Elite Connoisseur EWMST-325R Maxi-Matic Triple Sluggish Cooker Buffet Server Adjustable Temp Dishwasher-Protected Oval Ceramic Pots, Lid Rests, 3 x 2.5 Qt Capability, Pink

5 THINGS TO LOOK FOR
I’ve used this Elite EWMST-325 for the past 3 years at family gatherings, and it has held up very well with no problems. This Christmas, my boyfriend bought a similar product (by Farberware, a well-known maker of kitchen pots, etc) and brought it over to put on the kitchen peninsula next to this one, as we were serving quite a variety of food. For me, it allowed a comparison situation which emphasized all the benefits this Elite model has that his did not have:1) Lid rests. His didn’t have any at all so his lids ended up on the counter and it just seemed less sanitary that way…my Elite allowed a person to hold their plate in one hand and serve up food with the other with the lid in a sanitary location, and later on they detach for storage inside the crocks.2) Notches/slots in the crocks. This Elite model has the notches for the handles of the serving utensils to stick out while still allowing a lid to securely cover the crock and keep food warm. My boyfriend’s version had no notches at all, so if a serving utensil was left in, then the lid slid around – that puts glass lids at a higher risk for falling and breaking.3) 2.5 qt capacity of each crock. We used each of the 3 crocks in the Elite for a different food item, and served 5 people. While the crocks weren’t so filled to the brim that food spilled, the 2.5 qt capacity was roomy enough to allow for 2nd and 3rd helpings and I (the hostess) still enjoyed leftovers for a few days after the event. The other brand had 1.5 qt capacity crocks and I don’t think it would have served all 5 of us, especially things like potatoes or stuffing or mac ‘n’ cheese ( I want to call them “fluffy” foods, but there’s got to be a better word, I’m just at a loss right now), though it may be OK for peas or corn (we actually used my boyfriend’s 1.5 Qt crocks for gravy, cranberries, and beets -which we knew not everyone wanted so there was a smaller quantity)4) 3 levels of heat settings (his brand has that too, but it IS such an important feature I had to mention it.)5) Removable, individual food containers. I call them crocks, they are basically ceramic. Take them out and you’ll see the unit has a permanently attached metal liner the crocks fit into. The removable crocks can go in the fridge, and in the sink later for easy cleanup. They cannot go directly on a stovetop and if I recall correctly, the instructions said they don’t want you to microwave them either. The Elite and my boyfriend’s similar version both have removable crocks. You just don’t want a giant one-piece unit that serves multiple food items, it would be heavy and hard to clean.HOT TIP: I bought a set of 11″ stainless steel basting/serving spoons here on Amazon and they are the PERFECT size for this Elite warmer. You can get a set of a dozen for about $18 American here on Amazon. They are restaurant/caterinq-quality, always useful, and they nest compactly so they don’t take up much drawer space. Just make sure you get the 11″ size so that they are long enough that the handles don’t get lost sliding into the food, and they rest perfectly in the notch with about 2″ extending out to grab. I’ve always used solid spoons, but you may prefer a few slotted spoons depending on what your are serving, and those can be found in the 11″ size as well.Note: The Elite EWMST-325 is large and therefore can be a little hard to store, but I take off the lid rests and store them and the lids inside the crocks (I do not keep the lids on top, but sort of vertical inside the crocks to make it less likely for them to slide off white I’m doing all the maneuvering), and slide it at an angle into my lower cabinets and then straighten it out against the back wall. My cabinets are wider than they are deep, so this method lets it get past that section of wood that is between the 2 cabinet doors. When my friend Shannon was remodeling her kitchen, she specified a deeper cabinet just for her Elite food warmer! She uses it so regularly she wanted super-easy access to it. That alone should tell you how great this item is!

Great for keeping food warm
This works really well at keeping multiple foods warm.I hosted a family potluck (about 20 people) and needed a way to keep the food warm that I prepared. These are a great size for a crowd and I used it for sides such as corn, green beans and stuffing.It worked very well. Each pot has its own dial. The lid holders are such an amazing convenience. I haven’t tried cooking in it yet, but it does function like a regular crock pot. The exterior gets hot as the crocks heat up; so be careful of that. I did not attempt to lift or move the whole thing while filled because that didn’t seem like a good idea (food spilling everywhere, prob way too heavy). The pots each can be removed separately. Clean up was nothing unusual. I kept the box and packaging for convenient storage.

This product should not be on sale for use in the UK. I purchased 2 of these units at a cost of £373.00returned them 7 weeks ago and I am still awaiting a refund!!!They are for the USA market and not the UK market you cannot plug them in here as the voltage is different.

I have used it once and it is was good. Food was nice and warm. Guest were also impressed with the product. I did not give a five as used only once. Hope it’s a good investment.