Appliance Reviews

I bought this 6.5 qt roaster at Shopko on sale for only $23.88. I think I might as well retire my crock pot! Like the last reviewer, I don't know why more people don't use these small roasters for their everyday cooking. They work just like the large 18-20 qt roasters that are "en vogue" right now for Thanksgiving and Christmas turkey roasting. Like a regular oven, the temperature range is from 200 to 450 degrees - use for both slow-cooking and regular cooking. The metal insert pan is much lighter and therefore easier to handle and clean than the heavy ceramic crock-pot inserts. Also, the oval design allows you to spread out foods a little more for cooking than the standard round slow-cooker design. Anything I've roasted is done as fast as it would be in my regular oven, even though you don't preheat. (Example: meat loaf in 45 minutes.) I guess since you don't preheat, it's acutally done faster. I'm sure it's definitely using less electricity than heating the entire oven also. And, you could theoretically bring it on an extended road trip to cook in your hotel or RV instead of eating out! Much easier than toting around a heavy crock-pot or 20 qt roaster oven. The biggest plus for me is that since this is only counter-top accessible, my toddler can't be accidentally burned like with the regular oven that she can reach. It's also a lot easier to baste foods and check for "doneness" without burning myself, too!

I have had this roaster oven for over a year. I never leave home for any extended time that I don't take it with me if I will be preparing meals. The heat comes from the sides so never any burned on the bottom foods. Predictable low temperatures to very hot temperatures which can brown the foods. Different from a fry pan and much more versatile than a slow cooker. I am puzzled that more people don't use these. Probably just not very well known. I think its a gem.

I am very impressed with the Hamilton Beach 32600S 6 1/2-Quart Roaster Oven. It's so very versitile and easy to use. It makes the best roast chicken you've ever tasted! Just wash your chicken, put it into the roaster oven, sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder and Mrs. Dash... then set the timer. It's so good and good for you since the rack keeps the grease away from the chicken. I hope I have been of some help.

Have owned this for the past three months and love it--it does exactly what it's meant to do, very well, it's easy to clean, and has yet to lose its no-stick finish. The only problem is the drip tray--one of the prongs that holds it in place broke within a day or two of purchase and it falls out as it's being transported. It's still working, though, so it hasn't affected our use of this [inexpensive], useful appliance.

I purchased my griddle in time for the holidays and was
very pleased with the x-large surface cooking area and how well
it keeps an even heat througth out the surface. Although I was
a bit skeptical about the teflon coating I have been very impreased with its performance. The large drip tray is also very easy to clean. So if your like me and love pancakes,frenchtoast,
bacon and eggs or just some great hashbrowns, or maybe just
some good toasted cheese sandwiches! I know you'll be very happy with your purchase!

I like using my crockpot because I like having dinner ready when I get home, but I wouldn't get this one if I could go back in time because the lid has never fit properly. About a year and a half after I got it, I learned that a vacuum is supposed to be created by the steam, something that can't happen with mine because the lid doesn't fit. Despite that, though, almost everything I've cooked has turned out well as long as there was lots of liquid to start. I DO like the size, shape and the actual crock itself. But the outer portion is almost flimsy and the design is ugly. Also, I think I paid about $10 less at Bed Bath & Beyond.

This is the first crock pot I have ever owned, and I love it! I use it for everything from stews to warming cider on cold winter evenings. It is also handy to use for pot lucks, etc. for hot dishes that are convenient to transport. Clean up is a breeze with the removable, dishwasher safe crock inset. All in all, a great kitchen appliance.

I replaced my old crock pot with this one, and I was amazed at how fast it cooks! There are two features that pleases me very much. One of them is the liner does not stain, and the lid is made of tempered glass so it is very light. Also, the color of the crock pot itself is very appealing and would fit in , in any
kitchen decor. I also love the way my food turns out when I put in in the crock pot overnight on low. The food is always done to perfection, so all I have to do is turn it to "keep warm", and it will stay hot untill my family and I are ready to eat. I would recommend this crockpot to anyone.

I love this slow cooker except for one problem: I had the cooker for only a month when the handle on the glass lid broke off.

There's really not much to say about a product like this. I have no complaints about it. It's a perfect size! It's easy to clean and you can separate it from the base and toss it in the fridge if you want.
This is a great product especially for days when you don't really want to cook. You can toss something in when you leave for work and have dinner ready when you come home. What more could you ask for.

