Few things in life are as comforting as a home-cooked meal, and the slow cooker is one of the best ways to achieve that. A slow cooker is a great way to make a hearty, filling meal with little effort. With just a few ingredients, you can have a delicious dinner that’s ready when you are.
Introduce the West Bend slow cooker
The West Bend slow cooker is a great way to cook a variety of recipes. It has several features that make it unique, such as the ability to brown meat before cooking, a removable lid for easy cleaning, and a variety of settings.
To use the West Bend slow cooker, first brown any meat that you will be using in the recipe. Add the rest of the ingredients and set the timer. The slow cooker will automatically switch to the “keep warm” setting once the timer expires.
One great recipe to try in the West Bend slow cooker is beef stew. Brown one pound of beef cubes in a tablespoon of oil. Then, add two cups of diced potatoes, one cup of carrots, one onion, and two cups of beef broth. Set the timer for eight hours and let the stew cook.
West Bend Company
Founded in 1911 in West Bend, Wisconsin. West Bend® is a trademark of The Legacy Companies.
The West Bend Company is a leading manufacturer of small kitchen appliances, including slow cookers. The company has been in business for over 100 years and is headquartered in Wisconsin.
West Bend is the only company that makes slow cookers these days, and their quality can be seen in every product. There were other brands with similar products but no reviews or websites available to me so we’ll have to take this into account when deciding if it’s worth buying one for yourself.
West Bend Slow Cooker Features
West Bend makes both an electric and a stovetop slow cooker. The electric version has a browning function, which allows you to brown meat before cooking. It also has a removable lid for easy cleaning. The stovetop version does not have these features, but it is still a great slow cooker.
The slow cooker is great for cooking all sorts of dishes, including soups and stews. The large capacity means you can cook food larger than what the USDA recommends without worry about it doubling in size when cooked at high heat typically found with other types of kitchen appliances; even if that does happen though – just keep on going!
Other than the slight difference in size, the only other variation between these two models is that the 5-quart model is manual with 5 different temperature options, numbered 1-5, while the 6-quart model is digital and programmable, with 4 settings of warm, low, high, and griddle, with an automatic Keep Warm function and auto-shut off after 24 hours.
These lightweight and durable pots are perfect for any type of meal. Not only do they have the nonstick griddle, but also can go in your dishwasher if needed! You’ll love how easy this product makes cooking at home with its convenience features like being able to use it on all different types of heat sources or settings – from stove top over oven up even fridge temps (yes please). Modern models are available at Amazon.
West Bend Slow Cooker Warranty
West Bend’s warranty is a one-year protection plan.
West Bend (“the Company”) warrants this appliance from failures in the material and workmanship for one (1) year from the date of original purchase with proof of purchase, provided that the appliance is operated and maintained in conformity with the Instruction Manual. Any failed part of the appliance will be repaired or replaced without charge at the Company’s discretion. This warranty applies to indoor household use only.
They also provide recipe booklets with tips on how to cook your favorite meals in their slow cookers.
Vintage west bend slow cooker Models
Choosing vintage over modern one is a personal choice, much like anything else in life. There are a few things to keep in mind when making this decision:
- How often will you use it?
- What type of foods do you want to make?
- Do you prefer the older models because of their aesthetic value or because they’re simpler to operate?
If you think you’ll use your slow cooker often, then it’s worth investing in a newer model. If you only plan on using it occasionally, then a vintage model should suffice.
As for the type of food you want to make, both new and old models can make all sorts of dishes. However, if you want to make more complex meals, then a newer model with more features might be a better option.
If you’re interested in the aesthetic value of vintage appliances, then a vintage slow cooker is a great option. These cookers can add a touch of charm to your kitchen. If you prefer simplicity, then an older model might be a better choice. These cookers are often less expensive and easier to operate.
You could buy some vintage models at eBay.
Grilling Food and Temperature Guide
It is not necessary to grease grilling surface before using as surface has a non-stick finish. Preheat grill base at Med (#4) or HI (#5) for 5 minutes.
West Bend Slow Cooker Recipes
Beef Vegetable Soup
- 1½ Lbs Beef soup bones or 1 pound beef short ribs
- 1½ Qts Water
- 1 Tsp Salt
- ¼ Tsp Pepper
- 2 Carrots, chopped
- 2 Ribs celery, chopped
- 2 Potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 Small onion, chopped
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 16 oz Can whole tomatoes, undrained
Place soup bone, water, salt, pepper, carrots, celery, potatoes, onion and bay
leaf into slow cooking pot. Cover and slow cook at LO (#3) for 6 to 7 hours.
Remove soup bone and cool slightly. Remove meat from bones and return to
soup with tomatoes. Cover and slow cook an additional hour. Noodles or barley
may be added, if desired. Makes 6 servings.
Corned Beef and Cabbage
- 3 – 4 Lb Corned beef brisket
- 1 Medium onion – sliced
- ½ Tsp Celery seed
- ½ Tsp Mustard seed
- 1 Clove garlic – minced
- 1 Bay leaf
- Water
- 1 Small head cabbage – cut into wedges
Place brisket with liquid and spices from package in slow cooking pot. Add
onion, celery seed, mustard seed, garlic and bay leaf. Add just enough water to
cover brisket (about 4 cups). Cover and cook at LO (#3) for 7 to 9 hours or until
brisket is fork tender.
During last hour of cooking, add cabbage wedges and continue cooking at LO
(#3). Discard cooking liquid and spices. Makes 6 servings.
West Bend Slow Cooker Manual
5 – 6 Quart Slow Cookers™ Instruction Manual. You can download it – here.
Slow Cooker or Crockpot?
A crockpot is a type of slow cooker. The term “crockpot” is a trademark of Sunbeam Products, Inc., so you might see it used interchangeably with “slow cooker.” Both refer to the same appliance.
When shopping for a slow cooker, you might see the terms “crock pot” and “slow cooker” used interchangeably. These are both types of appliances that cook food slowly over time. The Crockpot is actually a brand name, so when people use this term, they are usually referring to any type of slow cooker, not just ones made by the Crock Pot company.
So there you have it! If you’re in the market for a new slow cooker, West Bend is a great option. One thing that has always impressed me is how you can sear a roast before adding its juice or water to create additional flavor in your dish! With its large capacity, durable construction, and multiple heat settings, it’s perfect for cooking all sorts of dishes.
As for me, I love the idea of this West Bend slow cooker. It’s also a great idea for a gift, and it would be perfect for anyone who loves to cook.
FAQ
What are the settings on a West Bend slow cooker?
There are three settings on a West Bend slow cooker: high, low, and warm.
What number is low on West Bend slow cooker?
The low setting on a West Bend slow cooker is 200 degrees.
Can I put my West Bend slow cooker in the oven?
No, you should not put your West Bend slow cooker in the oven.
How many quarts is a West Bend slow cooker?
A West Bend slow cooker is available in 5, 6, and 7 quart sizes.
What do the settings on a slow cooker mean?
The settings on a slow cooker indicate the cooking temperature. High is typically between 300- 350 degrees Fahrenheit, low is between 200-250 degrees Fahrenheit, and warm is between 120-180 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does it take to cook a roast in a slow cooker?
It usually takes 8-10 hours to cook a roast in a slow cooker.
Overall
As for me, I love the idea of this West Bend slow cooker. It’s also a great idea for a gift, and it would be perfect for anyone who loves to cook.
I’m Michael Barnes and I love what I do. Every day, I get to work with the land and help create something that is essential for life. But it’s not always easy. Every day brings new challenges or unexpected natural disasters in order to produce what we need every day: meat; fruit, juice, and healthy dairy products!
