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Blondie71South East Queensland, QLD
- 2 reviews
- Verified purchase
Worked great approx 8 times... 2 weeks out of warranty & it dies
I have used this product approx 8 times & a few months ago I thought the searing was slow but was preoccupied & thought I'll check it next time.... Well 2 weeks out of warranty & after 40mins trying to brown onions I gave up & used the stove.... Really disappointed in this product. Going to try & call the company but the warranty is not valid. Never again waste my money on this brand.
Purchased in February 2021 at Harvey Norman for $149.00.
1 comment
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LynneGreater Melbourne (Metropolitan), VIC
- 2 reviews
Fantastic except for one thing.
I am very satisfied with this slow cooker with one exception, the cooking pot coating is of a most disgusting quality and when I rang to see if I could purchase another I was told to contact a Sunbeam Repairer when I did this I was told to contact Sunbeam to see if they are available. Sounds like a big run around, will simply buy another slow cooker, being sure IT IS NOT SUNBEAM
Purchased at Myer.
2 comments
Customer CareSunbeam
Hi Lynne,
Sorry about the service you have received.
... Read more
Not unless I can get a guarantee that the coating has been improved 100%.
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RuthpGreater Melbourne (Metropolitan), VIC
- 5 reviews
Awesome function, lousy dish
We have used our SecretChef maybe 25 times per year for 5 years. We love the big capacity, and ease of switching between functions. We rarely leave it on for a full day, but use it to cook casseroles, risottos, dhal, black beans etc. I am getting anxious about the pot though - this is our second one, and there's lots of scuffs on the inside surface even though we never use anything sharp in there. It's like the cheapest non-stick frypans. I need to figure out if we're ingesting anything we shouldn't be. I'd love just the same with a ceramic or steel pot.
Purchased in May 2021.
1 comment
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Ruthp,
Thank you for the review, I will pass your thoughts on.
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Find out how Sunbeam SecretChef HP8555 compares to other Slow Cookers
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TeresaPerth, WA
Devastated!!
I got my Sunbeam SecretChef Slow cooker as a birthday gift last August.
I use it at least three times a week (I get Hello Fresh meals) and I love, love how simple mealtime is!
It even encouraged my two teenage sons to help with the cooking in the kitchen as the sear and slow cooking options make it so much easier and replace different pots and pans being used-thus fewer dishes!
But then last night it simply gave up – after only a little more than one year. Will still slow cook but appears element has blown as it won’t even heat up to the 100 d...Read more
Purchased in August 2021.
1 comment
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Teresa,
So sorry to hear of this. Please contact Sunbeam on 1300 881 861 and we can assist your further. Please have your purchase receipt with you. Kind Regards Sunbeam
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LisaPerth, WA
Great slow cooker, poor quality coating on pan.
I love this slow cooker and have cooked many meals in it, from roasts, to curries, to soups. However, the pan doesn't have a good quality teflon/non stick surface and although I take much care with it and only use non scratch utensils, it has scratched and has burnt areas. This could be a five star product but is let down by the poor quality coating on the pan. Considering the price, it should be better, no one wants teflon in their meals.
1 comment
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Lisa,
So sorry to hear of this. Have you got the date of purchase? If it is within the last 18 months we can replace the insert free of charge. You can email the receipt with your contact details ... Read more
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tjrSouth East Queensland, QLD
- 11 reviews
Very satisfied
Have not been disappointed with this product. Performs as expected,easy to use,has all features necessary to make using in a variety of ways simple and tasty. I am happy with my purchase have used many times over last few years with success and will continue to do so
Purchased in July 2021 at Myer for $139.00.
1 comment
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi tjr,
Thanks for the great review! We love it too.
Kind Regards Sunbeam
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ShellySydney, NSW
Perfect for probably 20 uses
Love the concept of this slow cooker as I like to prep a slow cook meal in the morning. The searing function as well as the variable controls are a great concept.
I’m very disappointed however as the Teflon has peeled away from the inner pan despite my careful choice of utensils. Another piece of landfill! Such a shame!
Purchased in April 2021.
1 comment
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Shelly,
So sorry to hear of this. Your feedback is valued and has been passed on to our product team. Kind Regards, Sunbeam
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ChadSydney, NSW
- 2 reviews
Love the product when new.
Love this product when new. The sear function ensures that you can seal in the flavour of a variety of meat, caramelize onions and then cook in the juices. Use at least once per week for a variety of tasks from risotto to slow cooked curries. Am now onto my second unit and it has now died. Will still slow cook but appears element has blown as wont even heat up to the 100 degrees option. Both units have died just after running out of warranty. Highly recommend the product but wish I had longer usage given the price. Very easy to use and clean.
