5 High-Quality Slow Cookers With Programmable Settings

If you enjoy the convenience of preparing meals ahead of time, investing in a high-quality slow cooker with programmable settings can significantly enhance your cooking experience. These appliances allow you to set cooking times and temperatures, ensuring your meals are ready when you are. This not only saves you time but also allows you to enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals without the stress of last-minute preparations.

Top Picks

• Best Overall: Hamilton Beach 33861 Portable Programmable Slow Cooker
• Best Value: Hamilton Beach 8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
• Best for Large Meals: Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker
• Best for Flexibility: Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Set & Forget Programmable Slow Cooker
• Best for Precision Cooking: Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker

Selection Criteria

When choosing a slow cooker, consider the size, programmable features, ease of cleaning, and additional functionalities like temperature probes or locking lids. These factors can greatly influence your cooking experience and the quality of your meals.

Hamilton Beach 33861 Portable Programmable Slow Cooker

The Hamilton Beach 33861 is a game-changer for anyone who loves the convenience of slow cooking but wants a bit more control over their meals. With its 6-quart capacity, it’s perfect for everything from a cozy family dinner to a potluck gathering. The FlexCook feature allows you to set two different heat settings and times in one cooking cycle, so you can start on high for a few hours and then switch to low for the remainder. This means you can set it and forget it, making it ideal for busy days. Plus, the removable crock is dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. If you’re looking for a reliable slow cooker that adapts to your cooking style, this one is definitely worth considering.

What People Say

Users rave about the FlexCook feature, which allows for dual temperature settings, making meal prep incredibly flexible. Many appreciate the ease of cleaning with the dishwasher-safe crock, and the locking lid is a hit for those who like to take their meals on the go.

• I purchased this for a friend who travels a LOT and really wanted to step in to try some crock potting. This is a good size, at 6 qt – but the best part is being able to program it. The crock is fully removable and can go in the dishwasher. He made chili using dried beans and it cooked perfectly. He was thrilled to come back to his apt/hotel room and have dinner waiting.

  – ForeverYOUNG

• I use this slow cooker at least twice a week and it performs flawlessly every time. The Flex-Cook feature makes this crockpot a standout! I can program it for a different temperature and time at the beginning of the cook cycle and then it automatically switches over to a different temperature and time for the duration. I absolutely love it and highly recommend it!

  – hippie@heart

Key Benefits

• FlexCook feature for customizable cooking
• Dishwasher-safe removable crock
• 6-quart capacity for large meals
• Locking lid for mess-free travel

Perfect For Any Occasion

Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week or hosting a gathering, this slow cooker has you covered. Its large capacity is perfect for family dinners, while the programmable settings ensure your meals are cooked to perfection without needing constant supervision.

Rating: 4.7 (Total: 3739+)

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Hamilton Beach 8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

The Hamilton Beach 8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker is your go-to kitchen companion for effortless meal preparation. With its generous capacity, you can easily whip up everything from hearty stews to delicious desserts, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The programmable settings let you set cooking times from 30 minutes to 18 hours, so you can plan your meals around your busy schedule. Plus, the dishwasher-safe crock and lid make cleanup a breeze. If you want a reliable slow cooker that adapts to your cooking needs, this one is a solid choice.

What People Say

Users love the large capacity, which is perfect for cooking for a crowd. The programmable timer is a favorite feature, allowing for flexibility in meal prep. Many also appreciate the ease of cleaning with the dishwasher-safe components.

• I’ve had mine for 3 years and am very happy I purchased it! The timer is easy to use and it cooks as planned. I love batch cooking and just pop out a full, cooked meal from the freezer when I need it. It saves me so much time in the kitchen.

  – Terry Love

• This crockpot is absolutely huge and works perfectly. It’s sleek and durable, and I’ve used it at least twice a week for 2 months without any issues. The lid fits well, and there’s no leakage. I appreciate that it automatically switches to warm after cooking.

  – Veronica Tryon

Key Benefits

• Large 8-quart capacity for big meals
• Programmable timer for flexible cooking
• Automatically switches to warm after cooking
• Dishwasher-safe crock and lid for easy cleaning

Perfect For Any Occasion

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a potluck, this slow cooker has you covered. Its large capacity is ideal for family gatherings, while the programmable settings ensure your meals are ready when you need them without constant monitoring.

Rating: 4.7 (Total: 3254+)

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Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Set & Forget Programmable Slow Cooker

The Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Set & Forget Programmable Slow Cooker is a fantastic addition to your kitchen, especially if you love the convenience of slow cooking. With its unique defrost function, you can safely thaw meat and then cook it to perfection without any hassle. This slow cooker is perfect for everything from family dinners to entertaining guests, as it can hold a 6 lb. chicken or a 4 lb. roast. The flexible programming options let you set cooking times anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours, making it adaptable to your busy lifestyle. Plus, the dishwasher-safe stoneware crock and glass lid make cleanup a breeze. If you’re looking for a reliable slow cooker that does the work for you, this one is definitely worth considering.

What People Say

Users appreciate the defrost function, which allows for safe cooking from frozen. The flexible programming options and large capacity are also highlighted as key features that make meal prep easier and more efficient.

