About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

I love the looks of this Rival Programmable Smart-Pot™, but the black interior finish is more susceptible to staining than other models. The 6 Qt Oval size is very convenient for cooking a ham or large meals and the Warm feature is great for keeping dinner hot without overcooking. The Smart-Pot is beautifully designed, very stylish and seems well made. However, the interior staining after the first couple of uses, makes me question the durability of the Rinse-Clean lifetime coating.

This has downgraded the rating slightly, but has no effect on the cooking performance of the slow cooker.



Pros

• Beautiful exterior finish
• 6 Qt is a very handy size for large meals and the oval shape is nice
• Keep warm setting is very convenient
• Easy to set the programmable settings
• Cooks very well and fast

Cons

• Black interior finish shows wear or staining immediately

Description

• 6 Qt Rival Smart-Pot™ Oval Crock Pot®
• Easy to use programmable time and temperature settings for Low, High and Warm
• Warm setting starts automatically when cooking is finished, or can be set.
• Suregrip&trade handles stay cool
• Beautiful black and stainless steel exterior finish
• Removable stoneware insert with black finish is dishwasher, oven-proof and microwave safe
• Sized for meals for 5-6 people
• Glass Lid with comfortable easy-to-grip handle
• Rinse-Clean™ Lifetime Stick-Resistant Coating for easy maintenance
• Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid and Stoneware

Guide Review - Rival® 6 Qt Programmable Smart-Pot™ Slow Cooker Model 38601C

I found this Rival Slow Cooker to be nicely designed and easy to program.

If you select 4 or 6 hours, the setting is High and longer times of 8 and 10 hours will render a Low setting. It conveniently shifts automatically to a Warm setting when the time has been reached, or you set it to Warm by scrolling to that option. Either way, the Warm setting is very nice to have.

This Slow Cooker cooks very well and it does generate a fair amount of heat. You should always use a cutting board or protective pad under it. The stoneware insert is easily removed and cleaned. However, the black Rinse-Clean interior quickly sustained worn or faded stains in the finish. Abrasive cleaners should not be used as this can damage the ceramic insert. The manufacturer recommends a non-abrasive cleaner such as Bon Ami Polishing Cleanser or vinegar to remove water spots or staining. This will be investigated and an update will be provided to this review. The stoneware insert and lid did wash well in the dishwasher as easily as by hand.

Overall, except for the fading or staining from foods to the black interior finish, the Smart-Pot does perform well and has very convenient features. Rival Smart-Pots are also available in white finish, which would reduce the risk of unsightly staining.



Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.