Tower T16043BLK Slow Cooker - Review

Tower is a well-known brand in the UK for producing quality and affordable kitchen appliances. They have been manufacturing small appliances like kettles, toasters, and slow cookers for decades.

Slow cookers have become increasingly popular in recent years for their convenience and versatility. They allow you to prepare meals in advance by simply adding ingredients to the slow cooker bowl in the morning or night before. The appliance then slowly cooks the food over several hours while you are out running errands or at work. Slow cookers are great for cooking cheaper cuts of meat until tender, simmering soups and stews, and even making dips, desserts, and more. The low, slow cooking retains moisture and develops rich flavor in dishes. Modern slow cookers like the Tower T16043BLK have digital controls and timers, allowing more customization of cooking times and temperatures.

Design

The Tower T16043BLK slow cooker has a modern and sleek design that will look great on any countertop. It has a black exterior housing with stainless steel accents on the handles and control panel. The oval shape measures approximately 20 x 25 x 26 cm, making it a good size for most households without taking up too much space.

Despite the small footprint, it still has a generous 3.5 liter capacity pot that can serve 3-4 people. The inner pot is made of non-stick aluminum with a polished mirror finish. It sits securely inside a plastic housing with cool touch handles and feet. Overall the build quality feels sturdy and durable.

The control panel is very user-friendly with a simple dial to select the temperature setting and indicator lights for On, Warm and Cook modes. The clear glass lid allows you to monitor cooking progress without having to lift and disrupt the heat inside. It locks securely in place with plastic clips on either side.

One of the key highlights of this slow cooker is the even heat distribution of the aluminum pot. This prevents hot spots and ensures food is cooked thoroughly without burning. The non-stick surface also makes cleanup much easier compared to bare metal pots.

In terms of accessories, the Tower T16043BLK comes with a stainless steel steaming tray that sits above the ingredients to cook healthier meals. An included recipe book provides plenty of ideas to get started. It's also backed by a 12 month warranty for peace of mind.

For those looking for a slightly larger 5 liter slow cooker, the Moligin GDXUS230923FVVA14UK-01 is an excellent option. It has a very similar oval shape and control panel but can feed up to 5 people. The inner pot is made of heavy gauge stoneware rather than aluminum but still distributes heat evenly to prevent burning. It's available in a stylish red color that will stand out nicely in any kitchen.

In summary, the Tower T16043BLK is a great choice for a 3.5 liter slow cooker with modern styling and thoughtful design features for convenience and easy cleaning. The non-stick aluminum pot provides even heating while the tempered glass lid lets you monitor progress. If you need something larger, consider the 5 liter Moligin GDXUS230923FVVA14UK-01.

Features

The Tower T16043BLK slow cooker has a generous 6 litre capacity, making it suitable for preparing meals for large families or entertaining groups. It has a power output of 200W which provides adequate heat for slow cooking meats, vegetables, soups, stews and more.

This model offers 3 temperature settings - low, high and keep warm. The low setting runs at 90°C and the high at 190°C, giving you flexibility for simmering or searing ingredients. There is an adjustable timer that goes up to 20 hours, allowing you to cook while you're out and have the meal ready when you return.

Some handy features include cool touch handles so you can move the cooker safely, even when it's hot. The glass lid makes it easy to check on your dish without lifting the lid and losing heat. There are also non-slip feet on the base to prevent accidental sliding.

If you're looking for an affordable and versatile slow cooker, the Uncanny Brands SC2-SRW-MAN1 is a great option to consider. This 6 quart slow cooker has a simple manual design with high, low and warm settings so you can braise, simmer or keep food ready to eat. The ceramic vessel is removable for easy serving and cleaning. It's oval shape allows you to cook larger roasts or poultry.

With sturdy handles and dishwasher safe stoneware, this slow cooker delivers practical functionality. The tempered glass lid enables you to monitor cooking progress without releasing heat or moisture. Skid-resistant feet keep the unit stable on your countertop. A locking gasket provides an airtight seal to lock in flavors.

If you want a basic slow cooker without all the bells and whistles of programmable models, the Uncanny Brands SC2-SRW-MAN1 is a great affordable option. The simple manual operation makes it easy to use. Just add your ingredients, select a temperature and let the slow cooker do the work. It's perfect for no-fuss meals like pot roasts, chili, soups and more.

With 6 quarts of capacity, it can handle recipes for the whole family. The oval design accomodates larger cuts of meat. Low, high and warm settings give you flexibility. A tempered glass lid lets you monitor progress. The dishwasher-safe crock and locking lid make cleanup a breeze.

For budget-friendly slow cooking convenience, the Uncanny Brands SC2-SRW-MAN1 6-Quart Manual Slow Cooker delivers. It has the essential features you need without extra bells and whistles. The durable stoneware crock distributes and holds heat evenly. Handles make it easy to transport and serve. This versatile appliance can prepare everything from appetizers to desserts.

Ease of Use

The Tower T16043BLK slow cooker is designed for simplicity and ease of use. The controls consist of a manual knob with three temperature settings - low, medium and high. Simply turn the knob to the desired cooking temperature. There are no pre-programmed settings or digital controls to deal with.

Setup is straightforward - place the stoneware crock pot inside the base, add your ingredients, put the lid on top and plug it in. The clip-on lid helps contain mess and prevents spillage if accidentally knocked over.

