Slow Cooker?

DMurray · #1 10-17-2009, 08:23 PM

We were at Target this afternoon and I saw a really neat slow cooker-it's made by Hamilton Beach and has a thermometer that pokes in through the top. Has anyone tried one of these? Here's the link at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach...5828723&sr=8-2

Thanks!
Deb

oct2189 · #2 10-17-2009, 08:46 PM

Cook's Illustrated did a small appliance review in th Nov/Dec 2009 issue. This HB slow cooker was rated their "best buy".(All Clad was the price-is-no-issue choice)

DMurray · #3 10-17-2009, 08:56 PM

Thanks, I'll check the review out . . .

heavy hedonist · #4 10-18-2009, 11:13 AM

I have a different Hamilton Beach slowcooker-- the take and go, which has clamps on it so tbhat you can cook at home and just bring the whole shebang to a gasthering. I love it.

DMurray · #5 10-18-2009, 11:19 AM

Thanks-I think they had that one at Target, too. Is it a little smaller than the "non portable" one? The Take and Go feature would be really nice to take to pot lucks at work . . . .

mkc · #6 10-18-2009, 11:54 AM

The one in the Amazon link you posted does have latches for the lid, too, so it looks like it might be a programmable, probe version of the Stay or Go.

Michelle

ETA on the Hamilton Beach page there are 2 versions that are programmable and have lid clips - one is 6 qt and 1 is 5 qt. Then there's one that doesn't have the lid clips:

Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cookers

VALERIEA234 · #7 10-18-2009, 04:49 PM

I have the all clad slow cooker, and love it...also have a 5 qt hamilton beach, that i purchased at wal-mart. It also works well. However my hamilton beach does not have thermometer on the top.
Val

Beth · #8 10-18-2009, 06:25 PM

Valerie, does the All-Clad cook nice and slow?

I have a Rival and a West Bend. The West Bend cooks very hot -- I have to shorten the time and/or turn down the cooking level and still get some things I'm not that happy with. Which is why I bought the Rival. It tends to cook a bit fast too, but maybe not s bad as the West Bend. The one things that would make me consider an All-Clad would be if I could trust it when wanting to leave it cooking while I'm away. The temperature probe on the Hamilton Beach also caught my attention, but with two crock pots, I'm not rushing to buy another unless I know it cooks slow enough that I can actually trust a 6-8 hour recipe to not be overcooked in 4.

KellyD · #9 10-20-2009, 11:12 AM

I have the same question about the All Clad. I'm happy to pay the price if I'll be happy with the results. I inherited a new Rival larger capacity version from friends who moved overseas. I made the Tortilla Soup in it yesterday, and I swear it just rapid boils EVERYTHING I put in it. I have to turn it off, turn it back on...as I was cleaning it last night, I thought I should just take this to Goodwill it infuriates me so. My other one is probably a 20 year old Rival that works great - and the times are usually exactly in line with recipes I've used - but it's not as large.

Anyone have experience to share with the All Clad version with the insert you can brown in on the stovetop?

heavy hedonist · #10 10-21-2009, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DMurray

Thanks-I think they had that one at Target, too. Is it a little smaller than the "non portable" one? The Take and Go feature would be really nice to take to pot lucks at work . . . .

sorry just saw this-- mine isn't programmable, it's a 4 qt. with clips, oval shaped. just three settings (how i like it!)-- hi, low, and keep warm.

YorkieMom · #11 10-23-2009, 06:38 AM

I have the All-Clad that DH bought me for my Bday a couple weeks ago (the one with the removable ceramic insert). I'm using it for the first time today to make chili. I'll report back and let you know how it goes. I've had many crockpots over the years and have purchased 2 of the larger oval size Rival crockpots (dropped first one and broke ceramic) I too have noticed that the temperatures seem to be higher than the older model crock pots.

wallycat · #12 10-23-2009, 08:34 AM

I can't get over how much slow cookers have changed since I was buying one for my first apartment. I still have that slow cooker (Rival) and the only thing I dislike is that I bought the cheapest one where the crock does not come out.
I have the All Clad and like it, but that crock is soooooooooo heavy.
That little round Rival is still my favorite.

I read a review (Better homes/garden) that said the tempt. taking hamilton beach was Good but that the thermometer was not of much use (their words).

I'd love to see the Cooks Illustrated ratings.

By the way, William-sonoma sells a ceramic crock (white) and an aluminum one where you can use it stove top first, then place into it's heating unit (blackish/gray).

I read where Rival (my old, old favorite) is making a ceramic insert that you can use stove top (probably similar to the Emile Henre ceramic casseroles that are out). I'd be curious to see that one in person.

Mary Ann · #13 10-23-2009, 08:44 AM

Here is the chart from CI dated 8/07. I have the basic Hamilton Beach Stay and Go and I love it. The timer wasn't important to me.

Highly Recommended
All-Clad Stainless Steel Slow Cooker with Ceramic Insert

This cooker aced the evaporation test and all the cooking tests, and it has every feature we want, including insert handles and a clear lid. Provided a steady, slow heat that is ideal for breaking down the collagen in tough cuts of meat without overcooking them.
$179.95

Recommended
KitchenAid Stainless Steel Slow Cooker

This model cooked slightly hotter than the other contenders, but none of the finished food suffered as a result. The slightly squared insert shape was praised for being "easy to pour out of."
$129.99

Recommended
Cuisinart Slow Cooker

This machine did very well in all cooking tests. Several testers were surprised that the bulky, boxy exterior of this cooker got very hot during long cooking. "It looks like it should be insulated," said one.
$98.88

Recommended
Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker with Temperature Probe

While the temperature probe itself wasn't a lure for testers ("slow cooking shouldn't be that temperature-specific"), this model passed the evaporation test and performed well in the cooking tests. This cooker was downgraded for being the only one without handles on the insert, which made removing it difficult—especially when hot.
$59.95

Recommended with Reservations
Rival Oval VersaWare Crock Pot

"No timer?" asked testers. "No 'on' light?" The opaque lid was another strike against this cooker, but it did perform well in the cooking tests. Several testers complained about the "overhanging lip" on the insert, which necessitates complete inversion to pour out contents.

Recommended with Reservations
Hamilton Beach Oval Stay or Go Slow Cooker

The gimmicky travel clips and recipe name tag were not part of this model's appeal, but testers did appreciate its solid performance in the kitchen and the "straightforward, no frills" ease of operation. This inexpensive cooker does not have a timer, which is a serious drawback.
$39.95

Not Recommended
West Bend Oval Versatility Slow Cooker

Testers complained about the lack of an "on" light, especially since this machine begins heating as soon as it's plugged in-there is no "off" setting. This model was also downgraded for heating faster on "low" than "high" and for having an awkward-fitting lid that "falls into the pot easily."
$64.95

YorkieMom · #14 10-23-2009, 03:04 PM

Well I used my All Clad Slow Cooker for the first time today and I'm very happy with the results. I made chili and I could see through the glass lid that it was a low constant simmer, it wasn't at a full boil like my Rival Oval Slow Cooker. I didn't get to try to timer, but I know that will really come in handy when leaving for work in the morning. Looking forward to trying some of the CP recipes suggested on the other thread.

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