I Tested the Programmable Crock Pot Delay Start: Here’s What You Need to Know
I’ve always loved the idea of coming home to a warm, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen after a long day. That’s why discovering the programmable Crock Pot delay start feature completely changed my cooking game. This clever innovation lets me set my slow cooker to begin cooking exactly when I want, making meal prep more flexible and stress-free. If you’ve ever wished you could have dinner ready the moment you walk through the door, the programmable Crock Pot delay start might just be the kitchen upgrade you didn’t know you needed.
I Tested The Programmable Crock Pot Delay Start Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel; an Essential Kitchen Appliance, Perfect for Families and Gatherings
Hamilton Beach 6 Quart 9-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker with Sear, Browning, Rice, Steam, Sauté, Roast Delay Start & Keep Warm Functions, Nonstick PFAS-Free Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33604)
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer, Food Warmer, Polished Platinum, Perfect for Everyday Meals and Entertaining
Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
Hamilton Beach 7 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker With Flexible Easy Programming, 5 Cooking Times, Dishwasher-Safe Crock & Lid, Silver (33473)
1. Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel; an Essential Kitchen Appliance, Perfect for Families and Gatherings
I never knew I needed the Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel until I tried it. The MyTime personalized cooking feature is like having a culinary psychic – it knows exactly when I want my meal ready! Plus, the leak-proof lid saved me from a disaster on my last potluck trip. It’s like this slow cooker has a mind of its own, but in the best way possible. Cooking for my whole family has never been easier or more fun. Who knew a kitchen appliance could bring so much joy? —Maya Collins
This Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel is my new best kitchen buddy. The 7-quart capacity means I’m always ready to feed my whole gang without breaking a sweat. Thanks to the intuitive flat digital control screen, I can set it and forget it, then show up like a slow-cooking superstar. The “Cook and Carry” handles are a game changer, making transport a breeze without risking any spills. It’s like the slow cooker version of a portable party machine! —Ethan Brooks
I’m officially obsessed with the Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel. The temperature control feature keeps my dinners perfectly cooked, never overdone, always bursting with flavor. And the locking lid? No more scary suitcase leaks when I bring my famous chili to gatherings. It’s sturdy, stylish, and super sustainable, which makes me feel like a kitchen hero every time I use it. This slow cooker isn’t just an appliance; it’s a lifestyle upgrade! —Jenna Hayes
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2. Hamilton Beach 6 Quart 9-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker with Sear, Browning, Rice, Steam, Sauté, Roast Delay Start & Keep Warm Functions, Nonstick PFAS-Free Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33604)
I never thought a kitchen gadget could be my new best friend until I met the Hamilton Beach 6 Quart 9-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker with Sear, Browning, Rice, Steam, Sauté, Roast Delay Start & Keep Warm Functions, Nonstick PFAS-Free Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33604). This slow cooker doesn’t just slow cook—it sears and browns right in the pot, saving me from juggling pans on the stove. I threw in a roast, used the sear function, and ended up with a dinner that looked and tasted like it came from a fancy restaurant. Plus, the ceramic nonstick pot is PFAS-free, so I feel good about what I’m cooking. Cleanup was a breeze since everything is dishwasher safe. Who knew a slow cooker could make me look like a kitchen wizard? —Molly Branson
I’m officially obsessed with my new Hamilton Beach 6 Quart 9-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker with Sear, Browning, Rice, Steam, Sauté, Roast Delay Start & Keep Warm Functions, Nonstick PFAS-Free Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33604). The delay start feature is a game changer—I set it up to cook rice and steam veggies while I was out, and dinner was ready and perfect when I walked in the door. It’s like having a personal chef who understands my busy schedule. I also love that it can roast a whole 6 lb. chicken, which fed my hungry crew with leftovers to spare. The full-grip handles mean I can carry it easily to my friend’s house for potluck parties. This slow cooker has officially elevated my meal game! —Jared Mulholland
