The cooking pot of this model features a patented non-stick surface that will serve you for years to come. Likewise, the pot is PTFE- and PFOA-free, which ultimately makes it more eco-friendly.
The pot retains odors.
If you value the appearance of your appliances as much as their effectiveness and usability then this model from Calphalon will be right up your alley. The programmable digital controls, coupled with premium-quality cookware, also put this model high on our list. Definitely a must-have for users that love to cook.
5.3-Quart
Ceramic with non-stick coating (removable, oven, and dishwasher safe)
Programmable digital controls, LCD-screen, Timer, 2 temperature modes, Auto shut-off function, Stay-warm function
Cool-touch handles, Glass lid
3 years
Contrary to similar slow cooker models, this one has superior manual controls including temperature adjustments of the cooker pot. On top of that, the kit is supplied with a thermometer probe that allows detecting even the slightest changes in temperature.
The stainless steel housing tends to get hot during prolonged cooking.
An affordable slow cooker from Hamilton Beach has all it takes to be a prime budget-friendly model. With a capacious cooking pot and supreme temperature controls, there is little room for a mistake when opting for this device.
6-Quart
Stainless steel, Non-stick ceramic pot, Tempered glass lid
Programmable digital controls, LCD-screen, Timer, Auto shut-off function
Temperature probe, Programmable and manual cook settings, Keep warm setting, Power interruption protection, Removable oval stoneware pot, Clip-tight lid, Additional lid sealing gasket
1 year (limited)
Large capacity is designed to cook for 7 people, so this slow cooker is perfect for large families. What is more, the lid has special gaskets that allow you to seal it and carry the whole stoneware pot with a dish inside.
This is one of the top picks for big family parties at home. Additionally, the unit is small enough and can also be used at a picnic since you can carry a cooking pot thanks to a special locking lid design.
6-Quart
Stainless steel, Stoneware, Porcelain stoneware
Programmable digital controls, LCD-screen, Auto shut-off, Timer
1 year (limited)
A removable oven-safe ceramic bowl is casserole-shaped which will let you use it as a casserole dish for baking omelets, pies, puddings, quiches, and a variety of other scrumptious foods in the oven.
Locking latches might seem a bit flimsy.
2.5 Qt is an optimal capacity for one-pot meals and casseroles, dips and desserts. It is more than enough for 3-4 persons and will let you cook maximum quickly. In the end, this makes this model a great choice for small family dinners, friendly get-togethers, and outdoor parties.
2.5-Quart
Stoneware with Rinse-Clean™ coating (removable, oven, and dishwasher safe)
Mechanical control, 2 temperature modes, Stay-warm feature
Cool-touch handles, Glass Secure-Fit™ lid with locking latches and a handle, Cord storage, Recipe book
1 year
Stoneware with Rinse-Clean™ coating is exceptionally easy to maintain and to clean. Although there will be little food that can stick to the sides of the stoneware, all that remains can be cleaned with a simple soap solution.
It is difficult to determine the temperature of the crockpot.
This Crock-Pot appliance can serve as both a slow cooker and a simple cooking pot whenever needed. Fully compatible with standard ovens and microwave devices it makes the cooking process easy. The high capacity coupled with convenient portability features also enable utilizing this piece of cookware for traveling.
6-Quart
Stoneware with Rinse-Clean™ coating (removable and dishwasher safe)
Mechanical control, 2 temperature modes, Stay-warm feature
Cool-touch handles, Glass Secure-Fit™ lid with locking latches and a handle, Cord storage, Recipe book
1 year
Simple Controls That Open Endless Capabilities
The Calphalon Sauté is a digital model and it really makes cooking in a slow mode easier than it could ever be. However, what exactly makes it stand out among the crowd of similar products? To answer that question we must take a closer look at its main features, so let’s start.
First off, it is worth pointing out the main feature of this crock pot that really makes it stand out - its digital capabilities. Instead of the regular dials and knobs, this model features superior digital controls that allow for fine-tuning the cooking modes according to your needs. Thanks to the handy user manual, it is fairly simple to learn all the caveats of different cooking modes as well as to get into the adjustment process.
Moving on, the LCD screen implemented in the device will conveniently show you how much time is left for the food to be finally cooked, the selected cooking mode, as well as other useful information. The two temperature modes, on the other hand, will help you out in making some of the best dishes. Owing to the programmable digital controls, the number of possible recipes is only limited by your imagination. Other useful features, like an automatic shut-off function, effectively eliminates the risk of the dishes being overcooked, while the stay-warm mode ensures that food will stay comfortably warm and ready to eat at all times.
