Slow Cooker Reviews

Elite Platinum Maxi-Matic 8.5 Quart Slow Cooker Review

I have reviewed a few Elite Platinum Maxi-Matic slow cookers in the past. Though there is not a huge selection available from this brand, there are enough that it's worth looking at them for some unique reviews. In particular, I wanted to review the Maxi-Matic because of it's extra large capacity. This seems to be quite a niche item with a certain amount of demand, so it was worth it to buy a few and see how they perform.

Overall, I liked working with the slow cooker, although I found a different brand and model to be better looking and more functional. That's how the Elite Platinum MST-900V ended up on my Top 5 list, but not on the Top 3.

West Bend 7-Quart Crockery Cooker Review

To fully round out the series of large slow cookers I was testing, I wanted to check out some West Bend slow cookers. They make a 7 quart model (as well as six and four), so it fit perfect with my reviews of large cookers. Unfortunately, this appliance didn't make my Top 3 list, but it did make my Top 5! At first I listed it in the "inexpensive", but the price keeps changing.

So lets dig into how this slow cooker performed compared to other similar slow cookers, and how it happened to make the Top 5 but not the Top 3!

Black & Decker 7-Quart Dial Control Slow Cooker Review (Teal Wave)

There is not a whole lot of variety when looking for large slow cookers, so I really had to branch out for testing and bought a Black & Decker. There's nothing wrong with the Black & Decker brand, but I tend to review the more popular cookers just out of convenience. 7 quart slow cookers are quite large, so I made a nice big soup using this appliance. Let's take a look at how this slow cooker performed, and what feature you should be on the lookout for if you decide to buy this one.

Crock-Pot 6-Quart Smart-Pot Slow Cooker Review

Over the weekend I tried the Crock-Pot 6-Quart Smart-Pot Slow Cooker to see how it compared to the 4-quart version that I tested earlier this month. The results were pretty similar, and that's good news! I really enjoyed the small one, and was happy with the meal I made with the larger one. So let's dig into some of the details of what makes this model from Crock-Pot a recurring review on FoodForNet, and how it compares to other six quart slow cookers.

Frigidaire Professional Stainless 7-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker Review

A surprise review from Frigidaire! Today we're looking at the Frigidaire Professional stainless 7-quart programmable slow cooker. Usually I spend all of my time reviewing Hamilton Beach and Crock-Pot models because there are so many of them, but I like to branch out when possible and try some different brands to see how they compare. Surprisingly, I really liked this Frigidaire slow cooker! Mainly it's because it actually looks nice instead of looking like a bulky thing that your grandma has been using for 30 years.

It does cost a it more than other similar sized appliances though, so let's also take a look at how it performed and and see if it's worth the cost.

Crock-Pot 6.5-Quart, Programmable Touchscreen Slow Cooker Review

Normally I like to review slow cookers that are part of a lineup like Cook and Carry or Set 'n Forget, but this time I decided to purchase, test, and review a very unique slow cooker just because it looked so different: the Crock-Pot 6.5-Quart Programmable Touchscreen Slow Cooker. There are a few main things which make this cooker unique, which should be immediately obvious just by looking at the photo on the top of this page. But can looks and fun features really make a difference in your slow cooking? Let's take a look at what you get with the Crock Pot SCVT650-PS.

Gourmia SlowSmart 8.5 Quart Digital Slow Cooker Review

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.

Hamilton Beach 7-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker Review

Slow cooking is a perfect cooking method for the holiday season. With everyone so busy, it's easy to save yourself a bit of time by tossing some ingredients into the crock and setting it to cook for 6-10 hours. Hey, you can even cook while you sleep! And stews, soups, or large roasts are perfect comfort foods to warm you up during the cold weather. Even if you're reading this during the summer, keep in mind that a BBQ pot luck is much more fun when there's chili or baked beans!

Hamilton Beach has been making appliances for decades, and they have a very robust and diverse lineup of slow cookers. The sizes of these slow cookers range from a tiny 2-quarter, to an extra large 8-quarter. Within this size range they have a variety of features to consider. Today, we're going to review the Hamilton Beach Model 33473 7-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker in Silver.

Crock-Pot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker Review

This is not the largest appliance that Crock-Pot makes, but almost! Actually, the also offer an 8-quart version, which is also manual, and only a few bucks more expensive. So this one could be described as large, or medium large. It can feed up to 9 people, or cook a 7 pound roast. Wow, that's a big roast! Hey, maybe you could fit a small turkey in here too.

