Quest Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 8.5/10
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 (3.5L) for easy, budget-friendly slow-cooked meals.
As designed for smaller households, the Quest 35279 compact slow cooker uses a 3.5 L capacity pot, which is typically suitable for 1-3 people. The compact size and three temperature settings support different cooking needs without added complexity. The stainless steel body and transparent toughened glass lid allow monitoring during cooking, and the dishwasher-safe pot makes cleanup easier. With a 200 W power rating and a small footprint, it is less suitable for larger families or busier meal planning, but it works well for typical weekday batches.
Key specifications
| Spec | Value Notes |
|---|---|
| Pot | 3.5 L Removable |
| Settings | 3 Temperature settings |
| Power | 200W Rated use |
Pros
- 3.5L small (1-3 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 a 3.5 L removable pot, this slow cooker is sized for smaller households and everyday cooking rather than large batch meals. It is best suited to 1 to 3 people, where portions can be cooked without leaving much food behind. The removable pot supports easier portioning and cleaning, since it can be taken out after use, and the bowl is dishwasher-safe. For families, the capacity may require more frequent cooking sessions or smaller recipes to avoid underfilling. Overall, this size fits weeknight stews, warming leftovers and light meal prep, rather than party-scale batches.
Cooking Performance and Settings
Cooking performance depends on the cooker's 200W heating power and its three temperature settings, which allow heat to be matched to different food types. In everyday use, a higher setting can be used to warm ingredients more quickly, then lowered to maintain a steadier simmer. As a 3.5 L compact model, smaller portions heat through more evenly, while very thick mixtures may take longer to soften fully. A transparent toughened glass lid lets cooking be monitored without lifting it. Overall control is practical.
Pot, Lid and Ease of Cleaning
The 3.5 L removable pot uses a dishwasher-safe bowl, which makes cleanup simpler after meals, especially when cooking sticky or oily foods. After cooking, the user lifts out the pot, rinses off any residue if needed, and then places the bowl in the dishwasher. The lid is transparent and toughened glass, and it can be wiped down by hand. Separating the pot and lid helps day-to-day cleaning, while also requiring the user to keep track of both parts. Overall, cleaning is straightforward, but exact instructions for cleaning the lid in a dishwasher are not provided.
Running Cost and Everyday Use
Running costs depend mainly on how long the slow cooker is used and on its power draw, which for the Quest is 200W. In everyday use, it suits small-batch meals, since its 3.5L capacity supports about 1-3 portions, though exact fill levels depend on recipes. A user can place the removable pot inside, select one of the 3 temperature settings, start cooking, and periodically check the glass lid without lifting it often. For better results, cooking times should match the dish, because slow cooking takes longer in the lower temperature stages. Compact size helps storage, but larger families may find it limiting.
Who Is This Slow Cooker For?
The Quest 35279 slow cooker is best suited to people who mainly cook for 1-3 people, because its 3.5 L capacity is compact rather than large. It suits small households, couples, and anyone who wants simple batch meals without filling a bigger pot. The removable, dishwasher-safe bowl helps with cleanup after cooking, supporting quick everyday routines. With 3 temperature settings, it fits recipes that need gentle simmering, with heat adjusted as cooking progresses. It may be less suitable for larger gatherings, because the 3.5 L capacity limits portion size.
Where to Buy in the UK
In the UK, the Quest is typically listed through retailers that stock compact kitchen slow cookers, including 3.5 L models for 1 to 3 people. For availability, shoppers can check Amazon UK, John Lewis, Currys, AO, Argos, and niche homeware retailers such as Dunelm and Lakeland. For the best match, the product listing should confirm a removable bowl that is dishwasher-safe, 3 temperature settings, a transparent toughened glass lid, and a stainless-steel body. If these details are missing, it is unclear; specifications such as 200 W and the black colour must be verified on the page itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the slow cooker worth it?
For hands-off, budget-friendly cooking, the Quest 35279 (3.5L) 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 Quest and who is it for?
The slow cooker is 3.5L, a small (1-3 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 slow cooker dishwasher-safe?
Yes - this 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.