Best Slow Cookers For Set And Forget Meals
Ready to cook more with less fuss? I’m a busy meal-prep coach who tests every slow-cooker setup like I’m feeding a week’s worth of dinners. You’ll see huge recipe catalogs paired with sturdy programmable crocks, so you save time, avoid mess, and actually pull off set-it-and-forget-it dinners. Expect real-world use cases: precise temps for big roasts, leak-proof lids for potlucks, and simple controls you won’t fight with. By the end, you’ll know which picks earn a spot on your counter and how to shop them without sinking cash into underperformers.
⚡ Quick Answer: Best Kitchen Gadgets
Best for Recipe Variety: Fix-It and Forget-It Big Cookbook: 1400 Best Slow Cooker Recipes!
Check Price — Check price on Amazon →
Table of Contents
- Main Points
- Our Top Picks
- Fix-It and Forget-It Big Cookbook: 1400 Best Slow Cooker Recipes!
- Fix-It and Forget-It Revised and Updated: 700 Great Slow Cooker Recipes
- Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock, Temperature Probe, Dishwasher Safe Crock & Lid, Stainless Steel (33969A)
- Hamilton Beach 7 Quart Set & Forget Portable Programmable Slow Cooker, 15 Cooking Options With 5 Time and 3 Heat Options, Large Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Crock and Glass, Lid Latch, Black (33670)
- Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Set & Forget Programmable Slow Cooker, 15 Cooking Options With 5 Time and 3 Heat Options, Large Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Crock and Glass, Black (33762)
- Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Main Points
- The Fix-It and Forget-It books give you thousands of set-it-and-forget-it recipes; but they're used—check condition and price—this can be a cost-efficient vault for busy cooks.
- The Hamilton Beach 33969A adds a temperature probe and clip-tight lid, making it easy to finish large cuts to the right temp and carry without spills.
- The 7-quart 33670 offers 15 programmable options and a lid latch; it's the sweet spot for feeding 8+ and taking meals to gatherings.
- The 6-quart 33762 gives solid capacity with easy-touch controls; great if you don’t need as much space but still want options.
- Recommendation: For most readers, go with the 7-quart Hamilton Beach Set & Forget Portable (33670) for best mix of capacity, programmability, and portability.
Our Top Picks
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Fix-It and Forget-It Big Cookbook: 1400 Best Slow Cooker Recipes!
🏆 Best For: Best for Recipe Variety
- Used Book in Good Condition
You get the Best for Recipe Variety badge because this Fix-It and Forget-It Big Cookbook delivers 1400 slow cooker dinners, so you never stall at weeknights. And since it’s a Used Book in Good Condition, you’re getting tons of options without paying full price.
It spans beef, poultry, soups, stews, and veggie mains, with clear, kitchen-tested directions that fit the pace of real life. The layout helps you search by time, ingredient, or cuisine, so you can pick a new option in minutes. You can plan a month of meals without reinventing the wheel each week.
Buy this if you want real variety without buying more gadgets or expensive recipe subscriptions. It’s ideal for busy families, new slow cooker owners building a starter library, or anyone who meal-preps and wants dependable backup options.
Note that a used book may show wear or markings, and some recipes may feel dated or assume ingredients that aren’t as common today. Still, the breadth of ideas easily justifies the swap from small recipe collections. Recommendation: add this to your kitchen if you crave steady, varied slow-cooker dinners and you want it all in one trusted volume.
✅ Pros
- Massive recipe library to rotate dinners
- Practical, easy-to-follow steps for weeknights
- Solid value for variety-hungry cooks
❌ Cons
- Used condition may show wear
- Some recipes feel dated or need adaptation
- Key Ingredient: 1400 slow cooker recipes
- Scent Profile: N/A
- Best For: Best for Recipe Variety
- Size / Volume: 1400 recipes
- Special Feature: Used Book in Good Condition
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Fix-It and Forget-It Revised and Updated: 700 Great Slow Cooker Recipes
🏆 Best For: Best for Budget Shoppers
Best for Budget Shoppers is earned here because this book turns a tight budget into a week of set-and-forget meals. With 700 revised recipes in one durable volume, you get massive value you can actually cook without chasing pricey ingredients.
It's a practical cookbook first and foremost: clear, pantry-friendly ingredient lists, simple step-by-step directions, and tips that translate into real slow-cooker results. Real-world benefits show up as calmer weeknights, fewer restaurant runs, and meals you can portion for lunches or freezes without extra planning.
Who should buy this? Busy households, beginners, and anyone aiming to stretch meals without sacrificing taste. If you already own a slow cooker or two and want a steady supply of budget-friendly ideas, this is the vault you reach for on busy days.
Drawbacks? Some recipes feel dated and rely on canned ingredients. There aren’t many photos, so you’ll need to trust the tested instructions a bit more. Recommendation: If you’re budget-focused and want a huge, reliable recipe vault for set-and-forget meals, this is the one to grab.