The 7-quart manual slow cooker from Crock-Pot is shockingly inexpensive for the size, and it's not much more expensive than the smaller versions they offer like the four quart cooker I reviewed recently.

Hamilton Beach Right-Size Multi-Quart Slow Cooker Review

This was an interesting buy for me because this really was the only slow cooker available that claims to be able to make food as a 2, 4, or 6 quart capacity slow cooker. Actually, it was quite difficult acquiring this one. They sent the wrong slow cooker twice, and then Amazon was temporarily out of them so I had to get it second hand. That's why you see the damage in the picture above.

But the cooker worked just as fine, and I tested a couple of recipes with different quart sizes to see how it performed. Everything worked quite well, and I actually selected this model to be my #3 pick in the 4-quart mid-price category, AKA small sized slow cookers with a mid-range budget. Though it actually has a six quart capacity, which makes it a bit larger compared to other four quart cookers, the versatility of being able to cook larger dishes was interesting.

Comparing Bella Slow Cooker Models

Slow cooker brands tend to produce a large range of different models, often only varying slightly from one another. This can make shopping incredibly confusing, especially as the differences between the individual models are not always obvious. For example, the number of models from Crock-Pot and Hamilton Beach alone is pretty overwhelming.

In contrast, Bella takes a simpler approach to slow cookers. The company doesn’t actually have all that many models and in most cases, the differences between them are pretty clear. However, you’ll find that there are a lot more options than normal in terms of visual appearance.

This means that many of the models come with multiple different choices for color. Those color differences don’t tend to affect performance. Nevertheless, they’re a great option if you’re trying to color coordinate your kitchen, or if you’re just looking for something a little unusual.

Comparing West Bend Slow Cooker Models

I’ve recently been fascinated with the various slow cooker models out there and the way that these vary When you first start shopping, the number of choices can often seem overwhelming, especially as the differences between them can be subtle and aren’t always easy to spot. So, how do you get the best deal and end up with a slow cooker that works well for your needs? To help with this process, we’ve been developing a range of lists, comparing the different models that are out there. In some cases, brands have a large range, including multiple different styles, sizes and ranges.

Comparing Crock-Pot Standard Slow Cooker Models

Perhaps the best, and the worst, thing about slow cookers is that there are simply so many different models out there. On one hand, this variety is great because it means that there is no shortage of options and, with enough shopping around, you can find something perfect for you.

But, on the other hand, the range of models can quickly get confusing and overwhelming. After all, many of the different slow cooker models seem pretty similar to one another. In some cases, models may even seem to be identical.

Comparing Crock-Pot Cook and Carry Slow Cooker Models

Crock-Pot is one of my favorite brands, partly because they simply have so many different models, including various sizes, styles and even colors. At the same time, the brand has a strong reputation and often produces models that are popular among customers.

In this case, we’re taking a look at the Cook and Carry range that Crock-Pot offers. The focus here is on slow cookers that are relatively portable and aren’t likely to spill if you took them in the car with you. The idea isn’t particularly unusual and some other brands have similar ranges, like Hamilton Beach’s Stay or Go slow cookers.

Comparing Crock-Pot Smart Pot Slow Cooker Models

There are lots of options when it comes to slow cookers and no shortage of different brands and models. But, regardless of the brand you choose, you basically have the option of getting a manual or a programmable slow cooker. A manual one means that you will need to turn the slow cooker off or put it on keep warm mode yourself, once the required time has passed.

In contrast, a programmable slow cooker will allow you to choose how long you want the machine to run for. Then, once that time is up, the slow cooker switches over to keep warm mode automatically. This system is perfect for many situations, especially cases where you know the food will be done cooking before you get home.

Comparing Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Slow Cooker Models

Slow cookers offer a great way to save time with cooking while producing some truly amazing food. Yet, for the most part, they are also fairly simple tools, often just having settings for low and high, along with a keep warm option.

Despite this, there is no shortage of different slow cooker models out there and multiple different brands compete in the marketplace. In fact, even if you narrow your selection down to just one brand, you may still find yourself overwhelmed with choice. For that matter, some brands even have multiple ranges, where the various models seem fairly similar to each other.

