The Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker delivers exactly what busy families need: a no-frills, reliable workhorse that cooks large batches evenly without complicated programming. After analyzing over 1,500 verified customer reviews, the verdict is clear—this budget-friendly slow cooker earns its 4.6-star average on major retailers by doing the basics exceptionally well. If you want a simple, spacious slow cooker for pot roasts, stews, and meal prepping without paying for features you’ll never use, this Crock-Pot belongs on your counter.

Key Specifications at a Glance

What Real Owners Love About This Slow Cooker

The overwhelming consensus from verified purchasers centers on three strengths: generous capacity, even cooking performance, and refreshingly simple operation. According to reviews collected from Amazon and Walmart, where this model maintains a 4.6-star rating across nearly 10,000 reviews, customers consistently praise these qualities.

Perfect Size for Large Families and Meal Prep

The 7-quart capacity repeatedly earns praise from families and meal preppers alike. One reviewer who previously owned a 5-quart model explained: “I kept running out of space when making beef stew, not enough for potatoes and carrots and all the rest along with the slab of beef. This one holds a lot of stuff.” Another user with a family of six noted they needed a big slow cooker since their family “insists on eating three meals a day Every. Single. Day.” The oval shape accommodates whole chickens and large roasts that round cookers struggle to fit.

Hannah Everett, who purchased the 8-quart variant, confirmed: “The size is perfect for big batches, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd, and it heats evenly without hot spots.” Multiple reviewers echo this sentiment, with one stating it’s “perfect for meal prepping” and that they’ve “saved a ton of money” using it to prepare meals in advance.

Straightforward Manual Controls

In an age of overly complicated appliances, many owners appreciate this Crock-Pot’s back-to-basics approach. The simple dial offers just four positions: Off, Low, High, and Warm. As one retired user explained: “This is a stripped down model that I was looking for. Just wanted use without a bunch of automated stuff.” Another reviewer stated it perfectly: “Simplicity is hard not to like! No programming etc just plug in and it works without learning via its book or YouTube.”

A particularly detailed review from ObviouslyAnnie, which 1,124 people found helpful, compared this model to digital alternatives: “There’s a reason those 70’s Crock-pots still walk the earth serving fondue at your grandma’s Bridge Club potlucks: simplicity. There are no buttons on this Crockpot. There is no digital screen. There is only a single knob with four options.” She noted that what you give up in convenience, you make up for in durability and longevity.

Even Heating and Reliable Performance

Cooking performance receives consistently positive feedback. KennethCityMom reported: “The first thing I noticed is that it heated up very quickly even on the low setting.” One user made a chuck roast on low for 7 hours and called it “absolutely perfect.” Another noted: “I was worried it wouldn’t cook as well as my old one I had used for years, but it cooks so much better. The food even tastes better.”

The ceramic stoneware insert distributes heat evenly according to multiple reviews. V. Goldberg, who uses theirs primarily for making yogurt, praised its consistent temperature maintenance during 24-hour cooking sessions. Several users report successful bone broth preparations requiring extended cook times.

Exceptional Durability

Long-term durability emerges as a standout quality. Diana Rambert shared: “I had one just like this one for over 25 years. I gave it to my niece and it still is working.” Another reviewer stated: “I have had this pot for 2 years. It has been plugged in with water in it for the entire 2 years. Absolutely no problems.” Nathan Jellum confirmed similar longevity: “I’m writing a review for this that we bought two years ago. We use it very often and it has worked great.”

The ObviouslyAnnie review, updated over multiple years, provides particularly compelling evidence: “I bought this 8 quart Crock-pot through Amazon in December 2016. As of today, January 15th 2018, it is still running strong. I continue to use it several times a week and always run the crock liner and lid through the dishwasher.”

Easy Cleanup

The dishwasher-safe stoneware insert and glass lid receive frequent praise. Delaney Fouts noted: “I really like that it’s easy to clean.” Johnny M explained: “The Crockpot’s cleaning process is straightforward, provided that I promptly wash the pot after each use and prevent residue from cooling.” Multiple reviewers confirm that running both pieces through the dishwasher causes no damage or cracking, unlike some competing brands.

Common Complaints and Concerns

No product is perfect, and analyzing negative reviews reveals several recurring issues that potential buyers should consider before purchasing.

Hot Exterior Surface

The most frequently mentioned concern involves the outer shell getting very hot during operation. KennethCityMom noted: “One thing I didn’t like is that the metal on the outside of the crockpot got very hot. We don’t have little kids at home, but if we did, that would be a concern.” J.M. offered a similar warning: “Be careful and don’t touch its body—it is hot if you want to check its working or not.”

