First, I just want to say that this crockpot does its job well, and that I've had none of the issues I've seen in a few other reviews about the lid not fitting. The lid balances perfectly on the rim, and holds heat & moisture in. The cord isn't super long, but I have average sized countertops and it plugs into the wall, and still has give in the cord when I have the cooker near the edge while filling it. Plus it's very attractive and takes up little room on the counter, which is where I store it. And the purple is great!
But I do have to say that it IS small -- and I read the reviews, so thought I was prepared for that. But because the walls slant inward, going from top to bottom, the top has a wider opening than the available area on the bottom. So, for instance, if you have a roast that's fairly the same size all around, it may technically fit in the top, but not be able to be squished into the bottom. I'm using the crockpot right now (boneless country spareribs in BBQ sauce), or I'd take a photo to show this.
As another example, I made pork chops in a cherry sauce and used the kind of pork chops that look like small T-bone steaks. There were only two chops & they were normal in size, yet I couldn't just lay them flat but had to sort of squish them in. They cooked just fine, but next time I'll use boneless, just as I doubt I'll ever try a roast, but will instead either make stew or use a top or bottom round steak (cut up in a few pieces) so there will be room for a few vegetables. And when I say few I'm thinking one yellow onion, one sliced sweet potato, one large or two medium carrots and one stalk celery -- and that'll be all that will fit except for a little liquid. It will fit a couple of boneless chicken breasts - maybe three -- even if they're on the large side, but again the bottom one may need to be squished in a little.
Anyway, if you want to be able to cook a small chicken, choose a larger pot. A Cornish hen might fit in this one. All that being said, though, I'm still glad I bought this as it's just the right size for the amounts we make, and I find the larger sizes hard to wash because they're so heavy & we don't have a dishwasher.
If you're okay with the size, I think you'll like it!
Elite Gourmet MST-250XS Electric Slow Cooker Ceramic Pot, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Gla
4.5 | 35,704 ratings
Price: 14.99
Last update: 02-12-2025
About this item
PERSONAL 1.5 QUART slow cooker makes cooking fork-tender roasts and poultry a breeze. Cool-touch handles and knob protect hands and allow you to safely transport your slow cooker.
ADJUSTABLE SETTINGS with versatile Low / High / Keep Warm settings, gives you ultimate control of meal preparation. Simply set it and forget it while you continue on with your busy day, entertain guests or prepare other dishes.
FAST, EASY CLEAN-UP with our dishwasher-safe clear tempered glass lid and removable oval stoneware pot. The stainless steel exterior heating base can be wiped clean with a damp cloth to maintain its pristine appearance.
STAINLESS STEEL FINISH for a sleek and stylish design, plus rust-proof and easy to clean.
TRUSTED BRAND - As a trusted brand for 40 years, Elite Gourmet has delivered high quality and stylish kitchen products that are affordable & user friendly. Call, email, or live chat with us, our US-based support team responds quickly to all inquiries.
ADJUSTABLE SETTINGS with versatile Low / High / Keep Warm settings, gives you ultimate control of meal preparation. Simply set it and forget it while you continue on with your busy day, entertain guests or prepare other dishes.
FAST, EASY CLEAN-UP with our dishwasher-safe clear tempered glass lid and removable oval stoneware pot. The stainless steel exterior heating base can be wiped clean with a damp cloth to maintain its pristine appearance.
STAINLESS STEEL FINISH for a sleek and stylish design, plus rust-proof and easy to clean.
TRUSTED BRAND - As a trusted brand for 40 years, Elite Gourmet has delivered high quality and stylish kitchen products that are affordable & user friendly. Call, email, or live chat with us, our US-based support team responds quickly to all inquiries.
Product information
| Brand | Elite Gourmet |
|---|---|
| Color | Stainless Steel |
| Material | Plastic |
| Product Dimensions | 7.5"D x 10"W x 7"H |
| Capacity | 1.5 ounces |
| Wattage | 120 |
| Is Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
| Voltage | 120 |
| Shape | Round |
| Pattern | Solid |
| Control Method | Touch |
| Control Type | Knob |
| Number of settings | 3 |
| Specification Met | UL |
| Item Depth | 7.5 inches |
| Controller Type | Mechanical knob |
| UPC | 717056121855 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00717056121855 |
| Item Weight | 4.38 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Elite Gourmet |
| ASIN | B008GS8R3K |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | MST-250XS |
| Customer Reviews |
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars
35,704 ratings
4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #365 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining) #4 in Slow Cookers |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | June 19, 2012 |
Top reviews from the United States
CybellineLove it, works well, but small
Cybelline
Love it, works well, but small
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2024
But I do have to say that it IS small -- and I read the reviews, so thought I was prepared for that. But because the walls slant inward, going from top to bottom, the top has a wider opening than the available area on the bottom. So, for instance, if you have a roast that's fairly the same size all around, it may technically fit in the top, but not be able to be squished into the bottom. I'm using the crockpot right now (boneless country spareribs in BBQ sauce), or I'd take a photo to show this.
