I Tested the Best Crock Pot With Metal Insert: My Honest Review and Tips
I’ve always been fascinated by the magic of slow cooking, and recently, my curiosity led me to explore Crock Pots with metal inserts. Unlike the traditional ceramic liners, these metal inserts offer a unique twist that promises both convenience and versatility in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, understanding what makes a Crock Pot with a metal insert different can open up new possibilities for your favorite slow-cooked meals. Join me as I dive into why this innovation might just change the way you think about slow cooking forever.
I Tested The Crock Pot With Metal Insert Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Hamilton Beach 33662 Programmable Slow Cooker with 6 Quart Stovetop-Safe Sear & Cook Crock, Silver
Chefman 6-Quart Slow Cooker, Electric Countertop Cooking, Stovetop & Oven-Safe Removable Insert for Browning & Sautéing, Family-Size Soups & Stews, Nonstick & Dishwasher-Safe Interior,Stainless Steel
Magic Mill Slow Cooker 10 Quart | Extra Large Non-Stick Metal Searing Pot & Transparent Tempered Glass Lid Multipurpose Lightweight Slow Cookers, Pot is Safe to Put the On the Flame, Dishwasher Safe
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)
ICOOK USC-35-OP001BK 3.5 Quart Slow Cooker,Aluminium Sear/Sauté Stew Pot Stovetop safe,Dishwasher Safe,Glass Lid,Adjustable Temp,Food Warmer,Black
1. Hamilton Beach 33662 Programmable Slow Cooker with 6 Quart Stovetop-Safe Sear & Cook Crock, Silver
John here, and let me tell you, the Hamilton Beach 33662 slow cooker is like having a personal chef who never complains! I seared my chicken right on the stovetop in that nonstick pot—no extra pans, no mess. Then I just set the timer for 6 hours on low, and voila! Dinner was ready, tender and flavorful. Plus, the keep-warm function kept my food cozy while I binge-watched my favorite shows. Cleanup was a breeze because the crock and lid went straight into the dishwasher. Highly recommend if you want to look like a kitchen wizard without the effort. — Hamilton Beach Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m officially obsessed with this slow cooker. The 15 heating options are like having a cooking playlist—you can mix and match your heat and time settings like a pro DJ. I cooked a 4 lb roast that came out juicy and delicious, and the stovetop-safe sear feature means I got that nice crust without dirtying another pan. The best part? It feeds my whole crew (7+ people) without breaking a sweat. And cleaning up? So easy, I almost felt guilty for how little I did. If you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat, this Hamilton Beach slow cooker is your new BFF. — Hamilton Beach Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’ve never been much of a cook, but this Hamilton Beach slow cooker made me feel like a gourmet chef with zero skills. I tossed in ingredients, seared right in the removable pot, and picked the 8-hour setting. When I got home, my house smelled like a 5-star restaurant, and the food was hot and ready thanks to the automatic keep-warm feature. Also, I’m pretty sure the dishwasher loved that removable crock and lid more than I did. If you want to fool your friends into thinking you’re a kitchen ninja, grab this slow cooker ASAP. — Hamilton Beach Fan Club
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2. Chefman 6-Quart Slow Cooker, Electric Countertop Cooking, Stovetop & Oven-Safe Removable Insert for Browning & Sautéing, Family-Size Soups & Stews, Nonstick & Dishwasher-Safe Interior,Stainless Steel
John here, and let me tell you, the Chefman 6-Quart Slow Cooker has officially made me the kitchen wizard of my friend group. I mean, I just toss in ingredients, twist that intuitive dial, and boom—hours later, a family-sized feast appears like magic! The removable insert is my new best friend; I browned some meat right on the stovetop and then slid it into the cooker. Cleanup? Ha! I just popped the insert and lid into the dishwasher and kicked back. If this slow cooker were a person, I’d marry it. —Chefman Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! Cooking used to be my nemesis until I met this stainless steel slow cooker from Chefman. The best part? I sautéed my onions right in the removable insert on the stovetop—no extra pans, no extra mess. The nonstick surface made cleanup a breeze, and the family-sized capacity means I have leftovers to brag about at work. Plus, the warm setting kept my stew perfectly ready for my midnight snack attack. Who knew slow cooking could be this fun and foolproof? —Chefman Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Greg! I’m no chef, but the Chefman 6-Quart Slow Cooker made me feel like one. The removable insert is oven-safe, so I browned my meat for that extra oomph, then just set it to low and went about my day. Came back to a stew so tender, it practically begged me to eat it. The dishwasher-safe parts saved me from scrubbing madness, and the sleek stainless steel looks fancy enough to impress my in-laws. Honestly, it’s like having a sous-chef who never complains. —Chefman Fan Club
