Let’s be honest, between juggling work, kids, and trying to maintain some semblance of a social life, weeknight dinners can feel like a Herculean task. That’s why I’m always on the hunt for kitchen gadgets that can make my life easier without forcing me to compromise on delicious, home-cooked meals. Enter the Maxi-Matic Elite Platinum 8.5-Quart Slow Cooker. Boasting a huge capacity, programmable settings, and a locking lid, it seemed like the answer to my dinner prayers. So, did it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in!
First impressions? This slow cooker looks sharp. The stainless steel finish gives it a modern vibe that fits right into my kitchen. But the real selling point? That massive 8.5-quart capacity! Seriously, you could probably cook a small turkey in this thing. I’m talking enough space for a serious pot of chili for game night, or a roast big enough to feed the family and have leftovers for days. And let’s be real, leftovers are a busy cook’s best friend. The programmable timer, which lets you set it for up to 20 hours, is another huge win. I love being able to throw ingredients in before I leave for work and come home to a ready-to-eat meal. Plus, the warm, low, and high settings give you plenty of control depending on what you’re cooking.
Now, I’ve had some interesting experiences with slow cookers in the past. Let’s just say a rogue chili incident involving a leaky lid and my car’s upholstery still haunts me. So, the promise of a locking lid on this Elite Platinum model definitely piqued my interest. No more culinary catastrophes in transit, right?
To really put this slow cooker to the test, I decided to make my family’s all-time favorite: Sunday pot roast. I nestled a beautiful 4-pound roast into the cavernous interior, surrounded it with carrots, potatoes, and onions, and set it to cook on low for 8 hours while I tackled errands and chauffeured my kids to their various activities.
The result? Pure, unadulterated comfort food. When I walked through the door that evening, the aroma alone was enough to make my mouth water. The roast was fall-apart tender, the veggies were perfectly cooked, and everyone devoured it. Clean-up was a breeze too – the stoneware pot went straight into the dishwasher. So far, so good!
Okay, time for the not-so-perfect part. That locking lid? It’s a bit… temperamental. It took a few tries to get it to seal properly, and even then, I wasn’t entirely convinced it was 100% spill-proof. I wouldn’t recommend filling it to the brim and taking it on a bumpy car ride, but for a gentle stroll across the kitchen, it should be fine.
All in all, the Maxi-Matic Elite Platinum MST-900VXD 8.5-Quart Slow Cooker is a winner. Despite the slightly fussy lid, its huge capacity, programmable features, and easy clean-up make it a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen. If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile slow cooker, this one’s definitely worth a look.
The Good Stuff:
- Seriously big – perfect for families or meal prepping.
- Set-it-and-forget-it programmable timer.
- Locking lid (mostly!).
- Dishwasher-safe pot – hallelujah!
- Looks good on the countertop.
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
- The locking lid can be a bit tricky.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.