Elite Gourmet MST-500D Electric Slow Cooker, Includes 0.75-Quart Dipper with Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass…

This is nice and does the job but it’s very, very small. I was surprised how small this was. It will not hold more than a few chicken legs or maybe 2 pork chops at a time. I got it to use for 2 people and I am wondering if it’s going to be too small. I made 4 hot dogs and an 8 oz. can of sauerkraut and it was OK for that. Might cook a little hotter than my other big crockpots. But it cleans up nice and works. Just small.

I am editing my review and gave this 5 stars after using it for a few weeks. It is small, but it holds more than you might think. It’s great for 2 people. Cooks a little hot, but I don’t mind that. Very pleased with what I have made so far. Doesn’t take up much room on the counter and is attractive. Would recommend this to friends.

I needed a smaller slow cooker than my 6 qt. unit. I can make smaller batches of various soups and stews, as I only cook for my wife and I. It heats up quickly and seems to hold consistent temperatures. The glazed crockery pot is very well finished and the glass lid fits well. I’m very happy with my purchase.

I love this little cooker. Temperatures are great and if you use cooking spray before you put your food in it’s an easy cleanup. I couldn’t decide between this 3qt or a 1.5qt cooker and I’m glad I chose this one. I like to cook enough for 2 and have leftovers to freeze or have for lunch the next day.

The crockpot is perfect for me as there is now just me and my husband and I don’t cook large meals like I did for my family. Love my crockpot.

In recent years, I find myself utilizing the crock pot for two things: (1) making double batches of chili for my elderly mom so she has plenty to freeze; and (2) making a double batch of a dish for the annual family reunion.

With the traditional six quart size too small to do this in a single run, I found this size and color (8.5 quart, red) very appealing and work the relatively small investment. It arrived in time for my annual trip to the Midwest and I received compliments on the color from my cousins.

Where I ran afoul is the 8-12 hours on the low setting … by the time eight hours has elapsed (first thing in the morning), all the liquid had evaporated. I remember it was boiling pretty steady just after a couple of hours but really didn’t think anything of it. Once I got it to the reunion site, I added a little apple cider vinegar and more BBQ sauce when reheating in hopes of getting some moisture back.

I still have a Rival Crock Pot (Model 3060) which also cooked things on low faster than expected so I did some additional research and it seems the FDA (some time ago) required slow cookers to increase their preset temperature settings as those for much older models were deemed unsafe. This would definitely explain why older recipes calling for 8-10 on low are way overcooked.

I find myself needing to make more chili for my mom so I am going to give ‘er a go, with the knowledge that I need to cut the time in half and check it. Recipe calls for 2-3 hours on high, or 4-6 on low; will go low and check at 2-3 hours.

I’m still trying to find the exact preset temperature settings for this as well as my smaller one; starting to think it’s a secret more sacred than the 1963 Zapruder film.

EdNote: I’ve added an additional star to the review and four pictures from the double batch of chili following the initial review, a recipe that is my mom’s favorite. The recipe itself can be found on momtimeout.com and calls for 2-3 hours on high (4-6 on low); the final picture is after three hours on low and definitely ready to enjoy. 🙂

Bottom line … plan to make adjustments to cooking times depending on how old the recipe is; failing all else, keep an instant thermometer handy for checking internal meat/poultry temperature to get a feel for the cooking time/speed.