Hey there, fellow food lovers! Welcome to Crock Potz, your cozy corner of the internet for all things slow cooking. If you’re like me, your crock pot isn’t just an appliance; it’s a trusty kitchen sidekick, a weeknight meal-saver, and the secret weapon behind those fall-off-the-bone ribs that everyone raves about. Today, I’m diving deep with a full Hamilton Beach Crock Pot Review. For years, I’ve put various slow cookers through their paces, and I get asked all the time: “Is the Hamilton Beach model a good buy?” Well, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get into the nitty-gritty. I’m going to walk you through its features, put it to the test with a classic recipe, and give you my honest, no-fluff verdict.
First Impressions: Unboxing the Hamilton Beach Crock Pot
Right out of the box, the specific model I’m testing—the 6-Quart “Set & Forget” Programmable Slow Cooker—feels sturdy and well-made. The stainless steel finish gives it a modern look that fits nicely on the countertop, and the stoneware insert has a good weight to it. It’s not flimsy. The lid seals with a satisfying click, thanks to the gasket and locking clips, which immediately got me thinking about potlucks and avoiding those dreaded car-seat spills. You know the ones I’m talking about!
Key Features That Actually Matter
Let’s be real, a slow cooker can have a dozen buttons, but only a few features truly make a difference in your day-to-day cooking. Here’s what stood out to me on this Hamilton Beach model.
The Locking Lid: A Game-Changer for Potlucks?
Absolutely. The lid clips down tightly on both sides, making it incredibly secure for transport. I once had a chili “incident” in the back of my car on the way to a Super Bowl party—never again. This feature alone is a huge plus for anyone who frequently takes their slow-cooked creations on the road. It’s a simple design, but it’s incredibly effective.
The Temperature Probe: No More Guesswork!
This is the feature that really sets this model apart. You can insert the probe into a large cut of meat, like a pork shoulder or a whole chicken, set the desired internal temperature, and the crock pot will automatically switch to the “warm” setting once it’s reached. This is fantastic for food safety and for achieving perfectly cooked, juicy meat without constantly opening the lid and letting heat escape.
The Ultimate Test Drive: My Hamilton Beach Crock Pot Review in Action
A review is nothing without a real-world test. So, I decided to make one of the ultimate slow cooker classics: a melt-in-your-mouth beef pot roast. This recipe is perfect because it tests the cooker’s ability to maintain a low, consistent heat for hours and its power to turn tough cuts of meat into something truly spectacular.
Why This Pot Roast is Perfect for Our Test
A pot roast requires a long, slow cook time to break down the connective tissues in the beef. If a slow cooker runs too hot, the meat can become tough and dry. If it doesn’t get hot enough, the vegetables will be undercooked. This recipe is the ultimate trial by fire (or, rather, by low and slow heat) for any crock pot.
Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need
- For the Pot Roast:
- 3-4 lb boneless beef chuck roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thickly sliced
- 4-5 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For the Gravy (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Tools:
- A 6-quart or larger Hamilton Beach Crock Pot
- A large skillet for searing
- Tongs
- A small bowl for making the slurry
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prep the Meat: Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. This is key for a good sear! Season generously on all sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear for Flavor: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until a deep brown crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step is optional, but it adds a massive depth of flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the extra pan to wash. Once seared, transfer the roast to the crock pot.
- Layer the Veggies: Arrange the sliced onions, carrots, and potatoes around the roast in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the minced garlic over everything.
- Create the Magic Liquid: In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Pour this mixture evenly over the meat and vegetables. Tuck the bay leaves into the liquid.
- Set It and Forget It: This is where the Hamilton Beach crock pot shines. Secure the lid. You can cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. For the most tender result, I always recommend going low and slow. Pro-Tip: Resist the urge to open the lid! Every time you peek, you release heat and add about 20-30 minutes to the cooking time.
- Rest and Thicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the roast and vegetables to a platter and tent with foil to keep warm. Let the meat rest for at least 10 minutes before shredding or slicing. If you want to make gravy, skim any excess fat from the liquid left in the crock pot. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Turn the crock pot to HIGH, whisk in the slurry, and let it cook for about 15 minutes until the gravy has thickened.