• My last slow cooker was an antique. I decided to purchase one as they are now programmable and will switch from cooking to keep warm. I’ve always been a bit afraid of throwing frozen meat into a slow cooker as not sure that the cooker will warm up as quickly as it should to keep the meat at a safe temperature. I will admit that one of the reasons I chose this over some others is the defrost meat button. I’ve been using this cooker a lot, and love it! I would definitely recommend it! Also.. get some liners as they sure help with cleanup.

  – Carolyn Johnson

Key Benefits

• Unique defrost function for safe thawing and cooking
• Flexible programming with countdown timer
• Large capacity for family meals and gatherings
• Automatically switches to warm after cooking

Ideal For Family Meals and Entertaining

Whether you’re preparing a cozy family meal or hosting a gathering, this slow cooker is designed to meet your needs. Its large capacity and programmable settings ensure that your meals are ready when you are, without the need for constant supervision.

Rating: 4.7 (Total: 120+)

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Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Set & Forget Programmable Slow Cooker

The Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Set & Forget Programmable Slow Cooker is a game-changer for anyone who loves the ease of slow cooking. With its innovative defrost function, you can safely thaw meat and then cook it to perfection without any fuss. This slow cooker is perfect for everything from cozy family dinners to entertaining friends, as it can accommodate a 6 lb. chicken or a 4 lb. roast. The flexible programming options allow you to set cooking times from 30 minutes to 24 hours, making it adaptable to your busy lifestyle. Plus, the dishwasher-safe stoneware crock and glass lid make cleanup a breeze. If you’re in the market for a reliable slow cooker that takes the stress out of meal prep, this one is definitely worth a look.

What People Say

Users appreciate the defrost function, which allows for safe cooking from frozen. The flexible programming options and large capacity are also highlighted as key features that make meal prep easier and more efficient.

• My last slow cooker was an antique. I decided to purchase one as they are now programmable and will switch from cooking to keep warm. I’ve always been a bit afraid of throwing frozen meat into a slow cooker as not sure that the cooker will warm up as quickly as it should to keep the meat at a safe temperature. I will admit that one of the reasons I chose this over some others is the defrost meat button. I’ve been using this cooker a lot, and love it! I would definitely recommend it! Also.. get some liners as they sure help with cleanup.

  – Carolyn Johnson

Key Benefits

• Unique defrost function for safe thawing and cooking
• Flexible programming with countdown timer
• Large capacity for family meals and gatherings
• Automatically switches to warm after cooking

Ideal For Family Meals and Entertaining

Whether you’re preparing a cozy family meal or hosting a gathering, this slow cooker is designed to meet your needs. Its large capacity and programmable settings ensure that your meals are ready when you are, without the need for constant supervision.

Rating: 4.6 (Total: 16008+)

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Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel

The Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker is your new best friend in the kitchen. This versatile appliance is perfect for everything from hearty family dinners to potlucks with friends. With its spacious 7-quart capacity, you can easily whip up meals for large gatherings or meal prep for the week ahead. The programmable timer allows you to set your cooking time and forget about it until it’s time to eat. Plus, the locking lid ensures that your delicious creations stay secure during transport, making it ideal for parties or family outings. If you’re looking for a reliable slow cooker that combines convenience with style, this one is definitely worth considering.

What People Say

Users rave about the large capacity and the convenience of the programmable settings. The locking lid is also a favorite feature, as it helps prevent spills during transport, making it great for gatherings.

• This is a really nice larger crockpot. I like that you can go on total manual mode. It’s a tad larger than my old one, which is great. Love the locking lid too! Great purchase.

  – Susan R.

Key Benefits

• Personalized cooking with MyTime technology
• Leak-proof locking lid for easy transport
• Large 7-quart capacity perfect for families
• Intuitive digital control for easy programming

Perfect For Family Gatherings and Potlucks

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or taking a dish to a potluck, this slow cooker has you covered. Its large capacity and programmable features ensure that your meals are ready when you need them, without the hassle of constant monitoring.

Rating: 4.6 (Total: 3526+)

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FAQ

What Should I Look For When Buying a Programmable Slow Cooker?

When you’re shopping for a programmable slow cooker, consider the capacity first. If you often cook for a large family or like to meal prep, a model with at least 6 quarts is ideal. Look for features like multiple heat settings, a timer, and a keep-warm function. It’s also helpful to have a removable stoneware insert for easy cleaning. Additionally, check if it has a locking lid if you plan to transport it. Lastly, read customer reviews to gauge reliability and performance.

How Do I Use the Programmable Features Effectively?

To make the most of your slow cooker’s programmable features, start by reading the manual to understand the specific settings available. For instance, you can set different cooking times and temperatures for various stages of your meal. A common approach is to cook on high for a few hours and then switch to low for the remainder of the cooking time. This is especially useful for tougher cuts of meat. Remember to prep your ingredients the night before and set the timer so your meal is ready when you get home.

Are There Any Safety Tips I Should Follow When Using a Slow Cooker?

Absolutely! Always place your slow cooker on a flat, stable surface to prevent spills. Make sure the lid is securely in place to maintain heat and moisture. Avoid overfilling the cooker, as this can lead to spills and uneven cooking. If you’re using frozen meat, ensure it defrosts properly before cooking to avoid food safety issues. Lastly, never leave your slow cooker unattended for long periods, and always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cooking times and temperatures.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, a programmable slow cooker can be a valuable addition to your kitchen. It offers flexibility and convenience, allowing you to prepare meals that fit your schedule. Whether you are cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week, the right slow cooker can make all the difference in your culinary journey.