The Hamilton Beach Programmable Set & Forget 6 Quart Slow Cooker makes a family meal on a busy weeknight possible. This slow cooker has a built-in thermometer for cooking meat and a program setting that shifts automatically to warm when set time is up.
I did a lot of research, before deciding on this slow cooker. This is not like when they first came out in the 70's and didn't have the removable insert. It is simple to use, easy to clean, and as it starts cooking you can smell the aroma of what, you are cooking! I love it. As for the concerns about the reviews of the smelly gasket, I have not had that problem. This will only happen if you overfill the cooker because it can/will result in the food sticking to the gasket causing the cooking of the rubber.
I have cooked chili and roasts and like that I don't have to worry about burning the bottom of something, because I didn't stir it or the burner was set to hot!
Don't consider a more expensive slow cooker, it is a waste of money. You won't be impressing anyone, you will be cooking for yourself or your family. Fix your dinner the night or morning before you leave for work, set the timer, and come home to dinner cooked and ready to serve. Check the internet for slow cooker recipes or your local bookstore will have a "slow cooker cookbook".
The booklet has a page, with a chart for cooking times and temperatures that are for different types of meat based on their weight. It gives you step by step instructions on how to use the auto or manual settings. The other convenience is the spoon holder in the handle. Never have to worry about losing it or where you set it down.
The only con about this cooker is the lid latches, they are difficult to secure and release, but other than that; there are none!
Stop researching!!! Great price for the value and easy to use!
What's great about it: Easy to use, large enough for roasts, dishwasher safe or easy to wash by hand!
What's not so great: Lid latches are hard to secure and release. No starting recipes come with it.