Crock-Pot 6.5-Quart, Programmable Touchscreen Slow Cooker Review
Quality - 100%
Features - 100%
Price - 97%
Personal Experience - 100%
Value - 98%
99%
Looks Awesome!
Soak in the stylish design of the Crock-Pot SCVT650-PS because it's one of a kind. The chrome color and digital touchscreen interface are not common at all. If you've got a modern looking kitchen or just think it's time for slow cookers to catch up with the rest of the world, then this is the model for you. Also, considering it's the Crock-Pot brand, it's reliable as well. 1,000+ people on Amazon agree with me!
Introduction
Normally I like to review slow cookers that are part of a lineup like Cook and Carry or Set ‘n Forget, but this time I decided to purchase, test, and review a very unique slow cooker just because it looked so different: the Crock-Pot 6.5-Quart Programmable Touchscreen Slow Cooker. There are a few main things which make this cooker unique, which should be immediately obvious just by looking at the photo on the top of this page.
But can looks and fun features really make a difference in your slow cooking? Let's take a look at what you get with the Crock Pot SCVT650-PS.
Standard Features
Though the SCVT650-PS looks pretty fancy, it comes with all basic features of any other slow cooker you've ever used. It's got a low/high/warm setting, and because this is a digital programmable cooker, it also has an automatic warming feature. The lid and crock are dishwasher safe. Actually, I thought the lid had kind of a cool design! At first I thought it was broken but nope – it was just a modern design. The crock is oven safe but you should not use it with any direct head like the burner or broiler.
The bottom of this Crock-Pot has rubber feet to prevent sliding, and there are cool-touch handles on the side made of silicon. However, as one video reviewer commented, and I personally discovered, they are not “cool”. The handles definitely heat up with the slow cooker. The silicon part does not cover the full handle, and underneath it is metal, so there is a chance of burning yourself. I was able to touch both the silicon and the metal without issue, but it was noticeably hot and I would not want to leave my hand there.
Plain, plastic handles are much more practical, but these definitely look stylish. I don't mind grabbing a dish towel or oven mitt if it means that I have a pleasant-looking appliance that matches my kitchen. If you use a slow cooker every day, how your appliances match could definitely be something worth considering before you commit to buying!
Extra Features
Now, the fun part! This was a fun slow cooker to review because there are some cool features to talk about. I've reviewed almost 50 different slow cookers on FoodForNet, and sometimes it gets a bit monotonous…they are all very similar. Not model SCVT650-PS from Crock-Pot though!
First off, it's very obviously a unique color. The chrome finish is not something you see every day in kitchen appliances. Typically you'll get red, black, silver, or white for slow cookers. Though they call it “silver” instead of chrome, it's clearly a reflective chrome color versus the typical stainless steel look of silver. This really makes the slow cooker stand out, especially with black accents like the digital interface, lid handle, and silicon wraps for the carrying handles.
Best of all (this is really neat), you get a touchscreen interface! As far as I know this is the only touchscreen slow cooker out there, which makes this one from Crock-Pot truly one of a kind. Does a touchscreen make your food tasted better? Nope. But it's fun, and it makes your kitchen look more modern.
The downside to a touchscreen is that there's more of a chance that some kind of electronic issue will happen down the road. With other manual slow cookers, you select the temperature to cook at with a physical dial. Not much to worry about there. The cooker works or doesn't. Here though, much like newer cars, you simply have more things that can go wrong.
Still, regardless of that one negative I think I would prefer to have a touchscreen than a typical dial. I'm a millenial, love technology, and think it's about time slow cookers made some changes. I don't think there's been any real updates since the 50's!
Cooking Experience
OK OK OK. Enough about the looks and design. Did this thing actually perform like a regular slow cooker? How did the meal turn out? Well, as with any device, it takes some getting used to. Each device has its own temperature and heating settings that may change the outcome of a recipe you often make. With the 6.5 quart programmable touchscreen slow cooker from Crock-Pot, I made a shrimp risotto.
