SLOW COOKERS

CROCK POT 7-QUART

What Reviewers Like

• Large 7-quart capacity is great for families, meal prep, and gatherings, with plenty of room for big recipes.
• Simple dial controls keep operation easy and intuitive, with no learning curve.
• Reliable, even cooking works well for soups, stews, roasts, and other slow-cooked meals.
• Affordable price offers solid value while still feeling sturdy and dependable.
• Keep-Warm setting helps hold food at a safe serving temperature until you’re ready to eat.
• Easy cleanup thanks to the removable stoneware insert that’s simple to wash.

Things Reviewers Point Out

• No programmable timer, so you need to be home to switch settings
• Exterior can get hot while cooking
• Only basic Low/High/Keep Warm options — not as flexible as digital models
• Stoneware is breakable if dropped, and a few mention occasional fit variations with the lid
• Some users wish the handles were larger or easier to grip

Final Thought

The Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker earns a lot of affection from people who simply want a big, dependable cooker that makes everyday meals easier. Reviewers appreciate how reliably it handles everything from weeknight dinners to crowd-sized batches, all without any fuss or complicated buttons. Its generous capacity, steady performance, and easy cleanup make it one of those appliances that quietly becomes part of the weekly routine.

While it doesn’t offer digital programming or advanced features, most users feel its simplicity is exactly what makes it so trustworthy. For many, it’s the kind of slow cooker that just works—helping bring warm, comforting meals to the table with almost no effort.

INSTANT POT DUO 7-IN-1

What Reviewers Like

• Extremely versatile design replaces multiple appliances by handling pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, and more in one compact unit.
• Significant time savings come from pressure-cook mode, making it easy to prepare meals much faster than traditional stovetop or oven methods.
• Consistent, dependable results once the settings are familiar, with reliable performance across a wide range of recipes.
• Stainless steel inner pot feels durable, doesn’t retain odors, and cleans up easily after cooking.
• Well-suited for batch cooking and weekly meal prep, with enough capacity to cook once and eat multiple times.
• Built-in safety systems and auto shut-off help users feel confident and comfortable using pressure cooking at home.
• Reliable everyday performance that many owners end up using regularly for both quick meals and longer recipes.

Things Reviewers Point Out

• Learning curve can feel intimidating at first
• Slow-cook mode tends to run slightly cooler than traditional slow cookers
• Lid and sealing ring require regular cleaning to avoid lingering odors
• Takes up some counter/storage space
• Some users mention variability in pressure-build times depending on recipe and liquid amount

Final Thought

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 has become a favorite for anyone who wants more flexibility in the kitchen without juggling multiple appliances. Reviewers love how it can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, and more—all in one dependable machine that reliably turns out great meals. Once they get past the initial learning curve, most people find it quickly becomes part of their weekly routine, saving time on busy nights and making batch cooking much easier.

A few quirks, like its cooler slow-cook setting or the need to clean the sealing ring regularly, don’t outweigh the overall convenience it brings. For many, it’s a true kitchen workhorse: practical, versatile, and reassuringly consistent. It’s the kind of appliance that quietly earns its place on the counter by making everyday cooking smoother and far more efficient.

HAMILTON BEACH 6-QUART

What Reviewers Like

• Programmable timer with automatic Keep Warm adds flexibility, letting meals finish cooking on your schedule and stay ready until serving time.
• Built-in temperature probe helps take the guesswork out of cooking meats, making it easier to reach the desired doneness.
• “Set & Forget” mode provides peace of mind on busy days, so you don’t need to constantly check or adjust settings.
• Latching lid and gasket design make it convenient for travel, helping prevent spills when taking food to potlucks, tailgates, or gatherings.
• Even, consistent cooking performance handles large batches well, making it suitable for family meals or meal prep.
• Intuitive digital controls are straightforward and easy to navigate, even for first-time users.
• Removable stoneware insert simplifies cleanup and is easy to wash after cooking.

Things Reviewers Point Out

• The lid gasket can trap odors and may need more thorough cleaning
• Latches feel stiff for some users
• Exterior can get hot during long cooks
• A few reviewers report the probe cord feeling a bit short
• Occasional comments about condensation pooling around the lid
• Slightly heavier than basic slow cookers due to added features

Final Thought

The Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 6-Quart Slow Cooker stands out as a true comfort appliance for busy homes. Reviewers appreciate how it takes the guesswork out of cooking, whether through its programmable timer or the temperature probe that helps meats come out just right. It feels dependable, flexible, and thoughtfully designed for real-life use—from weekday dinners to potlucks where the locking lid really shines.