Comparing Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget Slow Cooker Models

When it comes to picking a product, working out which specific model to buy often ends up being really confusing. In many cases, you’re faced with multiple ranges, along with different models that can seem pretty similar to one another. Hamilton Beach is a good example of this, as the brand has no shortage of …

Comparing Hamilton Beach’s Other Slow Cooker Models

The sheer number of different slow cooker brands and models on the market never ceases to amaze me. After all, a slow cooker seems like a fairly simple device, yet the various models offer their own twists to the concept.

Hamilton Beach offers two key ranges that do just that. One of these is the Stay and Go slow cookers. These models are specifically designed to be easy to transport and the design means that the lid can be locked down in some way. That option is great for parties and potlucks.

In contrast, the other main range is the Set ‘n Forget, which offers greater control over cooking through the use of a temperature probe. Models in the range come with a manual, an automatic and a temperature-based setting, letting you set up your cooking in advance and leaving the slow cooker to do the test.

15 Great Extra Large Slow Cookers Available Online (over 7 quarts)

Slow cookers are amazing tools for the kitchen, especially when it comes to saving time. Yet, many of us underestimate the food that we can cook in them. Sure, they are good options for soups and stews, along with the classic roast. But, that’s only scratching the surface. You can also use a slow cooker for so much more, including baking and desserts, along with a diverse range of dinner recipes to tempt even the pickiest eater.

Most of the time, you’d probably end up choosing a slow cooker that’s around 5 or 6 quarts. This is the perfect size for most families and fits well in the kitchen too. But sometimes, that won’t be enough.

List of Mini Slow Cookers Available Online (under 4 quarts)

Perhaps the most important thing about choosing a slow cooker is getting the sizing right. Sure, there is the variation in features to consider, along with different brands and prices. But, if you want quality food you need to get the sizing right first and foremost. The reason for this is that slow cookers work best when they’re partially full. Specifically, you want it to be somewhere between two-thirds and three-quarters full.

This allows for the best cooking and means that your outcomes will match the recipe that you have at hand. For many people, the simple answer is a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker, which tends to be the right size for feeding a family. But, if you live on your own or want a slow cooker for sides rather than main meals, sometimes smaller is better. Small slow cookers may not be as common but there is still a range of mini slow cookers out there, some of which are fairly tiny.

Bella Connectable 2.5 Quart Entertaining Slow Cooker System Review

Sometimes I try to get away from the standard slow cookers because they are all pretty similar. Many of them are six quarts, let you set a timer for 4-10 hours, have have a low/high setting. Borrrring. So today I wanted to review the Bella Connectable 2.5 Quart Entertaining Slow Cooker System. It comes with two 2.5 quart slow cookers that can connect and cook simultaneously.

Though they are not really big enough to cook a full meal, they can be used in some very specific applications, and the small size of slow cooker might be useful to you in some situations.

Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker Review

After reviewing quite a few slow cookers in the six-quart capacity category, of course I had to pick a few favorites, and the Hamilton Beach Set 'n Forget was one of the top 3 in this category. Here in my review, I want to to show you exactly why it was one of my favorites, how it compared to other slow cookers with similar price points and features, as well as who this particular model would be best for. I made two recipes with this model of Set 'n Forget, and you'll see how they turned out below! (pictures included)

Crock Pot Cook And Carry 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker Review

I'm always happy and willing to try a new Crock-Pot because it's one of my all time favorite brands of slow cookers. I mean, after all, they are pretty much synonymous with this kind of kitchen appliance. Although I tend to personally own more budget items, in the case of slow cookers, I do think that spending a bit more money to upgrade from the most basic model can be worth the cost. The main reason is the added convenience.

For example, in my review of the Crock Pot Cook And Carry 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker I discovered the convenience of having a timer and automatic warming feature.

Crock-Pot Cook And Carry 6 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker Review

Crock-Pot is one of my all time favorite brands for slow cookers, and they have a wide variety of sizes, prices, and styles available to buy online. One of the basic designs that are available is the Crock-Pot Cook And Carry 6 Quart Oval Manual slow cooker. Because of the high number of positive reviews that you can find online, I decided to take some time to review model #SCCPVL600S!

I wasn't really surprised that the almost 2,000 people on Amazon were right. This particular appliance packs a whole lot of value for the extremely inexpensive price you pay. This is an excellent starter appliance, or for anyone on a budget. But let's dig into a few details of why I liked it and which recipe I made to test it out.