Recently, I published my very first slow cooker blog post – ’10 reasons to buy a slow cooker’.  This post was amazingly popular, and I promised that I would follow up with this review.  I have already received quite an overwhelming number of emails and messages enquiring about my choice of slow cooker.  For those of you considering purchasing a slow cooker, this blog post is a good indication of why this model is a fantastic option.

I’ve owned the Crockpot 5-in-1 multicooker for a little over a year, and used it countless times, about 3-5 times a week.This particular Crockpot is one of the best models by the brand, and currently selling on Amazon.co.uk for 99.99 GBP.

Aesthetics & build

I am not one to have appliances on my kitchen counters unless they are pretty, or indispensable.  In this case, the latter wins.  I could not not have my Crockpot 5-in-1 Multicooker out on my counter, since I do use it several times a week.

The Crockpot is made of aluminium and black plastic.  It is rectangular and looks modern and sleek.  The buttons and digital display are nicely placed on the front side of the Crockpot.  Although it is not the most stylish of appliances, it does not look all that bad out on the kitchen counter.

The inner pan

One of the things I love about this Crockpot is that the pan is made of aluminium.  It is light and easy to transport to your fridge (especially when full!) or to dishwasher.  Yes, it is dishwasher safe and also very easy to clean.  
The pan has a non-stick surface which has remained intact.  I have read a couple of reviews where users state that the inner pot has peeled or scratched, however, mine has not to date.  I always use plastic or wooden utensils and if not popped into the dishwasher, I always clean when cooled, gently with a non-abrasive sponge, warm water, and soap.
Update: After over 2 years of use, yes, the pot has started to develop scratches.  I would say that it is to be expected after so much use.
Second update:  My slow cooker is now almost 3 years old and is peeling too.  It’s time to get an upgrade.  I’ve certainly got my fair share of use from it!

This Crockpot is large – 5.7 litres, perfect for cooking a larger family, but also perfectly fine for cooking smaller portions too.  Ideally, the Crockpot should be at least half full for slow cooking.  Do not less this put you off however.  Most slow cooker recipes freeze well, and you can always choose to eat leftovers the next day for lunch or dinner.
It is rectangular in shape,  which is the ideal for foods such as roasts or lasagne.  The circular versions are not ideal to cook such recipes.  It also fits perfectly into the refrigerator, taking up no excess space.

Bits and pieces

The Crockpot comes with a clear lid, so you can peek in whilst your food is cooking.  A roasting rack is included, and it can be used in two positions depending on how close you would like your food to be to the bottom of the pot.  Also supplied is a measuring cup for steaming.

The Crockpot feels sturdy but not too heavy.  The unit is easy to clean with a damp cloth.

Aesthetics & build rating: 9/10

Ease of use & functions

If you dislike reading manuals, this machine is for you!  Haha!

Seriously, this Crockpot is super-easy to use!  It has a button for each setting on the front side, arrows for increasing temperature and cook time on either side of them, and on/off buttons at the bottom.

All selected options are clearly displayed on the digital LCD, so you cannot go wrong.

I will briefly go into using each setting of the 5-in1.

Slow cooking

The slow-cooking function is main function I bought the Crockpot 5-in-1 Multicooker for, all the others were extras which I thought would be nice to have.  

This is the second Crockpot I have used, my first being one with a stoneware bowl.  One of may main concerns was that foods would not cook as well in an aluminium pot, but I was proven wrong.  I tried multiple recipes which I had cooked in my previous Crockpot and they turned out exactly the same.   I prefer having an aluminium pot over a stoneware one.  It is easier to transport from slow cooker to fridge or dishwasher and vice versa.  I was always anxious I would drop it, especially when it was wet and I was trying to dry it!

I’ve successfully slow-cooked soups, curries, stews, roasts, risottos, and pasta such as lasagne – they all turned out perfectly! I’m not a fan of slow cooking potatoes and veg together with roasts.  The texture turns out to be a little strange and crumbly for my taste.  

Slow cooked pork shoulder, straight out of the slow cooker.

Sautéeing & browning

This is a fantastic feature to have!  No more dirtying extra pots and pans to sauté  before slow cooking!  There are multiple heat settings to brown to your desire.  I also use this feature to cook soups in the slow cooker.  I sauté the ingredients before I add the liquids and slow-cook the soup away. 

Steaming

The steaming function is brilliant in that the steam is just the right high temperature to have your food steamed to perfection; no half-boiled/half-steamed veg!  I’ve managed to steam vegetables such as beans, broccoli and carrots, potatoes and shrimps.  It is very easy and convenient.  Use the measure provided to add the water to the pot and insert the wire rack.  Switch your Crockpot 5-in-1 Multicooker onto steaming and wait for it to pre-heat.  Once done, use tongs to place the food on the rack.

Baking

I was slightly perplexed about how in the world my Crockpot 5-in-1 Multicooker could bake successfully – until I gave it a try.  With not much information about this online or in the manual, I decided to take a conventional ‘baking’ recipe and follow the instructions – all but the temperature and cooking time.

Taking into consideration that the slow cooker pot is much tinier than my oven, I halved the cooking time specified in the recipe, and upped the cooking time by 20%.  I also used baking paper.  Since the heat is coming from the bottom of the pot, when the cake was ready, I took it out, placed a baking sheet on top, flipped it over, and gave it an extra 5 minutes to brown the top of the cake.

The result was a delicious, very moist cake!
TIP:  The lid has a small hole for steam to escape, I used this to test the doneness of the cake by inserting a skewer without opening the lid!

Easy vanilla cake – slow-cooked, moist goodness.

Roasting

Use the wire rack if you would not like your food to sit in it’s own juices.  I once made lamb koftas and decided to roast them in my Crockpot (on the wire rack), due to the messiness of the fats splashing all over my oven.  This was a brilliant idea and they turned out delicious!    Chicken, lamb, pork and beef also roast wonderfully.

Ease of use & functions rating: 9.5/10

Pros

Perfect for one pot cooking

One gadget with 5 functions

Easy to clean

Dishwasher safe

Safe to leave unattended

The ‘keep warm’ function which automatically activates when slow cooking ends

Excellent value for money

Makes cooking a breeze

Ideal for tenderising cheaper cuts of meat

The slow-cooking taste is incredible!

Perfect for cooking in larger quantities & freezing

Cons

Takes up some (little, but still) counter space

Does not come in any colour or style options

Overall score: 9/10

Conclusion

The most wonderful thing about the Crockpot 5-in-1 Multicooker is it’s versatility. I frequently start a recipe in the evening by sautéeing all of the ingredients and let them brown on low, let the pot cool and transfer to the fridge and continue the next day.

The Crockpot 5-in-1 Multicooker is my most used kitchen gadget and I could almost do without my oven unless I am cooking multiple dishes at once.
It is a must have for all busy mamas!  As you can see from my review, I honestly cannot fault it much!