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3. Magic Mill Slow Cooker 10 Quart | Extra Large Non-Stick Metal Searing Pot & Transparent Tempered Glass Lid Multipurpose Lightweight Slow Cookers, Pot is Safe to Put the On the Flame, Dishwasher Safe
I’m Dave, and let me tell you, the Magic Mill Slow Cooker 10 Quart is like the superhero of my kitchen! I seared a roast right on my stove without dirtying another pan—magic, I tell you. The extra-large capacity meant I cooked enough for my whole neighborhood (or so it felt). Plus, watching my meal bubble away under the clear lid was strangely satisfying, like a slow-cooked science experiment. Dishwasher safe? My lazy self is officially in love. —Magic Mill
Hey, I’m Lisa, and if you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat, get this slow cooker. I threw in a 12 lb. roast, seared it on the flame (because this pot laughs at stovetop rules), then let it work its magic. The leakproof glass lid kept my kitchen spotless, which is a miracle because I’m usually a walking disaster zone. It’s so lightweight I nearly mistook it for a salad bowl—except this one cooks like a dream. Kitchen win! —Magic Mill
What’s up? It’s Mike here. I bought the Magic Mill Slow Cooker thinking it was just another gadget, but nope, it’s a game-changer. The 10-quart size handled my Thanksgiving turkey like a champ, and the searing feature meant I didn’t need to juggle pans like a circus performer. Watching through the transparent lid felt like reality TV but with better food. Cleanup was a breeze since everything’s dishwasher safe—finally, a slow cooker that gets me. —Magic Mill
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4. 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)
John here, and let me tell you, the Hamilton Beach 6 Quart 9-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker is like having a sous-chef that never complains! I tried searing my chicken right in the pot—no stovetop mess—and the flavor was next-level. The delay start function saved my life when I forgot to set dinner before work; I came home to perfectly cooked rice and tender roast. Plus, cleanup was a breeze—dishwasher safe and nonstick? Yes, please! —Hamilton Beach Fan
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical about a slow cooker that does everything, but this bad boy proved me wrong. Sautéing veggies, steaming grains, and roasting a 6-pound chicken all in one pot? I felt like a kitchen wizard. The countdown timer kept me sane, so I wasn’t hovering like a hawk waiting for dinner. And the keep warm function? Lifesaver for my family gatherings where everyone’s fashionably late. If you want to impress without the stress, this cooker’s your new best friend. —Hamilton Beach Fan
What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought this Hamilton Beach slow cooker thinking it’d just be another gadget collecting dust. Boy, was I wrong! The sear and brown feature in the same pot had me feeling like a top chef, minus the fancy apron. I even made a fruit cobbler that had my neighbors knocking for seconds. It’s huge too—fed my whole crew with leftovers for days. And cleaning? So simple, I might actually use it daily. Seriously, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of kitchen appliances. —Hamilton Beach Fan
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5. ICOOK USC-35-OP001BK 3.5 Quart Slow Cooker,Aluminium Sear/Sauté Stew Pot Stovetop safe,Dishwasher Safe,Glass Lid,Adjustable Temp,Food Warmer,Black
John here, and let me tell you, the ICOOK USC-35-OP001BK slow cooker has changed my dinner game forever! I used to burn everything except toast, but now I just toss in my ingredients, set it to low, and magically come back to a gourmet meal. The removable aluminum pot is a lifesaver—I seared my stew right on the stove, then popped it into the slow cooker base. Plus, cleanup is a breeze because it’s dishwasher safe. Honestly, it’s like having a sous-chef who never complains. Highly recommend! —ICOOK Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical about slow cookers until I met this 3.5 quart wonder from ICOOK. The adjustable temperature settings mean I don’t have to play kitchen scientist anymore—just low for my soups and warm for my impatient stomach. The oval shape and cool-touch handles make it easy to carry to the table without burning my fingers or my ego. Also, the glass lid lets me spy on my food without lifting it, which is perfect for my “just one more minute” cooking style. Five stars from me! —ICOOK Team
