I think the roaster is a great idea if you have limited oven space. My Mom used a roaster for years and had it set up in the basement.

Although the multiple dish insert does seem handy, I don't think I would use it on my holiday buffet table. Half the fun of a large dinner is setting the table and decorating. I would have to disguise the roaster with some kind of trim. But that's me...LOL!

Michelle

piper101, I am also in the market for a slow cooker, so I am anxious to see what people recommend.

As for the Nesco Roaster, I have that and I use it for Thanksgiving and Christmas because I only have 1 oven. I can cook 2 casseroles in it. I just sit my casserole dishes in it and turn it on. The cooking time is somewhat different than using the oven but I can't remember if it takes longer or short time. I have also cooked a turkey in it. I don't think anything browns in it, but it sure has been a lifesaver for me, and they are pretty cheap--I think I spent $35.00 at Target for mine.

I used to have one that you could set to "automatic", which meant that it would start on high and then switch to low after a few hours. It was a great feature. The last 2 ones I have had had only high or low. Anyone know if there is a model with "Automatic" out there?
I am looking for a new one too; and was surprised that they have so many features now. I decided I have to research this more before buying!

Good luck, I have a relatively new Rival which I hate. I hated the one before that too, I think it was a GE. They're all pretty much the same, they don't "slow cook" anymore. They get too hot, even on low, overcook everything and even scorches around the edges. The only thing I can use the blasted thing for is beans, split pea soup or lentils. I'm checking the garage sales for an old one, they are much better!

There, now that I've vented I can tell you that I love my Nesco Roaster, I use it for ham at Christmas because I have one oven, not very big and make dinner for 40 people. It makes a passable turkey too, although not as "crunchy" skin as my mother likes. I've used it for baked beans, scalloped potatoes, casserole dishes. It's far more a "multi-use" appliance than that da*&^%ed crockpot.

Annie

I have a newer crock pot and I agree even on low it's to hot.. sure wish I had my old one too!!! :-(

I have used a Nesco Roaster, my MIL had one it great for an extra oven if you need one. The inserts make it great for multiple serving at a big gathering.

Linda

Do not buy a new Rival Smart Pot - refer to what Annie said and add in the carpy "automatic" feature and just make sure you do not buy one! I speak from personal experience, enough said :)

The "automatic" my old one had was just high to low, nothing more. 3 settings, Low, High, and Auto. That was something I always used, especially for something like pot roast that I wanted to brown a bit first. Now I have to do that part myself (switching from high to low), which makes cooking most of my favorites while I am away not possible. So I take it that "new and improved" automatic is not my kind of automatic! Is there a brand out there that is basic? Mine is making funny noises so I know it will have to be replaced soon.

I'm in the market for a new crockpot too. This one on Amazon has good reviews. Anyone here have this one???

Here is a link that might be useful: West Bend 84716

Okay...I have both. Actually a Rival crockpot and three Nescos - 4, 6 & 12 qt with the inserts. The 12 qt is great for Thanksgiving type meals and I love using the inserts for keeping 'movie night' snacks hot. The 4 quart is probably my favorite for just everyday things that you just want to throw in and not have to check or worry about. you can use it for slow cooking, makes geat soup, etc.

Kathie

I have 5 crock pots, all but 1 are Rivals. My favorite one is my 22 year old 4 Quart round. It cooks the best. I also have a 6 quart oval that is about 3 years old, I got it on sale for $15.00 in a day after Thanksgiving sale. Thank goodness I did not pay more. It cooks way too hot! I never use the high setting on it because the low setting is hotter than high on my old crock. The other three are smaller and 1 only has low. They are all less than 5 years old and they all cook too hot. I use the small ones for gravy, dips and sides and cut the cooking time in half. I use the 6 quart oval mainly for cooking whole chickens or bone in turkey breast, the temp is so hot on high it practically roasts them.

To sum it up, if your old crock still works, keep it. Don't be swayed by the pretty colors and fancy features on the newer models, they don't work as well as the old ones. A friend of mine was just complaining about a pot roast that was destroyed in her crock yesterday in less than six hours on low when she usually cooks it for 8 to ten hours, she could not figure out what went wrong. After some questioning she said it was the first recipe she made in her new crock pot. I explained my and other friends experiences with newer crocks and she was very unhappy. She usually works 8 hour days, so that crock is probably going back.

I don't have a Nesco (yet) so I will be watching what people have to say about them.

Yes, I read at least a year ago that the FDA or whoever looks into these things decided the temps in crockpots were unsafe because they were too low to stop bacteria. So manufacturers had to raise it. Nobody's been happy with the new ones. I'm not giving up my old ones. Sandy

I have the Nesco and that West Bend jeri linked to.

