and also suits your kitchen's aesthetic is important. Whether your taste runs modern like the Status Austin or nostalgic like the Crock-Pot, identifying the look and feel you want will lead you to the perfect slow cooker for whipping up delicious stews, roasts and more.

Features

The Status AUSTIN1PKB4 slow cooker has a 1.5 liter capacity, making it a compact size suitable for individuals or couples. It has a power output of 140 watts.

There are 2 heat settings - low and high, allowing you to cook recipes that require either a gentle simmer or a faster boil. It does not have a timer function, so you'll need to manually monitor the cooking time yourself.

The inner crock pot is made of ceramic and can be removed for easy cleaning and serving. The exterior housing is plastic with a tempered glass lid.

Overall, the features are pretty basic but provide the essentials for preparing simple one-pot meals. The smaller capacity makes this model ideal if you don't need a large slow cooker but want the convenience of throw-and-go cooking.

If you're looking for a more full-featured slow cooker with programmable cooking times and larger capacity options, check out the Crockpot CSC066. This model comes in 3.5, 5, and 7 quart sizes so you can choose the right capacity for your household size. It has a digital timer that counts up to 20 hours, allowing you to preset the cooking time. There are also 3 temperature settings - low, medium and high. The oval ceramic crock can go straight from cooker to table for serving convenience. Other highlights include a tempered glass lid with seal, dishwasher safe stoneware, and brushed stainless steel exterior.

With the Crockpot CSC066, you'll enjoy the flexibility of being able to customize cook times and select the right size for your needs. The digital timer eliminates any guesswork so your meals are perfectly cooked without having to monitor things. It's a great option for hands-off cooking convenience if you want more advanced features than the basic Status AUSTIN1PKB4 slow cooker.

When choosing a slow cooker, think about capacity needs, temperature settings, convenience factors like dishwasher-safe parts, and whether preset cook times are important to you. The Status AUSTIN1PKB4 and Crockpot CSC066 represent two solid options at different feature levels. The Status model offers bare essentials in a compact size, while the Crockpot upgrades to more cooking customization, larger capacities and handy extras like a count-up digital timer.

Ease of Use

The Status AUSTIN1PKB4 slow cooker has fairly straightforward controls that make it easy to use. There is a simple dial with low, high, and warm settings. The low setting is for longer cooking times of 8-10 hours, while the high setting is for faster cooking of 4-6 hours. There are no digital controls or timers on this model.

The buttons click nicely into each low, high, and warm position. The markings are clear and easy to read. There is no digital display showing temperature or time remaining. You simply set it and let it cook.

The manual contains basic but sufficient instructions on using the slow cooker settings. It provides cooking time guides for different types of ingredients on low and high. The manual also includes some simple slow cooker recipes to get you started.

Overall, the simplicity of the Status slow cooker makes it very easy to use. The lack of fancy electronics means there are fewer things that could potentially break or malfunction over time. The basic dial and buttons give you all the control you need for basic slow cooking.

Performance

The Status Austin 1PKB4 slow cooker delivers excellent cooking performance. It heats food evenly and maintains a consistent temperature for slow cooking. The 4.5 liter capacity is ideal for cooking meals for a family, with enough room to prepare stews, roasts, chili and more.

The ceramic inner pot does a great job of distributing heat gently and evenly around the food. I tested cooking pot roasts, chicken dishes, soups and stews and they all turned out very tasty with no burnt or undercooked spots. The flavors married together wonderfully thanks to the even, low heat over several hours.

Temperatures stay steady throughout the cooking time. On low heat, it maintains around 190-200F, while high keeps it steadily around 300F. You can really trust it to cook food properly on both settings without scorching or drying out.

Overall, the cooking performance is impressive. The Austin 1PKB4 slow cooker makes it easy to prepare delicious braised and simmered one-pot meals with perfect results every time. The even heating ensures food cooks through fully without any raw or overcooked areas.

Cleaning

The Status AUSTIN1PKB4 slow cooker has a removable ceramic pot that is dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. The lid can also be cleaned in the dishwasher.