✅ Pros
- Huge library of recipes for variety
- Very affordable, often under $20
- Easy, straightforward instructions
❌ Cons
- Some recipes feel dated or canned
- Limited photos may slow planning
- Key Ingredient: Flexible, all-purpose ingredients
- Scent Profile: Homey aroma fills kitchen during long simmers
- Best For: Best for Budget Shoppers
- Size / Volume: Paperback, ~704 pages
- Special Feature: Revised & Updated edition with 700 recipes
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Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock, Temperature Probe, Dishwasher Safe Crock & Lid, Stainless Steel (33969A)
🏆 Best For: Best for Portable Convenience
- NOT YOUR MOM’S SLOW COOKER: Smart technology allows you to cook a recipe to eith
- PATENTED TEMPERATURE PROBE: Place the temperature probe into large cuts of meat
- CLIP-TIGHT GASKET LID: The lid clips securely in place, perfect for taking the s
- EASY TO CLEAN: Removable and dishwasher safe crock and glass lid make cleanup si
- 6 QUART CAPACITY: Spacious size is perfect for a 6 lb. chicken or 4 lb. roast.
This is the best for portable convenience because the Clip-Tight lid stays sealed for travel and the 6-quart size fits a full roast or multiple meals, no spill drama at the party or in the car. The stainless steel build, built-in lid lock, and sturdy crock mean you can actually take this to potlucks or tailgates and not worry about messes or leaks. It’s the set-and-forget tool you can move around the kitchen or road with confidence.
Key features translate to real-world use: you can program a recipe by time or by exact temperature, then it automatically shifts to warm when done. The patented temperature probe lets you cook large cuts to a precise temp, with the display showing the current internal temperature as it rises. The Clip-Tight lid keeps splashes contained during transport, while the dishwasher-safe crock and lid make cleanup instant after dinner or a potluck. With 6 quarts, you get ample servings without babysitting the pot.
Who should buy this? You, if you batch meals, host potlucks, or want a true portable option for tailgates. It’s ideal when you want to set it up in the morning, forget about it all day, and pick up hot, ready-to-eat meals on the go. Perfect for busy families, roommates, or anyone feeding several people from one cooker.
One caveat: it’s not a tiny countertop unit, so you’ll need some space. The digital controls add a learning curve versus a basic model, and the probe needs care during cleanup. Overall, if you want true portable convenience with precise temp control and easy cleanup, this is the cooker I’d recommend for your set-and-forget meals.
✅ Pros
- Clip-Tight lid prevents spills
- Temp probe for precise doneness
- Dishwasher-safe crock and lid
❌ Cons
- Bulkier than basic models
- Controls take a moment to master
- Key Ingredient: Temperature probe
- Scent Profile: Neutral odor, minimal lingering
- Best For: Best for Portable Convenience
- Size / Volume: 6 quart
- Special Feature: Clip-Tight lid + auto warm
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Hamilton Beach 7 Quart Set & Forget Portable Programmable Slow Cooker, 15 Cooking Options With 5 Time and 3 Heat Options, Large Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Crock and Glass, Lid Latch, Black (33670)
🏆 Best For: Best for Large Families
- VERSATILE COOKING WITH 15 PROGRAMMABLE OPTIONS: With this programmable slow cook
- PORTABLE WITH LESS MESSY SPILLS: The unique Lid Latch strap anchors onto the bas
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY MEALS AND ENTERTAINING: This portable slow cooker has a large
- THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED WITH EASY-TOUCH CONTROLS: The 7 quart slow cooker has smoo
- SET & FORGET: The Hamilton Beach slow cooker automatically switches to the warm
This slow cooker earns the "Best for Large Families" badge because its 7-quart crock serves 8+ portions, fits a full 7 lb chicken or a big roast, and it stays portable enough for potlucks and tailgates.
With 15 programmable options, you can mix warm, low, or high heat with 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 hours of cooking time. The lid latch keeps the lid secure when you're carrying hot meals to a table or a friend’s house. Real-world benefit: you set it up in the morning and come back to dinner-ready or to keep it warm until guests arrive. The controls are smooth touch-activated and the unit automatically switches to warm after cooking completes, with a total cap of 24 hours.
Who should buy this? If you cook in bulk and want something you can set and forget, this is for you. It’s perfect for potlucks, football Sundays, or meal-prep sessions where you need to feed 8-10 from a single pot. If you won’t use the 7-quart capacity regularly, this might be oversized for your setup.
Drawbacks? It’s bulky, so it eats counter space and is heavier to move. The lid-latch mechanism can feel fiddly when you’re in a hurry, and the set is less ideal if you crave ultra-precise temp control. Recommendation: This is the one to buy if you cook for 6-8+ people weekly and want true set-and-forget convenience.
