Customer Reviews

West Bend 85157 7-Quart Oval-Shaped Crockery Cooker

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

 

 

I purchased this crock pot because I was looking for something simple, oval shaped, and with a minimum 5 quart capacity. This looked just perfect, until I got it home and opened it.

When I set the base down on my counter, it rocked. Thinking there was something underneath or that the cord was trapped under a foot rest, I picked it up and reset it. Still tippy, with the lightest pressure on one of the handles or adjusting the lid. Thoroughly confused, I took out the crock insert and turned the base upside down.

I discovered the problem: This appliance is designed with only *3* legs. There are two legs in the front, where you would expect them on an oval shaped crock. The back, however, only has a SINGLE leg, slightly off center. Not only does this make the product tippy, but makes filling with food tricky. If the weight of the food is not perfectly balanced, (think an end roast) the crock will not sit level, it tips up off one of the front legs. In addition, if you were to stir hot food, you could EASILY cause the product to tip due to weight redistribution or pressure on the bottom of the pot, causing the hot contents to splash.

I believe this product has a dangerous design, and recommend finding an alternate product.

I just purchased this slow cooker and I have to say, I am VERY impressed!
I have tried other "higher end" makes and NONE made a roast like this one.
The last one I purchased from JCP and it took 12 hrs for it to finish.
I left this one on for 5 hrs while I was at work and BOY! I have NEVER had a roast just like this one - AMAZING!!!
I am looking to buy one for my mother!!!

Length:: 1:52 Mins

(I will try to attach a video along with this review to cover a few of the complaints I had) I was so excited to have gotten a gift card and been able to get a new crockpot! I've had a WestBend stainless model for over 3 years, and I love it. It cooks hot, and worked well. But after multiple bumps, the ceramic proved to not stand the test of time. I've still been using it, cracked and all, just with crcokpot liners inside. But it has gotten to the point that the hairline cracks are on the move, and eventually, it's just gonna fall apart. West Bend doesnt make replacement crocks very long, so I was out of luck getting just a new crock. Hence, ordering this new 7qt model.
First out of the box, I was so happy that nothing was broken, and everything was packed well inside the WB box. Then I picked up the metal unit without the crock, and was horrified. It's 7qts, and is significantly lighter than my 5 qt model! Wow.
Then, I noticed how cheap and thin the outside stainless is, and my first instinct was to put that sucker in the box and immediately ship it back to Amazon. Yes, it feels that cheap in comparisson to my older model, and I was sorely dissapointed.
The crock itself seemed to be of the same heavy build though, and I was happy about that. Well, until I wiped out the dust and found that some if it wasn't dust at all, but glazing issues! Are you serious?? Come on WestBend... you can't cut corners on what *actually touches the food*! Wild. I use crockpot liners anyway, so I fought the urge to throw it in the box and step out the door. The *only* reason(s) I'm keeping it is to see if it cooks worth a darn, and because my old one really is on it's last leg. Also, it came off a gift card, so technically, it's like it was free. Why am I gonna pay in gas and possibly out of pocket to return what was essentially free anyway.
I plan to update as soon as I get it cooking, which will probably be overnight tonight, and will let you good folks know if it cooks as good as its predecessor. But so far, I am really, really bummed about this purchase.
Overall? If you're going to spend 30 bucks on a crockpot, consider purchasing one of the older West Bend models, or go somewhere else. Shame on West Bend for cheapening their product while leaving the price the same ! >:(

(Btw, about the 3 legs thing... the older models have 3 legs too. So long as your crockpot fits well on your countertop, you'll be fine. If it's already kinda hanging off the edge, or your counter is seriously bumpy or maybe you have deep grout lines, only then does it become a problem. I have never had any issues with stability on my solid-surface counter, and this one seems just as sturdy leg-wise as it's predecessor)

*update* It does seem to cook okay... possibly even hotter than my old one (which may have downsides.. my old one was really hot to begin with). So, I'm tempted to bring it up to 3 stars, since it does work, but I leave it at 2, since I will have no choice but always use a crockpot liner with this one if I want it to last.

I love this slow cooker! It's large enough for almost any need and the crock is very easy to clean. I also love that the black crock color doesn't show stains that develop over time in a white crock. And the brushed stainless aluminum exterior is also super easy to keep clean. Thanks West Bend for another in a long line of superior products. I highly recommend this slow cooker.

Be Blessed! Stay Blessed!
Peace, Love and Light ;-)