The Hamilton Beach Set 'n Forget Slow Cooker with Temperature Probe 33966 is a fully automatic, programmable appliance with three similar, yet distinct cooking options.

This unit comes with a removable 6-quart stoneware crock, see-through glass lid, base with digital touchpad control panel and a temperature probe for monitoring the internal temperature of large cuts of meat such as beef, pork, lamb or turkey.

Styled in stainless steel and black, the Set 'n Forget Slow Cooker has a manual setting, which works like any traditional slow cooker, with settings for high, low and keep warm. In addition, there is a programmable option, which lets you preset the exact length of cooking time -- in case you are not going to be home when the food is done.

The real attraction of this model, however, is its unique temperate probe. The slim metal shaft is inserted through a small opening in the lid, directly into a roast, ham, whole chicken or other cut of meat. The probe works with the slow cooker's electronic controls to monitor the temperature of the meat and automatically shifts to keep warm when the desired temperature is reached. Since the internal temperature is one of the best ways to measure doneness of meats, the probe ensures meats are thoroughly cooked according to specified guidelines.

The touchpad control panel is easy to use, and a large display window shows the temperature setting alternatively with the time remaining (if the program mode was used) or actual temperature (if the probe mode was used). For the program mode, you need to enter the desired cook time (between 30 minutes and 14 hours) and heat setting (low or high). When using the probe mode, instead of specifying a time, you select a finished temperature, usually between 145-180 degrees Fahrenheit. For both methods, the pot will shift to keep warm when the desired settings have been reached.

The Set 'n Forget Slow Cooker is oval in shape and can accommodate roasts up to 7.5 pounds. Cooking time depends on the size of the roast and the heat setting. A 3-pound roast, for instance, takes about 1.5 hours on high or about 3-4 hours on low. Since slow cookers excel at tenderizing meats by cooking slowly at lower temperatures, it is always preferable to use the low setting if time permits.

A temperature guide is printed on the glass lid for handy reference. Other features include two sturdy side handles that aid in lifting and transporting the cooker, and a power interrupt feature that retains the setting for short power failures (up to 7 seconds).


Pros: temperature probe to monitor internal temperature of roasts, removable crock
Cons: None

Warranty
1 year, limited