Table of Contents
Gourmia SlowSmart 8.5 Quart Digital Slow Cooker Review
Quality - 97%
Features - 94%
Price - 97%
Personal Experience - 100%
Value - 99%
97%
Behemoth!
This extra big, digitally programmable slow cooker from Gourmia made my day after I cooked an excellent recipe I'm glad to say I ate 100% by myself. It's enormous size makes it great for cooking large amounts of food, and the digital timer makes for accurate cooking. No fancy straps, clips, or lid locking needed...just a simple and effective appliance!
Introduction
The Gourmia DCP-860 SlowSmart 8.5 quart Digital Slow Cooker is the largest slow cooker I've tested to date. Clocking in at eight and a half quarts, it's a monster. But slow cooked meals lend themselves to making extra, so buying a cooker as big as this is not a crazy idea. Gourmia is a brand headquartered in New York City, which specializes in specialty kitchen equipment. They have a few sous vide immersion circulators available, as well as multi cookers, rice cookers, and mini fridges.
Their lineup of slow cookers is not very diverse, but there are two main options – both 8.5 quarters. One is programmable, one is not. Today we're going going to be reviewing the programmable version.
Standard Features
The SlowSmart is a pretty standard slow cooker for the price point. It comes with a dishwasher safe crock and lid, plastic, heat-resistant carrying handles, and a digital interface to set the amount of time you want your meal to cook. It comes in a sleek stainless steel design with black handles, and a blue-lit LCD panel to show the countdown timer.
There is also a 7 quart option with the same design that's also available. Keep in mind, the 8.5 quart model DCP-860 is a very large slow cooker so the dimensions are quite big (16 x 11.5 x 11 in) and the device weighs about 16 pounds. That's about 1.5 pounds heavier than Maxi-Matic's 8.5 Quart digital model! However, I do like the sturdiness of the Gourmia construction, and tend to trust their brand more than Maximatic
Extra Features
Though pretty standard for programmable slow cookers, the option to set a specific number of hours for your meal to cook is an upgrade form the manual slow cooker from Gourmia. You can set this slow cooker for an extended number of hours as well, due to the large size. When cooking large roasts or chickens, you might need to cook for up to 10 hours to have the meat thoroughly cook through.
After it's done cooking, you can have the meal set to automatically warm for up to 20 hours. Your food will definitely not be cold when you get home from work in the evening!
One small issue I have with this model is that the handles were very small for this size of a cooker. I didn't do any major transporting, and am a relatively fit man, so lifting was not an issue. But if you're a slim or older lady, you might not be able to get a good grip. Some more ergonomic and robust handles would be a welcome change to come to this slow cooker.
It does not come with a travel-ready locking lid or rubber seal though, so don't plan on taking this anywhere! For that option, you'd need to get the Hamilton Beach 7-quart manual [LINK] with lid-latch straps (not entirely effective), or the 7-quart Stay or Go from the same brand.
Cooking Experience
To test out this extra large slow cooker I made breakfast for the week. I created a Mexican breakfast casserole recipe that blew my mind. I didn't even know I could make something that good. I started with a few ideas from around the internet and made it my own. The recipe isn't up yet, but it's coming soon.
As mentioned above, the recipe turned out amazing. I was able to make a large amount of food (enough for about 8 breakfasts) in one go. The food cooked overnight, so for 6 hours, plus 2 hours on warm. Though personally I think this is quite a bulk appliance, it was very convenient to make a meal for an entire week overnight. I just put everything in Tupperware and heated it up in the morning before I started work (on this blog).
I as well as other reviewers have commented that this Gourmia slow cooker consistently cooks everything evenly, so this is a very good buy! Plus, considering it's being sold on Amazon for 1/2 the cost of what it's listed for on the Gourmia website, you're getting a great deal.
Comparing The Gourmia SlowSmart 8.5 Quart To Other Slow Cookers
What are you looking for in a slow cooker? If you definitely need something extra large, then you could also consider the Hamilton Beach 7-quart programmable, however it's shy a quart and a half (but it is cheaper as well). If you aren't sure about the Gourmia brand you could get that one instead, or check out the Crock-Pot 7 quart as well.
For similarly sized pots, check out our post on extra large slow cookers which showcase devices with quart-capacity larger than 7 quarts. The eight and a half quart capacity is the biggest size we could find, but there are lots of 8 quart versions as well from brands like Maximatic, Hamilton Beach, and Crock Pot. However, large models tend to be manual rather than programmable. I'm not sure why that is, but it seems to be a trend.
For that reason – the fact that this is a large cooker and is digitally programmable, the Gourmia SlowSmart made my top 3 list. It's in my Top 3 recommended large slow cookers. It's a great value, cooks evenly, from a brand I like, and it has a nice design too. It's a little bulky, but you can't get away from that if you're going to cook an 8 pound turkey in it!
Who Is The Gourmia SlowSmart DCP-860 Best For?