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Our Picks for the Best Crockpot in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware Crock & Glass Lid, Silver (33665G) |
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| 2 | Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining |
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| 3 | Double Slow Cooker, 2 x 1.25 QT Portable Small Dual Crock Cooker, Buffet Servers and Warmers Dishwasher Safe, Removable Ceramic Pot Glass Lid, Stainless Steel Black |
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| 4 | Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel |
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| 5 | Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1 |
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| 6 | Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker PRO- Sous Vide & Proof 6-in-1 Multi-Cooker, with 8.5 Quarts, Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven & More, Glass Lid & Integrated Spoon, Oven Safe Pot to 500°F, Black, MC1010 |
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| 7 | Sunvivi Dual Pot Slow Cooker, 2 Pot Small Mini Crock Buffet Server and Warmer, Upgraded Oval Ceramic Double Pot Buffet Food Warmer Adjustable Temp Glass Lid, Total 2.5 Quarts |
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| 8 | Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black |
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| 9 | Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel; an Essential Kitchen Appliance, Perfect for Families and Gatherings |
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| 10 | bella 6.0 Qt Programmable Slow Cooker, Ceramic Nonstick Coating, Adjustable Temperature & Cooking Times, Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Pot & Tempered Glass Lid, Tangle Free Cord Wrap, Plum |
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The Verdict: How Did the Hamilton Beach Crock Pot Perform?
The results were fantastic. The pot roast was incredibly tender, literally falling apart with a fork. The vegetables were perfectly cooked—soft but not mushy. The Hamilton Beach model held a very consistent temperature throughout the 8-hour cook on LOW. The stoneware insert distributed heat evenly, so there were no hot spots or burnt bits at the bottom. The lid sealed perfectly, keeping all that precious moisture and flavor locked inside.
Pros:
- Excellent Heat Consistency: Cooked everything evenly without scorching.
- Secure Locking Lid: A must-have for anyone transporting food. No spills, no mess.
- Temperature Probe: Takes the guesswork out of cooking large cuts of meat, ensuring perfect results.
- Easy to Clean: The stoneware insert and lid are dishwasher-safe, which is a huge win for weeknight cleanup.
- Great Value: Offers premium features at a very competitive price point.
Cons:
- Exterior Gets Hot: Like most slow cookers with a metal casing, the outside gets quite hot to the touch. Be mindful of this, especially with kids around.
- Short Power Cord: The cord is a bit on the shorter side, which might limit your placement options on the counter.
As home cooking expert Sarah Carter often says, “The best slow cooker is one you can trust. You want to walk in the door after a long day to a perfect meal, not a culinary crisis. Features like a temperature probe provide that peace of mind.”
How to Clean Your Hamilton Beach Crock Pot
Cleaning is a breeze. After it has cooled down, remove the stoneware insert and lid. You can wash them by hand with warm, soapy water or simply place them in the dishwasher. For any stubborn, cooked-on food, fill the insert with warm water and a little dish soap and let it soak for an hour before washing. Wipe down the exterior heating base with a damp cloth—never submerge the heating base in water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different cut of meat for the pot roast?
Yes, absolutely! Beef brisket or a bottom round roast are also excellent choices for slow cooking. The key is to choose a cut with good marbling and connective tissue that will break down over a long cooking time.
Is the stoneware insert oven-safe?
According to Hamilton Beach, most of their stoneware inserts are oven-safe and microwave-safe, but the lid is not. Always check the manual for your specific model to be sure before placing it in the oven.
How do I know when the pot roast is done without a probe?
Your best indicator is tenderness. The meat should be easily pierced with a fork and should shred with very little effort. If it still feels tough, it likely needs more time to cook.
Can I put frozen meat directly into the crock pot?
It is generally not recommended by the USDA to cook frozen meat in a slow cooker. The meat can spend too long in the “danger zone” (40°F – 140°F) where bacteria can multiply. It’s always safest to thaw your meat completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
What’s the difference between the LOW and HIGH settings?
Both settings cook the food to the same final temperature (around 209°F). The only difference is the time it takes to get there. The HIGH setting simply gets to that simmer point faster. Think of it like this: cooking on HIGH for 1 hour is roughly equivalent to cooking on LOW for 2 to 2.5 hours.
Final Thoughts on This Hamilton Beach Crock Pot Review
So, is the Hamilton Beach “Set & Forget” crock pot worth it? My answer is a resounding yes. It’s a reliable, feature-packed workhorse that delivers excellent results. The thoughtful design, especially the locking lid and temperature probe, provides real, practical benefits for the home cook. Whether you’re a seasoned slow-cooking pro or just starting your journey, this model offers incredible value and performance. This final Hamilton Beach crock pot review confirms it’s a fantastic tool to help you create effortless, delicious meals that bring everyone to the table.
Have you tried this model or a similar one? I’d love to hear about your experience! Drop a comment below and let’s talk all things crock pot.