When it comes to cooking meals, the Crock-Pot 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker is right in line with other slow cookers. Like most slow cookers, it's meant to gently cook food over several hours. This method helps develop flavors and makes tougher cuts of meat nice and tender.

You'll find two main settings on this Crock-Pot: high and low. Based on our research, if you use the 'low' setting, most meals will take about 8 to 10 hours to cook, which is pretty standard. If you're in more of a hurry, though, the 'high' setting will get the job done in about 4 to 5 hours. This is comparable to what you'd get with similar slow cookers, so speed-wise, it's on par with the rest.

What makes this Crock-Pot handy is its programmable feature. You can set specific cooking times, and once cooking is done, it'll switch to a 'warm' setting automatically. This is a lifesaver if you're planning to be out while your food's cooking, keeping your meal ready without overcooking it.

One thing that stands out from our data is that some folks like its large capacity—great for feeding a crowd. However, keep in mind that it doesn't have a locking lid. The lid just sits on top and isn't sealed, which is common for many home slow cookers, but worth noting if you're thinking about taking it places.

The lid can shift if it's not sealed, so transporting a full Crock-Pot with lots of liquid might be tricky. If secure transport is important, you might want to look into models with locking lids. There are other brands out there that offer lids with a clip-tight sealing feature.

But if you need a slow cooker for home with reliable cooking times, this Crock-Pot should fit the bill nicely.

Hey there! So, I checked into this: according to the manufacturer's product description, the Crock-Pot 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker doesn't mention including a cookbook. So, it probably doesn't come with one.

While we're on the topic, there are a few other things worth noting about it. This slow cooker has a digital timer you can set for up to 20 hours, and it automatically switches to a "Warm" mode when the cooking's done—pretty handy if you ask me.

Cleanup's easy too, since the lid and pot are dishwasher-safe.

Now, according to our research, some folks have mentioned a couple of quirks. The 'Low' temperature setting might cook a little hotter than expected, and the outer shell can get quite warm, so you'll want to be careful not to burn yourself.

There's also talk about the outer shell denting easily and the lid not sealing perfectly because it doesn't have a gasket.

Just some things to think about before you decide to snag one. Hope this helps!

If you're wondering about the heat on the outside of the Crock-Pot 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker, you're in good company—lots of people have the same concern. According to our research, the exterior can get pretty warm while it's in use, especially if you're cooking for a long time or at high settings. This warmth is actually quite normal for slow cookers since the heat needed to cook the food also affects the outer surface.

Although the manufacturer doesn't specify exact temperatures for the casing, it’s smart to treat it like any other appliance that gets warm. Keep it in a heat-resistant spot and maybe use a pot holder when you’re handling it, just to be safe.

The cooker’s design is such that most of the heat is directed inward to efficiently prepare your meal, but some inevitably escapes, warming up the outer shell. It's usually not hot enough to burn you right away, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye on kids or pets who might not know better than to touch it.

The slow cooker is also built to spread heat evenly, helping to avoid any really hot spots on the outside. While it might feel warm, its design aims to keep the heat mainly inside the crock.

In terms of ease of use, even if the exterior gets warm, the Crock-Pot is pretty convenient in other ways. The stoneware insert and lid are dishwasher-safe, making clean-up a breeze, which many people appreciate, according to the manufacturer's product details.

So, in short, while the outside can get warm, it's designed with safety in mind. Just be cautious about where you put it and who can reach it while it’s on to keep your kitchen safe.