While a few users mention things like gasket cleaning or stiff latches, most find these small trade-offs easy to manage compared with the convenience it brings. For many, it becomes the slow cooker they trust most: one that quietly handles the cooking while they focus on everything else, and consistently delivers warm, hearty meals with minimal effort.

NINJA PossibleCooker

6.5-Quart vs. 8.5-Quart — Side-by-Side Comparison

Choose the 6.5-quart model if you want a reliable everyday cooker with a smaller footprint. It’s ideal for couples, small families, or anyone who wants multi-function cooking without taking up too much counter space.

Pick the 8.5-quart model if you cook for large groups, love hosting, or want the expanded features like Sous Vide, Steam, Proof, and Bake. Its bigger capacity and upgraded heating make it a better fit for batch cooking and more ambitious recipes—just be sure you have the counter space for it.

What Reviewers Like

• Multi-function versatility replaces several appliances in one, handling slow cooking, roasting, sautéing, steaming, and more without cluttering the kitchen.
• Oven-safe pot adds extra flexibility, allowing you to finish dishes in the oven or expand beyond traditional slow-cooker recipes.
• Sear/Sauté mode lets you brown ingredients directly in the pot, saving time and eliminating the need for extra cookware.
• Even, dependable heating supports slow cooking, braising, simmering, roasting, and one-pot meals with consistent results.
• Ceramic nonstick coating helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup faster and easier after cooking.
• Solid, well-built design feels sturdy and durable, with a premium look that holds up well to regular use.

Things Reviewers Point Out

• Pot is heavy, especially when filled, due to its Dutch-oven-style build
• Some users wish the lid sealed more tightly or offered a locking option for transport
• Condensation can drip when removing the lid
• Exterior gets hot during longer cooking sessions
• Nonstick coating needs gentle utensils to prevent wear
• Controls are simple but not as fully programmable as high-end slow cookers
• Larger MC1010 model takes more storage room because of its size

Final Thought

The Ninja PossibleCooker has earned a lot of appreciation from reviewers for bringing real versatility into everyday cooking. People love that it can replace several appliances at once, giving them the freedom to slow cook, sauté, braise, roast, and even pop the pot into the oven when they want a perfect finish. Its faster heating, even performance, and sturdy, Dutch-oven feel make it stand out from traditional slow cookers, and many enjoy how effortlessly it handles everything from weekday meals to big-batch recipes.

While its weight and non-locking lid come up occasionally, most users feel these are small trade-offs for the quality and flexibility it delivers. With the larger MC1010 giving more room for family-size dishes and the more compact MC1101 heating quickly and fitting neatly on the counter, people find a model that fits their kitchen and cooking style. In the end, it’s the kind of cooker that makes one-pot meals easier, tastier, and more enjoyable—earning a warm place in many kitchens for its reliability and all-in-one convenience.

CROCK POT 6 QUART COOK & CARRY

What Reviewers Like

• Programmable timer with automatic Keep Warm lets you truly set it and forget it, finishing meals on time and holding them ready to serve.
• 6-quart capacity is well-suited for families, meal prep, and potlucks, with enough space for hearty recipes.
• Locking lid with gasket helps prevent spills, making it easier to transport dishes safely.
• Even, consistent cooking works well for soups, roasts, casseroles, and other slow-cooked meals.
• Simple digital controls are easy to understand and use, even for first-time slow cooker owners.
• Removable stoneware insert makes cleanup quick and straightforward after cooking.
• Affordable price point offers good value for a programmable slow cooker with practical features.

Things Reviewers Point Out

• Lid gasket can trap odors and may need deeper cleaning
• Latches feel tight or stiff for some users
• Outer housing can get hot during long cooks
• Slow-cook temperatures may run slightly high on some units
• Condensation around the lid is common
• Stoneware is breakable and a few users note occasional lid fit inconsistency

Final Thought

The Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry earns a lot of love from reviewers who want a slow cooker that’s both reliable at home and convenient on the go. Its programmable timer, steady cooking performance, and easy cleanup make everyday meals feel effortless, while the locking lid gives people confidence when bringing dishes to potlucks, family gatherings, or work events. It’s the kind of cooker that quietly fits into real-life routines—simple, dependable, and just the right size for most households.

Though a few users mention the gasket cleaning or the latches being a bit stiff, most feel these are small trade-offs for the versatility and convenience it offers. In the end, it’s a well-rounded, travel-friendly slow cooker that consistently delivers warm, hearty meals with minimal fuss—earning a comfortable place on the counter and in many weekly cooking routines.