Slow cookers stand out for their easy use and the tasty meals they make without constant watching. They make cooking simpler, often resulting in flavorful, tender dishes, and save the day during busy weeknight dinners. **Need a reliable and flexible slow cooker?** A 7-quart model could be perfect for you. To help you decide, we’ve looked into, tested, and reviewed many models to find the best performers.
The ideal 7-quart slow cooker machine should be robust, easy to use, and offer various settings to allow for the preparation of different types of recipes. It should also be easy to clean and include a tight-sealing lid that prevents moisture and heat from escaping, ensuring your meal stays juicy and full of flavor till it’s ready. Using an inept slow cooker can result in dishes that are either overcooked or underdone, affecting the meal’s overall taste and enjoyment.
With a plethora of options available in the market, deciding upon the best 7-quart slow cooker can be a daunting task. In this article, we will guide you through the selection process, presenting our comprehensive review and analysis of various models. At the end of this guide, you’ll have sufficient knowledge to differentiate and choose a model that best suits your individual needs and preferences.
Best Slow Cooker – 7 Quart
Setting out to buy a 7-quart slow cooker for your kitchen is a significant investment and choosing the best option can make a massive difference in your meal prepping experience. You’d want a machine that is dependable, user-friendly, and can churn out outstanding meals with minimal input. With a plethora of models on offer from various brands, making the right choice can seem like quite the uphill task. Not to worry – we’ve got your back. We have scoured the market and utilized a rigorous testing process to identify the best models that will meet your needs and tick all the boxes for what makes a great slow cooker.
Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker with Flexible Easy Programming, 5 Cooking Times, Dishwasher-Safe Crock, Lid, 7 Quart, Silver
If you’re looking for a slow cooker that’s easy to use and clean, the Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker might be the one for you.
Pros
- The flexible programming feature allows you to set the cook time for up to 35 hours, making it easy to prepare your meal in advance.
- The removable stoneware crock and dishwasher safe lid make cleaning a breeze.
- The slow cooker has a large 7-quart capacity, making it perfect for serving a crowd.
Cons
- The slow cooker’s settings can only be changed during the first 30 minutes of cooking, which might be inconvenient if you need to make adjustments later.
- The slow cooker’s stay-on-low function may not work as expected, and the crockpot may turn off after a few hours of use.
- The slow cooker’s handles may get hot during cooking, which might be a concern if you have children or pets in the house.
We’ve used the Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The flexible programming feature is a standout feature, as it allows us to set the cook time for up to 35 hours in advance. This means we can prepare our meal in the morning and come home to a hot, delicious dinner.
Another great feature of this slow cooker is its removable stoneware crock and dishwasher safe lid. Cleaning up after dinner is a breeze, as we can simply pop the crock and lid in the dishwasher and be done with it. The slow cooker’s large 7-quart capacity is also a plus, as it means we can serve a crowd without having to make multiple batches.
However, there are a few downsides to this slow cooker. The settings can only be changed during the first 30 minutes of cooking, which might be inconvenient if we need to make adjustments later. Additionally, the slow cooker’s stay-on-low function may not work as expected, and the crockpot may turn off after a few hours of use. Finally, the slow cooker’s handles may get hot during cooking, which might be a concern if we have children or pets in the house.
Overall, we would recommend the Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker to anyone who’s looking for an easy-to-use and clean slow cooker with a large capacity. Its flexible programming feature and removable stoneware crock make it a great choice for busy families or anyone who wants to prepare their meal in advance.
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Portable Programmable Slow Cooker with Timer and Locking Lid, Stainless Steel
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient slow cooker that can keep your food warm for up to 20 hours, then the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Portable Programmable Slow Cooker with Timer and Locking Lid, Stainless Steel is a great option.
Pros
- The programmable timer allows you to set the cooking time up to 20 hours in advance, making it perfect for busy individuals.
- The locking lid and carry handle make it easy to transport your food from place to place, whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or taking it to work.
- The removable stoneware is dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Cons
- The lid can be difficult to remove at times, which can be frustrating.
- The cord can be a bit short, which can limit your placement options.
- The slow cooker is not induction cooktop compatible.
We’ve used this slow cooker for a few weeks now and have been pleased with its performance. The programmable timer is a great feature that allows us to set the cooking time in advance and forget about it. The locking lid and carry handle are also very convenient, as they make it easy to transport the slow cooker without worrying about spills.
One thing to note is that the lid can be a bit difficult to remove at times, which can be frustrating. Additionally, the cord is a bit short, which can limit your placement options. Finally, the slow cooker is not induction cooktop compatible, which may be a dealbreaker for some.
Overall, we would recommend the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Portable Programmable Slow Cooker with Timer and Locking Lid, Stainless Steel to anyone who is looking for a reliable and efficient slow cooker that is easy to transport and clean.
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Slower Cooker, Food Warmer, Charcoal (SCV700-KC)
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable slow cooker, the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Slower Cooker, Food Warmer, Charcoal (SCV700-KC) is a great option.
Pros
- The removable stoneware is dishwasher safe and can be taken from the front for easy access during serving.
