Crock-Pot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker (Model SCV700SS) — In-Depth Review

Introduction

If you’re looking for a no-fuss slow cooker that can handle large batches, the Crock-Pot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker (SCV700SS) is often recommended on Amazon and other retail sites. In this review, I’ll walk through the features, pros & cons, user feedback, and verdict — so you (or your readers) can decide if it’s a good addition to your kitchen.

Product at a glance

• Capacity: 7 quarts (oval stoneware)
• Cooking modes: High, Low, Warm
• Exterior: Stainless steel with black trim
• Removable stoneware insert + glass lid
• Dishwasher-safe insert and lid 

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Key Features & Specs

Feature	What It Means in Practice
7-quart oval stoneware	Can accommodate roasts, large soups, whole chickens, or feeding 7–9 people
Three settings (High / Low / Warm)	Simple dial control, no timer or digital programming
Stainless steel body + glass lid	Sleek design, durable exterior, lets you monitor cooking without opening lid
Dishwasher-safe stoneware and lid	Easier cleanup — just remove inner pot and lid
Dimensions & weight	Approximately 16.9″ × 11.8″ × 10.4″, weight ≈ 13.85 lb (including stoneware)

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Real User Feedback: Strengths & Weaknesses

What Users Like

1. Large capacity
   Many users say it’s ideal for family cooking or batch meals. A 7-pound roast or full chicken fits comfortably. 
2. Simplicity and reliability
   Because it’s manual (no timers or complex electronics), users often find it straightforward to use and less prone to malfunction. 
3. Good cleanup
   The removable stoneware and lid make cleaning easier; many report using dishwasher settings regularly. 
4. Keeps food warm
   After cooking, it automatically or manually shifts to a “Warm” mode, which many users appreciate when dinner is delayed. 

Common Complaints & Caveats

1. Exterior gets very hot
   Several users warn that the outside of the unit becomes extremely hot during use. This may be a safety concern (especially around children or accidental touching). 
2. Questionable “7-quart” capacity in practice
   Some users believe the effective usable capacity is less than advertised. One reviewer measured only ~6 quarts; also, the manual recommends not overfilling beyond ¾ full, which reduces usable volume. 
3. Inconsistent temperature calibration
   A handful of users report that the “Low” setting seems to run hotter than expected, or the unit fails to reach full cooking temperatures. 
4. Durability of stoneware / lid breakage
   Some complaints mention cracking in the stoneware or broken lids after extended use. Also, replacement parts (especially lids or stoneware) may be harder to source. 
5. No timer or delayed start
   Because it’s a fully manual model, you can’t program it to start later. For many users, that’s acceptable; but for those who want “set it in the morning and it starts later,” this is a drawback. 
6. Wobbling or fit issues
   Some customers mention that the stoneware doesn’t sit flush in the base (wobbles), which may affect heat distribution or user confidence. 

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My (Hypothetical / Hands-on) Testing Notes

Here, you’d insert your own experiment results if you test the unit. Example template:

• Heating tests: I monitored internal temperature over 4 hours on Low and High. The unit reached ~X°F on Low and ~Y°F on High, which aligns (or doesn’t) with standard slow cooking ranges.
• Cooking performance: I prepared a 3-lb beef roast with vegetables: result was tender and juicy, though the edges of some vegetables were overcooked.
• Evenness: Food near the rim cooked a bit faster than the central portion, suggesting mild edge effects.
• Clean-up: Food residue came off easily; both stoneware and glass lid cleaned well even after baked-on sauce.
• Temperature after long cook + “Warm” mode: After 8 hours, the “Warm” mode kept food at ~140-150°F (safe serving temp) without overcooking.

(If you haven’t tested it physically, you can omit or disclaim this section.)

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Comparison to Alternatives / Who This Is For

This model is a basic, no-frills slow cooker. If you want advanced features (digital timers, multiple modes, app control), there are more premium models available. But for many households:

• Best for: Families, batch cooking, stews, roasts, soups, large meals without needing lots of settings.
• Less ideal for: People who cook for just 1–2 and want a compact model, or those who want automatic delayed start or fancy programming features.

If you compare prices, features, and durability across brands, the value of this unit remains competitive — though buyers should be aware of the heating / capacity caveats.

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Final Verdict & Recommendations

The Crock-Pot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker (SCV700SS) is a solid option for those who want a large, simple, reliable slow cooker without complicated electronics. It delivers on core slow cooking needs: capacity, ease of use, and clean-up.

However, potential buyers should be mindful:

• Handle with care — exterior surfaces get hot.
• Don’t expect the full advertised 7 quarts under real use (due to safe fill limits).
• If you require timers or more control, this model won’t satisfy those preferences.

If I were to score it (out of 10), I might give it around 7.5 to 8, factoring in strong performance for basic slow cooking but penalizing heat/distribution issues and absence of advanced features.