However, the detailed ObviouslyAnnie review provides perspective: “This is one of those ‘duh’ moments. Anything that cooks WILL get hot. Don’t touch hot things.” She noted that even “cool to the touch” competitors like Calphalon will still burn you, particularly on exposed areas of the crock liner.

No Indicator Light

Several reviewers wish this model included an indicator light to confirm the unit is on. J.M. specifically mentioned: “One and only thing I wish was different—any kind of light that indicates that the pot is indeed on.” The workaround many suggest is pairing it with a smart plug for remote monitoring and scheduling.

No Timer or Auto Shutoff

As a manual slow cooker, this model lacks programmable timer functions. Louis J Soule addressed this by purchasing “a new digital timer” separately. For users who want a set-it-and-forget-it experience, CNN Underscored notes that unless you want “the simplest possible device at an extremely reasonable price point, experts recommend spending a little more for a programmable slow cooker.”

Potential Food Sticking Issues

A small number of reviewers report food sticking or burning, particularly when using too much liquid. Louis J Soule shared his learning experience: “The first time I used it, I put too much liquid in it, and it wound up burning stuff on the inside of the burner.” KennethCityMom mentioned that “some of the stew got on the outside of the crockpot as I was scooping it out, and it landed on the ridge that goes around the bottom of the crockpot and it didn’t quite all come out.”

Many experienced slow cooker users recommend using Crock-Pot liners to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.

May Cook Hotter Than Expected

Some reviewers note this model cooks at higher temperatures than older Crock-Pot models or competing brands. KennethCityMom observed: “It seemed like it did cook more on the high setting even though it was set on low. That was OK, my meal turned out just fine.” G.S. offered practical advice: “Most if not all recipes call for 8-10 hours on low but I slow cook 3 lb pot roasts for exactly 6.5 hours. 8-10 hours turns meat into the consistency of baby food.”

No Locking Lid for Transport

Unlike Crock-Pot’s Cook & Carry models, this manual version lacks a locking lid. Ampat pointed out: “I don’t recommend traveling with it if it’s got food in it because there is no way to keep the lid on, but it works well for home use.” Users who frequently transport their slow cooker to potlucks or gatherings may want to consider a different model.

How It Compares to Digital and Premium Models

The Crock-Pot 7 Quart Manual Slow Cooker occupies a specific niche in the slow cooker market. According to Food Network’s testing, the All-Clad Gourmet Plus 7-Quart Slow Cooker earns “Best Overall” honors with superior programmability and temperature control—but at roughly 4-5 times the price.

ObviouslyAnnie’s review offers valuable comparison insights from her experience with multiple brands:

Temperature Control vs. MaxiMatic

The MaxiMatic 8-quart “cooked waaaay too hot (it boiled liquid on the lowest setting in under 5 minutes!)” and stopped working entirely after a few months. The Crock-Pot’s Low setting properly cooks a 4 lb pot roast all day (6+ hours), while High finishes in about 4 hours.

Durability vs. Calphalon Digital

Her Calphalon 7 Qt Digital Slow Cooker developed liquid seeping into the base and hairline cracks in the liner despite dedicated handwashing. After three replacement parts, Calphalon discontinued the product line entirely. The Crock-Pot has shown no issues after years of dishwasher use.

Manufacturing Quality

“I notice the glaze on the stoneware is much more even on the Crock-pot. It had thin spots, pits and irregularities in both the MaxiMatic and the Calphalon.”

The official Crock-Pot website rates this manual model at 3.9 out of 5 stars from 282 reviews, while their programmable 7-Quart Cook & Carry model earns 3.3 out of 5 stars—suggesting the simpler design actually delivers more consistent satisfaction.

Best Uses for This Slow Cooker

Based on hundreds of real-world user experiences, this Crock-Pot excels in specific scenarios:

Large Family Meals

Multiple reviewers confirm success with substantial recipes. Ralph H. Goldsen appreciates “tossing a large, cheap piece of meat (chuck roast? pork shoulder? whole chicken?) in the slow cooker, with ordinary potatoes and carrots and maybe a few string beans.” The 7-quart capacity serves 9+ people comfortably, making it ideal for Sunday dinners and family gatherings.

Meal Prepping

The generous size supports batch cooking for the week ahead. Delaney Fouts reported: “We have saved a ton of money meal prepping with this crock pot. The size is perfect for meal prepping.” The ability to cook large quantities of soups, stews, or shredded meat in one session appeals to busy households.

All-Day Cooking While at Work

Several reviewers describe the classic slow cooker use case. One Kindle Customer summarized: “Love it cooking is a breeze you set it go to work come home bam dinner is done.” The Low setting handles 6-8 hour cook times while owners are away, though some recommend using a separate timer or smart plug for precise control.