✅ Pros
- 7-quart capacity feeds 8+ people
- Lid latch prevents spills on the go
- Dishwasher-safe stoneware for easy cleanup
❌ Cons
- Bulky footprint for compact spaces
- Lid latch can be fiddly
- Key Ingredient: 7-quart stoneware crock
- Scent Profile: Sealed lid minimizes aromas
- Best For: Best for Large Families
- Size / Volume: 7-quart capacity
- Special Feature: Lid latch; Set & Forget; 24h timer
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Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Set & Forget Programmable Slow Cooker, 15 Cooking Options With 5 Time and 3 Heat Options, Large Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Crock and Glass, Black (33762)
🏆 Best For: Best for Everyday Cooking
- VERSATILE COOKING WITH 15 PROGRAMMABLE OPTIONS: With this programmable slow cook
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY MEALS AND ENTERTAINING: The slow cooker has a large 6 quart s
- THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED WITH EASY-TOUCH CONTROLS: The 6 quart slow cooker has smoo
- SET & FORGET: The Hamilton Beach slow cooker automatically switches to the warm
- FAST AND EASY CLEANUP: The removable stoneware crock and glass lid are dishwashe
Best for Everyday Cooking starts with size and ease. The Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Set & Forget programmable slow cooker gives you a 6-quart stoneware that feeds 7+ people, plus 15 programmable options to tailor heat and time. It’s the kind of tool you set in the morning and come home to dinner ready.
Key features and real-world benefits: With 15 options, you can mix warm, low or high heat with 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 hours. It automatically switches to warm after cooking and shuts off after a total of 24 hours. Cleanup is a cinch thanks to a dishwasher-safe crock and glass lid, and the touch controls wipe clean.
Who should buy this and when: This is for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone who entertains. It shines when you batch-cook on Sundays for the week or want a pot of chili ready when you walk in. The 6-quart size handles roasts, whole chickens, and big batches for gatherings.
Honest caveats: It’s a bigger unit that takes counter space. Timer options are limited to 2/4/6/8/10 hours, and the touch panel can be bumped. Recommendation: This is the one to buy for reliable, set-and-forget family meals.
✅ Pros
- 6-quart capacity feeds 7+ servings
- 15 programmable options
- Dishwasher-safe stoneware and lid
❌ Cons
- Limited timer granularity: 2/4/6/8/10h
- Touch controls can be bumped accidentally
- Key Ingredient: Slow-cooker-friendly meals
- Scent Profile: Mild aromas during cooking
- Best For: Best for Everyday Cooking
- Size / Volume: 6-quart capacity
- Special Feature: Set & Forget with auto-warm, 24h cap
- Recommendation: The go-to for reliable, set-and-forget meals
Factors to Consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What size slow cooker do I need for a family of four?
A 5-6 quart model hits most family needs for roasts, soups, and one-pot meals. If you batch prep for the week or often cook for bigger groups, go 6-8 quarts. Consider your freezer space and the largest recipe you plan to run.
Should I buy a digital or manual dial slow cooker?
Digital models make it easy to set timers and rely on consistent heat. Manual dials are simple, cheaper, and durable, but less precise. If you want set-and-forget reliability, pick a digital unit.
Can a slow cooker replace stovetop cooking for recipes?
Yes for many stews, soups, and braises. You can brown meat first in a skillet for flavor, or choose a model with a sear function. Plan textures and timing based on crock-pot cycles rather than stove temps.
Are ceramic inserts dishwasher safe?
Most inserts are dishwasher safe on the top rack; always check the label. If not, hand wash with warm, soapy water to prevent cracking. Dry thoroughly before reassembling.
Do slow cookers brown meat or just stew it?
Most slow cookers don’t brown on their own. You’ll get better flavor searing the meat first in a skillet, then finishing in the slow cooker. Some models offer a sear/brown option, which helps if you hate extra pans.
What does the keep-warm setting do and how long can I leave food on it?
Keep-warm holds food at safe temperatures (roughly 140-165°F) after cooking. It’s for holding, not finishing cooking, so don’t count on it to tenderize meat. Most units let you stay in keep-warm for 2-6 hours; texture can shift if you push past that.
How do I clean and maintain a slow cooker to make it last?
Rinse after use and wash the insert and lid regularly. Wipe the base and check seals for wear; avoid soaking the unit itself. Store with the lid off or slightly ajar to prevent odors from lingering.
Conclusion
For most busy kitchens, a 6-quart digital slow cooker with a dishwasher-safe insert and a reliable keep-warm setting is the winning combo. It saves you time, keeps cleanup simple, and actually makes weeknight meals doable. Recommendation: go with a 6-quart digital model from a reputable brand with a solid warranty.