- The three-prong grounded plug provides added safety features.
- The cooker is easy to clean, and the lid seals tightly to prevent leaks.
Cons
- The high heat setting may not get the food as hot as other slow cookers.
- The cord could be longer for more flexible placement.
- The warming setting may not keep food warm for extended periods.
This slow cooker is perfect for those who want to come home to a hot meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The removable stoneware is a great feature, as it makes serving and cleaning up a breeze. The three-prong grounded plug is also a nice touch, as it provides added safety features.
The cooker is easy to use and clean, and the lid seals tightly to prevent leaks. However, the high heat setting may not get the food as hot as other slow cookers, so it may take longer to cook certain dishes. Additionally, the cord could be longer for more flexible placement, and the warming setting may not keep food warm for extended periods.
Overall, the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Slower Cooker, Food Warmer, Charcoal (SCV700-KC) is a great option for those who want a reliable and affordable slow cooker. It’s easy to use and clean, and the removable stoneware is a great feature that makes serving and cleaning up a breeze.
BLACK+DECKER 7-Quart Slow Cooker, SCD4007, Chalkboard Exterior, Locking Lid, 3 Heat Settings, Removable Stoneware Crock
This slow cooker is perfect for those who want to add a personal touch to their kitchen appliances. The chalkboard exterior allows you to write on it with dry-erase markers, making it easy to label your dishes without the need for sticky notes.
Pros
- The locking lid makes it easy to transport your dish without worrying about spills.
- The stoneware crock is removable and dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
- The high, low, and medium heat settings give you plenty of options for cooking your favorite dishes.
Cons
- The keep warm setting is not very effective, so you may need to transfer your dish to a different appliance if you want to serve it later.
- The chalkboard exterior may show fingerprints and smudges, requiring more frequent cleaning.
- The slow cooker is not very large, so it may not be suitable for larger families or for preparing large quantities of food.
This slow cooker is a great choice for those who want a functional and stylish appliance for their kitchen. The locking lid and removable stoneware crock make it easy to transport your dish to potlucks or gatherings, while the high, low, and medium heat settings give you plenty of options for cooking your favorite dishes. However, the keep warm setting may not be very effective, and the chalkboard exterior may require more frequent cleaning. Overall, if you’re looking for a slow cooker that’s both functional and stylish, the BLACK+DECKER 7-Quart Slow Cooker is a great choice.
Hamilton Beach Portable 3-1/2 Quart Slow Cooker with Clip-On Lid
If you’re looking for a slow cooker that’s perfect for small portions or for taking to work or school, the Hamilton Beach Portable 3-1/2 Quart Slow Cooker with Clip-On Lid is a great option.
Pros
- The clip-on lid allows for easy transport without the risk of spills.
- The slow cooker is perfect for small portions, making it ideal for individuals or couples.
- The stoneware crock is removable and dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Cons
- The slow cooker only has two heat settings, high and low, which may not be ideal for some recipes.
- The 3.5-quart capacity may not be enough for larger meals or gatherings.
- The slow cooker is not suitable for use in an oven or under a broiler.
This slow cooker is perfect for those who want to make small portions of their favorite dishes or for those who need to take their meals on the go. The clip-on lid is a great feature that ensures spill-free transport, and the stoneware crock is removable and dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
The slow cooker is also compact and lightweight, making it easy to store and carry around. However, it only has two heat settings, high and low, which may not be ideal for some recipes. Additionally, the 3.5-quart capacity may not be enough for larger meals or gatherings.
Overall, the Hamilton Beach Portable 3-1/2 Quart Slow Cooker with Clip-On Lid is a great option for those who need a slow cooker for small portions or for transport. It’s easy to use, clean, and store, making it a great addition to any kitchen.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best 7-quart slow cooker, there are a few key factors to consider. We’ve used and tested several models, so we know what to look for.
Material
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a slow cooker is the material it’s made from. The most common materials are ceramic, stainless steel, and glass. Ceramic is a good option if you’re looking for something that’s easy to clean and doesn’t retain heat too much. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, but it can retain heat for a longer time. Glass is a good option if you want to be able to see the food as it cooks.
Size
The size of the slow cooker is another important factor to consider. A 7-quart slow cooker is a good size for a small family or for cooking for a few people. If you’re cooking for a larger group, you may want to consider a larger size.
Features
When choosing a slow cooker, it’s important to consider the features it offers. Some features to look for include a removable insert for easy cleaning, a locking lid for transport, and a programmable timer. A removable insert makes it easy to take the food out of the slow cooker and put it in the refrigerator or on the table. A locking lid is great if you need to transport the food. A programmable timer allows you to set the cooking time and forget about it.
Price
Finally, it’s important to consider the price of the slow cooker. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, it’s important to remember that a good quality slow cooker will last for years. Investing in a higher quality slow cooker can save you money in the long run.
In summary, when choosing a 7-quart slow cooker, it’s important to consider the material, size, features, and price. By taking these factors into account, you can find a slow cooker that will meet your needs and last for years.