The results were not perfect. It turned out more like a “porridge” than risotto, as you can see from the photo. That's not to say it wasn't good – it was delicious. And the next day I made leftovers, adding veggies to make a kind of chicken soup veggie porridge. Yum! But it certainly wasn't classic risotto. The recipe will need some tweaking, or perhaps risotto just wasn't intended for the slow cooker.
But even though the dish didn't turn out perfect, I was still happy with the way the Crock-Pot slow cooker performed. I was able to time it correctly, it automatically switched to warm when finished, and it was easy to clean up. Though warm, I actually really liked how sturdy the handles felt, and the sleek curve design of the lid handle.
Comparing The SCVT650-PS To Other Slow Cookers
At 6.5 quarts, it's a little larger than the 6 quart programmable slow cooker from Crock Pot I previously reviewed. Will 1/2 a quart make much of a difference either way? Probably not. Hamilton beach also makes programmable slow cookers of this size, and there are many types. One is the Stay or Go model which has locking clips to secure the lid for traveling with your cooker. The other is the Set ‘n Forget model which has a temperature probe that allows you to measure the internal temperature of meats through a port in the lid. You can also set the cooker to stop cooking when the probe reaches a certain temperature.
If you're just looking for a regular style slow cooker, you could also consider these Crock-Pot standard models. There's nothing fancy about them except for a few more color and size choices. Otherwise, they're pretty much the same. Because they don't have the touchscreen interface or chrome design, they'll be about ten to twenty dollars cheaper, even for the programmable versions. Manual versions will be about 1/2 the price of this one.
That may seem like a huge discount, but remember that most slow cookers last for several years before they need to be replaced. Some last longer! Twenty bucks in the long run doesn't matter much. Still you may want the base model with no programming for extended cook times or even a color that will be easier to clean. Chrome tends to attract fingerprints!
For me? This is definitely in one of my Top 3 favorite slow cookers of all time. With over 1,000 reviews and excellent ratings on Amazon, I think most people agree with me. This model was even tested and mentioned on CHOW magazine a couple years ago.
Top Mid-Range 6-Quart Slow Cookers
Who Is The Crock Pot 6.5 Quart Programmable Touchscreen Slow Cooker Best For?
This slow cooker is going to be good for a few types of people. I cook for one, and would consider buying this pot to have leftovers I can pack up and reheat for lunch. It means I can make ribs without firing up the BBQ in the winter, and also make a stew without putting much effort into it (plus I can leave the house int he meantime).
However, 6.5 quart capacity is best for a small family, since it feeds 4-6 people.
If you like the touchscreen interface and “tech” look, then this is basically the only choice. No one else has this type of thing right now. It'll go perfect in a very modern kitchen as well. Most slow cookers are like the forgotten appliance, still using basic colors and sitting in the corner. If you find your cooker on the counter often because you use it so much, consider getting a fancy looking one like this one.
==> Get This Slow Cooker!
Conclusion
Though it doesn't make the food taste better, it makes my kitchen look better and I enjoy using it more. The touchscreen is just “extra”, but sometimes it's nice to have nice things. For a few dollars more, you can get a beautiful, reliable appliance rather than a very standard and boring version. I'll probably keep this one instead of reselling it like I usually do after I test an appliance and review it here on my site.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- Awesome, Innovative Design
- Reliable Brand
- Touchscreen and Light Display
- Dishwasher Safe Stoneware/Lid
- Easy Clean
Cons
- Slightly More Expensive Than Other Similar Sized Slow Cookers
- Hot Handles
==> Get The Crock-Pot 6.5 Quart Touchscreen Slow Cooker Here!
Top Mid-Range 6-Quart Slow Cookers
Gourmia SlowSmart 8.5 Quart Digital Slow Cooker Review
Overall, this is an excellent review of the Crock Pot new model and I like how you wrote the review, like you were talking to me. One question I have is can the crock be lifted out to be used as the serving vessel on the dinner table? This option is very important to me when using the Crock Pot for dinner guests.
