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Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Programmable Slow Cooker vs Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Programmable Slow Cooker ranks higher (#1 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on even cooking, settings & timer, durability.
The biggest complaint about the Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Programmable Slow Cooker is small handles, short probe, heavy crock; for the Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker it's runs hot. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Programmable Slow Cooker | Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in slow cookers | #1 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Programmable | Programmable |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 5% | 6% |
| Overall score | 4.0 | 3.3 |
| Even cooking | 4.0 | 2.5 |
| Settings & timer | 4.5 | 3.0 |
| Easy cleaning | 3.5 | — |
| Lid seal & portability | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Durability | 3.5 | 3.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $60 · $$ $60–150 · $$$ over $150. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Programmable Slow Cooker
- Small handles, short probe, heavy crock
Wirecutter says the crock's small handles at the ends of the oval are hard to grab and make pouring difficult, and the probe is too short for smaller pieces of meat. Food Network says the probe can be hard to insert accurately, and The Spruce Eats calls the ceramic crock heavy and not stovetop-safe.
- Can run hot
In Serious Eats' test the pot's edges bubbled and the beans came out overcooked and mushy. Amazon's review summary calls temperature control mixed, with some owners saying it overheats when done. Wirecutter, by contrast, found it held a gentle simmer.
- Crock breaking
Amazon's review summary says durability is a concern, with multiple owners reporting the crock breaking after average use. The warranty is one year (Wirecutter).
Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker
- Runs hot
Serious Eats got overcooked, mushy beans, and Wirecutter says all the Crock-Pots it tested cooked hot on low and finished early. Amazon's summary says heat control is mixed, with some owners saying it gets too hot.
- Hot exterior (disputed)
Serious Eats measured the outside at 190°F, which it called dangerously warm. Food Network found the exterior never exceeded 87°F, one of the coolest it tested.
Source: Serious Eats, Food Network - Early breakdowns; confusing buttons
Amazon's summary says several owners report units breaking within 20 uses. Food Network found the basic interface confusing to program.
Who should pick which
Pick the Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Programmable Slow Cooker if
Potlucks and tailgates (clip-down lid)
Cooking roasts to a set temperature
Most families wanting one good all-rounder
Skip it if: You want to sear in the same pot; You need a timer longer than 12 hours; You want light, easy-to-pour crock handles
Pick the Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker if
Carrying food to potlucks
Simple timer cooking
Fans of the classic Crock-Pot
Skip it if: You cook beans or delicate food on low; You want a probe thermometer; Kids or pets might touch the outside
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