Preliminary identification

Elite Cuisine 1.5-Quart Mini Slow Cooker by Maxi-Matic

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is a compact, 1.5-quart electric slow cooker featuring a brushed stainless steel exterior, a removable black stoneware pot, and a matching tempered glass lid. Designed for small-batch cooking, dips, or single-serving meals, it represents the modern evolution of the classic countertop crockpot.

Story

In 1940, Irving Naxon patented a portable cooker inspired by his mother's stories of slow-cooking Cholent back in Lithuania. Decades later, this compact 1.5-quart version adapted that same cozy, hands-off tradition for modern, space-conscious kitchens.

Maker / Origin

Maxi-Matic was founded in 1984 by the U.S.-based Yan family, initially importing small electronics before establishing their own household brands like Elite Cuisine. They carved out a major niche in the culinary world by designing highly specialized, budget-friendly countertop appliances that fit the shrinking footprint of modern apartment kitchens.

Condition & Value

The appliance appears to be in excellent, near-mint cosmetic condition, still retaining its protective plastic wrapping around the rim. There are no visible chips in the stoneware insert or scratches on the stainless steel exterior. Excellent working condition is required to achieve the upper end of the value range.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.