Customer Reviews

West Bend 84866 6-Quart Versatility Slow Cooker with Glass Cover, Stainless

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I don't know why the other reviewer rated this versatile slow cooker so badly? I have used mine for over a year for roasts, whole chickens, chili, soups, etc. and all are done to perfection on "low". Sounds to me like the other reviewer had a defective one. This slow cooker really IS versatile! I have the stainless steel model, not the black aluminum one. You can slow cook all day or speed things up by using medium or high temperature settings. I will replace mine immediately if it wears out...don't know what I would do without it! I use it almost every day.

R in Florida

This is my second Versatility, the first one being the basic black version. I ordered the second one because the nonstick coating on mine was coming off after quite a lot of use. The only problem with this one is that the bottom of the pan tends to warp when used on the stovetop. Also, I don't need the grill feature. Otherwise I'd recommend this line of slow cookers if you want to brown meat straight in the pan, something I prefer. There is another make of versatile cooker out there, but it costs in the order of $250 so this is a good low cost alternative.

We like our cooker because it is larger than our older alumimum one and we can put the pan with cover in the oven as well as browning the food in the pan on the stovetop.

Though we are careful and only use nylon and silicone stirring utinsels, we have a couple of scratches already in the teflon coating. Even so, we would recommend this cooker.

I've owned the old model 84095 West Bend Cooker for a number of years and was intrigued by the new Versatility 84866 Stainless Steel Cooker. However, knowing how West Bend can put out some pretty cheap stuff I did not want to buy this sight unseen. Surprisingly, the new 84866 has a very solid cast metal pot which can be put in the oven and on a stovetop. However, do not put the cover in the oven. The cover is plastic in spite of what Amazon says about it being glass and can NOT be put in the oven. Also, remember that there are two Verstality models. The non-stainless steel model is black and has only three cooking temperatures (the 84866 has a continuous temperature range). The only other slow cooker that can replicate the funtionality of this cooker is the All-Clad cooker with a stainless steel insert (there is another model with a ceramic insert but you cannot put it on a stove top). I have not tried or even seen the All-Clad model with the stainless steel insert (a cheaper version is available with a ceramic insert but you can not use it on a cooktop) but I suspect it is very good AND very expensive ($300 at Williams-Sonoma). One can usually find the 84866 by West Bend for about $80. I have given this cooker a 5 star rating because it can be used as a cooker, to sear on a cooktop and an oven roaster all within a reasonable price range.

I also was disappointed with this crock pot. I have always loved the West Bend heated base with separate pan that I would brown the meat in first. I have a cheaper W/B one that cooks rings around this one, even on medium. I wanted a better pot and spent more than I wanted to, but thought it would be worth it, but it was not. I gave it more than one chance, on different temps but got the same results. By this time, I lost my receipt and had to keep it. West Bend gave me no answer with an email. :(

When you first put it on the stovetop (I have gas), the stainless steel bottom will bow up, afterwards, when all the contents are the same temperatue it levels out. Cooks great, very attractive.

I ordered this slow cooker to replace an oblong 5 qt westbend cooker that I have had for years. Initially, I bought a different brand with a ceramic pot that advertised that it could be used in the oven, microwave or on the stovetop. This pot was awkward, heavy and breakable. It was not adequate for use on the stovetop. The price was at least double the price of the Westbend Versatility.
I love the Westbend Versatility! It is lightweight and easy to handle and clean. I can start my food in this pot on the stovetop so I don't have extra cooking dishes. The size is perfect for small portions or large - and it looks nice. At $50.00 is was a real bargain and I plan to buy another one as a gift.

I have worn out two other West Bend slow cookers over the years. This time, I read the reviews on Amazon about the stainless steel one and almost decided against it for the original model. However, the complaints I saw by some of the reviewers-- a bowing of the pot if you put it on the stove top to brown your meat first-- have not come to pass for me. The cooker has a nice "weighty" feel, and I have had no problems with it. I use my slow cooker several times a month when I am home, and I love this new one! It fits nicely with my other stainless steel appliances and does the slow cooking job well.

I did a lot of research before I bought this cooker. To be honest 'versatility' was the last thing on my list. I have never used a slow cooker before so was reluctant to buy the one I really liked (the All Clad one) because it cost twice the amount that this one did.

When I opened the box I wasn't too impressed because I compared the pot to the quality of the All Clad pots and pans I have (not that you would get one of those for this price either). BUT, after using it for a couple of months I am quite impressed.

I haven't used the pot on the hob that much, only to reduce liquid at the end of the cooking period and haven't had any of the problems listed, maybe because the pot is already hot.

I don't regret my purchase at all although now I know that I am more comfortable with the concept of slow cooking I will probably buy the All Clad one if this ever breaks.

I just purchased this pot a month ago and have used it 3 times. I made a roast and tried to brown it on the stove before slow cooking, but my stove is a glass top and I had some problems. As the pot heated it started to spin on the glass top because it is oval shaped and my burners are round (I think that's why). So I used a bridge burner on my stove to provide more even heating and that improved the problem, but didn't eliminate the clumsiness of use completely. Second item I made was a roast using the heating element on the pot to start the browning, but it is not designed to get very hot so it didn't really brown the meat, but the food turned out great anyway. Last I made pancakes on the skillet portion and it doesn't have temperature levels so I wasn't sure how high to heat it, but I figured out a good level and that dish turned out fine as well. SO overall success was great, but feeling a bit new at the details has caused a little concern.