I purchased this particular slow cooker after doing some research on 6-qt. units. I have two 3 1/2-qt. slow cookers and I wanted a larger one so I could make larger quantities. This particular unit was very much in my price range and I decided to go for it. So far I have been very happy with it.
This slow cooker has three temperature settings - Warm, Low and High. Low and High should be obvious for anyone who uses slow cookers. Heating so far has been even and consistent. The Warm setting is not for cooking but to maintain temperature after cooking is complete. My smaller crock pots do not have this feature so this feels like a luxury to me now.
The lid also locks in place so that the slow cooker can be transported with food in it with a reduced risk of spilling the contents. There's a latch for clamping the lid down and it is neither too tight nor too loose - it feels about right. If the slow cooker is properly secured (such as in a box) so that it does not tip, spilling should be minimized.
One concern I had when researching was that I saw many complaints regarding pressure build-up and ultimately shattered lids while transporting locking-lid slow cookers. I did not see any reports of that with this particular slow cooker and now that I have it, it's obvious why this is the case. Hamilton Beach apparently pays attention to the reports as well and they have made an adjustment to this slow cooker to eliminate the issue - there are two steam holes in the lid that prevent the pressure from building up. According to the documentation that comes with the slow cooker, the heating temperatures have been adjusted to compensate for these holes, and in using this slow cooker I would agree that the holes in the lid seem to have no effect on the cooking times and temperatures.
The lid and liner are dishwasher safe. This is a nice bonus for those who prefer not to wash by hand. I likely will not rely on the dishwasher for cleaning my slow cooker but it's nice to know that I have the option.
Overall, I am very satisfied with this slow cooker and based on my experience I am happy to recommend it. It is priced right and it works well.
Hamilton Beach Stay or Go 33461 Cooker 33461 Rice Cookers & Steamers
- Enter your model number above to make sure this fits.
- Single clip seals lid onto base to reduce messy spills
- Bring 6 quarts of hot food to potlucks or parties anytime
- Hinged lid stays up then easily detaches for dishwasher cleanup
- Folding handles snap up for carrying and fold down for storage
- High, low and keep warm settings
