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Respected Contributor
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Sheesh- I am looking my mind! I meant to say that I don't like the hole in the lid.... Poodlepet
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Those who said you can still steam in the 3-in-1 are correct. As I was watching the presentation, my hubby ran into the kitchen to look at our 3-in-1. It clearly says at the bottom underneath the oven setting, "add water to pot for steam recipes." So far, the only differences we've noticed about the TSV is that the BUFFET setting is gone and replaced w/warm(which I guess is supposed to be the same thing). I use the buffet setting a lot bc we get home at different times and that is a lifesaver. Plus, I used it this past weekend at a school potluck event and that buffet setting came in handy. Ours also came with utensils, 2 pans and the meat forks. I do wish they would have included the travel bag w/the 3-in-1, but I don't want that bag enough to get the TSV. {#emotions_dlg.rolleyes}

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On 9/29/2014 TriciatheRealtor said:

Can someone give me their personal sales pitch about why I'd spend $130 for this rather than like $50 for a good CrockPot?

Easy, crockpots don't roast or brown.

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Anyone that cooks for one (or 2 at times) buying this? I'm concerned it will be too big and wish they made a 4 qt. However, I may get a lot of use from it if I can bake a potato or two in it. Would be better than using large oven. I would also using it for steaming vegetables and cooking chicken, etc. I'm on the fence. Don't want another item that isn't useful.

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Registered: ‎03-09-2010

even though i have my good old trusted 20+ years old rival oval crockpot i am seriously considering this. i really like all of the features and it seems like i never have enough burners or oven space during the holidays.

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Respected Contributor
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Daysdee, I love this for chicken: it is every bit as good as any rotisserie chicken you could buy. Steam roasting and steam baking is somewhat new to me, but everything has turned out very well. It is the truth that you can cut out half the fat when you are making cakes and quick breads. I love the "keep warm" feature- or buffet as it was previously called. Last Channukah I made latkes and kept them in the Ninja for a couple of hours-they tasted fresh. The only feature I feel that is overrated is the slow cooker function. Yes, it's great that you can brown and sear, but so far, I have not had " fall off the bone/ fork tender": after my first attempt, I was not going to do that again. I didn't want to plug the hole, and if you don't do that, you will lose moisture....which means you can't leave it alone unattended. Poodlepet
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On 10/1/2014 Daysdee said:

Anyone that cooks for one (or 2 at times) buying this? I'm concerned it will be too big and wish they made a 4 qt. However, I may get a lot of use from it if I can bake a potato or two in it. Would be better than using large oven. I would also using it for steaming vegetables and cooking chicken, etc. I'm on the fence. Don't want another item that isn't useful.

I have the Ninja and use it for two. I use recipes for 4 or 6 and have dinner for several nights -- either to eat or to freeze. Cuisinart makes a 3 in 1 that is very similar to the Ninja. Their version is available both in a 4 qt and a 6 qt size -- and has excellent reviews. HTH!

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I'm gOn 10/1/2014 Poodlepet said: Daysdee, I love this for chicken: it is every bit as good as any rotisserie chicken you could buy. Steam roasting and steam baking is somewhat new to me, but everything has turned out very well. It is the truth that you can cut out half the fat when you are making cakes and quick breads. I love the "keep warm" feature- or buffet as it was previously called. Last Channukah I made latkes and kept them in the Ninja for a couple of hours-they tasted fresh. The only feature I feel that is overrated is the slow cooker function. Yes, it's great that you can brown and sear, but so far, I have not had " fall off the bone/ fork tender": after my first attempt, I was not going to do that again. I didn't want to plug the hole, and if you don't do that, you will lose moisture....which means you can't leave it alone unattended. Poodlepet

I'm going out today and will see one in the store and "feel" how heavy it is and how large it is in person. Could probably get one at BBB cheaper w/coupon, but I want a color. Thanks for the information.

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On 9/30/2014 straitgirl said:
On 9/29/2014 TriciatheRealtor said:

Can someone give me their personal sales pitch about why I'd spend $130 for this rather than like $50 for a good CrockPot?

Easy, crockpots don't roast or brown.

And crockpots don't cook dry food or steam veggies and they cook slowly.
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Posts: 1,919
Registered: ‎03-26-2010
On 10/1/2014 Cardamom said:
On 9/30/2014 straitgirl said:
On 9/29/2014 TriciatheRealtor said:

Can someone give me their personal sales pitch about why I'd spend $130 for this rather than like $50 for a good CrockPot?

Easy, crockpots don't roast or brown.

And crockpots donj't cook dry food or steam veggies and they cook slowly.
Crock pots cook over a long period of time and do not have an open vent on the lid. If they did, that would end up drying the food out and eventually ruining it. They are being a bit misleading by not distinguishing the big difference between the two. For the same type of cooker but a tad smaller (and much cheaper, BTW) check the Aroma 3 in 1 grill at HSN for $39.99. I picked up my latest crock pot at Big Lots last week. It is a 6 quart and lighter than older models and price was $29.99. Just in case anyone would prefer a true crock pot over this slow cooker.