ConsFirst / Slow cookers / Compare
Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Programmable Slow Cooker vs GreenPan Elite 6-Quart Slow Cooker
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Programmable Slow Cooker ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 8) and scores better on settings & timer, durability. GreenPan Elite 6-Quart Slow Cooker wins on even cooking, easy cleaning.
The biggest complaint about the Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Programmable Slow Cooker is small handles, short probe, heavy crock; for the GreenPan Elite 6-Quart Slow Cooker it's confusing control panel. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Programmable Slow Cooker | GreenPan Elite 6-Quart Slow Cooker | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in slow cookers | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$$ |
| Type | Programmable | Multi-function |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 5% | 7% |
| Overall score | 4.0 | 3.8 |
| Even cooking | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Settings & timer | 4.5 | 3.0 |
| Easy cleaning | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| Lid seal & portability | 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).
GreenPan Elite 6-Quart Slow Cooker
- Confusing control panel
Food & Wine needed the manual to set it up and found switching between time and temperature unintuitive. Serious Eats says extra modes are hidden under the slow cook button.
Source: Food & Wine, Serious Eats - Pricey and large
Serious Eats says it was one of the largest and most expensive models tested. Amazon owners are divided on value, and some find it too big.
- Some say it doesn't get hot enough
Amazon's review summary calls heat control mixed: some owners say it heats quickly, while others say it doesn't get hot enough.
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 GreenPan Elite 6-Quart Slow Cooker if
Searing and slow cooking in one pot
Even, gentle cooking
Kitchens where a cool exterior matters
Skip it if: You want simple, obvious controls; You're on a budget; Counter space is tight
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.