If you have a large family, meal prep, and have a spot on the kitchen for this appliance then it's definitely worth the money. For me, I probably am too lazy to meal prep on a regular basis, and I like to cook fresh food more than heat stuff up. I would probably use it for that purpose a few times, then be stuck with a bulk item to store somewhere. But if you plan to make large meals on a regular basis, then this is one of the best brands and models to consider.
==> Get This Slow Cooker!
Conclusion
The large size and weight of the Gourmia SlowSmart 8.5 digital slow cooker is not for everyone. But it's a niche item, and if it's what you're looking for, then you can take my recommendation on this. The meal I made with it was delicious and went off without a hitch. It's got a simple but elegant design, is easy to use, and very inexpensive despite being so big and being manufactured by a US company.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Reliable Brand
- Dishwasher Safe Stoneware/Lid
- Easy Clean
- Perfect for making extra large meals
- Digital LCD Screen and Programmable
- Cooks Evenly
- Simple To Use
Cons
- Very Big
- Small Handles
==> Get The Gourmia SlowSmart 8.5-Quart Digital Slow Cooker Here!
Great review on the Gourmia SlowSmart 8.5, I can almost smell the cooking from here. As a slow cooker, what kinds of recipes work well with it?
It’s good that the slow cooker is made of durable stainless steel and heat resistant handles that don’t burn your hand. I’m impressed it keeps food warm for up to 20 hours which my standard rice cooker can’t do.
My favorite one would have to be the Hamilton Beach 7-Quart Programmable.
I have a whole list of slow cooker recipes that I’ve been producing that you can check out. There are quite a few awesome, unique recipes worth checking out. You won’t find these anywhere else!
Hi Nathan!
Thanks for the Gourmia Slow Cooker Review. I really needed it as my little one is broken. I need a bigger one to make food I can freeze for later meals. You are right in the statement that the handles are a little small for the big size. I will probably have someone else do the lifting of this if I get it. Will definitely be back to visit your site. Very informative!
So you decide to go big huh? Though I usually cook for one or two people, I definitely can see the advantage of being able to cook for a large amount of people. At the Superbowl party I went to, I saw at least three slow cookers being used for dips, meatballs, and other goodies!
I absolutely love slow cooking especially in winter time. I used to have just a small crock pot but now a bigger slow cooker. They are different brands here in Australia but none the less – I imagine would do the same sort of cooking. So what is your favorite recipe for your slow cooker? Mine has to be doing large Lamb Shanks. OMG, I can taste them now. I must check out your recipes! Good detailed post.
Cheers, Sharon
I also think that red meats in the slow cooker do best. I have a delicious beef shank recipe than I make with beer. The normal recipe asks for wine but I put chocolate porter in it and it turned out great!
I absolutely love slow cooking especially in winter time. I used to have just a small crock pot but now a bigger slow cooker. They are different brands here in Australia but none the less – I imagine would do the same sort of cooking. So what is your favorite recipe for your slow cooker? Mine has to be doing large Lamb Shanks. OMG, I can taste them now. I must check out your recipes! Good detailed post.
Cheers, Sharon
How do newer slow cookers work compared to old ones? My parents have an old slow cooker that they have used for years. It still seems to work fine but I feel like it still does not live up to its fullest potential. Do you know what difference a brand new slow cooker such as this one could create versus one we have had for years?
Newer slow cookers work just as well as older slow cookers, but have better design features. They look nicer, and are probably more energy efficient as well. I would imagine that the seals are better too!
But old-style slow cookers, as with many old products, were built to last! I’m not surprised your parents cooker has lasted so long!
Awesome product! I love using slow cookers. This one may suit me well. I made a pot roast the other day and it barely fit. I like how you incorporated recipes with the product. Do you update your recipes with new ones? I love to cook and I think this would be a good product for my household. Well done!
Yes, I have tons of slow cooker recipes on my blog!
This is an excellent review. I’m not in the market for a slow cooker right now because I recently received a programmable pressure cooker as a gift, and it has a slow cooker function on it. However, I would be very interested in slow cooker recipes to try. I love using a slow cooker. Put everything in the pot, set it, and walk away. It’s that easy and that simple.
Kathy
I was looking for a big slow cooker and I think I just found what I have been looking for 🙂 When reading your review I was quite sceptical whether I would buy this one as it has a lot of good features and besides that it is big – just as I wished for, so I thought it would cost a fortune. But when checking the price on Amazon – I almost fell off my couch – not sure why it is so cheap but I definitely adore the price! I have to get it now!
Thanks for the great review!
This is definitely my favorite large slow cooker. Looks great, gets the job done, and isn’t too expensive!
Hello
I love your site and I am a slow cooker freak.
You can make anything has some good size to it for a good sized piece of meat and a nice big meal.
I like the reviews and total quality of information and I will look to maybe purchasing this one soon.
