CelloChef Deluxe Hot-Pot Insulated Casserole Food Warmer/Cooler, 5-Liter, White

Once a month at my job, we hold pot lucks. But someone pointed out that it was dangerous to have all these electrical appliances plugged in, so a company wide mandate came out to stop use of all slow cookers. I knew there had to be a product that would keep large amounts of things like chili hot the whole day. I found this Cello pot and bought it hoping for the best.I was kind of skeptical at first - it seems very light and would not have the mass needed to truly insulate the food for long periods of time. I did a test run with boiling water. Using an accurate instant read thermometer, I spent the next eight hours opening a closing the pot, taking out dippers of water to simulate people getting food in and out of the pot. After 3 hours of fiddling, the temperature was still only down to 180 degrees F. I then went to bed. When I woke up in the morning I measured the temperature of the half filled pot and it was down to 120 degrees F. That was after almost 12 hours and without being a full pot liquid.Lots of factors are going to go into how well this unit keeps heat in. The sides and lid are insulated so keeping the lid closed is important. Also, the amount of food/liquid is going to affect how long the unit keeps the temperature in the desired range.I did use it at the potluck later in the week and everything stayed warm for the 5 hours the potluck was open. No all cold potluck for us ever again. I plan on buying some smaller sizes as well.

One thing I hate, is going in for seconds, when you've cooked a bbq & eating cold meat. Eeeek!! The Cello 5 litre warmer is amazing & keeps the food warm for hours. The trick is to take the meat off before it's fully cooked, seal it in your Cello & let it sit for 5-7 minutes, so the meat draws back in all the juices. It's so tender! Well done ( or medium rare), Cello.

I bought the medium size. The pot is huge! It holds 5 quarts. It is lightweight and the lid locks. Perfect for potlucks. I am making baked beans to take to my hubby's retirement potluck luncheon. I will double this recipe:Grammy Beans1 lb Bacon1 lb lean Ground Beef1 Onion, diced2 cans (28 oz) Bush's Baked Beans2 cans (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes3 Tbsp Brown SugarCook bacon in skillet until crisp. Remove to paper towels. Brown ground beef with onion. Drain grease. Butter a deep casserole dish. (I will use a large foil pan since I am doubling the recipe) Combine all remaining ingredients to baking dish. Crumble bacon and add along with the cooked ground beef. Mix well. Bake uncovered at 350 F for 30 minutes or until bubbly.I will put them in my new hot pot and take them to the luncheon. They will stay warm for hours!

I was looking for something that I could put on the table to keep mashed potatoes warm. Once I received it, I knew it was too clumsy for the table and would never keep potatoes warm because the cover was to hard to take on and off at the table.

The size wouldn't been great for a big family but it's a little too big for a family of 3. It kept the food warm not hot, so that's another thing.

I got this one Used- Good for a few dollars less than buying a new one. It came in its original box, which had been opened. Correct size 5 liters! Looks new. Works as expected. I actually burned my tongue because stew was still piping hot!

Ordered this to use at potlucks. I followed the instructions and traveled from Tucson to Phoenix and when we were ready to serve I removed the lid and steam came out. My baked beans were still nice and warm. I ordered the small one and it is still huge. I was afraid it would be to big but was just right. Recommend you give it a try. Says it will do cold things to.

i had to return this item for 2 reasons, one i was disappointed with the cheap construction and second the product i received appeared used. i tested the 3.5 lit version of this brand for heat loss and surprisingly the results were good. at least the 3.5lit does retain heat for several hours.