I recently purchased this crockpot, because I was tired of ordering take out all the time after a hard day at work. This was the best purchase I have made in a long time! I prepare the meals the night before, turn it on in the morning before I leave, and come home to a delicious home cooked meal every night. The size is perfect for 2 people or a family of 4. I love the cool touch exterior, and clean up is a breeze! What a change from the old Rival Crockpot I owned 25 years ago!! Try it..you'll like it!

I've never used a slow-cooker before, but it made me an expert after the first time. I cooked a delicious pot-roast one afternoon and it cleaned up very nicely, too. The removeable crock is very convenient and cooled down relatively quickly after turning it off and removing the food. No scrubbing was necessary and that was what I was most impressed with. Nice clean look and I'm sure I'll make use of the two smaller "dip" trays that were included. Package included a few recipes which is great for a beginner like me!

While this crock pot isn't as "set and forget" as regular crock pots while using the inserts, the convenience of being able to do two things at once is great. (Consider the spiced / spiked cider combination for a simple example - 2 drinks, 1 pot.)

The regular crock, though, is as simple to use as any crock pot - and your recipe will often determine your results.

Overall - a fine addition to my kitchen.

Just wanted to say I finished making a delicious beef stew with my new slow cooker. It is wonderful. Came in excellent condition all the temperature settings definitely are very different. Our stew was cooked on high for 4 hours and now its on keep warm. I absolutely love the new appliance. Its wonderful to be able to throw a meal together in the morning/afternoon and evening time its done. I don't have to stand over it and watch it. I am making a chili for my dog tomorrow. I love it! I recommend it to everyone.

I pulled it out the box and thought it felt to much like a toy, so back in the box it went. Wife hated the plastic jar ( my fault ).

I have had this blender for about a week and use it mainly for
blending flaxseed oil and cottage cheese with fruit on a daily
basis. Also made breadcrumbs tonight in a few minutes. It is
light and easy to handle. Just be warned that the container is
PLASTIC and YOU CAN'T PUT IT IN THE DISHWASHER...but I find it
pretty painless to soak it in soapy water. It dries quickly.
I like it very much and it works beautifully.

So I'm reviewing a blender, and as a previous reviewer noted, one should refrain from too much excitement. That said, if you're going to buy a high-quality blender, don't want to spend much, and want one that will look on the kitchen counter, this is it. For under $... this is a bargain. I've had no problems crushing ice or doing anything you'd normally want your blender to do. And it does it FAST. It doesn't labor much and before you know it, you're done. It's an easy decision to drop this baby into your shopping cart.

Cooks well but the handles (plastic) start to crack and wear out very rapidly due to the heat, would not buy another after being scalded when handle broke off and boiling stew went all over, dangerous around kids.

My husband and I received this as a gift. It's just the right size for roasts, cornish hens, etc. This is our first time having a slow cooker, and I like the fact that it has a warm setting--not just high, low and off). It's easy to clean, even with potatoes.

I gave it 4 stars because this is our first slow cooker, and I don't have anything to compare it to.

I love this thing! I love the fact that I can cook two things at one time. It was great for a party I catered, and the large one is great for family suppers. I dropped my last one and shattered it, so since this is also ceramic, set it in a safe spot! The little dishes are also great if you are going to make just a little and I love the fact that the dishes and lid are dishwasher safe!

I was given this skillet as a gift, and I'm glad that I didn't pay for it. While the lower half is passable as a griddle (it heats well, has a nice nonstick surface, and is stable on a countertop), its limited cooking area makes it hard to make more than a few small pancakes or a eggs at a time -- not what you want in an electric griddle (otherwise, you'd use a pan, right?).

As an electric skillet, it's decidedly below average. The removable skillet design slows heating, and it's often difficult to achieve simmering temperatures, even with the lid on. Forget simmering with the lid off, because you'll be waiting all day. As a result, it's a terrible braising device -- it's difficult to brown the food, and hard to maintain a simmer.

I would only recommend this skillet to those who are very limited on kitchen space. Otherwise, for about the same price you can buy both a quality electric skillet, AND an electric griddle.

