Hamilton Beach Ready Set Dinner Programmable Slow Cooker 6 Quart With Temperature Probe Defrost Function Clip-Tight Lid For

Big enough to feed a large family or serve as a dish for a gathering this 6 quart programmable slow cooker allows multiple processes to be set at one time. For example starting from frozen the unit may be set on a defrost cycle with high or low heat which when complete automatically switches to cooking by time set by the user at high, medium or low heat or Mealtime mode where the time desired for the meal to be finished is selected. The temperature may also be set using the included probe accessory and the slow cooker automatically goes to warming mode after cook time, Mealtime or temperature is complete. To gauge size the unit is stated to accommodate up to a 4 pound roast or 6 pound chicken. I prepared two recipes which I found on the website and slightly adapted for some pantry items nearing their use by date—Lentil Soup and a Dump Cake. Making the cake entailed greasing the ceramic crock and then mixing a cake mix, eggs and a few items in a bowl and adding them to the crock and covering with the lid. Cook on low for 3 1/2 to 4 hours or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean and serve with a dusting of powdered sugar, ice cream or whipped cream. The result was very good although it took an extra 1/2 hour beyond the maximum guidance for the cake to finish cooking. The soup requires simply adding ingredients to crock and processing for either 3 1/2 to 4 hours on high or 7 to 8 hours on low. The finished soup was flavorful and satisfying although it took an extra hour on high to cook for a total of 5 hours. That said the timing differences for both recipes may be attributable to small changes I made. A handsome matte black color the lightweight aluminum housing adds minimal weight to the unit which means even when fully loaded with food it is manageable to carry. A good user guide is included which details operation, maintenance and features in English, French and Spanish and is worth the time to read before use. The lighted display panel is easy to read and it uses a CR2032 pre-installed button cell battery. Instructions for replacing the battery are in the manual. Using the display has a learning curve so it is wise to keep the guide nearby until familiar with the process. A well thought out design provides a helpful lid support so there is a place for the lid to rest while serving and instead of any condensation leaking onto a table or counter it is directed back into the crock. That support also serves as an area to wrap the power cord around to keep it neatly out of the way when not in use. Also a lock-down glass lid makes it secure to transport. Read more

My old slow cooker died and I replaced it with Hamilton Beach Ready, Set, Dinner Programmable Slow Cooker. Like my old slow cooker, it has a 6 quart crock. This slow cooker is a major upgrade from my old slow cooker. It has 3 temperature settings (Low, Medium, High), along with keep warm and defrost settings. It also has a temperature probe. The slow cooker cooks evenly and the temperature probe is within 2 degrees of the temperature per my cooking thermometer. Cooking time is about the same as with my old slow cooker. The slow cooker is easy to program and use. I use the low temp setting the most. Some of the foods I used it for were chili, pulled pork, and a roast. My old slow cooker did not have a rubber gasket on the lid and I usually used a slow cooker liner so I could fold it over the food and keep the steam in the cooker. Now I only need to use the liners to make clean up easier. The crock is dishwasher safe but it takes up a lot of space, so I always wash it by hand. This slow cooker has a cord wrap / lid holder on the back. When it's removed and put into the upright position, it can hold the lid. In the low position, the cord wraps around it. It also has clips to secure the lid when transporting it. I thought the clips were annoying, and since I rarely transport the cooker, I pinched the wires together and removed them. If I need to transport the slow cooker, the clips are easy to put back. I needed to rearrange my storage shelf as this slow cooker is a little wider than my old cooker, because the control panel in the front is wider and the cord storage / lid holder on the back. Overall, it's great and a definite upgrade from my old slow cooker. Read more

The media could not be loaded. I picked up this Hamilton Beach slow cooker as an upgrade from an older cooker that didn’t cook as efficiently as I wanted, and this feels like a “smart” slow cooker compared to traditional ones. It’s Goldilocks size: any bigger and you’re feeding an army. Any smaller and you won’t be able to leave the recommended 2-inch space at the top for soups to simmer. Even as a vegetarian (meaning I’ll probably never use the included temperature probe), this has plenty of features that make it worthwhile. A few things I appreciate: • Automatic warm mode with timer count-up: When cooking finishes, it switches to warm automatically and then starts counting upward so you know exactly how long your food has been resting. Also, the warm setting is genuinely warm, not aggressively hot where you burn your mouth on the first bite. • Built-in lid rest = genius: I initially thought this was just for serving, but I use it constantly while cooking, especially when stirring periodically or adding ingredients later in the process. It keeps condensation dripping back into the pot instead of onto the counter. • Clip-tight lid for secure transport: The locking clips are excellent if you’re taking this to gatherings or transporting it in a bumpy vehicle. • MealTime mode: This feature lets you set when you want food ready rather than worrying about timing the cook cycle yourself. The lid is gasketed, which softens contact with the crock and eliminates any loud glass clatter. The cord holder doubling as the lid rest on the back wasn’t immediately intuitive, but once you get how to pop it on and off, it’s very practical (I included a 26-second video showing how it works). I love this upgraded slow cooker for tasty vegetarian soups, stews, beans and one-pot meals. There are timing options galore! :) Read more