As another example, I made pork chops in a cherry sauce and used the kind of pork chops that look like small T-bone steaks. There were only two chops & they were normal in size, yet I couldn't just lay them flat but had to sort of squish them in. They cooked just fine, but next time I'll use boneless, just as I doubt I'll ever try a roast, but will instead either make stew or use a top or bottom round steak (cut up in a few pieces) so there will be room for a few vegetables. And when I say few I'm thinking one yellow onion, one sliced sweet potato, one large or two medium carrots and one stalk celery -- and that'll be all that will fit except for a little liquid. It will fit a couple of boneless chicken breasts - maybe three -- even if they're on the large side, but again the bottom one may need to be squished in a little.
Anyway, if you want to be able to cook a small chicken, choose a larger pot. A Cornish hen might fit in this one. All that being said, though, I'm still glad I bought this as it's just the right size for the amounts we make, and I find the larger sizes hard to wash because they're so heavy & we don't have a dishwasher.
If you're okay with the size, I think you'll like it!
Images in this review
J. SpangleFor the jewelers and metal model makers out there who plan to use this as a pickling pot
J. Spangle
For the jewelers and metal model makers out there who plan to use this as a pickling pot
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2023
To help others with the same intentions, I am providing the temperatures for each setting. To do these tests, I simply filled to about 80% with water, covered with the lid, and checked with a quality cooking thermometer 30 minutes after switching the various settings on.
Starting at room temperature for each setting (with lid on), after 30 minutes the temperatures were the following:
Low setting - 102° Fahrenheit (38.8° Celsius)
High setting - 130° Fahrenheit (54.4° Celsius)
Keep warm setting - 82° Fahrenheit (27.7° Celsius)
Maximum temperatures were attained after 1.5 hours (with lid off)
Low setting - 130° Fahrenheit (about 54.4° Celsius)
High setting - 130° Fahrenheit (about 54.4° Celsius)
Keep warm setting - 101° Fahrenheit (38.3° Celsius)
Maximum temperatures were attained after 1.5 hours (with lid on)
Low setting - 160° Fahrenheit (71.1° Celsius)
High setting - 200° Fahrenheit (93.3° Celsius)
Keep warm setting - 125° Fahrenheit (51.6° Celsius)
So basically if you want to get your pickling solution to a working temperature of around 130° Fahrenheit as fast as possible, you would want to fill to about 80% capacity then put the lid on, turn it to the high setting for 15 to 20 minutes, then set it to low and get to work!
Should you find that pickling your work in a higher temperature yields better results using a specific pickle compound, you should leave the lid on between dips and you can have anywhere from 150° to 200° Fahrenheit with this pot depending on time and heat setting. Temperatures will drop if lid stays off (as stated above).
Remember not to let the pickle solution boil! Boiling is possible if you leave the high setting on for a very long time (probably unattended with the lid on and switched to the high setting for over 2 hours). Something I noticed was that the power cord was not warm to the touch at all after being on for 5 hours (low setting) during some lengthy work, that's good thing.
White interior ceramic pot, works just fine with caustic pickling compounds commonly available to jewelers. I chose this version over others that came with a black pot. If you are finding yourself having to change your pickle solution in the middle of work, ALWAYS let the temperature of the pot cool down. You risk cracking or breaking the ceramic insert pot when you pour a much cooler solution into a hot pot, the temperature difference between hot and cold materials can cause cracking of the ceramic.
The fastener to the center knob for the lid is actually an aluminum alloy, so I replaced that with a piece made of 316 stainless. The caustic fumes from the pickle compound would corrode that aluminum alloy fastener in quick order. The fastener is M6x1 and length is 18mm (McMaster-Carr part #94500A316). The photo I uploaded to this review is of the original aluminum fastener showing the discoloration to the head and early evidence of oxidation.
Down the road, I anticipate the supposedly stainless ring that lines the edge of the lid to corrode. I had originally thought about cutting this ring with a thin cut off abrasive blade, possibly replacing it with a silicone band, but have not gotten around to doing that.
The only other modification I would add to this would be a "power on" indicator lamp. One could either modify the housing itself and tap into the wiring for a cleaner look, or simply use a heavy-duty power strip that has its own power indicator lamp.
I like it, it's larger than most jeweler-type pickle pots which is a huge advantage for my shop. Yes, it's just a simple kitchen crock pot used in a light industrial setting, and it doesn't look at home among all the other machines and tools, but it WORKS. If one doesn't like the aesthetics, simply take it apart and give the outer housing a coat of engine or stove enamel paint.
A previous reviewer has stated that the exterior housing for the 6 quart version is made of plastic. The two 1.5 quart Elite Gourmet slow cookers (model MST-250XW) which I ordered are not made of plastic and have a thin steel sheet metal housing instead.
Don't forget to work in a well-ventilated area, wear a proper respirator mask, and always wear your goggles!
Hope this helps,
Jason
Old Foundry Toy Works
Images in this review
Just some experience to share