Yes, you can lift out the crock for this one just like any other type of crock pot!
Thanks Nathaniel for your excellent review. I’m definitely liking the features as well as the size. It may cost a little more that the average slow cooker in it’s category but it sounds like it’s worth the price. Convenience in cooking is my motto and this one fits my needs. Thanks for sharing your review.
Jerome
I love using a crock pot when I have a busy day ahead of me. Have you ever heard about there being lead in crock pots? I have heard that some of the glazes on the vessel may contain lead. This is a concern for me as I have a really old cock pot from my grandmother. I like the look of this crock pot. Does it come with a warranty?
99% of the time this is not an issue. As far as I know, the “lead” was contained in the natural material in the crock stoneware, and it sealed in from the glaze. If you are cooking with a cracked crock for a long period of time, there could be an issue, but if your crock pot is in order, then you won’t have any problems at all.
How’d you know I was cooking in my crock pot tonight? 🙂 We’ve got a good one but it’s small. So this bigger one might be perfect for those times when we want leftovers like you mentioned or for bigger items such as ribs.
I’m assuming that the handles aren’t much hotter than other crockpots or are they?
Thx
I didn’t know about slow cookers before reading your article, but it looks like this one is a must-have! Good to have mentioned a recipe you made with your cooker. The photos are great too, I suppose you made it yourself? Also I’d like to know which plugin you used to link to Amazon? It adds a very professional touch to your page.
Great review you got there! I have never used a crock pot before and have never known its benefits, but now Im thinking..I need one of these!!
Plus love your recipes, and love the way you give out a detailed description of the recipes.Will definitely be back to try out some.Thanks!
Thank you, Nathaniel, for a great review! I love crock pots and use them often, especially in the winter. Crock Pot is a well-known brand and they surely charge for it. Based on your review, I’d give it 4 stars and not 5. It is overpriced, handles get hot and one has to bother himself to look for a towel to touch, and there is no lock on the lid for transportation. Hmm, I think I will be sticking to my Hamilton Beach. But the looks got ‘ya! 🙂
Katya.
That’s OK Katya! Everyone has different tastes 🙂
Great article on your particular crock pot. I enjoyed being able to have a list of recipes to use with your appliance. Have you made a successful dish with your crock pot besides the risotto? It would help me on my decision to purchase it. It would be great to compare the difference.
Actually, the shrimp risotto was a disaster! My favorite invention so far was the slow cooker prawn laksa!
Thank you so much for this very descriptive review. I have been looking for a nice crockpot for some time now, and this really sets some high standards! I also love that you left a video with your review that showed the results of using this one as opposed to the other popular brands.
Save me some of that risotto next time!
-Cameron
In my house hold there are a lot of Middle Eastern dishes that we cook, and a lot of them need a slow cooker, my mother has this really OLD school one, and her birthday is coming up so I am thinking of getting her one, I am glad I ran this post, the Crock Pot seems to be a good choice to go with, my question for you is, since my mom isn’t the most “technologically advanced” (lol, Moms) person, do you think this would be confusing for someone like her?
That’s a great idea! Sometimes you get so used to “old school” that you forget technology has advanced a lot of things – even slow cookers. Using an automated one like this would definitely mean your mom could spend less time in the kitchen, and she might even be impressed by the touchscreen tech. Hopefully she’s not scared of it! I”m not sure how quickly your mom is willing to adopt techie things 🙂
Hey I found your blog very interesting and delicious, I love your recipes I would definetly make a few.
Your review is so helpful for people like me that don’t have to much experience cooking this info can avoid a messy shop haha I would think that any of this Crock Pot are the same and do the same haha I there is a lot of people with no experience like me that can find this info very good.
So thank you for the time for writting this
Bedya
I have literally just started using crock pots within the past month. I’ve never been much of a chef so when I first realized how unbelievably simple crock pot cooking was, it was a game changer for me.
This one looks like a cool option. As you mentioned a lot of it is aesthetics, as a touch screen helps modernize the look. Having a modern-looking kitchen though this seems like a cool feature. As long as it works and cooks my food properly, it seems like a win.
