Cooking Made Effortless: The Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker
There’s something almost magical about coming home to a fully-cooked meal after a long day. I’ve been testing the Crock-Pot SCV700SS 7-Quart Manual Slow Cooker for the past few weeks, and honestly, it’s brought that little touch of domestic wizardry into my chaotic weekday routine.
This isn’t my first slow cooker, but it’s certainly the most straightforward I’ve used. The classic stainless steel design fits surprisingly well in my not-so-updated kitchen, and the generous 7-quart capacity has been perfect for making enough chili to feed my always-hungry teenagers with leftovers to spare.
Sleek and Simple
The Crock-Pot embraces minimalism in the best possible way. Its polished stainless steel exterior gives it a professional look that’s a definite upgrade from my old plastic model. I particularly appreciate the oval shape – it’s perfect for accommodating those awkwardly shaped cuts of meat that never quite fit right in round cookers. The generous side handles make it easy to move even when full, though I wouldn’t say they stay completely cool to the touch.
The clear glass lid lets me peek at my simmering creations without releasing heat, which I think helps with cooking consistency. One small complaint – there’s no locking mechanism on the lid, so I probably wouldn’t transport this to a potluck without some careful wrapping and a steady hand.
- Generous Capacity: 7-quart slow cooker that comfortably serves 9+ people or fits a 7-pound roast
- Cooking Flexibility: High or low slow cooking settings, with convenient warm function for ideal serving temperature
- Convenient: Set it and forget it feature enables you to cook while at work or performing daily tasks
- Minimal Clean-Up: One-pot cooking reduces dishes; lid and removable stoneware are dishwasher safe
- Versatile: Removable stoneware insert can be used in the microwave or an oven up to 400°F
Set It and Forget
The performance is where this Crock-Pot truly shines. The manual dial offers just three settings – Low, High, and Warm – making operation almost foolproof. I’ve found the Low setting perfect for those all-day cooking sessions when I’m at work (my Mississippi pot roast took about 8 hours and came out fall-apart tender), while High works great for speedier 4-hour recipes like my chicken enchilada soup.
I’ve noticed it does seem to run slightly hotter than my previous slow cooker, so recipes I’ve made for years needed a bit of adjustment. The first time I made my usual beef stew, it was actually ready about an hour sooner than expected! The warm setting has been a game-changer for dinner parties, keeping food at the perfect serving temperature without continuing to cook it to mush.
The stoneware insert is impressively versatile – I’ve taken it directly from the refrigerator (with prepped ingredients) to the cooking base, and even used it in the oven to brown a cheese topping. Clean-up is a breeze since both the stoneware and glass lid are dishwasher safe, though sometimes with stubbornly stuck food, a quick soak is needed first.
By The Numbers
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 7 Quarts |
| Serves | 8+ people |
| Settings | Low, High, Warm |
| Material | Stainless steel exterior, stoneware insert |
| Dimensions | 14.4 x 9.5 x 14.4 inches |
| Weight | 13.8 pounds |
| Power | 240 watts |
| Dishwasher Safe Parts | Stoneware insert and glass lid |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Pros
- Generous 7-quart capacity perfect for families or batch cooking
- Incredibly simple controls make it approachable for anyone
- Removable stoneware can go in oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher
- Attractive stainless steel exterior
- Oval shape accommodates larger cuts of meat easily
- Sturdy construction with comfortable handles
- Reliable performance for consistent results
Cons
- No timer or auto-shutoff feature
- Runs slightly hotter than some other slow cookers
- No locking lid for transportation
- No indicator light to show it’s powered on
- Stoneware is rather heavy when full
- No programmable settings for precise cooking
What Users Are Saying
After examining hundreds of reviews on Amazon, the sentiment around the Crock-Pot SCV700SS is overwhelmingly positive. Many users praise its reliability and straightforward functionality.
One reviewer named Maria commented, “I’ve had this for three years now and use it weekly. The simplicity is what makes it great – no bells and whistles to break down. Just turn the dial and go about your day.” This sentiment was echoed by numerous other users who appreciated the no-nonsense approach.
Another customer mentioned, “The 7-quart size is perfect for our family of 5 with enough leftovers for lunch the next day. I was worried about the lack of timer but haven’t found it to be an issue at all.”
The main criticisms revolved around heat regulation, with some users noting it cooks hotter than expected. As one reviewer put it, “Even on low, it bubbles more than a simmer. I’ve learned to adjust my cooking times accordingly.”
Who Should Buy This Slow Cooker?
For Beginners: This Crock-Pot is ideal for slow cooking novices. The bare-bones interface eliminates confusion, and the reliable performance builds confidence. If you’re just starting your cooking journey, this is perhaps the perfect introduction to slow cooking without overwhelming features.
For Intermediate Users: Those with some cooking experience will appreciate the dependable results and versatility. The lack of programming might be slightly limiting if you’re used to more precise timing control, but the consistency and capacity make it a worthwhile workhorse in the kitchen.
For Advanced Users: Cooking enthusiasts might find the lack of programmable settings somewhat restrictive. However, many experienced cooks actually prefer the simplicity and reliability of manual controls. If you value consistency over bells and whistles, this model still deserves consideration despite its basic functionality.
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Ready to Transform Your Weeknight Dinners?
The Crock-Pot SCV700SS offers that rare combination of simplicity, reliability, and value that’s increasingly hard to find in kitchen appliances. Whether you’re a busy parent, meal-prepping enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates coming home to a hot, homemade meal, this slow cooker deserves a place in your kitchen arsenal.
- Generous Capacity: 7-quart slow cooker that comfortably serves 9+ people or fits a 7-pound roast
- Cooking Flexibility: High or low slow cooking settings, with convenient warm function for ideal serving temperature
- Convenient: Set it and forget it feature enables you to cook while at work or performing daily tasks
- Minimal Clean-Up: One-pot cooking reduces dishes; lid and removable stoneware are dishwasher safe
- Versatile: Removable stoneware insert can be used in the microwave or an oven up to 400°F