Cleaning up after use is simple since the removable crock pot and tempered glass lid are dishwasher safe. The exterior housing can be wiped down with a damp cloth. There are no awkward crevices or small parts to clean. Overall, the Tower T16043BLK offers unfussy, uncomplicated operation perfect for everyday use.

Performance

The Tower T16043BLK slow cooker delivers excellent cooking performance for the price. Its 5.5L capacity is suitable for cooking meals for 3-4 people, making it a great option for small families. The oval ceramic pot distributes heat evenly, ensuring food cooks thoroughly without any cold spots.

Meats like chicken breasts and pork chops come out very tender and juicy after a long cook time on low. Vegetables also turn out well, maintaining their shape and texture instead of turning mushy. Soups and stews have complex layers of flavor since the gentle simmering over several hours allows ingredients to mingle.

The 3 temperature settings (low, high and keep warm) provide flexibility depending on the recipe. Low is ideal for tougher meats that need time to break down. High works well for recipes that cook faster like beans, curries or chili. Keep warm holds the temperature for up to 8 hours after cooking finishes so food stays ready to eat.

Overall, the Tower T16043BLK delivers excellent slow cooked meals thanks to its even heating and flexible temperature settings. The results are on par with more expensive models, making this an impressive cooker given its affordable price point.

Accessories

The Tower T16043BLK slow cooker comes with some handy accessories to help you get started. Inside the box, you'll find a recipe booklet containing 30 delicious slow cooker recipes to try out. These range from classic stews and curries to soups, desserts and even jams. Having this recipe book is great for slow cooker beginners who need some inspiration and guidance.

It also includes a serving spoon and a plastic lid rest. The serving spoon has a deep bowl design making it easy to scoop food out of the slow cooker pot. And the lid rest provides a handy place to rest the lid while dishing up food, preventing mess on your counters. These little extras show that Tower has thought about convenience and ease of use when designing this product.

Overall, the included accessories add value and make it simpler to start using this slow cooker straight away. The recipe book in particular makes it easy for novice users to get cooking.

Value

The Tower T16043BLK slow cooker offers excellent value for money. At around £40, it's very competitively priced compared to similar models from other brands. For example, the Morphy Richards Sear and Stew Slow Cooker is priced at £50, while the Russell Hobbs Chalkboard 3.5L Slow Cooker costs £45.

Considering the generous 6.5 litre capacity, 24 hour timer with auto shut-off, and stylish design, the Tower slow cooker represents great value. It has all the key features you'd expect in an entry-level product. The price makes it accessible and budget-friendly for most households.

When compared to more expensive rivals like the Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker at £199.99 or the Instant Pot Duo at £89.99, the Tower slow cooker is clearly aimed at a different segment of the market. It delivers on performance and quality without the extra bells and whistles. For those wanting a basic, no-frills slow cooking appliance, the Tower T16043BLK is an affordable option that doesn't compromise.

Overall, at under £50 the Tower slow cooker gives you excellent bang for your buck. It's an ideal choice for budget-conscious shoppers who still want a stylish, user-friendly appliance that performs well. When taking the price into account, it's easy to see why the Tower slow cooker offers such great value.

Pros

Easy to Use Controls - The Tower slow cooker has simple manual knob controls with low, high, and warm settings. This makes it very intuitive to operate. Just turn the knob to the desired cooking setting.

Large Capacity - With a 5.5 liter capacity, this slow cooker can make meals for up to 6 people. The oval ceramic pot offers plenty of interior space.

Tempered Glass Lid - The lid is made of tempered glass which allows you to monitor cooking progress without lifting the lid and losing heat. The glass also makes it easy to see when food is done.

Removable Ceramic Pot - The inner ceramic cooking pot can be removed for easy serving at the table and simplified cleanup. The outer housing and heating base remains cool while cooking.

Cons

• The slow cooker only has a 4.5L capacity, which may be too small for larger families or batch cooking meals. It would be nice if it came in a 6L or larger size.

• There are some reports of the ceramic insert cracking or chipping after several months of regular use. The durability does not seem to match other brands.

• The lid does not seal tightly, so some steam and heat can escape while cooking. This may result in food not cooking as evenly or quickly as expected.

• The base unit feels lightweight and a bit flimsy. There are concerns over the long-term sturdiness and stability when moving the cooker with a full pot inside.

Conclusion

The Tower T16043BLK slow cooker is a solid mid-range option for anyone looking for an affordable and versatile cooker. It offers a generous 5.5L capacity, three temperature settings, and a programmable timer up to 20 hours. The oval ceramic pot distributes heat evenly and the tempered glass lid allows you to monitor cooking.

Overall, the performance is quite good for the price. Meats come out tender and flavorful, and you can cook anything from soups and stews to desserts. The clip-on handles stay cool while cooking and make transferring the pot easy and safe. While it lacks some bells and whistles of pricier models, it gets the job done for basic slow cooking needs.

In summary, the Tower T16043BLK is a great budget-friendly slow cooker that consistently delivers tasty results. The oval design is perfect for larger cuts of meat or feeding a family. It's easy to use, has helpful features like the programmable timer, and produces tasty, evenly cooked food. For anyone seeking an affordable slow cooker without sacrificing quality, the Tower T16043BLK is a recommended option.