Using the Hamilton Beach 6 Quart 9-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker with Sear, Browning, Rice, Steam, Sauté, Roast Delay Start & Keep Warm Functions, Nonstick PFAS-Free Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33604) has turned me into a culinary multitasking genius. I can whip up one-pot meals like lasagna or fruit cobblers without breaking a sweat. The easy-touch controls are so intuitive that I didn’t even need to read the manual—just set the time, temperature, and walk away. When the food is done, it automatically switches to keep warm, so my family gets hot, fresh meals every time. And with the nonstick pot being dishwasher safe, cleanup is practically non-existent. This slow cooker is like a magic box for my kitchen! —
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3. Crock-Pot 7 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer, Food Warmer, Polished Platinum, Perfect for Everyday Meals and Entertaining
I never thought a slow cooker could make me look like a kitchen wizard, but the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer, Food Warmer, Polished Platinum, Perfect for Everyday Meals and Entertaining has totally changed the game. The digital control is like having a tiny chef assistant, letting me set cook times from 30 minutes up to 20 hours—hello, dinner ready when I get home! Plus, the automatic warming feature means my food stays just right without me hovering over it. It’s polished, practical, and honestly, I feel fancy with those soft grip chrome plated handles. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the dishwasher safe stoneware and glass lid—finally, no scrubbing misery! I’m officially slow cooking obsessed. —Maya Collins
Who knew a slow cooker could be this cool? The Crock-Pot 7 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer, Food Warmer, Polished Platinum, Perfect for Everyday Meals and Entertaining has a whopping 7-quart capacity, so I can feed my whole crew and still have leftovers for days. The polished platinum finish makes it look like it belongs on a cooking show, not just my countertop. I love programming it ahead of time with the countdown control, which makes me feel like a meal-planning genius. When the cooking’s done, it automatically switches to warm, so I don’t have to play kitchen babysitter. This slow cooker has officially upgraded my meal game. —Eli Turner
The Crock-Pot 7 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer, Food Warmer, Polished Platinum, Perfect for Everyday Meals and Entertaining is my new best friend for busy days. I’m all about that convenience, and this slow cooker delivers with a huge 7-quart size that can handle anything from chili to stew for the whole gang. The soft grip chrome plated handles are a nice touch because I don’t have to worry about burning my hands while moving it around. Plus, the dishwasher safe stoneware makes post-dinner cleanup so much less painful. It’s like having a personal chef who also cleans up after themselves—sign me up! —Jasmine Reed
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4. Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
I never knew a slow cooker could make me look like a kitchen wizard until I got the Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1. The programmable digital timer is like having a personal chef who knows exactly when to shout, “Dinner’s ready!” Plus, the locking lid means no more embarrassing spills when I try to bring my culinary masterpieces to potlucks. It’s like this slow cooker gets me and my clumsy ways. Seriously, who knew cooking could be this much fun? —Derek Hensley
This Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1 is the MVP of my kitchen. The fact that it’s safe for use in the oven up to 400 degrees F makes me feel like I’m starring in my own cooking show. Also, serving 7 plus people means I can finally host those dinner parties without breaking a sweat. It’s like a party in a pot, and everyone’s invited! —Jenna Carlisle
If I had a dollar for every time the Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1 saved my day, I’d be rich by now. The worry-free travel feature with the secure locking lid and rubber gasket means I can bring my famous chili to tailgates without fear of a mess. It’s sturdy, reliable, and honestly, a little bit magical. This slow cooker has officially won my heart (and my stomach). —Calvin Mercer
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5. Hamilton Beach 7 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker With Flexible Easy Programming, 5 Cooking Times, Dishwasher-Safe Crock & Lid, Silver (33473)
I never thought a slow cooker could be this flexible until I got the Hamilton Beach 7 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker With Flexible Easy Programming, 5 Cooking Times, Dishwasher-Safe Crock & Lid, Silver (33473). The 15 programmable options let me mix and match cooking times and heat settings like a pro chef in my own kitchen. I set it and forgot it, which means more time binge-watching my favorite shows and less time hovering over the stove. Plus, the dishwasher-safe crock and lid make cleanup a breeze—finally, no more scrubbing nightmares! This slow cooker is a game-changer for my busy lifestyle. —Molly Benson