Purchased in March 2021 at Big W for $168.00.
1 comment
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Chad,
So sorry to hear this. Please call us on 1300 881 861 with your purchase receipt and details. Kind Regards, Sunbeam,
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Non-stick paint seasoning
My two year old Secret Chef has been fabulous to use, but after watching the paint peel itself off progressively, I’m so disappointed that it is heading for the bin. Tonight’s cauliflower soup is one of the first light coloured dishes I’ve cooked in it; and for the first time I’m actually seeing the effect of peeling - what looks like cracked pepper but is a Teflon paint seasoning. That’s it! It’s out! I have been the only user and have only used soft utensils. Why can’t companies make something that lasts.....!
Sunbeam sound like this coating is an ongoing failure from all these identical reviews. Wish I’d read them before trusting this product.
Purchased in January 2021 at The Good Guys for $150.00.
1 comment
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Mike, sorry to hear this. Please give us a call on 1300 881 861 to see if we can assist...
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didn't listen to reviews, learning the hard way
i am on my second machine after claiming on the 12month warranty for peeling teflon. the replacement also peeled, to buy new insert is $70. disheartened with the Sunbeam product.
Purchased in June 2021 at David Jones Online Store for $149.00.
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Gretel01South East Queensland, QLD
- 6 reviews
- Verified purchase
Really Disappointed.
I have only used this product four times, the last being on Saturday. The food was ruined, over cooked and we couldn’t eat it. I experience the same problem every time, it is impossible to cook on Low, the food cooks way too fast. I think there must be something wrong with the thermostat. In the recipe section of the instruction booklet, one recipe says to cook on Low for 8 hours, not possible with this machine. Slow cookers I have used in the past, I could set when leaving for work and would cook for 8 hours without a problem. On Low s...Read more
etting, food is cooked before 3 hours with this machine. Also I am having a problem with the insert peeling, even though I only use correct utensils, like other users. I do not recommend this product. I will never buy another Sunbeam product again, top $$ ($169 ) but seriously below par quality-wise. I don’t expect to pay top dollar and for something not to work regardless of the miserable 12 month warranty period. That says it all.Purchased in June 2021 at David Jones Online Store.
1 comment
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Gretel01, sorry to hear. Please return to store or give us a call on 1300 881 861 to see if we can assist. I know this doesn't sound like the HP8555. I cooked lamb roast yesterday for 8 hours and it was perfect
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TonesRichmond-Tweed, NSW
Cooking pan teflon peels
Have had 3 cooking pan replacements due to the teflon blistering and peeling. The slow cooker was great for a few months but there is a fault in the pans. We are extremely careful in the care and washing of the teflon surface. Sunbeam admitted there was a problem with the pans on the first replacement and after the 3rd won't replace it, which is fair enough. Don't waste your money, which is a shame as a good cooker when it goes.
Purchased in August 2021 at The Good Guys for $135.00.
2 comments
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Webtones, sorry to hear this. Always give us a call if you would like on 1300 881 861
Hi, yes I have called 1300 881 861 and the customer service person looked at my details and said we could not have another pan replacement. They offered to supply the part number so I could purchase o... Read more
ne. As I have lost faith in the pans, will not waste my money. The last pan was only replaced 10 months ago.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
LizPerth, WA
Non stick comes off after a few months
Non stick coating started peeling off the insert after only 7 months. Contacted Sunbeam who replaced the whole unit because there was a long wait on the inserts. 16 months later and the coating is peeling off again (it was replaced in summer so has only had a few months use). Sunbeam are refusing to replace due to being out of warranty. Don’t waste your money on this product.
Purchased in January 2021.
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Chelle_CHunter Region, NSW
- 5 reviews
Hubby loves it.
I bought the slow cooker for my Hubby. He loves using it, you are able to sear and seal the meat first (no frypan needed). It is deep and holds lamb shanks with ease, the digital screen makes it easy to read. I have enjoyed many a meal with Sunbeams slow cooker
Purchased in July 2021 for $150.00.
1 comment
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Chelle_C,
Thanks for the great review.!
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A SpeckSydney, NSW
It WAS loved, until recently!
Had our Sunbeam Secretchef for about 18 months now, and was using it weekly until recently. We love slow cooking (soup, stews), and the sear function, and timer, is super. We've had the same problem as the other reviewers though.
