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- Best programmable slow cooker Hamilton Beach Set'N Forget 33967 *Est. $50
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- Basic slow cooker Rival Crock-Pot 3735-WN *Est. $30
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- Compact size
- Good temperature controls
- Retractable cord
- Three-year warranty
- Expensive for its size
- Not big enough for families
If you mostly cook for one or two people, experts say the 4-quart Cuisinart PSC-400 slow cooker will be a better choice than a 6- or 7-quart model. Experts say slow cookers work best when at least half-full -- otherwise there is increased risk that food will burn. The Cuisinart PSC-400 is not cheap, but reviewers say it includes some nice options like settings for off/on, high, low, simmer and warm, a 24-hour programmable timer with LCD display, a retractable cord and a three-year warranty. The glass lid and ceramic insert are dishwasher-safe, and reviewers say the brushed stainless-steel exterior looks stylish on their countertops.
Most professional reviews test the 6.5-quart Cuisinart rather than the 4-quart version, but they are essentially the same product in different sizes. We found the best reviews for this model at Cook's Illustrated magazine. Slate.com also details its testing methods and thus its review ranks higher than those from Good Housekeeping and Real Simple magazines. User reviews at Amazon.com are useful, and mostly positive.
| Cuisinart PSC-400 Stainless Steel 4-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker | |
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Our Sources
1. Cook's Illustrated MagazineDetails/Subscribe
The Cuisinart slow cooker is one of seven models compared in head-to-head testing at Cook's Illustrated, which evaluates cookers on their ability to cook chili, beans and other foods without scorching.
Review: Slow Cookers, Editors of Cook's Illustrated, Aug. 2007
2. Slate.com
Pellettieri tests and rates eight slow cookers by preparing a wide variety of dishes. She also provides a brief history of slow-cooker technology. The Cuisinart PSC-400 isn't rated, but the 6.5-quart version wins the contest, with the only drawbacks being price and size.
Review: What a Crock -- Which Slow Cooker Is Best?, Jill Hunter Pellettieri, Feb. 9, 2005
3. Real SimpleDetails/Subscribe
Real Simple says it tested more than 12 slow cookers but identifies just the three winners, which is less helpful than it could have been. One of the winners is the previous version of the Cuisinart 6.5-quart model, the larger version of the PSC-400, which is praised for having a retractable cord.
Review: The Best Slow-Cookers, Editors of Real Simple, Jan. 2008
4. About.com
Diana Rattray, About.com's guide to Southern food, rates 10 slow cookers based on her experience as a cooking expert. The Cuisinart PSC-400 isn't rated, but the 6.5-quart model makes the list. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Top 10 Guide Picks -- Slow Cookers and Crock Pots, Diana Rattray
5. Good HousekeepingDetails/Subscribe
Good Housekeeping says it tested 13 slow cookers but identifies only the four category winners, including the previous version of the Cuisinart PSC-400, which is named the "compact champ." The brief review notes that it doesn't cook as much food as larger slow cookers, which is the whole point.
Review: The Best Slow Cookers, Editors of Good Housekeeping, Jan. 2007
6. Woman's DayDetails/Subscribe
While the staff-tested slow cookers in this article are not ranked, seven top picks are mentioned. Each slow cooker is given a label, and the PSC-400 is labeled "easier than ever" for its programmability, touch-pad controls and retractable cord.
Review: State-of-the-Art Slow Cookers, Stephanie Lee, Oct. 23, 2008
7. Which? magazineDetails/Subscribe
Which? is a U.K.-based publication similar to ConsumerReports.org. More than a dozen slow cookers are tested for safety and cooking performance and then subjected to a user trial for more than two weeks. The Best Buy Cuisinart 6.5-quart slow cooker is the earlier model of the larger version of the PSC-400.
Review: Slow Cookers, Editors of Which? magazine
8. Amazon.com
User reviews give the Cuisinart PSC-400 a very high average score. Most say it's worth the cost, and that cheaper slow cookers burned food, but some users complain the PSC-400 runs too hot.
Review: Cuisinart PSC-400 4 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker, Contributors to Amazon.com
9. Cooking.com
Owner-written reviews at Cooking.com are not as critical as those at Amazon.com, and most write-ups are brief. The Cuisinart PSC-400 gets a near-perfect score, but there are only a handful of reviews available. Customers loved the ease of use, features, and stylish and sturdy exterior.
Review: Programmable Slow Cooker (4-qt.) by Cuisinart, Contributors to Cooking.com
Slow Cookers Runners Up:
4 picks including: About.com, Amazon.com…
4 picks including: About.com, Amazon.com…
4 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
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Cuisinart PSC-650 Stainless Steel 6-1/2-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
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Breville BSC560XL Stainless-Steel 7-Quart Slow Cooker with EasySear Insert
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