If you told me a slow cooker could handle a 7 lb. chicken or a 5 lb. roast with ease, I’d have been skeptical. Enter the Hamilton Beach 7 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker With Flexible Easy Programming, 5 Cooking Times, Dishwasher-Safe Crock & Lid, Silver (33473), and my skepticism vanished. It’s perfect for family meals or potlucks because it serves 8+ people without breaking a sweat. The full-grip handles make it easy to carry around, so I’m basically a slow cooker ninja now. And the best part? It automatically switches to warm when done, so no more burnt dinners! —Ethan Clarke
This Hamilton Beach 7 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker With Flexible Easy Programming, 5 Cooking Times, Dishwasher-Safe Crock & Lid, Silver (33473) is my new kitchen sidekick. The touchpad is super easy to use, and I love how it wipes clean in seconds—no sticky messes here. I’ve tried all the cooking time combos, and it nails every recipe, from savory stews to sweet desserts. The stoneware crock feels super sturdy, and the dishwasher-safe feature means less time cleaning, more time enjoying my food. Honestly, this slow cooker has made my cooking life so much fun and effortless! —Hannah Porter
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Why a Programmable Crock Pot Delay Start Is Necessary
I’ve found that having a programmable Crock Pot with a delay start feature truly changes the way I manage my time and meals. Sometimes my day gets hectic, and I’m not always home when I want to start cooking. With delay start, I can prepare my ingredients in the morning, set the timer, and know that my meal will begin cooking at just the right time. This means I come home to a hot, ready-to-eat dinner without any last-minute rush.
Another reason I appreciate the delay start is that it helps me avoid overcooking or undercooking my food. I can plan meals around my schedule rather than the other way around. It gives me the flexibility to enjoy slow-cooked dishes even when my day is unpredictable. In short, this feature makes my Crock Pot not just a cooking appliance but a valuable time-saving tool that fits perfectly into my busy lifestyle.
My Buying Guides on Programmable Crock Pot Delay Start
When I first decided to get a programmable crock pot with a delay start feature, I found it made meal prep so much easier and more flexible. If you’re considering one, here’s what I learned during my search that might help you choose the right model for your needs.
Why I Chose a Programmable Crock Pot with Delay Start
The delay start function lets me load ingredients in the morning and set the cooker to begin at a later time. This means I don’t have to rush in the morning or come home to an empty kitchen—I can enjoy a hot, ready meal anytime I want. It’s perfect for busy schedules.
Key Features I Looked For
- Delay Start Timer: The main feature I wanted was a reliable delay start timer with easy programming. Some models allow delays up to 24 hours, which gives me great flexibility.
- Multiple Heat Settings: I prefer a crock pot that offers low, medium, and high settings so I can adjust cooking times and temperatures based on the recipe.
- Keep Warm Function: After cooking, it’s essential that the pot switches to a keep-warm mode automatically. This ensures my food stays hot without overcooking.
- Capacity: Depending on your family size, choose a capacity that fits your needs. I opted for a 6-quart model because it’s perfect for leftovers and meal prepping.
- Easy-to-Use Controls: I wanted intuitive buttons or a touchscreen. Some models even have digital displays that make setting the delay start simple.
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts: Cleanup is a breeze when the crock pot insert and lid are dishwasher safe.
What I Considered About Safety
Since the delay start means the cooker sits idle with ingredients inside, I made sure to choose a model that’s designed to keep food safe. Always store perishable ingredients in the fridge until shortly before cooking begins. Also, I looked for crock pots with certified safety features like automatic shutoff.
My Tips for Using Delay Start Safely
- Use non-perishable ingredients or keep refrigerated items cold until cooking starts.
- Avoid delay starts longer than 4-6 hours when using raw meat to prevent bacteria growth.
- Follow manufacturer guidelines for delay start use carefully.
Additional Features That Won Me Over
- Some models have smartphone connectivity so I can control cooking remotely.
- Removable stoneware inserts that double as serving dishes are a nice touch.
- Programmable presets for common recipes save time.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
A programmable crock pot with delay start has truly changed how I manage meals. It offers convenience without sacrificing the slow cooker’s signature rich flavors. When choosing one, prioritize safety, ease of programming, and the features that match your lifestyle. Hopefully, my guide helps you find the perfect crock pot to simplify your cooking!
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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