Despite only using silicone or wood utensils, the non stick coating is coming off in strips. We don't feel it's safe to use anymore. I've just read that a replacement insert pot costs around $70! What?! That's not reasonable for a device, even one about 18 months old.
Purchased in July 2021.
2 comments
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi A Speck,
Sorry to hear of the issue with the cooking insert. Please call us on 1300 881 861 and we would be happy to assist you further.
As per Sunbeam's suggestion, I phoned their care team. I was delighted with the response I got - they will be replacing the unit. Thank you Sunbeam (and Clare, who helped me) for excellent customer service!
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Find out how Sunbeam SecretChef HP8555 compares to other Slow Cookers
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SkiibunnyMid North Coast, NSW
- 13 reviews
New to slow cookers
Just purchased my Sunbeam HP 8555 browning slow cooker. Am new to slow cookers use. Have used it once, made a stew and very happy with the browning function and cooker overall so far. Hope it continues to function this well. Will update review in 3 months. Fingers crossed it will continue to serve me well.
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Disgusted
Great while it lasted
I bought this in 2015 and have used on a regular basis ever since. Absolutely loved the sear function and could never fault the unit until about 4 months ago when the non-stick surface insert needed replacing. This cost about $70 but I was happy to do it since it had been such a great appliance thus far. However, I’m now finding that the unit doesn’t reach a temperature higher than the lowest setting- seems like the element is failing. For the price I expected more than a 3 year lifespan so am very disappointed, as I’ve ha...Read more
Purchased in October 2021 for $135.00.
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Krisperth
Cooks really well. Non stick is rubbish
Does a great job cooking but is let down by the non stick coating which just peels off. never used anything but plastic utensils. it was a gift so i dont have the receipt and when i called customer service i got quoted $90 for a new tub. considering sunbeam is well aware this product has issues i think that is a poor effort at getting more money from a customer. you can buy the same cooker new for $130. i went and bought a slow cooker with the old clay pot for less than what sunbeam wanted for the tub. it has all the timers and you dont have to worry about health effects of coatings coming off in your food.
1 comment
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Kris, sorry to hear you were not happy with the Secretchef. We do value everyone's opinion, good or bad and will take the feedback on board..
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BronTownsville
Fantastic product non stick let's it down though!
My slow is fantastic, however as previously mentioned the non stick coating has cracked. I only use and own plastic utensils and so am extremely disappointed in this. Especially as it is only around a year old. We have purchased the extended warranty as well. Feel like this needs to be rectified in order to make one of the best products in this range on the market!
1 comment
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Bron, sorry to hear you have this problem, not sure why this may be happening. Please return to your store of purchase or phone our Customer Care Team on 1300 881 861 so we can assist you.
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Maria
- 2 reviews
Yes great until non stick starts peeling
Purchased in Jul 2017 have been away for 3 months had out to cook soup then when cleaning found non stick peeling off. I have only used silicone and non stick utensils in this. Very disappointed as I have purchased a lot of Sunbeam appliances over the years and now I have a slow cooker that works and I cannot use.
2 comments
Customer C.Sunbeam
HI Maria, sorry to hear that and not sure why this has occurred. Please give our Customer Care team a call to discuss this further with you on 1300 881 861
Thank you
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Questions & Answers
Gordon G.asked
operating manual
1 answer
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi Gordon G.
Please contact us on 1300 881 861 and we can arrange a copy for you. Kind Regards, Sunbeam
DandJasked
is this programmable- that is, can you set a timer to commence cooking at some later time?
3 answers
Unfortunately not. It's the one feature missing (and something we missed in an earlier slow cooker we had). It does have a "warm" function though, which stays on for around 4 hours once your food is cooked which helps.
Customer C.Sunbeam
Hi DandJ,
Thank you for your question. Sorry - he HP8555 does not have this feature. Have a look at the CHP300 Express Crock XL Multi Cooker. This has a slow cooker function (amongst many others) and has a time delay function that allows you to delay the start of your cooking so that cooking finishes when you need it.
Kind Regards Sunbeam
No DandJ it does not have a preset progam facility which is a pity. What attracted me though was the searing capability which I find to be good and suits my purpose.
Alisonianasked
Has anyone had trouble with the slow cooker button not working? It won’t scroll through H to low to warm. The timer just changes. Weird. Browning button works. Annoying.
No answers
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Blondie71
Thankfully the team @ Sunbeam have honoured the warranty & offered a replacement. Great customer service.