Slow cookers are a **great addition** to any kitchen, giving an easy and **energy-efficient** way to cook yummy meals. Often called Set and Forget Slow Cookers, these gadgets let you make delicious dishes with very little work. But, getting the best out of these recipes needs the **right slow cooker**.
The best Set and Forget Slow Cooker should be intuitively programmable, equipped with a warm setting to keep your food at an ideal serving temperature, and easy to clean. You’ll also want to consider its size – it should be sufficient for your typical meal size, but not so large that it struggles to properly cook smaller portions. Using the wrong slow cooker can lead to undercooked or overcooked meals.
When selecting a Set and Forget Slow Cooker, it’s crucial to scrutinize its features closely. Look for key tools such as a digital timer with automatic shut-off capability, the ability to remain at a warm setting, and a locking lid for easy transportation. Additionally, a dishwasher-safe pot will save you valuable time during cleanup.
In the remainder of this article, we will offer guidance in selecting an ideal Set and Forget Slow Cooker. We have explored, tested, and analyzed numerous models to identify those that provide the best balance of performance, convenience, and value. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to choose a Set and Forget Slow Cooker that will have you effortlessly preparing delectable meals.
Best Set and Forget Slow Cooker
Selecting the right Set and Forget Slow Cooker is critical to obtain mouthwatering, bolus-busting culinary masterpieces. Features such as intuitive programming, a warming option, and easy cleaning are important considerations. Given the myriad options in the market, it can be daunting to single one out. We’ve taken the time to adequately scrutinize and test several models, and we’ve condensed our detailed findings into this article, offering a comprehensive list of the best of the best for Set and Forget slow cookers.
Hamilton Beach Portable 3-Quart Slow Cooker
If you’re looking for a slow cooker that’s perfect for small portions and easy to carry, the Hamilton Beach Portable 3-Quart Slow Cooker is a great option.
Pros
- The locking lid and carry handle make it easy to transport your dish without spilling.
- The adjustable temperature control allows you to keep your food warm or let it simmer, making it perfect for parties or potlucks.
- The removable stoneware crock is dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Cons
- The small 3-quart size may not be enough for larger meals or gatherings.
- The slow cooker is not induction cooktop compatible.
- The cord could be longer for more convenient placement.
We’ve used the Hamilton Beach Portable 3-Quart Slow Cooker for a few small meals and it has performed well. The locking lid and carry handle make it easy to transport, and the adjustable temperature control is a great feature for keeping food warm or letting it simmer.
The removable stoneware crock is a plus, as it’s dishwasher safe and easy to clean. We also appreciate that the slow cooker is lightweight and compact, making it easy to store when not in use.
However, the small 3-quart size may not be enough for larger meals or gatherings. Additionally, the slow cooker is not induction cooktop compatible, which may be a downside for some users. Finally, the cord could be longer for more convenient placement.
Overall, if you’re looking for a small, portable slow cooker for single-serving or small-portion meals, the Hamilton Beach Portable 3-Quart Slow Cooker is a great option to consider.
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 reliable and affordable slow cooker, the Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker is a great option.
Pros
- The 7-quart capacity is perfect for feeding a family or small group.
- The stay-or-go setting allows you to keep food warm without overcooking.
- The removable stoneware crock is dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Cons
- The high heat setting may not get hot enough for some recipes.
- The timer may not be as accurate as other models.
- The cord could be longer for more flexible placement.
This slow cooker is easy to use and has a sleek design that will fit in with any kitchen decor. The flexible programming feature allows you to set the cook time for up to 35 hours, making it easy to prepare meals in advance. The low, high, auto, and keep warm settings ensure that your food is cooked to perfection.
One of the best features of this slow cooker is the stay-or-go setting. This allows you to keep your food warm without overcooking it, which is perfect for serving a meal at a later time. The removable stoneware crock is also a great feature, as it makes it easy to transport your food from the slow cooker to the table.
While this slow cooker is a great value for the price, there are a few downsides to keep in mind. The high heat setting may not get hot enough for some recipes, which could be an issue if you’re trying to cook meat that needs to be cooked through. Additionally, the timer may not be as accurate as other models, which could be a problem if you’re trying to time your meal perfectly.
Overall, the Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable slow cooker. With its easy-to-use design and flexible programming features, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock & Lid, Temperature Probe, Stainless Steel
If you’re looking for a portable slow cooker that is easy to use and clean, the Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker is a great option.
Pros
- The locking lid and carry handles make it easy to transport.
- The set-and-forget digital control with 3 probes lets you easily monitor your food.
- The dishwasher safe crock and lid make cleanup a breeze.
Cons
- The cord can’t be wrapped up for storage, which can be inconvenient.
- The display can be difficult to read in low light.
- The slow cooker is relatively small, which may not be suitable for larger meals.
We’ve used this slow cooker for a few weeks now and have found it to be very convenient for taking meals to work or other events. The locking lid and carry handles make it easy to transport without worrying about spills or leaks. The set-and-forget digital control is also a great feature, as it allows you to easily monitor your food and set the cooking time without having to constantly check on it.
One of the best things about this slow cooker is how easy it is to clean. The crock and lid are both dishwasher safe, which saves a lot of time and effort compared to other slow cookers we’ve used in the past. The temperature probes are also a nice touch, as they allow you to easily monitor the temperature of your food without having to open the lid.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker to anyone who is looking for a convenient and easy-to-use portable slow cooker.
BLACK+DECKER 7-Quart Slow Cooker, SCD4007, Chalkboard Exterior, Locking Lid, 3 Heat Settings, Removable Stoneware Crock
This slow cooker is a great choice for those who want a stylish and functional kitchen appliance.
