What are the benefits of this vs. a normal crock pot? Doesn't food stick to it as it cooks?
1564387
I don't trust glazes or Teflon. And nothing has stuck to this pot. When the lid seals it keeps all the moisture in. And because of that nothing sticks.
1564388
No sticking that I've noticed. High capacity. Pot can go on stove, back to crock hot pad, into fridge. Heavy duty, well built. I'd buy it again.
1564389
What I have found to be the benefit is that you can cook with less water as less escapes from the pot and you can brown the meat and onions, etc in the pot prior to putting on the warming plate. The disadvantage to this is that when you walk into your home after something has been cooking all day, you can't always smell what has been cooking. The advantage is that the food is more flavorful. I have not had difficulty with food sticking. I use the pot for other cooking on the stovetop too.
1564390
It's nice because you can brown/saute things before you start slow cooking them and not dirty another dish. I haven't noticed any excessive sticking, either. There is a "vapor seal" formed from the steam and maybe that has something to do with it. I love mine!
1564391
For me, the greatest benefit is that is not made in China, so you don't have to worry about toxic chemicals being used to make it. I also love being able to brown my meat on the stove top in the pot and then transfer it to the base- no extra to clean up. It's easier to store because the pot goes in the cabinet with the rest of my pots and the base is so small that you can store it anywhere without taking up a lot of room. The pot is durable beauty and easy to clean. I have not found that it sticks more than the ceramic does. You don't have to worry about it cracking like the ceramic slow cooker inserts can. You can also put it in the oven. The base is really plain and simple, but that's what I like about it. I really love this set! Thanks for asking.
1564392
Each time I have made food in this, it has not stuck. Maybe if you burn your food it will stick, but I have never burnt anything in this pot. Also, most ceramic crock pots contain lead in the glaze, leak lead into your food, are made in China or all the above. If you are looking for a crock pot substitute that does not leak lead into your food, and is made in the USA, then that is why you would choose this one over a normal crock pot.
2152767
We have alot of parties and use it at least once a week for 6-8 hrs at a time so I think it would work fine commercially. I would buy the actual CrockPot version as this is the 2nd one they sent me. The feet constantly fall off making it teeter which is dangerous especially if children are around. Mine heats up fast and stays hot.
2242185
Yes it is . The crock pot cooks much faster than a regular crock pot and it works great. I am on my second one.
1047364
No. That is another reason why I find a crock pot more satisfactory. Basically the warm setting is good but if you want to heat the wax more quickly you can use the low setting.I have not tried any higher setting with the crock pot. There is also no off button on the Therabatch so you have to pull the plug if you want it off.
1932060
It also helps with cleanup. Stuff is less likely to stick to the pan. Unless you want to make gravy with any drippings.
1795026
No...there is no crock. This pot cooks well...but the no-stick interior is disappointing. The surface is not holding up to the searing of meat. I love all the rest of it...you'd think for the price, it could be better.
2144946
No ,I just use a saucepan on the cook top. You need to keep checking the oats while they are simmering and keep stirring, so I do not think a crockpot is a good idea. You cannot just put it in a crockpot with lliquid and not check on it for a long time.Deb
2142059
The Crock-Pot is just a warmer that holds 20 ounces of food. It doesn't cook anything. I hope this helps.
738999
I've only used it to reheat stews, chili, soups, etc. It gets pretty hot, but I don't know if I would cook in it. My big crock pot has a warm, low, and high setting. This little pot just has one temp, so it would be hard to control, and the portions would be small, so it would be a pain. I'd stick to a big recipe in a large crock pot and take individual servings in the small one.
218539
A typical crockpot gets significantly hotter on the outside than this Risotto Plus, in my experience. The outside will barely be warm but the inside cooking unit bowl (the part you want to be hot) will be quite hot when operating, so be careful!
1038592
According to my Daughter-in-law and son (whom were given this as one of numerous:) shower gifts - it's a fabulous crock. I have one as well similar and would say the same! It gets no hotter than any other crock I've had and our kids have never said anything to the contrary except they love it and use it daily. I hope that somehow helps.
2138972
I just love this item, let me tell you how i use it and maybe you can see the difference, i don't know much about crock pot, bit i can put some potatoes in it with a little water and it cooks the potatoes without drowning it in water, i make soups, it can cooks 2 different types of rice white and brown, it is a crock pot and rice steamer all roll up in one, it's the best investment i have ever made and the pot is a clay pot so you don't have to worry about toxins in your food.
1699448
no this is the best crock pot I have ever owned....quality....I am going to get another one...
1897400
It does not work like a thermos. It works like a regular crockpot, only it doesn't get as hot. Only re-heats food, won't keep things cold.
1096000
The anodized cooker has less issues of food sticking and is easier to clean. If you always use sufficient water, there is little advantage
2041335
Hi...I own two of these and love them. The Calphalon 5 qt tri-ply stainless steel dutch oven heats very fast. I've used it to cook curry chicken, brown stew chicken and even rice and I've never had food stick to the bottom. Here's the trick with stainless steel pots....if cooking meats, add about a tablespoon of oil to the pot before you add the meat, allow the oil to get very hot. Because the pot has a very thick bottom, it does take about 4-5 minutes to get very hot on medium heat. It is a wonderful pot....use the same utensils that you would have used in your nonstick to protect the interior from scratches. Give it a try! Hi...I own two of these and love them. The Calphalon 5 qt tri-ply stainless steel dutch oven heats very fast. I've used it to cook curry chicken, brown stew chicken and even rice and I've never had food stick to the bottom. Here's the trick with stainless steel pots....if cooking meats, add about a tablespoon of oil to the pot before you add the meat, allow the oil to get very hot. Because the pot has a very thick bottom, it does take about 4-5 minutes to get very hot on medium heat. It is a wonderful pot....use the same utensils that you would have used in your nonstick to protect the... » Read More Hi...I own two of these and love them. The Calphalon 5 qt tri-ply stainless steel dutch oven heats very fast. I've used it to cook curry chicken, brown stew chicken and even rice and I've never had food stick to the bottom. Here's the trick with stainless steel pots....if cooking meats, add about a tablespoon of oil to the pot before you add the meat, allow the oil to get very hot. Because the pot has a very thick bottom, it does take about 4-5 minutes to get very hot on medium heat. It is a wonderful pot....use the same utensils that you would have used in your nonstick to protect the interior from scratches. Give it a try! « Show Less
6938
I have not used this item as a crock pot (slow cooker). I use it for warming food that has been prepared previously. I have found that the temperature control can easily be set too high. If you are careful with this setting it should work quite well. A trial and error method will work for you if you have the patience and product to experiment in this manner.