Customer Reviews

Kalorik SC-11047 3-1/2-Quart Stainless-Steel Slow Cooker

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I've just used my Kalorik slow cooker for the first time and it did a good job. I started it out on high for the first hour and then turned it down to low, so it took 7-1/2 hours for the turkey thighs to come to 180º which made me feel like they were safely cooked long enough. I believe they could have cooked longer if necessary (if I wasn't home). Using the auto setting probably would have done the same - it is suppose to cook high at first and then turn itself down to low.

Next time I'll know how much the crock can hold so will reduce the recipe to just 3 thighs or 2 breast-halves and only 3/4 pound of vegetables instead of the 4 thighs and 1-1/4 pounds of vegetables the recipe called for. That way the crock will not be filled too high. The USDA recommends only filling a crock between 1/2 to 2/3 full. Even so, this slow cooker did not boil over despite broth being just 1/2" below the top edge.

The plastic handles never were too hot to use and the crock cooled down pretty quickly after the unit was unplugged. One thing you might want to know is that although the outside container appears to be thick stainless steel, it is actually somewhat thin - can be pushed in easily. That does not bother me, but I will be careful not to dent it. For the low cost, I would not have expected it to be more heavy duty. It does polish quite easily with a swipe by a dishcloth and looks nice. It does not slide around - stays firmly in place on its rubber feet and its glass lid did not rattle as it cooked.

Inside the box was a note warning that the dial was marked wrong - so the setting that is marked with one dot is not the low setting as the manual says - instead one dot stands for high while two dots stands for low. Also, just so you know, the manual explains that both the high and low settings allow the temperature of what is cooking to eventually come to the very same temperature - the difference is in how long it takes to reach that temperature. The manual also points out that it is the sides of the cooker that turn hot - not the bottom at all - this is so that whatever is on the bottom will not burn and stick.

The slow cooker puts off an odor and possibly smoke when first used, so it is recommended that you run it for 10 minutes in a ventilated room - this I did and found it to be true, so I am glad I opened a window nearby.

The reason I only give it 4 stars is because the manual says none of the parts can be washed in the dishwasher. This was a surprise - I would have thought the crock and the lid could have been.

I have used my old slow cooker for 30 years. This replacement cooker cooker looks great and works perfectly. The oval shape allows
for optimum heat distribution. I love the auto setting & usually use that setting when I make stew or soup. This slow cooker is also very easy to
clean.

I am not happy that the base only had 3 feet. I have already had problems with it tipping. This is a really bad design and not safe.

This slow cooker arrived with its ceramic pot broken into many pieces. The box was someone's moving box (one of those you buy that has "child's room" "living room" "kitchen" choices printed on it) and underneath the sticker addressed to me was a sticker someone in NYC had used to return it. There was very little padding; the cooker was just rolling around in a big packing box! So I'd been sent something someone else had returned -- already broken no doubt.
I called Amazon for some help and was told I should pay for the return, get a USPS receipt, and call Amazon with the tracking number. Well the USPS doesn't give such numbers. After many calls (and holds) it was finally sorted out by a helpful young man who gave me a $10 Amazon gift for my troubles.
Then I ordered something else -- which also arrived broken! -- and when I got my refund (I'd applied the above $10 gift), I couldn't get my $10 back. When I called (more holds & waits) I was told I'd forfeited the $10 by making a return.
Amazon is good for books and music. Period. Don't buy housewares!!!!