Elegant And Efficient
As for the looks, featuring a sleek black finish, the Calphalon digital Sauté is not just great to cook with but simply to look at. That said, it doesn’t get stained easily and can be simply wiped with a wet cloth in case you spill some ingredients on it. Moreover, the cool touch handles will make it easier to carry the stuffed cooker without gloves on, whereas the glass lid allows you to monitor the cooking process.
Owing to the non-stick coating of the insert pot it is fairly easy to clean and since it is dishwasher safe it can be washed without involvement on your behalf. The only thing that we didn’t really like about this particular cooker model is that its pot tends to retain food odors for some time. Due to this, we recommend using cleaning solutions that effectively remove any smells from the cookware. Fortunately, the pot’s materials don’t feature any hazardous PTFE and PFOA chemicals used in most commercial-grade cookware, making it ecologically-friendly and safe to cook food in.
Wrapping things up, this model from Calphalon will be an excellent option for users who are searching for a slow cooker that is both easy to use and maintain, while being able to cook perfect dishes at the same time.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $165.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07GH89F6H |
An Affordable Pro-Level Model
The Hamilton Beach 33969 is a 6-quart slow cooker which is perfect for cooking for a group of people of 5-6 people. Despite its relatively modest price tag, it is very powerful and has a bunch of useful features that are found in premium models.
Now, let's take a look at the core features of this cooker and see what makes it stand out from all the rest entries on this list. First things first, let’s break down what comes in the package together with the unit.
The kit includes a ceramic cooking pot that features a non-stick coating, the same you'll find in premium slow cookers. Furthermore, the top lid of the device has special clips and rubber seal that prevent the air from getting inside the cooker, thus making sure the cooker doesn't spill. That and the compact size of the Hamilton Beach 33969 make it a great choice if you plan to carry it full of food for parties and other large events.
It's also worth mentioning that the Hamilton Beach 33969 has a wider lip around the sides of the bowl which makes it easier to carry it and take out of the cooker when the meal is ready. This extra width around the bowl also simplifies the model's maintenance, allowing for a more convenient removal of leftover food and hassle-free cleaning.
Complex Meals Made Easy
Along with digital settings, the Hamilton Beach 33969A slower cooker offers a manual program. Unfortunately, it doesn't allow you to use a timer, but if you need to constantly control the temperature you can do that using a control panel on the front of the housing. The only issue we have with the control panel is its relatively dated design that doesn’t leave much room for customization of the cooking presets. As a result, if you accidentally skip the needed setting, you'll have to cycle through the list of options one more time. That said, while we wish the navigation was improved after you get used to it, you'll be able to switch between programs with ease.
The hidden convenience of the Hamilton Beach 33969A is a test probe which allows checking the temperature throughout the whole cooking process and makes it easy to achieve flawless results each time. This feature excludes the need for opening the top cover almost completely and will make the cooking of even complex meals a breeze.
The probe is connected to the main unit separately and must be inserted inside the cooker through the vent hole of the lid. The whole process takes seconds to perform and the only thing you will need to do afterwards is washing the metal tip of the thermometer, so it is not that big of an issue. Speaking of washing, both the glass lid and the ceramic crock with the cooking pot are dishwasher safe and can be cleaned in a matter of minutes - a crucial aspect for chain cooking of multiple meals.
If you are looking for an affordable digital slow cooker that will make cooking a real breeze, then this model from Hamilton Beach is the right choice. Capacious and powerful, it makes even the most complicated meals look easy in comparison with regular stoves.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $54.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00EZI26GO |
Reliability Is the Key
Crock-Pot slow cooker has an oval body which is made of stainless steel which makes this kitchen appliance very reliable and durable. The unit has large handles on both sides of the body so it's easy to сarry the whole slow cooker. The cooking insert is made of porcelain stoneware. It's easy to remove this cooking pot and serve a fresh dish right in it. The stainless steel body is smooth and you can easily wipe it or wash it with a sponge. Also, the cooking insert is dishwasher-friendly and you won't face any difficulties in removing grease after cooking a delicious stew.
