Hamilton Beach755263231981 (33182A) Slow Cooker, 8 Quart, Black

Great buy and works superbly

The seller was Amazon. I paid 35 bucks.This slow cooker works well for me. I've been using it for 9 months so far...no problems. It does have a hot spot on the left side, but most crockpots have hot spots (usually there and on the front). It holds exactly 8 quarts; some slow cookers hold less than their advertised volume, but not this one. Can't beat it for the size and price.The outside does get hot, so use the handles if you have to move it while it is "on". The cord is long enough for me.Need a timer? I got an Intermatic TN311 15 Amp Heavy Duty Grounded Timer to use with the crockpot, and it works great. I turn the timer and the crockpot "on" manually. For the timer, I only use an "off" tab (so it goes "off" when I want, and it won't turn "on" again...unless I manually turn it "on"). This works very well for me. And it beats buying an expensive crockpot with built-in timer.I also have a Hamilton Beach 5-Quart Portable Slow Cooker. It was my first slow cooker. I like the 8 quart model much better, because I don't have to worry about filling it up.According to the instructions, there is a minimum fill line. They recommend to fill it at least 2 inches from the top for proper cooking (more is fine, less is not). None of my recipes are below that line.The lid seems fragile, so I am careful with it. The stoneware insert is well made and heavy duty, but I am careful to let it cool down before adding cold water to it (to clean it). I am very pleased with my purchase.

Just the right size. I was using a 6qt and it would end up filled to the top. This makes enough for about 7 or eight people depending on what you are making. I make a lot of soups and chili but plan on using it for other recipes as well. The interior crock is a glossy black, I have found that even when I clean it there seems to be a discoloration in the interior of it. I have not used anything harsh to clean it as I did not want to scratch it. I use green Palmolive dish soap. It does not affect the cooking of it, and you don't see it when it has stuff in it cooking, just when it is empty. Really that would be my only negative as it functions perfectly and otherwise looks great. The additional knob to keep warm in addition to the low,high and off knobs are nice too, especially if you don't want something to cook more just stay warm till you serve it. I also like that is has knobs as some electronic controls can be more likely to malfunction.

Gotta say we are loving this slow cooker. Our previous unit was also large but more round where this one is more of an oval and I definitely prefer the oval shape. It's much better for cooking things like lasagna or pork loins, and even good for soups and stews. The overall size is important to us as we have five mouths to feed and leftovers are a must during the week. We regularly prepare three or four meals over a weekend and eat on them throughout the week; this slow cooker is good for larger portions when we need it.The slow cooker itself is nothing special or extraordinary; it's the same as any other brand you 've probably seen elsewhere. The liner pot is of good heft and material; cleans reasonably easily, including in the dishwasher. The controls are plain as well; you have two cooking settings (low and high). No lights to show it is on or anything like that, though.As is the case with all such cookers, the metal sides get hot so keep this back from the edge of the counter, especially if you have little hands to protect. All in all, it seems fairly sturdy, so no tipping issues that we've seen. The lid does not have a hole for steam to escape, but that has not proven to be a problem for us thus far.We use our slow cooker heavily; it is the ultimate convenience item. I am big on stews and BBQ pulled pork, my wife on soups and roasts. I think we've had this one a few months now and so far there have been no issues. The price was particularly good so I would say I am pleased all around with this purchase.If you are looking for a decent slow cooker, then I recommend giving this one a good look. It is basic and no frills but does exactly what it is designed to do and very well.

August 24, 2016 One Star ReviewArrived in a badly damaged box with the seam on one side mostly open. Looked like someone hit it with a baseball bat. Large dent near the bottom was so bad that it wouldn't even sit level on my kitchen counter without rocking and teetering. Replacement arrived today (2 days later) in much better condition. Better stronger box and the cooker looks perfect. Will write an honest review on that one after I've had it for awhile to be fair.Sept 19 2016 5 StarsNow that I've used this 3 times a week for almost a month I can honestly say that I really like it. It's large enough to hold an entire chicken or even a small turkey. I notice that this unit seems to cook a little bit hotter even on low setting than my old Rival unit did. It seems to be pretty well designed. The main housing that the crock sits in could be a little bit heavier gauge metal to make it a bit more sturdy but it doesn't seem to pose any problems as of yet. I suppose that if they made it thicker it would probably be too heavy for some folks to pick up and move if necessary, especially if it's filled with a large roast.

Easy to use and clean. Great for a large family

My daughter is happy because its a bigger crockpot