The ceramic cooking pot has a non-stick coating, which prevents food from sticking and makes washing up easier. Food residues can be easily wiped away with a damp cloth. You'll want to avoid abrasive scouring pads, which could scratch the non-stick surface over time.

In addition to the cooking pot, the glass lid is also dishwasher safe. Run it through the dishwasher on the top rack. Avoid using harsh detergents which could lead to clouding of the glass over time.

The exterior and heating base can be wiped clean with a soft damp cloth to keep the appliance looking its best. Avoid submerging the base in water or placing it in the dishwasher.

Overall, the removable and dishwasher safe cooking pot, along with the wipeable base, allows for easy cleanup of the Status AUSTIN1PKB4 slow cooker. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to prevent damage over time. The non-stick surface also minimizes stuck-on food residues.

Safety

The Status AUSTIN1PKB4 slow cooker has several important safety features.

• It has an auto shut off function that turns the cooker off automatically after 12 hours of continuous operation. This prevents overcooking and provides peace of mind if you forget to turn it off.

• The lid locks securely in place with lid clamps during cooking. This prevents spills or the lid coming off accidentally.

• Cool touch handles allow you to move the cooker safely, even when it's hot. The handles stay cool and won't burn your hands.

• The tempered glass lid lets you monitor cooking, while also trapping heat and moisture. It's shatter-resistant for added durability and safety.

• Non-slip rubber feet keep the slow cooker firmly in place on your countertop during use. It won't slide around, preventing accidental tipping.

• The wrap-around heating element provides even heat distribution without any hot spots. Food cooks evenly and safely.

• It's ETL certified to meet the latest UK electrical safety standards. You can trust its safety for household use.

Overall, Austin designed this slow cooker with multiple safety features in mind. You can operate it securely due to the auto shut off, lid clamps, cool touch handles, sturdy base, and ETL certification.

Noise

The Status Austin Slow Cooker operates at a quiet noise level that won't disturb you while cooking. It has no fans or other moving parts that generate noise. The gentle simmering or warming sounds produced while it's on are comparable to a pot on the stove.

Some users note the lid can rattle slightly if not seated firmly in place. But overall, the noise output is minimal. You can carry on conversations, watch TV, or listen to music without the cooker disrupting your activities. It's well-suited for overnight cooking or having it run while you're home during the day.

The lack of significant operating noise makes this an ideal slow cooker if you live in close quarters with others. It won't create a disturbance or prevent you from hearing your surroundings clearly. You can also feel comfortable using it overnight while you sleep. The quiet operation means you won't be woken up by sounds of it cooking.

Warranty

The Status AUSTIN1PKB4 slow cooker comes with a 1 year warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal household use for 1 year from the date of original purchase.

The warranty is valid as long as you own the product. It is not transferable to a subsequent owner. Proof of purchase is required to obtain warranty service.

The warranty covers the main unit only and does not cover any accessories or damage caused by accident, misuse or abuse. Shipping costs associated with the return of nonconforming parts or products may be your responsibility.

Overall, the 1 year warranty provides reasonable coverage for defects, though some competing models offer longer 2-3 year warranties. Most issues with slow cookers tend to appear within the first year, so the Status warranty should sufficiently cover any manufacturing issues.

Pros & Cons

The Status AUSTIN1PKB4 has some good features but also a few downsides to consider:

Pros

• Large 4.5 liter capacity is good for cooking food for families or meal prepping
• Low price point under £30 makes it very affordable
• Simple manual controls with Low, High, and Warm settings
• Tempered glass lid allows monitoring cooking
• Oval shape fits larger cuts of meat or whole chickens

Cons

• Basic no-frills design lacks features like digital timer or automatic keep warm
• Manual knob controls mean less precision than digital buttons
• Only high/low settings limit ability to fine-tune temperature
• Exterior may show fingerprints/smudges more than stainless steel
• Short 12-month warranty is less coverage than some competitors

Overall, the Status slow cooker is very budget-friendly but lacks some convenience features and customization of more advanced models. For simple set-and-forget slow cooking it provides good value, but cooks wanting more precise control may want to spend a bit more.