I love this small crock pot. It's the perfect size, cooks food perfectly, and is a breeze to clean.

I am a professional who makes and restores antique toys and metal mechanical models. I decided not to purchase an industrial pickle pot because I couldn't justify the cost for what little it does. Instead, I found that a 1.5 quart crock pot works just as well for a much lower cost. Here are the temperatures for each setting:

- Low setting: 102��F (38.8��C)
- High setting: 130��F (54.4��C)
- Keep warm setting: 82��F (27.7��C)

After 1.5 hours with the lid off:

- Low setting: 130��F (54.4��C)
- High setting: 130��F (54.4��C)
- Keep warm setting: 101��F (38.3��C)

After 1.5 hours with the lid on:

- Low setting: 160��F (71.1��C)
- High setting: 200��F (93.3��C)
- Keep warm setting: 125��F (51.6��C)

To get the pickling solution to a working temperature of around 130��F as fast as possible, fill the pot to 80% capacity, put the lid on, turn it to the high setting for 15 to 20 minutes, then set it to low.

If you require higher temperatures, leave the lid on between dips and you can achieve anywhere from 150��F to 200��F depending on time and heat setting.

It's important not to let the pickle solution boil, as this can happen if you leave the high setting on for a very long time. The power cord did not get warm even after being on for 5 hours on the low setting.

The white interior ceramic pot works well with caustic pickling compounds commonly available to jewelers. It's important to let the temperature of the pot cool down before changing the pickle solution to avoid cracking the ceramic.

I made a modification by replacing the aluminum alloy fastener with one made of 316 stainless to prevent corrosion from the caustic fumes. I anticipate the stainless ring that lines the edge of the lid to corrode in the future.

The only other modification I would add is a power on indicator lamp. Overall, it's larger than most jeweler-type pickle pots, which is a huge advantage for my shop. If one doesn't like the aesthetics, it's easy to take it apart and give the outer housing a coat of enamel paint.

I hope this information helps, and remember to work in a well-ventilated area, wear a proper respirator mask, and always wear your goggles.

Jason
Old Foundry Toy Works