I have bought two of these appliances, one for me and then one as a gift for my in-laws. I had to so they would not take mine. The bottom portion is great for breakfast foods like pancakes and eggs. The top portion is even better for cooking a variety of foods, including sautéing onions and vegetables and browning meats. The skillet section also doubles as a serving dish that makes it much easier to keep food warm at the table. The variable heat setting also give you great control over the cooking times. I highly recommend the skillet griddle.

This is undoubtably the best small electric appliance I have ever bought. It is so easy to clean and cooks like a dream. We have used it as a skillet and as a griddle. Pancakes on the griddle were so easy and turned out great. I've cooked just meat in the skillet and also one dish meals and they turned out perfect. I thank Hamilton Beach for coming up with something like this and Amazon.com for carrying it. Thanks.

I decided to purchase the BrewStation despite the mixed reviews, because I really liked the coffee maker's concept. Unfortunately, I received one of the defective products like the ones I had read about. Within 2 days of using the coffee maker I began to have problems with the clock. The clock would shut off for no reason, and one time it just went haywire and started flashing random numbers/symbols. At times this clock's behavior would interfere with my being able to get brewing to start.

The other concern many people seemed to have was with water measurement. I was initially surprised with concerns re: that issue (how could it be THAT confusing?)...but it is. The numbers on the back of the pot do not match up with the numbers on the front. It is a guessing game. I have yet to make a batch of coffee that is at the cup amout I thought it would be - and therefore at a strength I'd like it to be.
After just one week and numerous problems, I called Hamilton Beach. The customer service agent did not seem the least bit surprised about my issues. I too was asked to cut the electrical cord off and send it in to receive a new unit, but now I have to wait for another machine to arrive.
On the positive side, I did enjoy the features that inspired me to purchase the product despite the reviews (the warmer and the despenser). Hamilton Beach also gave me no issues re: getting a new machine.
If I had to do it all over again, I would not have purchased this machine. Despite many positive reviews...it seems too much of a gamble.

I bought this coffee maker for my family for Christmas. Has worked well for 4 months. Has now quit brewing, and I cannot find anyone who will fix it or replace it since I bought it from this website. I cannot find a phonenumber, Hamilton Beach will not work with me because I bought it from this site. I will not ever buy from this site again. I am not a happy customer and you know what they say about unhappy customers--we tell a lot more people than happy ones.

Even though this a really slick coffeemaker (and makes a great pot of coffee) .. I'm totally disenchanted with the LOUD, clicking noise (resembling some type of "count down" on an automatic timer) .. which can be heard in my family room .. and the Brew Station is in the kitchen. Go figure! I sent E-Mail to Hamilton Beach explaining this problem. Has anyone else experienced same? Thanks, Helen More (Marlborough, MA)

I got this one from a store, and when I went home I found out on the internet that this model was on recall. I called the Canadian number provided on the web-site, and the lady who answered told me the model is not on the Canadian recall list. So I asked if it were different from the US model, and she said it is just not on our list. I was still skeptical, so I went to the Canadian web-site, and sure enough the model number was on there too. So I called customer support again to figure out what is happening. The new representative refused to help me untill I open the box and give her the number at the bottom of the pot. I tried to tell her that I didn't want to open the box but she wouldn't listen. I decided to return it to the store and not buy any thing made by this company again.

After about three (3) uses, the handles on both sides of the crockpot cracked and became unusable. I droped a seven-bone roast in the middle of the floor and burned myself in the process. The only good thing about the "worst crockpot ever made" would have to be the durability of the "pot" itself. That's the only thing that hasn't broken on this ...waste of money!!!

I've had this crockpot for about a month, and have used it a half-dozen times. Here's my experience...

What I do like: The keep-warm/low/high heat settings work properly, and the heating element cooks uniformly. The crock can be removed from the unit for easy serving and cleaning. The food is well-cooked and tender. The oval shape is very nice to work with, although it takes up a lot of room on the shelf (my kitchen is quite small).

What I don't like: It is not a particularly attractive design. The construction appears to be pretty flimsy and I'm not confident that this item would stand the test of time, because it seems like it wouldn't take much to break it. The glass lid is very light and doesn't fit securely, resulting in more cooking odors than I care to smell for 8 hours at a time and a significant loss of moisture when cooking. I cooked the exact same recipe two days in a row (one batch to take to a sick friend) and because the lid sits haphazardly one of the batches came out verrry reduced.

I'm glad I saved the packing material because this morning I'm planning to box it up for return, hoping to find a more substantial and satisfactory unit.