Hey there, fellow slow cooker enthusiasts! It’s your go-to Crock Potz expert here. Let’s be real for a moment. Have you ever spent all day dreaming of a juicy, fall-apart pot roast, only to come home to a dry, overcooked dinner disaster? I’ve been there, and it’s heartbreaking. That’s why today, I’m diving deep with an in-depth Hamilton Beach Set And Forget Review. For years, I’ve heard the buzz about this programmable slow cooker, particularly its fancy temperature probe. But does it actually live up to the “set and forget” promise? Let’s plug it in and find out.
What Makes the Hamilton Beach Set and Forget So Special?
Unlike your grandma’s old-school Crock-Pot with a simple Low, High, and Warm dial, this machine is a bit of a brainiac. The magic is in its three smart cooking modes, designed to give you ultimate control and banish overcooked meals from your kitchen forever.
- Probe Mode: This is the star of the show. You insert the included temperature probe into your meat (like a pork shoulder or a whole chicken), set the desired internal temperature, and the slow cooker does the rest. It cooks until the meat is perfectly done, then automatically switches to the “Warm” setting. No more guesswork. No more dry chicken.
- Program Mode: This is your classic “cook for X hours” setting. You choose High or Low and set a timer. Once the time is up, it automatically switches to “Warm.” It’s perfect for recipes where you know the exact cooking time, like soups or stews.
- Manual Mode: For the traditionalists! This mode lets you cook on Low or High without a set timer, just like a basic slow cooker. It’s great for those days when you’re home and can keep an eye on things yourself.
My Honest Hamilton Beach Set and Forget Review: A Deep Dive
I’ve put this 6-quart slow cooker through its paces with everything from chili for a crowd to a delicate beef bourguignon. Here’s the deal on how it really performs in a busy home kitchen.
The Game-Changer: The Temperature Probe
Honestly, the probe is everything. My first test was a big 4-pound pork shoulder for pulled pork. Normally, this is a 7-8 hour affair on Low, but it can be tricky to nail the exact moment it’s ready to shred. With the Set and Forget, I inserted the probe, set the target temp to 205°F, and walked away. I didn’t have to check on it once. The result? The most tender, juicy pulled pork I’ve ever made at home. The machine switched to warm right on cue, holding it perfectly until we were ready for dinner.
“The key to a perfect Crockpot meal is layering your ingredients correctly. Always place root vegetables at the bottom where the heat is most consistent.” – Sarah Carter, home-cooking blogger. The Set and Forget’s even heating helps with this, but the probe takes the guesswork out of the most expensive ingredient: the meat.
The Two Other Modes: Program and Manual
The Program mode works exactly as you’d expect and is a reliable workhorse for dump dinners and soups. I love it for my favorite slow cooker chili recipe because I can set it for 6 hours on Low and know it’ll be ready and waiting, not over-stewed, when I get home from running errands.
The Manual mode is… well, it’s a slow cooker. It heats reliably and does the job. I don’t use it often because the other two modes are just so much more useful, but it’s nice to have the option for simple things like keeping mulled cider warm at a party.
Design, Build, and Usability
Let’s talk about the physical appliance. The 6-quart oval shape is the sweet spot for most families, easily fitting a whole chicken or a decent-sized roast. The clip-tight gasket lid is another standout feature. The clips lock the lid securely in place, making it a dream for traveling to potlucks or family gatherings. I’ve transported a full pot of saucy meatballs across town without a single dreaded spill.
Cleaning is straightforward. The stoneware insert and glass lid are both dishwasher safe, which is a non-negotiable for me. The digital display is easy to read and intuitive to program, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
What I Love (The Pros)
- The Temperature Probe: It’s a game-changer for cooking large cuts of meat to perfection.
- Travel-Friendly Lid: The locking clips and gasket seal are brilliant.
- Versatile Cooking Modes: The three options cover literally any slow cooking scenario you can think of.
- Automatic Keep-Warm: This feature is a lifesaver for busy families with staggered dinner times.
- Easy to Clean: Dishwasher-safe components make cleanup a breeze.
What Could Be Better (The Cons)
- Probe Hole: When you’re not using the probe, there’s a small hole in the lid. It doesn’t seem to affect cooking times, but it feels like a minor design oversight.
- Short Power Cord: Like many kitchen appliances, the cord is on the shorter side, so you need to place it close to an outlet.
Who is the Hamilton Beach Set and Forget Slow Cooker For?
This is the perfect slow cooker for a few types of people:
- The Busy Professional or Parent: If your schedule is unpredictable, the auto keep-warm function is your best friend.
- The Meat Lover: If you frequently cook roasts, whole chickens, or pork shoulders, the temperature probe will change your life.
- The Potluck King or Queen: If you’re always taking food to go, the locking lid is worth the price of admission alone.
- The Worried Cook: If you’re constantly stressed about over- or under-cooking your food, this machine provides incredible peace of mind.
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Our Picks for the Best Crockpot in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel |
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| 2 | 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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| 3 | Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware Crock & Glass Lid, Silver (33665G) |
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| 4 | Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining |
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| 5 | 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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| 6 | 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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| 7 | Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black |
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| 8 | 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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| 9 | 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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| 10 | Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1 |
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How Does It Compare to a Standard Crock-Pot?
Many of us grew up with a basic Crock-Pot, and they’re fantastic tools. But how does this more advanced model stack up? Here’s a quick comparison.
| Feature | Standard Crock-Pot (Manual) | Hamilton Beach Set and Forget |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Modes | Low, High, Warm (Manual) | Probe, Program (Timer), Manual |
| Temperature Control | None (Relies on time) | Precise via internal meat probe |
| “Done” Indicator | Guesswork, checking manually | Automatically shifts to warm |
| Travel Safety | Standard lid (Prone to spills) | Locking gasket lid |
| Best For | Simple soups, stews, dips | Roasts, whole poultry, unattended cooking |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the Hamilton Beach Set and Forget for soups and stews?
Absolutely! For soups, chilis, and stews, the “Program” mode is your best bet. Just set the time and temperature according to your recipe, and it will cook for that duration before switching to warm.
Is the stoneware insert oven-safe?
No, the manufacturer does not recommend using the stoneware insert in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the broiler. It is designed for use only within the slow cooker base.
What is the single best feature of this slow cooker?
Without a doubt, it’s the temperature probe. It completely removes the anxiety of cooking expensive cuts of meat, ensuring perfect results every single time. It truly delivers on the “set it and forget it” promise.
How does the temperature probe work again?
You simply insert the metal end of the probe into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding bone. Plug the other end into the jack on the slow cooker base. Then, you set the temperature you want the meat to reach, and the slow cooker will heat until it hits that exact temp, then switch to warm.
Is 6 quarts big enough for a family of four?
Yes, 6 quarts is generally considered the ideal size for a family of 3-5. It can accommodate a 6-pound chicken or a 4-pound roast, leaving you with plenty of room for leftovers—a key benefit of any good one-pot meal.
The Final Verdict
So, after weeks of delicious, stress-free meals, what’s my final take in this hamilton beach set and forget review? It’s a resounding yes. This isn’t just a slow cooker; it’s a smart cooking tool that gives you confidence and consistency. The peace of mind that comes from the temperature probe alone is worth the investment, especially if you love making tender, juicy roasts and pulled meats. The travel-friendly lid is the icing on the cake.
If you’re looking to upgrade your slow cooking game from simple to spectacular, this machine is a fantastic choice. It empowers you to tackle more ambitious recipes without any extra effort.
Have you tried the Set and Forget? I’d love to hear about your own experiences and favorite recipes in the comments below! Let’s build our Crock Potz community one perfect meal at a time.