Elite Gourmet EWMST-325R Triple Slow Cooker Buffet Server, 3 x 2.5 Qt, Red

I bought this on a whim to use on Thanksgiving as I was tired of complaints that second helping food was cold!! I am sooo happy I did. It came quickly and very well packed with no damage at all. I like the red color. Ceramic “pots” are large enough to hold a lot and easy to clean. When I first got it I washed the pots and put 2 cups of water into each pot to see if it worked. As each pot is individually controlled, I was able to use my auto temp thermometer in each pot to see how warm the water got. On High it was about 135 degrees. There was an unpleasant smell of what I read from other reviews was “burning oil” so I kept turning all pots on and off several times (with water in them) to dissipate the smell. I was afraid it would not go away but it has. I used it for Thanksgiving and again for this Christmas and now there is no smell. This holiday (serving 8) I made mashed potatoes, gravy and fresh green beans ahead of my families arrival, pre heated the pots with water then emptied the water and added the food. I put each pot on “warm” with lids on. After about an hour or more from putting food into pots with lids on, we sat down to dinner and the food was exactly as it was when I first put it into the pots and at perfect serving temperature. I was thrilled! My Family was very happy. Food stayed perfect for second and third helpings. Mashed potatoes stayed perfect!! Lids and lid holders are very convenient and work great. Spoon slots are also very useful but you do need longer handled spoons. What made my day was that I was able to wash preparing pots and pans and put them away before family arrived keeping my kitchen uncluttered and my after dinner clean up a breeze!! Even though the ceramic pots and lids can go in dishwasher, washing by hand was quick and easy. I look forward to using it again for many occasions!! I am getting one for my daughter-in-law as she liked it. Even my cleaning person saw it and is ordering one!! The only cons would be the “burning” smell that it produced in the beginning but went away with use so I suggest using it with water before a gathering until smell goes away. I would also like an on/off light under each pot dial not just the one light that signifies the unit is plugged in as there are no lights showing if individual pots are on or off. The dial is the only way to know that you have set it to an on/off position. The red metal wrap does get warm to the touch but does not cause a problem. The feet on the unit bottom keeps air circulate underneath so as not to cause overheating of counter too. Have not tried it as a slow cooker yet! All in all this is a great purchase.

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!

This slow cooker buffet is absolutely perfect; it is easy to clean and holds A LOT of food in each crock. It heats up quickly and has several heat levels to choose from. Good buy, I also love the added feature of the lid racks and divots for spoons to sit securely while still allowing the lid to close. My only complaint is that the cord is short. That makes it difficult to pull out from under upper cabinets for serving and or to plug in on a side mount outlet for an island. Not a deal breaker, but it is a bit inconvenient.

I recently hosted a baby shower and we had a hot dip & chip bar for 100 people using this Elite Gourmet triple slow cooker, and it absolutely exceeded my expectations. The three 2.5-quart ceramic pots provided ample space for three different hot dips, and the individual temperature controls were invaluable - I could adjust each pot's heat separately to maintain the perfect consistency for each dip! What really stands out is the thoughtful design. The lid holders are a brilliant addition, eliminating the awkward "where do I put this lid?" moment when guests are serving themselves. The glass lids (not cheap plastic!) let you monitor your food without lifting them, and it has a solid construction. This item goes beyond just warming - it will definitely cook food, which makes it versatile for different needs. Even after turning off the heat, the dips stayed hot for an impressive amount of time. The ceramic pots are dishwasher-safe, which makes cleanup a breeze. Note: It does have some weight to it, but that speaks to its quality and the cord length is generous, giving you flexibility with placement. The ability to serve three different hot dishes simultaneously, combined with its cooking capability and temperature control, makes it perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or any event where you need to keep multiple dishes warm.

I took off a star because mine came with a dent in the metal under one of the switches, I think the shipping company may be to blame since the shipping box was in less-than-perfect shape. Does not affect performance at all thankfully. I've only tried it out once so far but I do really like it. Some people had concerns about the actual cooking abilities due to the opening for a serving spoon to rest. I tested it out with a nearly 4 pound pork shoulder, it was definitely done on high in about 5 hours, maybe less. Came out very juicy and delicious. In another pot I had southern style hashbrown potatoes that were still partially frozen, they were done in about 2 hours. I had pre-cooked vegetables in the third pot and kept that on the warm setting. Switched it over to low when someone mentioned they were a little cold, but this was maybe half an hour after we had transported it (so it was off for a while), and the pot was only about a third full so those may have been factors. As far as people saying it is too heavy to transport, this is probably true if you don't remove the pots first. What we did was cook the food first, put some cardboard down on our car seat, removed the pots (set them on potholders), carried the main unit out to the car, and then carried the pots out and placed them inside. When we got to our destination, we carried the pots in first and then the main unit. Obviously more work than a normal crock pot, but it's an option if you're looking for a way to transport this with food. Overall I think this was definitely worth the $40 we spent on it. I had seen it before for $60-80 and I probably wouldn't pay that much for it, but it is very useful and I'm glad to have it.

I have had these crock pots for a couple of months now and I love them! they heat evenly, the temps actually vary, hi, med, and low are different. They are easy to clean (dishwasher). When all three are full it feeds up to ten pople. I recommend them if you have a large family as well.

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.

Love it! Was so great at my daughter's graduation party. Had a Taco/nachos station, used this for keeping ground beef, nacho cheese, and street corn hot and easily access for guest to serve themselves. We will be using this often!

I was searching for something which can be used as a warmer for food during parties or get together, and this product fits in perfectly to my requirement. It warms the food and keep it warm for long time in the lowest warm setting. The 3 setting works great depending on how hot, warm you need the food. I have used it once so far and the results were great. Just one small issue that I had it when I turned it on for first time it smelled like some wire was burning, but I am assuming it is just the first time thing and should not be there again. Still recommend it totally!

It is a great warmer, size of the bowls is quite big, only drawback is lids they are not very good quality, otherwise a great unit, works perfect, would definately recommend

Shame the postman spoiled the surprise by telling the wife what is was which was printed on the side of the box, I was out when it was delivered. Good quality piece, nice that we can have different types of food but being dished up at the same time oh I just reminded the wife about the self sourcing chocolate pudding which is done in a slow cooker in the 3rd one or it will be great for parties. Result for both of us, she got the slow cooker and I will get the chocolate pudding.

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.

Worked very well at christmas. Happy I had it. Love the colour