Specialty Applications

Beyond traditional recipes, users have found creative applications:

• Yogurt making: V. Goldberg uses theirs primarily to make yogurt monthly
• Bone broth: Adriana successfully prepared “sopa de huesos durante 24 horas” (bone soup for 24 hours)
• Homemade dog food: LScoty makes homemade dog food, noting “it makes life so much easier than stovetop since you do not have to stir but one time in the 4 hours”
• Boiled peanuts: V’s household bought it specifically for a “slow-cooker-required boiled peanut kit”

Tips From Experienced Owners

Long-term users offer practical advice for getting the best results:

Adjust Cook Times

G.S. emphasizes: “Most if not all recipes call for 8-10 hours on low but I slow cook 3 lb pot roasts for exactly 6.5 hours. 8-10 hours turns meat into the consistency of baby food.” Start checking your food earlier than recipes suggest, especially during your first few uses.

Use Appropriate Liquid Levels

Louis J Soule learned from experience: “The first time I used it, I put too much liquid in it, and it wound up burning stuff on the inside of the burner. This time I am using less liquid (but at least 8 oz of wine).” Slow cookers retain moisture more effectively than oven cooking, so reduce liquid by about one-third compared to traditional recipes.

Consider a Smart Plug

J.M. mentioned: “Will be adding a smart plug for it!” This allows remote monitoring and automatic scheduling to compensate for the lack of built-in timer functions.

Use Crock-Pot Liners

DWC notes: “At times, I use crockpot liners—depends on what I’m cooking.” These disposable liners minimize cleanup, especially with sticky or cheesy recipes.

Clean Promptly

Johnny M advises cleaning “promptly” after use to “prevent residue from cooling” and hardening on the stoneware surface.

Who Should Buy This Slow Cooker

This Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker is ideal for:

• Budget-conscious shoppers who want reliable performance without paying for digital features
• Families of 4-9 people who need generous capacity for large meals
• Home cooks who value simplicity and don’t need programmable timers
• Meal preppers who batch cook soups, stews, and proteins weekly
• Anyone replacing an older Crock-Pot who wants familiar, straightforward operation
• Cooks who will be home to monitor and turn off the unit when food is ready

Who Should Consider Other Options

This model may not suit everyone. Consider alternatives if you:

• Need a programmable timer: Look at the Crock-Pot 7-Quart Cook & Carry or similar digital models
• Frequently transport food: Models with locking lids offer safer travel
• Have young children: The hot exterior may be a safety concern
• Cook for 1-2 people: A 4-quart model would be more appropriate
• Want set-it-and-forget-it convenience: Programmable models with auto-warm functions offer more flexibility

Final Verdict

The Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker earns its reputation as a dependable kitchen workhorse. With 4.6 stars across thousands of verified purchases, proven durability spanning decades of real-world use, and a price point that undercuts premium competitors by 70-80%, this model delivers outstanding value for families who prioritize substance over bells and whistles.

As reviewer baseballmom put it after replacing her 30-year-old Crock-Pot with this exact model: “I figured if that one served me well all these years there was no need to get fancy with a replacement. That’s the essence of crockpot cooking. Turn it on and let it go for several hours.”

For straightforward slow cooking that just works, the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker remains a smart, reliable choice backed by thousands of satisfied home cooks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the wattage of the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Manual Slow Cooker?

According to product specifications, the Crock-Pot SCV700-SS operates at approximately 265-270 watts. Some older versions may vary slightly, with customer reports indicating wattages between 265-370 watts depending on the specific model year and variant.

Is the stoneware insert dishwasher safe?

Yes, both the removable stoneware insert and the glass lid are dishwasher-safe. Multiple long-term reviewers confirm running both pieces through the dishwasher regularly without cracking or damage, unlike some competing brands.

Can this slow cooker fit a whole chicken?

Yes, the 7-quart oval shape accommodates whole chickens and roasts up to 7 pounds. Multiple reviewers specifically mention cooking whole chickens successfully, and the oval design provides more versatility than round cookers for larger cuts of meat.

Does this model have a timer?

No, this is a manual slow cooker with a simple dial offering Off, Low, High, and Warm settings. It does not include a programmable timer or auto-shutoff feature. Many owners pair it with a separate kitchen timer or smart plug for scheduling needs.

How long should I cook a pot roast on low?

Experienced owners recommend 6-7 hours on Low for a 3-4 pound pot roast, rather than the 8-10 hours many recipes suggest. User G.S. specifically notes: “8-10 hours turns meat into the consistency of baby food.” Start checking your roast earlier than the recipe indicates, especially during your first few uses with this model.

Does the outside get hot?

Yes, the exterior metal shell gets very hot during operation. This is a common characteristic of slow cookers in this price range. Reviewers recommend keeping it away from counter edges where children might touch it and using caution when checking on food.