Crockpot TimeSelect Digital Slow Cooker Review

Review Summary

The Crockpot TimeSelect Digital Slow Cooker (CSC066) is a versatile and feature-rich option for those looking to simplify meal prep. With a large 5.6L capacity, this slow cooker is ideal for families and gatherings, offering advanced features like the Schedule Meal function, Keep Warm mode, and programmable digital display. Here’s an in-depth look at its design, functionality, and performance.

Who It’s For

• Families and large households: The 5.6L capacity is perfect for preparing meals that can serve 7 or more people.
• Busy professionals: The TimeSelect scheduling function allows meals to be set up to 12 hours in advance, making it ideal for those who want to come home to a hot, ready-to-eat dish.
• Meal preppers: Great for batch cooking and preparing meals for the week with minimal effort.
• Energy-conscious cooks: Operating at just 240 watts, it’s more energy-efficient than using an oven for similar dishes.
• Hosts and entertainers: The Auto Keep Warm mode ensures dishes stay warm, making it ideal for gatherings or buffet-style serving.

Design & Build Quality

This model boasts a stainless-steel finish that complements modern kitchen aesthetics, with a streamlined design that fits well on countertops despite its larger capacity. The 5.6L removable stoneware bowl is both oven-safe and dishwasher-safe, adding to its versatility and ease of cleaning. The tempered glass lid, with cool-touch handles, allows monitoring of cooking progress without removing the lid, helping retain heat and moisture. Although the cooker is relatively bulky, it’s manageable and includes a short power cable, so it needs to be positioned near an outlet.

Features & Cooking Modes

One of the standout features is the TimeSelect function, which automates the cooking process based on meal timing, food type, and quantity. The setup can be programmed up to 12 hours in advance, making it convenient for busy schedules. By selecting options such as “meat,” “vegetables,” or “chicken,” and indicating the pot’s fill level, the slow cooker automatically calculates and adjusts the cooking time to ensure the meal is ready at the desired time. This feature proved particularly useful for preparing meals that need to be ready upon arrival home.

In addition to automated settings, the Crockpot CSC066 also offers a Manual mode with programmable countdown timers for both High and Low cooking. This flexibility allowed control over cooking time and temperature to suit specific recipe requirements. Once the cooking cycle is complete, the cooker switches to Auto Keep Warm mode, keeping food warm until ready to serve, which is perfect for gatherings or delayed meal times.

Performance & Usability

During testing, the Crockpot CSC066 excelled in creating tender, flavorful dishes by utilizing slow and even heating. It handled recipes like soups, stews, casseroles, and even whole roasts with consistent results. The low and slow cooking process ensures meats become tender without drying out, and vegetables retain their structure without overcooking. Dishes like minestrone soup and casseroles cooked evenly, with flavors blending nicely over extended cooking times.

While the appliance is powerful and efficient for slow cooking, it may not be ideal for recipes that require rapid cooking or browning directly within the pot. For added flavor, the stoneware bowl can be used on gas or electric stovetops to sear ingredients before transferring them to slow cooking, though this extra step may not appeal to everyone.

Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning the Crockpot is straightforward due to its dishwasher-safe components. Both the stoneware bowl and the lid can be placed in the dishwasher, making cleanup hassle-free. For those who prefer handwashing, the non-stick interior and removable design allow for quick and easy maintenance.

Energy Efficiency

Slow cookers are generally known for their low energy consumption, and the Crockpot CSC066 is no exception. Operating at 240 watts, it uses minimal power compared to traditional ovens or stovetops. This efficiency, combined with the automatic scheduling and Keep Warm function, makes it a cost-effective solution for cooking hearty, home-cooked meals without the need for constant supervision.

Overall Verdict

The Crockpot TimeSelect Digital Slow Cooker (CSC066) is a versatile, family-sized slow cooker that offers both convenience and flexibility. Its TimeSelect function and programmable options make it a great tool for busy households, allowing meals to be ready exactly when needed. The cooker excels at delivering tender, flavorful dishes with minimal effort, although its bulkier design may require additional countertop space. Overall, it’s a reliable choice for those who enjoy the convenience of slow-cooked meals but also want customization options.

Overall Score - 4.5/5

With its large capacity, intuitive digital controls, and advanced scheduling options, the Crockpot CSC066 is a solid choice for families or anyone needing an energy-efficient slow cooker with a focus on meal planning.