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Crock-Pot

Crock-Pot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker: the downsides first

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#8 of 8
$Manual7 qtScore 2.6/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)About 62,600 ratings pooled across Crock-Pot manual cooker sizes and colors (including Design Series versions).

The cheapest big slow cooker here and Food Network's budget pick: a dial, a stoneware crock and room for a 7-lb roast. It has no timer, no auto shut-off and no locking lid, and some owners report crocks cracking.

Top complaints

  • No timer or auto shut-off

    Food Network calls it a very basic model with just a High/Low/Warm dial and notes it has no automatic shut-off. Wirecutter says a programmable timer is worth the small extra cost.

    Source: Food Network, Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Crocks cracking or breaking

    Amazon's review summary says owners report durability issues, with multiple units cracking or breaking within a month of use.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Not built for travel

    Food Network lists it as not portable; it has no locking lid.

    Source: Food Network

What owners love

Good for
  • Tight budgets
  • Cooks who are home to switch it off
  • Large roasts and family meals

Scores (tap for why)

  • Even cooking3.5
    Why 3.5?Tender paprikash at Food Network and even heating per Amazon owners. Wirecutter found all the Crock-Pots it tested ran hot on low, though it didn't test this model.
    Source: Food Network, Amazon.com product page
  • Settings & timer1.5
    Why 1.5?Dial only (High/Low/Warm): no timer and no automatic shut-off.
    Source: Food Network
  • Easy cleaning3.5
    Why 3.5?Amazon owners say the removable stoneware makes cleanup easy; there's no expert cleaning test.
    Source: Amazon.com product page
  • Lid seal & portability1.5
    Why 1.5?Food Network lists it as not portable, with no locking lid.
    Source: Food Network
  • Durability3.0
    Why 3.0?A low 1-2 star share (5%) on a huge pooled listing, but Amazon owners report crocks cracking.
    Source: Amazon.com product page

What experts say

  • Food Network: Best budget (August 2026): very affordable with a simple dial and large capacity; very basic, with no automatic shut-off.
Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked slow cookers whose biggest complaint is something else.

#1 in slow cookersHamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Programmable Slow Cooker

The most widely recommended slow cooker, with a probe thermometer, a programmable timer and a clip-down lid that travels without spills. Serious Eats found it ran hot and overcooked beans, and some Amazon owners report crocks breaking.

Its catch: small handles, short probe, heavy crock#2 in slow cookersGreenPan Elite 6-Quart Slow Cooker

Serious Eats' best slow cooker: it held a steady 195-205°F, browned meat in the pot, cleaned up easily and stayed cool outside. It's expensive and large, testers found the control panel confusing, and it has few Amazon ratings so far.

Its catch: confusing control panel#3 in slow cookersNinja Everyday PossibleCooker Pro, 6.5 Qt

A light, good-looking multicooker with excellent controls that made the best beans at Serious Eats and among the best short ribs at Food & Wine. Its pot sits exposed and gets very hot (140°F outside), and testers saw scorching on the bottom.

Its catch: pot gets very hot to the touch

See all 8 slow cookers ranked →