The Nesco is fine if you're cooking a huge quantity. (One of the applications I use it for is making turkey stock from the scraps of the holiday turkey.)

I do like the West Bend because you can put the pot on the stove on high to get the stuff up to temp and then put it on the heating element to cook slowly. That avoids having stuff take a long time to get up to temp; I think that's what got the food police in a tizzy.

The West Bend 84716 has a non-stick coating, right? We aren't using teflon or similar anymore: is there a version that is not non-stick?

I have the All Clad crock pot with the aluminum insert that you can use on the stove as well. It's spendy (around $250 IIRC) but large. I love the fact that the insert goes on the stove; you don't loose your juices when you brown your meat and can reheat on the stove. In my opinion it was worth every penny. It's stainless steel so coordinates with SS appliances if you have them. I think it looks good enough not to hide it away with the other small appliances. It was worth the money to me.

Perfect timing on this thread. I received a Nesco not too long ago and stored my crock pot, all excited to have one, do-it-all appliance. While the Nesco has a "slow cook" setting, it must be WAY too hot. It completely dried out a three-pound roast I had in there for only 6 hours the other day. Can the Nesco truly take the place of a crock pot? What about the fact that thereÂs two small "vent" holes in the lid? DoesnÂt that defeat the purpose of slow cooking?

I have a cheap Rival crock pot with hi/low that is maybe 8 years old. IÂm so glad I read this threadÂI will never get rid of it now! I will treat it with the kind of care reserved for fine silver, lol.

I am looking for a new slow cooker too but have not found one with a good review. I was looking at the 5.5qt Smart Pot & Hamilton Beach #33966 with a probe at Target but just could not decide.

All I want is one with a timer that will turn off at a specific time of my choosing.

I found this on amazon website, a new programmable crockpot.

http://www.amazon.com/Rival-SCVC600-SS-Crock-Pot-6-Quart-Smart-Set/dp/B000ML2D3E/ref=sr_1_35/105-4446991-3922028?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1193978733&sr=8-35

Anyone has hear anything on this new Rival Crock Pot or the Hamilton Beach with the probe crockpot?

Can a Nesco roaster replace a crockpot? It has better review!

Hi Everyone...I ususally just 'take in' and enjoy all the wonderful advice you all give here. I just have to add my 2 cents along with a question to you. I also have a Hamilton Beach Crock Pot (6 qt). I bought it at Walmart and paid about $39, for it. It's wonderful and I use it almost every other week. There is just my husband and I now at home, but I usually make enough of whatever for a couple of meals >> Pot Roast/Pork Roast, etc. I love the fact, that when I set it up, and go about my day, when I come home, it's like 'Someone' Cooked Dinner. So for that part, I love it. NOW, my question. I just purchased a 20 qt Cooks Essential Electric Roaster with timer, from QVC. I haven't used it yet...I'm a little nervous. I'm thinking of using it as an extra oven for the Holidays. Not to do my Turkey in..but for other dishes. Can anyone give me some tips or advice, as to you using it this way? Will I be able to use my own casserole dishes to put in there (on the rack) and do I need to add water? Haven't a clue..the receipe book does not give enough details on this. Thanks so much, and once again >>> I love All your great advice to one another.

I unfortunately own the crockpot Woodie2 was saying not to buy--the Rival Smart Pot. My husband picked it up for me awhile ago but I just got around to trying it today. WAY too hot. I'm so disappointed and I can't return it. The 2 lb chuck steak was done in 4 hours instead of 8 (on low). The sauce is boiling, so I'm guessing the meat will be way too tough.

So, I was looking at the reviews on Amazon. The All Clad seems to get great reviews. Fiorita, do you find that your All Clad cooks low enough?

Ditto what Annie said. I've bought two in the last six years, one Ribal and one Hamilton Beach, hoping for that "leave it on all day and come home to dinner". Both were given to Good Will.

Anyone who has an older one, hold onto it! I've been cruising the thrift stores, hoping to find an older one. The FDA can just stop trying to save me from myself in my own kitchen and focus on how to stop bacterial outbreaks in major food processing plants, thank them very much.

I am usually inclined to buy the latest greatest new gadgetry. So about a year ago I gave away my very old reliable Rival and bought a new one. Hated it! I went to the Salvation Army store and purchased an old crock pot-it's olive green and no removable crock but I love the way it cooks.

Amen,Mustangs. After dealing with my new Rival with the removable, black crock for months, I dug out my old green one and plan to use it soon. The new one cooks way too fast and it is a devil to clean.