Pros
- The chalkboard exterior is a unique and stylish feature that allows you to personalize your appliance.
- The locking lid ensures that your food stays fresh and flavorful.
- The stoneware crock is removable and easy to clean.
Cons
- The 7-quart capacity may not be enough for larger families or for entertaining guests.
- The slow cooker only has three heat settings, which may not be enough for more advanced cooking.
- The chalkboard exterior may be prone to smudging and requires regular cleaning.
This slow cooker is a great choice for those who want a stylish and functional kitchen appliance. The chalkboard exterior is a unique and stylish feature that allows you to personalize your appliance. The locking lid ensures that your food stays fresh and flavorful, while the stoneware crock is removable and easy to clean. However, the 7-quart capacity may not be enough for larger families or for entertaining guests, and the slow cooker only has three heat settings, which may not be enough for more advanced cooking. Additionally, the chalkboard exterior may be prone to smudging and requires regular cleaning.
Overall, the BLACK+DECKER 7-Quart Slow Cooker is a great choice for those who want a stylish and functional kitchen appliance with a unique feature. It is easy to use and clean, and the locking lid ensures that your food stays fresh and flavorful. However, it may not be suitable for larger families or for those who need more advanced cooking settings.
6 Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock, Temperature Probe & Defrost Setting, Dishwasher Safe Crock & Lid, Silver
If you’re looking for a slow cooker that’s easy to use and offers a variety of features, the 6 Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker is a great option.
Pros
- The lid lock feature is a great safety feature that prevents the lid from accidentally opening while the slow cooker is in use.
- The temperature probe ensures that your food is cooked to the desired temperature, which is especially helpful for meats.
- The defrost setting is a convenient feature that allows you to defrost frozen foods directly in the slow cooker.
Cons
- The cord storage on the bottom of the slow cooker is a bit flimsy and may not hold the cord securely in place.
- The slow cooker is not as durable as some other models on the market.
- The timer may not be as accurate as some users would like.
This slow cooker is easy to use and offers a variety of features that make it a great choice for busy families or anyone who wants to prepare delicious, homemade meals without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. The lid lock feature is a great safety feature that prevents the lid from accidentally opening while the slow cooker is in use, which is especially important if you have young children or pets. The temperature probe ensures that your food is cooked to the desired temperature, which is especially helpful for meats. The defrost setting is a convenient feature that allows you to defrost frozen foods directly in the slow cooker, which can save you time and effort.
One potential downside of this slow cooker is that the cord storage on the bottom of the slow cooker is a bit flimsy and may not hold the cord securely in place. Additionally, some users have reported that the slow cooker is not as durable as some other models on the market. Finally, the timer may not be as accurate as some users would like, which could be a concern if you’re relying on the slow cooker to cook food to a specific temperature or for a specific amount of time.
Overall, if you’re looking for a slow cooker that’s easy to use and offers a variety of features, the 6 Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker is a solid choice. Just be aware of its potential limitations before making your purchase.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best set and forget slow cooker, there are several factors to consider. These factors will help ensure that you choose a product that meets your needs and preferences.
Size and Capacity
One of the first things to consider when choosing a slow cooker is its size and capacity. The size of the cooker will determine how much food you can cook at once, while the capacity will determine how long the food will stay warm. It’s important to choose a size and capacity that fits your needs, whether you’re cooking for a small family or a large group.
Temperature Settings
Another important factor to consider is the temperature settings of the slow cooker. Most slow cookers have a low, medium, and high setting, but some models may have additional settings like a keep-warm setting. It’s important to choose a slow cooker with temperature settings that allow you to cook your food to your desired level of doneness.
Material
The material of the slow cooker is also an important consideration. Most slow cookers are made of ceramic or porcelain, but some models may be made of stainless steel or glass. It’s important to choose a material that is durable and easy to clean.
Additional Features
Finally, it’s important to consider any additional features that the slow cooker may have. Some models may have a removable insert for easy cleaning, while others may have a built-in timer or a locking lid for easy transport. It’s important to choose a slow cooker with features that meet your specific needs.
In summary, when choosing the best set and forget slow cooker, it’s important to consider the size and capacity, temperature settings, material, and any additional features. By taking these factors into account, you can find a slow cooker that meets your needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a set-it-and-forget slow cooker?
When choosing a set-it-and-forget slow cooker, look for features such as a timer, temperature control, and a locking lid. A timer allows you to set the cooking time and forget about it, while temperature control ensures that the food is cooked to your desired level. A locking lid is essential if you plan to transport the slow cooker.
How do I choose a slow cooker that can be left on overnight?
When choosing a slow cooker that can be left on overnight, look for models with a timer and a locking lid. A timer allows you to set the cooking time and forget about it, while a locking lid ensures that the food stays in the slow cooker and doesn’t spill out.
What is the best slow cooker for cooking chicken all day?
The best slow cooker for cooking chicken all day is one that has a timer, temperature control, and a locking lid. Look for models with a large capacity to accommodate a whole chicken.
Which slow cookers are considered the most reliable?
Slow cookers from reputable brands such as Crock-Pot, Hamilton Beach, and KitchenAid are considered the most reliable. Look for models with a warranty for added peace of mind.
What are the top slow cookers recommended by consumer reports?
Consumer Reports recommends the Crock-Pot SCV800-S 8-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cooker, the Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Slow Cooker, and the KitchenAid KSC1222OB 12-Inch Sizing Cooker as the top slow cookers. These models offer a range of features and sizes to meet different needs.
What are the most energy-efficient slow cookers available?
The most energy-efficient slow cookers are those with a lower wattage rating. Look for models with a wattage of 300 watts or less for the most energy savings. Additionally, models with a keep-warm setting can help conserve energy by using less power after the cooking time has elapsed.
