Proctor Silex 33040 4-Quart Round Slow Cooker Review
It’s the perfect size for my parents – big enough for two with enough left-overs to feed them both for another meal, or just right for when they’re having me and my boyfriend over for dinner. So far, she’s made beef stew which cooked overnight (about 7 to 8 hours on low) while she slept and produced the tastiest and most tender beef stew I’ve tasted in a long time; parts of the meat actually fell apart into the sauce giving it more flavor.
Also tried the Lentil and Tomato Soup from Rick Rodger’s recipe book, Slow Cooker Ready and Waiting, and it was a hit. After cooking all morning (about 5 to 6 hours on low), she left it on the keep Warm setting while out shopping so my father would have something hot if he got hungry. The soup did not burn or dry out. She reports no problem with steam bubbling over or food overcooking. Of course, it takes some trial and error in the beginning to get cooking time right for different recipes, ingredients, cookers, etc. It’s also best not to overload the cooker; the crock should only be two-thirds full.
I am considering the 1.5 or 3 quart Proctor Silex for myself – the clean design, removable crock, Keep Warm setting, and generally positive reviews here at Amazon, are all attractive selling points. I give this slow cooker a 4 instead of 5 stars because she hasn’t had it long enough to testify to its durability. I paid -something for this in Nov ‘08 and it’s a great value.
ADDENDUM:
Tried the same beef stew recipe under high heat and reduced cooking time; the meat came out tender but the sauce dried out. It’s possible the high setting is too hot, but just as likely we should’ve compensated for the higher heat with a bit more water. I’m still happy with the purchase, but as it is I prefer the low heat/longer cooking time which is ideal for my situation anyway.
Proctor Silex 33040 4-Quart Round Slow Cooker Feature
- 4 quart stoneware cooks a 4lb. Chicken, two 2 lb. roasts, and more
- Dishwasher safe stoneware and lid
- Keep warm setting
- Versatile, stainproof stoneware removes for serving and refrigerator storage
- Measures 11 by 10 inches, with 3-1/2-foot cord
Proctor Silex 33040 4-Quart Round Slow Cooker Overview
The Proctor-Silex 4quart slow cooker is a perfect appliance for cooking and serving appetizers like meatballs and melted cheeses. The three temperature settings allow for you to cook your meal and then keep it warm while it is served. This slow cooker is also excellent for sauces, chilis and stews.
Proctor Silex 33040 4-Quart Round Slow Cooker Specifications
Round, pure white, and cleanly devoid of decoration, this four-quart slow cooker appeals to those who like unfussy kitchen appliances. Wraparound heat ensures that meats and stews left all day to cook won’t overheat in some spots and undercook in others. The four-setting dial rotates from the off position to a keep-warm function for serving, and low and high temperatures for cooking. With this versatility, chocolate fondue and cheese dips can be cooked and then kept at just the right temperature for nibbling right out of the pot. The cooker’s ceramic crock, with interior dimensions of 6 by 7-1/4 inches, features flared handles which allow easy removal for table-top serving or refrigerator storage. The glass lid sheds light on the cooking process, and is domed to drip moisture back into the crock. Both the crock and lid are dishwasher-safe. From the bottom of its four feet to the top of the lid knob, the slow cooker measures 11 inches; its diameter measures 10 inches, excluding the two plastic sure-grip handles. Recipes for Hawaiian Chicken, Texas Chili Soup, Sweet and Pungent Meat Balls, and more are included in the user guide. –Ann Bieri
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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: May 20, 2010 03:50:14