After a recent impulse buy, I was pleasantly surprised by the Crock-Pot SCCPCCM350-BL Manual Slow Cooker in Navy Blue and the 2.5-Quart Mini Casserole Crock Slow Cooker in White/Blue. Despite its simplicity, lacking the advanced features of more expensive models, this crockpot is perfect for those who often bake and take their meals on the go. I’ve used it multiple times and it has met all my expectations. I prepared a pork loin, which took longer than anticipated, but it was convenient to transfer the pan to the oven for browning, especially since I prefer my bacon crispy. However, I did find one drawback: the lid cannot go into the oven.
I was initially skeptical about the size, given the seven mouths I feed, including three teenagers. But upon comparison with my old 7-quart crockpot, the rectangular design seemed more accommodating. The casserole dish is notably heavy and well-made. Switching to this new crockpot from my old one, which required pliers to adjust the settings, was a decision I don’t regret. Its sturdy construction and ease of use are impressive, and it’s a great addition to my kitchen. Additionally, its compatibility with a small solar generator means I can take it camping or to outdoor events.
This crockpot excels at keeping casseroles warm for parties. The locking lid is particularly useful for transport, preventing spills even when taking sharp turns. Although not completely watertight, it does its job well. A minor inconvenience I’ve encountered is the lack of insulation on the bottom of the crockpot, which can make it quite warm on your lap during transport. Nonetheless, the introduction of a 9 x 13 crockpot has solved my previous issues with space constraints. It’s been excellent for preparing dishes like lasagna and various casseroles, allowing for overnight ingredient prep and hassle-free cooking while at work.
During Thanksgiving, I put the crockpot to the test with two units cooking different dishes. Without preheating, I was able to cook sweet potato and green bean casseroles the day before, refrigerate them, and then simply warm them up on the day to serve. The crockpots performed superbly, heating the casseroles through while keeping them warm for the festivities.
My first adventure with this crockpot involved making a hot dip for a work party. After preparing it in the oven the night before, I refrigerated the dip and then used the crockpot to reheat and maintain its temperature the following day. It was a success, keeping the dip perfectly warm throughout the event. The crockpot heats evenly and I would definitely recommend it. It is also the perfect size for cooking two racks of ribs.
