I recently purchased the 7.5Q Thermal Cooker Warmer, model NVC-7020, by C&H, for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it’s one of the few models available at a reasonable price that explicitly uses 304 18/8 stainless steel. This was a crucial factor for me, given the concerns about rusting in products where ‘stainless steel’ is mentioned more generically. Additionally, it features a solid inner tray, ideal for adding thermal mass with boiling water. This is especially useful when cooking smaller meals, ensuring efficient long cooking times.
Upon receiving the product a few days ago, I noted its clean and compact exterior. The handle is comfortable to hold and tucks away neatly. The lid securely latches closed, indicating good craftsmanship and effective heat retention. I’m particularly fond of this cooker because it suits my needs as a construction worker with limited lunch breaks. By heating my food in the morning, placing it in the top container, and adding boiling water in the bottom one, my meals stay hot throughout the day. The steam from the water and the initial heating process keep my lunch ready to eat without any additional plug-ins or waiting time. Its portability, efficiency, and ability to maintain hot meals make it a worthwhile investment.
Thermal Cooker Warmer Energy Cooker NVC-7020 (ad)
This thermal cooker has also proven versatile, serving well not just on road trips but also as a home-use crockpot. It effectively retains heat, ensuring food remains hot until it’s time to eat. However, I do wish it came with a cookbook, though adapting existing recipes and finding new ones online has not been an issue. My experience over the years with this thermal cooker has been positive, particularly for keeping food above 160 degrees for 8 hours, which is ideal for road trips or in power outage scenarios.
Despite its many benefits, I did encounter an issue with the lid knob, which fell off after just five uses. This appears to be a design flaw, as the knob is welded on rather than screwed, making it difficult to replace. Additionally, when trying to cook meat for stew, I found that it required additional boiling and sitting time to tenderize, contrary to my expectations for this cooker. It’s also worth noting that while the product name suggests Japanese manufacturing, it is actually made in China. This may be a consideration for some, especially in comparison to similar products like the Tiger thermal cooker made in Japan.