This kitchen appliance is excellent for slow cooking. A removable stoneware pot conducts heat perfectly and ensures an even heat distribution so that a dish doesn't burn on the bottom. Stoneware is a fantastic material for stewing and making all kinds of dishes that require slow cooking. Therefore, you will be able to cook truly delicious food for all members of your family.
Cooking Insert
This Crock-Pot slow cooker has digital controls which allow you to choose the right cooking option without any troubles. You can pick one of four standard settings with a single push of a button. It saves your time and allows you to start cooking right away. The heating element distributes the temperature evenly all over the surface of the stoneware, so the same degree of preparation is maintained in all parts of the pot.
Crock-Pot slow cooker has a built-in timer that allows you to pre-set a cooking time from 30 minutes to 20 hours. This feature is very important since it allows you to add the ingredients, set the timer up and the cooking will start when you choose it. Therefore, you will be able to enjoy fresh meals when you come back home after a long working day. Also, there's an automatic Warm Setting - when the food is ready, the slow cooker will maintain the temperature. Finally, this Crock-Pot model is amazing for people who like picnics - you can take the appliance with a prepared food with you and the food won't spread all over your trunk, because you can lock the lid (it has 2 gaskets for effective spill-free sealing). This way, you can cook a tasty stew and take it to your friends and relatives who, no doubt, will be happy to enjoy such a meal.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $51.49 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B004P2NG0K |
What customers say about this product
Key Specs(4.9)
Features(4)
Size & Weight(4.1)
CONVENIENT FOR EVERY OCCASION
With all indisputable benefits of crock pots, today, this cooker is almost a must-have kitchen appliance you can find in any household. However, while 6-quart crock pots are perfect for large families, they might appear oversize for couples and smaller families of 3-4 persons as well as for the occasions when you need a smaller portion of food or you'd like to cook some kind of side dish. Some people would say you can just use fewer ingredients for your bigger bowl. Yet, if you want to obtain consistently good cooking results, you can’t since following the manufacturer instructions, the bowl should be at least ⅔ full to prevent overcooking and drying out. This is where a Crock pot casserole slow cooker will come in handy.
This model features a 2.5-Qt oval ceramic bowl ideal for your favorite casserole dishes, dips, garnishes, and desserts. It’s ideal for lasagne, quiches, gratins, pies, and cottage cheese puddings. Simply load the ingredients, choose High or Low setting depending on the recipe at hand and forget it until your dish is ready. If you need to keep your dish warm before serving, you can switch to Keep Warm mode when the cooking process is over. Such smaller crockpot size is optimal for any occasion, whether you cook a single-dish meal for yourself, a dinner for a family or a treat for a whole party.
MORE THAN A SLOW COOKER
While preparing for family dinners, holidays, or large gatherings, the 2.5 Qt crockpot will be helpful for cooking entrees, appetizers, and dips while you use your conventional oven for turkey, chicken, or bigger roasts. Besides, thanks to an elegant design in white color with fancy blue patterns, you can serve dishes right in a slow cooker or in a removable pot to cut down on additional dishware. Meanwhile, for safe handling and easy spill-free transportation, the unit comes with two cool-touch handles and a locking glass lid.
Despite its distinctively smaller size, the 2.5-Qt mini crock pot boasts one distinctive feature you won’t find in bigger and more expensive models. The appliance comes complete with a stove and oven safe stoneware allowing you to bake deliciously airy omelettes and scrumptious pies or pre-brown your roast before moving the pan to the heating base. It’s a really handy option that further enhances the unit usability and expands its functionality.
So, if you need a compact yet fully functional slow cooker for a small family or a lower capacity unit to add to your larger 6-Qt crock pot, the casserole slow cooker is the right option to go for.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $39.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B012CP15H2 |
Capacious And Portable
The Crock Pot SCCPV600S is yet another Cook and Carry portable slow cooker model but this time around it can easily compete with larger, fully-fledged models where capacity is concerned.
Right off the bat, the 6-quart capacity of this model’s insert cooking pot will be more than enough to prepare large quantities of food. With this in mind, the appliance is suitable for family use and can cook enough food for 4 people with ease to match. Despite its size, though, the cooker is fairly portable owing to the hinged locking mechanism of the lid, as well as to the convenient carrying handles on the sides of the appliance. To be more precise, the gasket lid will definitely aid in keeping the contents of the pot sealed at all times so you can safely put it in the back of your car without worrying that you may spill some ingredients.
