Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 6 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker vs Hamilton Beach Temp Tracker 6 Quart Slow Cooker

However, I did come across an awesome blog called a year of slow cooking that presented me with a bunch of easy-to-make recipes in very little time. (Since then I have found other blogs with other recipes: Get Crocked and 365 days of slow cooking for example but a year of slow cooking is still my favorite.) The recipe problem solved, I started cooking using my small, old, and very basic crockpot. And that crockpot was doable but some recipes call for cooking on low for 9 hours; others for 6 and really all I want is to throw the ingredients into the crockpot and forget about it

However, I did come across an awesome blog called a year of slow cooking that presented me with a bunch of easy-to-make recipes in very little time. (Since then I have found other blogs with other recipes: Get Crocked and 365 days of slow cooking for example but a year of slow cooking is still my favorite.) The recipe problem solved, I started cooking using my small, old, and very basic crockpot. And that crockpot was doable but some recipes call for cooking on low for 9 hours; others for 6 and really all I want is to throw the ingredients into the crockpot and forget about it

Yes if you do the math this wasn’t that expensive per meal etc. but I like to buy something I can count on to work long term, even if it costs a little more. Lots of people love this, and that’s great. I can tell you that after 4 years with mine, it definitely resembles what you expect from an opening price point brand (only, that’s not the price they are charging)

The silicone ring on the lid starts off pretty tacky and can be tricky to seat. After the first couple times using it though, that wears off and works great, creating a nice seal. The biggest annoyance for me is the beeps when turning it on or adjusting settings is a bit obnoxious and can't be disabled. Overall though, it cooks like a crock pot should (low and slow) and has held up so I recommend this one!

This wonderful slow cooker was comparably the best value for the money and sold for a lot less than other slow cookers on the market. If you are an avid slow cooker fan you will appreciate this appliance.

I just can’t fathom a Hamilton Beach slow cooker for $70-80. I believe this was in the $45-50 range when I purchased four years ago and I thought that was steep, looks like all slow cookers have increased tremendously in price. At that rate I’d rather pay a little more and get kitchen aid, or maybe even bump up to a higher end brand from there. Slow cookers used to last 20 plus years- 4 years is ridiculous

Within minutes, there was a very strong burning plastic smell. We turned it off and discovered the smell was coming from where the electric cord attaches to the pot. Since this is a fire hazard, we will have to dispose of the cooker. This is ridiculous after such a short period of time and using it no more than about once a month

I feel using the cooking bags help with my peace of mind, as well as with cleanup. The wire clamps to secure the crock for travel seem like they would work fine, but I don't travel with food, so I have only found them a bit annoying because they don't fold completely away from the side of the crock and you cannot use them while cooking. Another model is probably the same, but without the clamps. I was just overwhelmed with all the reading I did and picked this one without considering that I might not want the clamps

The face of it is already starting to come off. The crock insert is much harder to clean than the original so they definitely changed the finish on that as well.

The face of it is already starting to come off. The crock insert is much harder to clean than the original so they definitely changed the finish on that as well.

So after about 5 hours, I took the lid off and let it cook on high. This did the trick. The watery sauce began to change into the thicker sauce I wanted. After this, I returned the lid and put the pork on low for another 1 hour and again removed the lid for the final hour

So after about 5 hours, I took the lid off and let it cook on high. This did the trick. The watery sauce began to change into the thicker sauce I wanted. After this, I returned the lid and put the pork on low for another 1 hour and again removed the lid for the final hour

One con, the pot is made of ceramic and it is quite heavy which some might find hard to bring to parties or reunions.

The ceramic crock: nice and heavy. So many slow cookers seem to be scrimping on the crocks these days. This one is heavy duty and exceedingly easy to clean (and I highly recommend using slow cooker bags to eas on the cleanup)

I did not like the control panel that is a soft push button plastic material that will wear away real fast. I think the price point is a bit high for the quality of the product.

I did not like the control panel that is a soft push button plastic material that will wear away real fast. I think the price point is a bit high for the quality of the product.

I’ve had this crockpot for years and, while I love the functionality of the digital settings, I am fed up with how hot it gets/quickly it cooks. It’s not a huge issue for some dishes, but when you have a pot roast or any kind of meat you want to be tender it becomes very frustrating. I’m about to toss a roast that it cooked in 2 hours on LOW. I think I’ll toss this crockpot along with it

To confirm temperature, time setting. & turn off power, you must PUSH IN the same knob you use for control settings. Made a roast on low & it turned out very moist and delicious. There was no boiling like my old crockpot and the roast was fully cooked to my liking in 7 hrs