The Hamilton Beach Set 'n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker 33967 has three separate cooking modes that enable you to use traditional (manual) slow cooking programmable (timed) slow cooking or automatic cooking using a temperature probe.

This unit's unique touchpad control panel offers numerous options for customizing your cooking. A large 2-inch-wide digital display panel shows the desired or actual temperature settings, the heat setting (High, Low or Warm) or a countdown timer, depending on the program selected. We liked being able to tell at a glance which function was selected and we liked the easy touchpad controls, even if they are a bit more complicated than the basic three-position control dial more commonly found on slow cookers.

The stylish 18.5-inch-wide by 12-inch-deep by 7.5-inch-tall stainless-steel and black body is attractive as well as functional. Two metal side handles are riveted in place for permanence and extend far enough away from the cooker to prevent scorched knuckles when lifting. The handles also have plastic end grips that stay cool to the touch. Another advantage offered by the Set 'n Forget 33967 is the clip-tight gasket lid, which allows you to transport a ready-to-eat meal to a pot luck supper or tailgating party without worry of spilling. Two side clips lock the glass lid in place and a full-perimeter rubber gasket keeps ingredients inside the crock where they belong. The rubber gasket also provides a nice cushion for the lid so it doesn't rattle on the crock during extended simmering.

The roomy 6-quart pot is oval shaped to accommodate a whole roast, turkey or ham up to 7.5 pounds. For added convenience, the Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker comes with a handy serving spoon, which clips onto the lid for ease of travel and storage. The plastic spoon is ideal for stirring as well as serving.

One of this unit's more unique features is its probe cooking capability. An included temperature probe gets inserted through an opening in the unit's lid and sends internal temperature readings to the cooker. Once the desired temp is reached, the unit shifts to its Keep Warm setting automatically. Since many foods, namely large cuts of meat, poultry or pork require a certain temperature to be thoroughly cooked, the probe method cooks foods to the exact temperature specified so you can be sure foods are done to perfection.

Using the Program mode, you determine the exact duration of cooking by entering the number of hours (up to 12 hours, in half-hour increments) and the heat setting (High or Low). When the set time has elapsed, the cooker will shift to Keep Warm for the duration of the cycle. The maximum combined cooking time is 14 hours. With its many cooking options, the Hamilton Beach Set 'n Forget Programmable Slow Cooker 33967 is a true kitchen helper. It lets you assemble your meal, select the cooking mode and literally walk away, leaving you free to attend to other tasks.


Pros: Digital display with three cooking modes: manual, timed or automatic (using a temperature probe), lid-latch
Cons: Complicated control panel

Warranty
1 year, limited