The KitchenAid KSC700SS Slow Cooker is the largest and most powerful slow cooker in its class. This unit boasts 400 watts of power (as compared with a standard 250 watts or lower on most slow cookers). The added wattage boosts the unit's temperature more quickly so foods are properly cooked faster. The fast-heating element also recovers from heat losses (such as when the lid is lifted) faster so the unit can resume cooking.

With this model, you get a brushed stainless-steel oval base, a removable 7-quart stoneware insert and a clear glass lid. The elongated oval measures approximately 19 inches long by 15 inches wide including the side handles and controls. The crock itself has a usable capacity of 9 inches (width) by 13 inches (length) by 5 inches (height). It easily accommodates up to 6 pounds of pork ribs, a 5-pound pot roast with all the trimmings or a 7-pound turkey breast.

We found that the KitchenAid slow cooker did in fact cook foods faster and offered more variety in terms of temperature options. Whereas most slow cookers have just two settings: High and Low, this model offers five distinct options: Buffet, which is used exclusively for serving to keep cooked foods at an optimal temperature; Simmer, which cooks foods at a low 185 degree setting; Low, which uses a slightly higher 203 degree setting; High, which reaches a boiling temperature of 212 degrees; and Auto, which is a preprogrammed stepped setting that begins cooking on High for two hours, then switches to Low for up to eight additional hours. All of the times are programmable, allowing you to specify the precise cooking time needed.

The digital display counts down to show the time remaining in the cooking cycle, then all settings (with the exception of Buffet) switch to Keep Warm for four hours. We liked the fact that the time can be adjusted at any point in the cooking cycle by pressing the + or - buttons on the control panel.

One of the best features on the KitchenAid KSC700SS slow cooker is its automatic electronic temperature sensor, which monitors the food temperature and adjusts itself to maintain a consistent heat level inside the pot. In the event of a power outage, the cooker will alert you if the food temperature falls below the recommended USDA temperature range.

The large crock has a full-perimeter flared rim to help capture condensation and act as a handle for easy lifting. The crock (rim included) does get quite hot during use so pot holders are a must. The lid has an interesting rubber gasket-like silicone seal around its edge to cushion it when placing it against the stoneware. The silicone seal helps keep moisture inside the pot during cooking; however, its open-ended design makes it more challenging to clean. Another feature we found quite useful was the internal capacity markings on the inside of the crock. Markings for each quart level (1 through 7) are printed on the inside of the bowl.

Because of its extra-large capacity, the KitchenAid KSC700SS is ideal for preparing party-size batches of soup, stew, chili and one-pot meals. It is not designed for smaller one-or two person meals, since the limited quantity would spread too thinly across the base and not cook properly.


Pros: Digital display, countdown timer, electronic temperature sensor, five heat settings, 7-quart capacity, 400 watts
Cons: Oversize housing, too large for small batches

Warranty
1 year, hassle-free replacement