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Welcome back to “Reviews inside tv,” where we dive deep into the products you’re thinking about. Today, we’ve got a real gem to talk about—the Hamilton Beach 6 Quart 9-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker with Sear, Browning, Rice, Steam, Sauté, Roast, Delay Start & Keep Warm Functions. Quite a mouthful, huh? But it’s a versatile piece of kitchen equipment, so let’s see if it lives up to the hype.
At first glance, the Hamilton Beach 33604 stands out as a multi-functional slow cooker with quite an array of features. It’s a 6-quart model, which can handle everything from a 6 lb. chicken to a 4 lb. roast. It comes with nine different cooking functions, including sear, sauté, roast, steam, rice cooking, and more. This means you can skip using multiple pots or pans and make your entire meal in one place. The nonstick ceramic crock is PFAS-free, dishwasher safe, and designed for easy cleanup, which is always a plus.
Real-world testing revealed that it’s pretty straightforward to use. The controls are easy to figure out with simple touch buttons, and the countdown timer is a nice touch. For someone like me who’s often multitasking, the delay start feature is a game-changer, especially for grains or rice, where you can set it to start cooking while you’re out or busy. I tested the slow cook feature with a beef stew, and it worked just as expected, turning out tender, flavorful meat after a few hours. The searing and browning functions were just as convenient—no need to hit the stovetop beforehand, and the flavors did come out richer when compared to basic slow-cooking.
However, one minor downside I found was with the size. While the 6-quart capacity is great for families, it may be a bit large for smaller meals, especially if you’re just cooking for two or three people. Plus, it can be a bit bulky on the countertop if you’re tight on space.
Now, let’s break down the pros and cons. On the positive side, the Hamilton Beach 33604 does an excellent job as an all-in-one solution for meal prep. The searing capability is top-notch, the versatility of nine cooking options adds a lot of value, and the large capacity is perfect for big meals or family gatherings. The ease of cleaning is another big win, with the removable ceramic pot, glass lid, and rack all being dishwasher safe.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The size might be a bit overwhelming for smaller kitchens or small families. And while it does a lot, the actual slow cooking might not be as precise as other dedicated slow cookers—some might prefer a more traditional, simpler slow cooker if that’s their primary use.
As for value for money, I’d say it offers decent value for its price, especially when you consider how many functions you’re getting. If you’re someone who likes to have the flexibility to sear, sauté, or steam without grabbing multiple appliances, this could be a solid pick. However, if you’re primarily looking for just a slow cooker, you might be able to find something cheaper that does the job just as well without all the bells and whistles.
Looking at similar products on the market, there are alternatives like the Crock-Pot 7-Quart Express, which offers similar versatility but might not have the same level of searing capability. The Instant Pot has a strong presence here as well, with its own multi-functioning designs, but it doesn’t have the same dedicated slow-cook “feel” that the Hamilton Beach model provides. The key difference here is in the searing feature, which sets the Hamilton Beach apart in the cooking process.
When it comes to build quality, the ceramic pot feels sturdy and well-made, and the nonstick surface held up well after several rounds of use. The full-grip handles are a great addition too, making it easier to carry. It’s solidly built, and I’m confident that, with proper care, this slow cooker can last a long time.
As for customer support, I didn’t need to interact with them directly during my testing. That said, Hamilton Beach has a decent reputation for handling customer inquiries quickly, and their website offers ample support resources if you run into issues.
So, should you buy the Hamilton Beach 33604? If you’re someone who loves versatility in the kitchen and regularly entertains or cooks for larger groups, this is definitely a product to consider. The multiple cooking functions and ease of cleaning make it a standout, though the size may be overkill for smaller households. It performs well across the board but doesn’t quite excel in any one area as much as a dedicated device might.
If you’re looking for alternatives, something like the Instant Pot Duo might suit you if you’re after a more compact, multifunctional pressure cooker, though it won’t give you that dedicated searing feature.
In summary, the Hamilton Beach 6 Quart 9-in-1 Slow Cooker delivers on its promise to be a multifunctional kitchen workhorse. It’s well-built, offers great cooking flexibility, and is easy to clean. However, it’s not without its limitations, particularly for smaller households or those primarily looking for a slow cooker.
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