Quest Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 7.3/10
Best for: Hands-off, economical home cooking - stews, curries, casseroles and batch meals
Not for: Fast cooking or anyone wanting a pressure cooker or multi-cooker
Bottom line: A practical slow cooker (1.5L, manual dial) for easy, budget-friendly slow-cooked meals.
Usually, the Quest 16529 is a compact double slow cooker designed for 1-2 people, with two removable 1.5L ceramic pots and a 200W power rating. It stands out for running as a double slow cooker with two separate pots, so meals can finish together. The manual dial and three heat settings, including a food warmer function, keep control simple, while the removable, dishwasher-safe ceramic bowls make cleanup straightforward; however, the small pot size limits batch cooking, and the modest power level reduces suitability for larger portions. Overall, it suits couples and small households.
Pros
- 1.5L compact (1-2 person) capacity
- Removable, dishwasher-safe pot
- Very cheap to run - far less power than an oven
- Hands-off cooking - set it and leave it
Cons
- Slow by design - meals take several hours, not minutes
- Not a pressure cooker or multi-cooker - one job, done well
- Manual dial only - no countdown timer
Capacity and Who It Suits
With two removable 1.5L ceramic pots, this slow cooker is designed for smaller households where cooking space and portion size matter. Each pot supports modest batch sizes, making it suitable for couples or individuals who want separate portions without filling larger units. The removable bowls also simplify portion management, since dishes can be served and cleaned separately, and the pots are dishwasher safe. A manual dial and compact footprint support everyday use in kitchens with limited counter space. It may feel restrictive for families needing bigger servings, as the 2 x 1.5L design caps the total capacity.
Cooking Performance and Settings
Cooking performance on the Quest centres on two removable 1.5 L ceramic pots and a 200 W power rating, making it suited to modest batches rather than very large meals. It includes three heat settings, including a food warmer function, which supports keeping food at serving temperature after cooking finishes. A manual dial is used to select the desired setting before starting, and progress is monitored by the chosen heat level. The double-pot layout enables cooking two dishes at once, although matching the timing for both may still require batch adjustment.
Pot, Lid and Ease of Cleaning
Two removable 1.5 L ceramic pots form the main cooking vessels on the slow cooker, so cleaning is primarily about handling these bowls rather than a single large insert. Each pot can be washed after use, and the pots are listed as dishwasher-safe, which reduces manual scrubbing. The lids also need attention, as condensation and splashes can collect around their edges; wiping them first helps prevent residue from drying. When food has thickened, soak the ceramic briefly in warm water before washing, then rinse thoroughly to remove any film. The shared base stays cleaner, since no large insert is used.
Running Cost and Everyday Use
For everyday use, the Quest is built around two removable 1.5 L ceramic pots and a 200 W power setting, making it suitable for small-to-medium portions, typically for 1-2 people. Each pot can be used separately, which allows two meals to be cooked at different times. Heat control is handled by a manual dial with three heat settings, including a food warmer function, so it can move from cooking to holding. The ceramic bowls are removable and dishwasher-safe, which reduces the effort needed for routine cleaning after meals. Running costs depend on household electricity rates.
Who Is This Slow Cooker For?
The slow cooker suits people who want a compact slow cooker system for smaller meals, because it includes two 1.5 L removable ceramic pots and a 200 W power setting, which is aimed at 1-2 people. It fits households where cooking separate portions matters, since two pots can run for different items. It also suits those who prefer manual control, because the temperature is set with a dial. The removable, dishwasher-safe bowls make cleaning easier, but they still require careful handling when hot. It may feel restrictive for large families, since each pot holds 1.5 L.
Where to Buy in the UK
Finding the right source matters because the Quest 16529 is a compact 2-pot double slow cooker meant for 1 to 2 people, so buyers often consider whether replacement parts or accessories are accessible for day-to-day use. In the UK, shoppers typically check major retail sites, appliance marketplaces, and auction-style listings, then compare whether the listing includes the 2 x 1.5 litre ceramic pots, dishwasher-safe bowls, and the 200W unit. They should also confirm the item matches the manual dial controls, removable pots, and three heat settings, including a food warmer function. If spares are needed, buyers can contact The Quest suppliers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the slow cooker worth it?
For hands-off, budget-friendly cooking, the Quest (1.5L) is a great buy - you add ingredients in the morning and come home to a cooked meal. Slow cookers are cheap to run and easy to use. Check the current Amazon UK price, as slow cookers are often on offer.
What size is the slow cooker and who is it for?
This slow cooker is 1.5L, a compact (1-2 person) slow cooker. As a rough guide, 1.5-3.5L suits singles and couples, 4-5L suits small families, and 6L and up suits big families or batch cooking. Remember the usable capacity is a bit less than the total.
How does a slow cooker work?
A slow cooker cooks food gently at a low temperature over several hours (typically 4-10), which tenderises cheaper cuts of meat and develops flavour. You add everything to the pot, set it to Low or High, and leave it - no stirring or watching needed.
Is the Quest cheap to run?
Yes - slow cookers use very little electricity, far less than an oven, despite running for hours, because they draw low power. That makes them one of the most economical ways to cook a hot meal, which is a big part of their appeal.
Is the pot on the Quest 16529 dishwasher-safe?
Yes - the slow cooker has a removable, dishwasher-safe pot, which makes cleaning up easy. The lid is usually dishwasher-safe too; the heating base just needs a wipe.
Can you leave a slow cooker on all day?
Yes - slow cookers are designed to run unattended for hours, which is the whole point. As with any appliance, place it on a heatproof surface away from walls, don't overfill it, and follow the manual. Many people set them before work and leave them on Low.
Does this slow cooker have a timer?
The Quest uses a manual dial (Low/High/Warm), so you set the heat manually rather than a countdown timer. It's simple and reliable; you switch it off or to warm yourself when done.