EmailBest Reviewed
Slow Cookers
- Best programmable slow cooker All-Clad 99009 *Est. $200
- Basic slow cooker Hamilton Beach Stay-or-Go 33162 *Est. $40
- Most versatile slow cooker Hamilton Beach 33134 3-in-1 *Est. $50
- Best mini slow cooker Proctor Silex 33015 *Est. $15
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Best programmable slow cooker
- Extensive programmability
- Stainless-steel exterior
- Easy-read digital display
- Three temperature settings
- High price
- Large, bulky construction
At the pricier end of the slow-cooker spectrum is the All-Clad 99009, a 6.5-quart cooker with a variety of highly rated features. It has all the elements experts look for: an insert with handles, a clear lid, slow and steady heat and a digital timer. Both experts and consumers appreciate the extensive programmability of the All-Clad 99009, with a 26-hour timer that can be programmed in nearly any increment of time. And although many consumers comment on the high price of the All-Clad 99009, most say that it is worth the money. If you don't need a programmable slow cooker, reviewers recommend the basic 6-quart Hamilton Beach Stay-or-Go 33162 (*Est. $40).
The All-Clad 99009 gets high marks in reviews at Cook's Illustrated magazine, Real Simple, Woman's Day, About.com and ConsumerGuide.com. Editors at Slate.com opt to test the more expensive cousin of the 99009, the All-Clad 99005 (*Est. $275), giving it high marks for cooking performance. The main difference between these models is that the 99009 has a ceramic insert and the 99005 insert is stainless steel. Customers at Cooking.com give the All-Clad 99009 near-perfect scores.
| Featured Stores | Store Rating | Notes | Total Price | |
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 | 538 store reviews | In Stock. Free Shipping Pleasing People...Since 1936 | $199.00 | See It |
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Our Sources
1. Cook's Illustrated MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Cook's Illustrated compares seven slow cookers in head-to-head tests. Editors test slow cookers on high and low temperatures with chili, beans and more. Ease of use is also rated and specific models are recommended.
Review: Slow Cookers, Editors of Cook's Illustrated, Aug. 2007
2. Slate.com
Jill Pellettieri tests and rates eight slow cookers by preparing a wide variety of dishes. She also provides a brief history of slow-cooker technology. The All-Clad 99009 ranks in the middle of her test. She likes the ease of use and cleaning, but says the lid doesn't have a perfect fit.
Review: What a Crock -- Which Slow Cooker Is Best?, Jill Hunter Pellettieri, Feb. 9, 2005
3. Real SimpleDetails/Subscribe
Real Simple says it tested more than 12 slow cookers but identifies just the three winners. One of the winners is the All-Clad 99009, which is praised for its large digital face and countdown timer.
Review: The Best Slow-Cookers, Editors of Real Simple, Jan. 2008
4. About.com
Diana Rattray, About.com's guide to Southern food, rates 10 slow cookers based on her experience as a cooking expert. The All-Clad 99009 comes out on top in the test, with the writer calling it her favorite and praising its temperature settings, versatile timer and good looks. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Top 10 Guide Picks -- Slow Cookers and Crock Pots, Diana Rattray
5. Good HousekeepingDetails/Subscribe
The All-Clad 6.5-quart slow cooker is Good Housekeeping's top-rated slow cooker. Editors say that it is heavy but creates tender and delicious meals. They also liked the programming options.
Review: Top-Rated Slow Cookers, Editors of Good Housekeeping
6. Woman's DayDetails/Subscribe
While the staff-tested slow cookers in this article are not ranked, seven top picks are mentioned. Each slow cooker is given a label, and the All-Clad 99009 is labeled "table-ready" for its digital display and high-quality ceramic insert.
Review: State-of-the-Art Slow Cookers, Stephanie Lee, Oct. 23, 2008
7. Amazon.com
Users at Amazon.com give the All-Clad 99009 an above-average score. Most say it's large and expensive, but worth the cost. Several users, however, comment that the crock can crack, the lid gets hot and the unit is very heavy.
Review: All-Clad 99009 Stainless-Steel 6-1/2-Quart Slow Cooker, Contributors to Amazon.com
8. Cooking.com
Owner-written reviews at Cooking.com are not as critical as those at Amazon.com, and most write-ups are brief. The All-Clad 99009 gets a perfect average score in 45 customer ratings, with most customers offering nothing but praise and saying this model is well worth the price.
Review: Slow Cooker (6.5-qt.) by All-Clad, Contributors to Cooking.com
Testing methods are unclear at this site, but the All-Clad 99009 slow cooker receives an overall perfect score. In the expanded review, editors had a volume of praise, calling the cooker state-of-the-art and commenting on the superior programmability, large capacity, quality construction and good looks.
Review: All-Clad 6.5-Quart Electric Slow Cooker 99009, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
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5 picks including: About.com, Amazon.com…
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