The 6 Best Slow Cookers and Crock Pots to Buy

Finding a slow cooker that has all the right features you want and need can sometimes seem like a Herculean task with so many companies making slow cookers these days. So to help make your task a little easier, here are 6 of the best slow cookers that are known for their great and useful features.

Hamilton Beach 33967 Set It and Forget It Slow Cooker
The Hamilton Beach 33967 Set it and forget it with all the features you’re likely to need. Let’s take a look at these features and see what real users think about this useful kitchen appliance.

Size: 6-1/2 quarts, large enough to cook dinner for a family of 4, roast a whole chicken, or make a roast of pork or beef. It’s also big enough to make a casserole for church dinner or soup for winter skating party.

Shape: This pot is oval in shape, making it easy to roast that chicken in the traditional position.

Insert- Easy-to-wash stoneware insert.

Glass lid-lid that seals for easy transport.

Programmable Cook Time: Program this cooker to cook for a set amount of time, and then the cooker will heat itself.

Temperature Control Settings – For those who aren’t sure how long they want their stew to cook, the Hamilton Beach 33967 also allows you to set this appliance to a range of 3 temperature settings, High, Low, and Warm.

Temperature Probe – For those who want their meat to be cooked to the right temperature so that it is safe and healthy to eat. You can also use the temperature probe for cooking. Simply insert the probe and when the internal temperature of the meat reaches the proper temperature, this slow cooker will automatically heat up.

Most reviewers seem to like Hamilton beach 33967 Set it and Forget it, giving it 4.3 stars out of 5 possible.

Clay pot SCCPVL610_S

I chose this model in part because it won Wired Magazine’s Editors’ Choice. From the company that started the slow cooker craze, the Crock Pot SCCPVL610_S offers users a good slow cooker for preparing meals.

Characteristics of the clay pot SCCPVL610_S

6-quart capacity is perfect for 7 or more or a 6-pound roast
Easy-to-use locking lid with lid gasket provides an extra seal for less mess on the go
Programmable digital control lets you program cook times from 30 minutes to 20 hours
It switches to the warm setting automatically once the cooking time is complete.
Removable oval stoneware that is also elegant for your table and is safe for the dishwasher, oven and microwave.
The Crock Pot SCCPVL610_S has a programmable timer. Users like it, giving it 5 stars.

Clay pot SCR 3000 SS
From the company that started the slow cooker craze, the Crock Pot SCR 3000 SS offers users a good slow cooker for preparing meals for one or two, or soups and stews for a group.

Size- 3 quarts. Big enough for that small chicken, that hot pot of soup, or a small roast for two.

Circle shape. While many people prefer the oval slow cooker, the truth is that a round crock pot takes up less cabinet space, making it easier to use every day.

Insert: easy-to-clean stoneware insert.

glass lid

Temperature control settings: high, low and warm

The Crock-Pot SCR 3000 does not have a programmable timer or meat probe; it’s just a simple, easy-to-use slow cooker made in the Crock Pot tradition. Users like it, giving it 4 stars.

Breville BSC 560XL Series Slow Cooker
Another of the best is the Breville BSC 560 series. It is designed to meet the needs of large families or those who love entertainment. Its larger size makes it ideal for entertaining large crowds.

Size: 7 quarts big enough to make Sloppy Joes for your entire kid’s soccer team. You can easily cook a 7-pound chicken, 2-3-pound roasts, or make enough chili for that chili cook-off.

Shape: The Breville BSC 560 series is a rectangular cooker that looks more like an electric toaster than a handy appliance for cooking soups and stews.

Insert-Cast Alum Insert allows you to brown and cook meat in one pan.

Lid – Stainless steel

Temperature control settings: high, low and warm. This Breville slow cooker does not have a programmable timer or meat probe.

Users who bought this device seem to find many uses for it and give it 4.4 stars out of 5.

Cuisinart PSC 3 1/2-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Cuisinart appliances have become very popular and the Cusinart PSC 350 is no exception.

Size: 3 1/2 quarts.

Oval shaped

insert-ceramic

glass lid

Programmable cooking timer: up to 24 hours

Temperature Control Settings – This Cuisinart has something slightly unique when it comes to temperature control settings. As well as having the traditional High, Low and Keep Warm settings. This appliance also has a simmer function, making it the ideal pot for preparing those soups and broths. It does not have a meat probe.

This kitchen is ideal for families of 2 or 3 people.

Hamilton Beach 33135 3-in-1 Slow Cooker
The Hamilton Beach 33135 3-in-1 offers more options for people who need different sizes. This cooker comes with a stainless steel base and 3 different size inserts.

Size: 2, 4, and 6-quart cooker

Round shape

Ceramic inserts-3 different sizes

Lid: glass and fits all three containers.

Temperature settings: high, low and warm. This cooker is not programmable and does not have a meat probe.

The Hamilton Beach 33135 is the ideal kitchen for that couple who often have dinner guests and love to entertain. The three various size containers are all nestled together for easy storage and allow you to cook the right amount of food for any occasion. Rate 4 stars from users.

The different features offered by these slow cookers range from simple traditional slow cooking to the latest technology. There is sure to be one that suits your specific needs. If you already have one of these models, please let us know which one you think is the best slow cooker in the comments below.

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