Thanks for the review.
– Jamie
I actually owned one of these once and thought it was very good, it was an older version. I think it was a 4.5 not a 6.5, I think the 6.5 is a much better size to cook in and own because it’s big enough if you have guests. I’m not one for buying cheap products, even though this is a little pricer I do believe you get what you pay for with most things. I do love the Crock pot you’ve reviewed and I especially like your recipes on your site Nathaniell.
Hi there,
Just curious, how long have you used this crockpot model and is cleaning it up easy to-do?
I can certainly understand that Crock-pot is a well known brand, but given the electronic ‘touch-screen’ interface, I was not too confident on the durability of the electronics in this case…
Great Page, it seems you emplyed with this website. I see much work behind. Everything what its needed in a kitchen to cook something new, or tasty, is there. And everything was described good as well. I think i will put it in my favorites and if i want to cook something tasy i will visit your page. Thank you! Great work!
Wow! The title for the Crockpot alone is impressive! Who knew crockpots were so technologically advanced!
Nice informative site and article! Very easy and clear to read, which is awesome for those trying to find a quality crockpot. I know that I am not that advanced when it comes to cooking, but I am definitely trying to get more into it! 🙂
Hello
Thanks for such an informative and helpful reviews.
I have been looking for the exact capabilities of this particular cooker and I am pleased to learn it can be this awesome. But, kindly where can I buy it at the lowest price and if possible avoid shipping cost?
Eagerly waiting for your response
If you get it from Amazon, you can get free Prime shipping! This varies by country though. Shipping from Amazon overseas can be expensive. I looked into buying one of these in the Philippines recently and it was almost 2x the cost! It was cheaper to buy it from Amazon, then ship it via USPS than it was to have Amazon ship directly.
Hi Nathaniell
Thanks for sharing this great Crock Pot 6.5 Quart.
Many years ago I got my first Crock Pot, at the moment I don’t have any, think it’s time to get one.
I see the risotto looked a little bit over cooked, I wonder about Mexican style rice, have you cooked it on your crock pot?
I see also it is easy clean, sounds good for me.
Alejandra.
I wish I had found your page before I bought a new crockpot! The touch screen feature is very cool. Not sure how I feel about the hot handles though. The company should take that into consideration, I feel like it would be a simple fix! I love how you’re website is set up by the way. Very clean, and easy to navigate!
A slow cooker is a must have small appliance, especially for those who work and want a meal ready for them at the end of their day. Sorry that your risotto did not come out as planned. I usually use slow cookers mostly for things like soups or to make chili never tried anything fancy although they do say you can prepare allot of different dishes with a slow cooker. One of these days I will try something different and hope it turns out with great results as expected. This is a great review on a this particular model of a slow cooker and it would be really nice if it came in different colors for those who are interested in a retro vintage style feel in their kitchen.
Is good a read this. i have been looking for best crock pot, thanks for this review.
i like the hamilton beach set. i think it may cost a little higher but i like the features.
In fact i did not know that it can be use for roasting chicken.
Nathaniel, thanks so much for this review it has enlightening me on this product.
I bought this beautiful looking pot because of the mod look and touch programmable feature. The one thing that is not mentioned anywhere I looked (on other sites also) was the weight of the appliance. I am finding it very heavy (probably 15lbs) and had I known would not have purchased it. It is not user friendly for arthritic seniors because of the weight. Here in Canada I can return it but have to pay $45 shipping which is prohibitive for me. I did make a molten lava cake and it turned out exactly as the recipe and awesome but I will not be using it very much. I did appreciate your review and based my purchase on it.
Sorry to hear that! 15 pounds is on the heavier site – about 3 pounds more than a standard 6-quart pot. As a young man, maybe I interpreted that as sturdiness, but I can see that it could be a problem for some seniors. Thanks for taking the time to let us know about your experience!
Is there any such thing as a crockpot that is lightweight? What size pot do I need to cook a small 3lb turkey breast?