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Crock-Pot

Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker: the downsides first

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#7 of 8
$$Programmable8 qtScore 2.8/5
9%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)About 18,600 ratings. The Amazon page did not show a model number; the model is Food Network's.

The large-capacity pick at Food Network, Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats, praised for steady heat and very tender meat. Its lid fits loosely, it's big and heavy, and Amazon owners report units dying or crocks cracking within a year.

Top complaints

  • Stops working or the crock cracks

    Amazon's review summary calls reliability and durability mixed, with some owners saying it stopped working and the pot cracked within a year.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Big, heavy and hard to store

    Food Network, Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats all note the large footprint. The Spruce Eats couldn't fit the heavy crock in its dishwasher and warns ceramic can crack if dropped.

    Source: Food Network, Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats
  • Loose lid and boil-overs

    Food & Wine found the lid didn't fit snugly. It rattled at a vigorous simmer and bubbled over messily during home testing.

    Source: Food & Wine

What owners love

  • Steady heat, tender meat

    The Spruce Eats says it held temperature remarkably steady on both high and low. Food & Wine noticed no hot spots and called its short ribs 'buttery'.

    Source: The Spruce Eats, Food & Wine
  • Feeds a crowd for little money

    Food & Wine says it can feed 10+ people and is one of the cheapest cookers it tested; Amazon owners like the size for roasts and family meals.

    Source: Food & Wine, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Simple digital timer with auto-warm

    The timer runs up to 20 hours and switches to warm when done (The Spruce Eats, Food Network).

    Source: The Spruce Eats, Food Network
Good for
  • Families of 8-10+ or big batches
  • Parties and meal prep
  • Simple timer-and-warm cooking

Scores (tap for why)

  • Even cooking4.0
    Why 4.0?Steady temperature and no hot spots in two expert tests, with very tender short ribs.
    Source: The Spruce Eats, Food & Wine
  • Settings & timer3.0
    Why 3.0?Easy digital timer (up to 20 hours) with auto-warm, but only high, low and warm.
    Source: The Spruce Eats, Food & Wine
  • Easy cleaning3.0
    Why 3.0?Little scrubbing needed and dishwasher-safe, but the heavy 8-qt crock didn't fit in The Spruce Eats' dishwasher.
    Source: The Spruce Eats
  • Lid seal & portability1.5
    Why 1.5?Loose, rattling lid with boil-overs (Food & Wine); Food Network lists it as not portable.
    Source: Food & Wine, Food Network
  • Durability2.5
    Why 2.5?Amazon owners report units dying and crocks cracking within a year; 9% of ratings are 1-2 stars.
    Source: Amazon.com product page

What experts say

  • Food & Wine: Best large-capacity (August 2026): among the best short ribs with no hot spots; only basic settings and a lid that doesn't fit snugly.
  • The Spruce Eats: Best large-capacity (August 2026), its favorite of eight Crock-Pots tested: consistent heat; basic functions only, bulky and heavy.
  • Food Network: Best large-capacity (August 2026): easy digital interface; large countertop footprint.
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If that catch is a deal-breaker

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Its catch: pot gets very hot to the touch

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