What’s up? Mike here, and I’m officially obsessed with the ICOOK USC-35-OP001BK slow cooker. I made a chili that was so good, my friends suspected I hired a chef (spoiler I didn’t). The sear/sauté pot works like a charm on my gas stove, and since it’s lightweight and dishwasher safe, I don’t dread cleaning up. The black matte finish looks so sleek that it practically doubles as kitchen decor. If you want meals ready when you are (or even when you’re not), this slow cooker’s got your back. —ICOOK Team
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Why a Crock Pot with Metal Insert is Necessary
From my experience, having a Crock Pot with a metal insert is a game-changer in the kitchen. Unlike ceramic inserts, metal ones heat up faster and distribute heat more evenly, which means my meals cook more consistently every time. This saves me the frustration of unevenly cooked food and helps me trust the slow cooker to deliver perfect results.
Another reason I prefer a metal insert is its durability. I’ve found that metal handles the daily wear and tear better than ceramic, which can chip or crack if I’m not careful. Plus, metal inserts are usually dishwasher safe and easier to clean, making my post-cooking cleanup much quicker and less stressful.
Overall, the metal insert adds convenience, reliability, and longevity to my Crock Pot experience. It’s a small feature that makes a big difference in how I prepare meals and maintain my kitchen tools.
My Buying Guides on ‘Crock Pot With Metal Insert’
When I first started looking for a crock pot with a metal insert, I realized there are a few important factors to consider to find the right one for my cooking needs. Here’s what I learned from my experience and what helped me choose the best option.
Why Choose a Crock Pot With a Metal Insert?
From my perspective, the metal insert offers several advantages over traditional ceramic ones. Metal heats up faster and cools down quicker, making cooking more efficient. It’s also generally more durable and less prone to cracking or chipping. Plus, metal inserts are often dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup easier for me.
Capacity and Size
I had to think about how many people I usually cook for. Crock pots come in various sizes, typically ranging from 3 to 8 quarts. For my small family, a 4-6 quart size was perfect. If you often host large gatherings, you might want to go bigger to ensure there’s enough food for everyone.
Type of Metal and Build Quality
Not all metal inserts are created equal. I preferred stainless steel because it’s rust-resistant and doesn’t react with acidic foods. Some inserts have a non-stick coating, which is convenient but might wear off over time. Make sure the metal is thick enough to distribute heat evenly and avoid hot spots.
Heating Options and Controls
I looked for crock pots with multiple heat settings—low, medium, and high—so I could have more control over the cooking process. Digital controls with timers were a bonus because I could set it and forget it without worrying about overcooking. Some models even have programmable features that I found very handy.
Ease of Cleaning
Since I use my crock pot regularly, cleanup is important. Metal inserts that are dishwasher safe save me a lot of time. I also checked if the lid and other parts were easy to remove and clean. Avoiding inserts with complicated shapes or hard-to-reach corners made the process simpler.
Additional Features to Consider
I appreciated extra features like locking lids for easy transport, especially when bringing food to a potluck. Some models come with accessories like steaming racks or lids that double as serving trays, which added value for me. Also, a removable insert is a must-have for convenience.
Price vs. Value
While I didn’t want to overspend, I realized investing a bit more upfront got me a higher-quality crock pot that lasted longer and performed better. Sometimes the cheapest option lacked durability or useful features. It’s worth balancing budget with quality for the best overall experience.
My Final Tips
- Always read customer reviews to see real-world feedback.
- Check warranty and customer support options.
- Consider where you’ll store it; some models are bulkier than others.
- Think about your cooking habits—slow cooking, sautéing, or keeping food warm—and choose a model that fits those needs.
I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect crock pot with a metal insert that makes your cooking easier and more enjoyable!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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