Thank You agan
Hey Nathaniell,
The Gourmia sure looks like it does a good job and seems that easy to use even a bachelor like myself can operate it without injury..maybe 😉
It’s probably a little too big for me but I’ll definitely recommend it the chefs in the family. The slow cooking method is hands down the best way to cook meat and vegetarian dishes as the food just tastes way better period and I reckon is well worth the wait. I also think the programmable feature is a necessity in today’s busy world but I may be a bit nervous to leave it unattended. Is there a built in saftey mechanism and wouldn’t it be cool if it were app controlled ?
Cheers
Dan
Good day Nathaniell.
Thank you for this great review on the Gourmia slowsmart cooker!
I must admit, I am not a fan of slow cookers, but my wife is fond of them. Maybe it is time for her to replace our old version (don’t know the brand) with one of these lovely cookers.
I am sure slow cooker lovers will enjoy and buy into the promotion and good review on this page.
Great stuff.
Cheers,
Jacob
Nice review of a cool digital slow cooker. My wife and I made an awesome Mongolian Beef recipe in our ancient slow cooker last night and got me interested in looking for something new.
In the specs you mention easy clean, I’m guessing that’s one of the bullets in the Gourmia advertising and I’m wondering how really easy it is? Does the bowl remove from the base to allow being put in a dishwasher?
The idea of digital slow cooker is a good one based on your good review of the product. Less means and effort to cook than hands on when preparing meals. The prices are very reasonable and will provoke more interest on audience to buy products from you. Keep up the good work and thanks for the review.
Ohhh you done dun it now!!! I have been looking for a good Slow cooker with more cooking space. I like to cook one time and get it over with.
Then eat off it during the week. And Mexican Breakfast Casserole that sounds awesome. Yummy I have to try that . Thanks for the recommendation I am going to buy this today!
I love slow cooking and have a recipe for beef stew that I make often that has beef roast, onions, potatoes, carrots, and a beef buillion cube. It seems like I can never make enough with the crockpot I have. I think this one would be perfect. I really like the layout of your site and look forward to reading more reviews.
I have recently found the joy and benefit of using slow-cookers to prepare meals. My mother used to always tell me to try using one, and even went as far as buying one for me. But I had this thought that I needed to be home while it worked as if my house would burn down from it’s use… Not the case. And I couldn’t be happier with the meals that I create on the regular, and the set/forget nature of using a slow cooker.
But now with this Gourmia slow cooker, it has a feature that my currrent slow cooker does not, a timer. I would love to have that luxury, and I wouldn’t have to guess how long my food has been cooking. Best believe I will be picking one up!
Interesting read! I’ve seen slow cookers before in the shops here, but never paid much attention to them. It’s not as popular here in Norway perhaps as it is elsewhere.
I thought it was going to be yet another device in my big drawer of devices for the kitchen – rice cooker, bread maker, ice cream maker, food processor, smoothie maker, juice pressing machine, centrifuge juicer, waffle iron, grill, pancake maker etc etc.
But this seems really handy. I am however worried about some things:
My rice cooker lets the rice burn when I leave it in longer than the cooking time (as in right before it goes into warming I got to remove it from the heating source).
Would food burn if its left in there over longer time than the cooking time?
Is a slow cooker a fire hazard, since its online over longer time, perhaps while you are away from home?
I don’t think that small handles would be a problem if you either serve up plates from the position it is standing (not have to move it) or if you are very careful with lifting it, paying attention what you are doing.
Great resourceful site, I am going to take another good look at the different slow cookers and the recipes! Awesome!
Yes, yes, and yes!!!! My once family of three has integrated into what is now a family of 6. Needless to say, I’ve had to put a stop to slow cooking meals simply because of the size of my crock pot is way too small and lets be real most of the bigger advertised crock pots are pretty expensive. So thank you! Now if only you’d post that Mexican breakfast casserole recipe =)
Hi, I think it is a super good page.
As a mom of 3 kids, I always use slow cooker.
Slow cooker is a time saver! If other moms or grandmas read your review, they will definitely buy through you!
I bought mine at a garage sale! haha! It was a brand new and only $10 from crockpot brand. Absolutely love it!
If I need to upgrade mine I will look for your article.
Excellent review Nathienell. Before reading it I knew little about slow-cookers, clearly there is more to them then just being a crock-pot with Low, Medium & High. Thanks to this post I am educated enough to go and buy one right away.
Can you post the breakfast recipe mentioned in your post?
I wish you much success,
Leon Barnes
I think I may have to try this one. I’ve been looking for a slow cooker lately and I was really getting confused which one would suit our family best. I like this one because I am normally a person who cooks a large meal (though we’re only three in the family), but I always have family and friends coming in for a visit so this is really perfect! However, I am a bit concerned about the handle as I am a shorty and that it doesn’t have a safety lock. I saw your review on the Frigidaire slow cooker and I liked it too. Which of the two would you highly recommend?
I love how you covered all major points and very informative.
Would the handles on the Gourmia still be a problem for someone with small hands?
I always have to cook a lot! My children think they are having an eating competition or something every night so this might be worth the buy.
Nah, I think they would be fine. This is a very minor thing about the cooker, and in general, I really liked it.