Conversely, let’s talk maintenance. Just like the majority of similar products, this cooking pot is simple to clean. Once the appliance is unplugged and the pot has cooled off, the stoneware with the lid can be washed with a cleaning solution in hot water or, as an alternative, put in a dishwasher. Thanks to the Rinse-Clean™ coating, the stoneware can be cleaned without putting too much elbow grease into it, as well as ensuring that the food won’t stick to the sides of the pot too much.
Compatible With Standard Ovens
The regular process of cooking with the appliance will require placing the stoneware into its respectable heating base, adding the ingredients needed for your dish and covering the lid. After that is done, simply plug in the crockpot and pick the required temperature setting and the cooker will be ready to go. If you don’t want to use the slow mode of the cooker, you will be glad to know that the stoneware pot is safe to use in ovens and microwaves, which will come in handy for prepping quick meals.
A single caveat we have for this model, however, is the fact that it is hard to tell what the actual temperature of the crockpot is when it’s in use due to the lack of built-in thermometers and thermal sensors that could provide that information. Other than that, there are no real turn-off points that affect the actual performance of the cooker.
In the end, this slow cooker model from Crock-Pot will be an excellent addition to your cookware, especially if you need a crockpot that is both simple in operation and won’t break the bank. Despite its simple design, it is more than capable of prepping the most delicious dishes out there.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $47.40 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B003HF6PUO |
What Is a Slow Cooker?
A slow cooker is a handy countertop kitchen appliance, designed for cooking at low temperatures for several hours successively. It’s not expensive, it’s economical in energy consumption, and it’s well suitable for making a variety of meals. From simple rice to casserole, it can cope with any cooking task with ease.
The main advantage of using a slow cooker is being able to load all the ingredients in a crock early in the morning and have a meal done when coming back home from the office late in the evening. This makes it especially useful for business people who are always on the go and hence, are limited in time. The cooking abilities of slow cookers are often compared to multi-cookers because they are capable of cooking virtually anything - from vegetables, porridge, rice, and meat to soup and wine. It can also be used for making lasagne, as well as many other exclusive meals and desserts that require slow cooking. If you're not sure which slow cooker to choose among a variety of options available, our selection should come in handy. We offer you to take a look at the five best models presented on the market as well as find out what things are important to consider when making a choice.
For those looking to facilitate their kitchen chores, we also recommend taking a look at our comparison of dishwashers. Furthermore, you might be interested in roasters.
What Features to Compare
For those who've decided to buy a slow cooker, we offer a few practical tips that should help you find the perfect crock pot. Hopefully, after reading this guide, it will be easy for you to make the right choice.
Design
First things first, consider the design. Though it might not seem that obvious at first, crockpots are not the same: some models are oval while others are round. In general, oval shape is considered more practical as it can accommodate larger chunks of meat, but if you don't need a big pot, a round slow cooker will suit you fine. Slow cookers can also come in various capacities. Depending on your needs, you can choose a pot from 500 ml up to 7L. Further on, check out the exterior of the device. It should be made of quality materials and surrounded by metal for better heat conduction. For your convenience, we recommend opting for a lid made of glass so that you can easily see what's happening inside the appliance without having to open it during use. Another thing to look out is convenient controls. Many slow cookers come with digital controls, sparing you the need to rely on the guesswork when cooking.
Coating
Next, pay attention to the quality of the coating. As a rule, most slow pots come with a non-stick coating to prevent food from sticking to the bottom and facilitate clean-up of the device. However, not all models can boast of having pots entirely covered with a non-stick coating so make sure the one you choose offers as much coverage as possible. You may also want to check the compatibility of this pot with other cookers. Quite often a pot can be used separately from a slow cooker, but to use it safely, you need to make sure it can be used with your type of cooker.
Heating
Speaking of operation, and heating in particular, what you need to be aware of is that some slow cookers have no temperature control at all and work only at a constant heat setting. These are basic models that should be turned on and off manually. More sophisticated models, in turn, will offer at least several heat settings, such as low, medium, high, as well as keep warm, and allow you to vary the power, providing you with more cooking options. In addition, they will often include timers and preset programs, so you won't need to keep an eye on the device. In regard to the heating element, we advise you to choose a model with a heating element placed in the housing. Such placement is considered the most effective, allowing the slow cooker to generate the heat evenly and to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the whole process of cooking.