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A programmable cook-time and automatic Keep Warm setting are safer and more useful than a delayed start for most slow-cooker meals. Do not leave raw meat, dairy, eggs, or other perishable ingredients sitting at room temperature while waiting for a delayed start. The leading products here cook immediately for the selected period and then switch to Keep Warm. The final near-miss uses a delay-start function, which is suitable only for nonperishable, manufacturer-approved uses and is not a safe workaround for raw ingredients.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crock-Pot 6 qt MyTime Technology Programmable Slow Cooker | $72.99 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Hamilton Beach 33443 4 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker | $58.95 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | Hamilton Beach 33765 6 Quart Set and Forget Programmable Slow Cooker | $40.47 | Amazon |
| 4 | Crock-Pot 7 qt Cook and Carry One Touch Programmable Slow Cooker | $49.99 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | Crock-Pot 8 qt Programmable Slow Cooker Black Stainless | $89.99 | Amazon · eBay |
| 6 | Hamilton Beach 33768 6 qt Probe Slow Cooker | $74.99 | Amazon · eBay |
| 7 | Hamilton Beach 8 qt Programmable Slow Cooker | $79.99 | Amazon · eBay |
| 8 | Crock-Pot 4 qt Stainless Steel Cook and Carry Programmable Slow Cooker | $74.99 | Amazon · eBay |
| 9 | Crock-Pot MultiMeal Programmable Slow Cooker with Two 3.7 qt Pots | $169.99 | Amazon · eBay |
| 10 | Heynemo Programmable 8 Quart 12-in-1 Multi-Cooker | $60–$90 | Amazon |
The picks, in detail
Crock-Pot 6 qt MyTime Technology Programmable Slow Cooker
MyTime lets the user set a meal time, food type, and amount, while its controls adjust the cooking cycle. It is not presented as a raw-food delay timer.
- 6 qt
- 10 settings
- MyTime scheduling
- auto Keep Warm
- schedule-oriented cooking
- dishwasher-safe stoneware stated
- not a raw-food delay-start solution
- confirm recipe timing
Hamilton Beach 33443 4 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
A 4-quart programmable model that switches automatically to Keep Warm after cooking is complete.
- 4 qt
- programmable
- automatic Keep Warm
- dishwasher-safe crock and lid
- compact capacity
- automatic warm stated
- no verified delayed-start claim
- smaller batch size
Hamilton Beach 33765 6 Quart Set and Forget Programmable Slow Cooker
A 6-quart programmable slow cooker with flexible programming, defrost function, and adjustable countdown timer.
- 6 qt
- programmable
- adjustable countdown timer
- defrost function stated
- specific model number
- automatic-programming family
- do not use an unverified delay for perishables
- read the manual for defrost use
Crock-Pot 7 qt Cook and Carry One Touch Programmable Slow Cooker
A 7-quart programmable Cook and Carry model with locking lid and removable stoneware.
- 7 qt
- one-touch programmable
- locking lid
- removable stoneware
- large family capacity
- transport-oriented lid
- no verified delayed-start claim
- confirm automatic warm settings
Crock-Pot 8 qt Programmable Slow Cooker Black Stainless
An 8-quart digital-timer model with Keep Warm and removable stoneware.
- 8 qt
- digital timer
- Keep Warm
- removable stoneware
- large stated capacity
- programmed cook time
- no verified delayed-start claim
- large size is not ideal for small meals
Hamilton Beach 33768 6 qt Probe Slow Cooker
A 6-quart probe-equipped slow cooker listed with automatic Keep Warm.
- 6 qt
- temperature probe
- automatic Keep Warm
- programmable listing
- probe-based option
- automatic warm stated
- no verified delayed-start claim
- follow the model manual
Hamilton Beach 8 qt Programmable Slow Cooker
An 8-quart programmable slow cooker with automatic Keep Warm and stoneware pot.
- 8 qt
- programmable
- automatic Keep Warm
- stoneware pot
- large capacity
- automatic warm stated
- no verified delayed-start claim
- check counter space
Crock-Pot 4 qt Stainless Steel Cook and Carry Programmable Slow Cooker
A smaller programmable Crock-Pot with a transport lid format.
- 4 qt
- programmable
- Cook and Carry lid
- stainless steel exterior
- small-batch capacity
- portable-lid format
- no verified delayed-start claim
- confirm Keep Warm behavior in manual
Crock-Pot MultiMeal Programmable Slow Cooker with Two 3.7 qt Pots
A dual-pot programmable Crock-Pot with two 3.7-quart pots for separate dishes.
- two 3.7 qt pots
- programmable
- dual-pot format
- separate dishes
- published dual capacity
- no verified delayed-start claim
- larger footprint
Heynemo Programmable 8 Quart 12-in-1 Multi-Cooker
Near miss: this multi-cooker listing names slow cook, Keep Warm, and Delay Start. Use its delay only for nonperishable, manufacturer-approved situations, never to hold raw perishables before cooking.
- 8 qt
- slow cook
- Keep Warm
- Delay Start listed
- delay function explicitly listed
- multiple cooking modes
- unsafe delay use with raw perishables
- multi-cooker rather than dedicated slow cooker
Buying tips
- For raw ingredients, begin cooking promptly and use the timer to switch to Keep Warm after cooking.
- Do not use a smart plug, outlet timer, or generic delayed start to keep raw perishable food unrefrigerated.
- Follow the appliance manual for time limits and Keep Warm settings.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly rather than relying on extended warming.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.