7 Best Programmable Slow Cooker with Delay Start

Suppose you love slow-cooked meals but don’t have the time to monitor them; invest in a programmable slow cooker with a delayed start. This handy appliance lets you set the cooking time and temperature in advance and then automatically switches to keep warm mode when cooking. This way, you can enjoy delicious and tender dishes without worrying about overcooking or burning them.

But how do you choose the best programmable slow cooker with a delayed start? So many models and brands are on the market, each with different features and specifications. To help you out, we have reviewed the top 7 best programmable slow cookers with delay start based on their performance, quality, durability, ease of use, and customer feedback. We have also included a buying guide and frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.

What Is The Programmable Slow Cooker with Delay Start?

A programmable slow cooker with delay start is a type of electric slow cooker that allows you to set the cooking time and temperature in advance and then automatically start cooking at a later time. For example, you can prepare the ingredients in the morning, set the timer for 8 hours, and then leave for work. The slow cooker will start cooking at noon and finish by 8 pm, keeping your food warm until you get home.

A programmable slow cooker with a delayed start is different from a regular slow cooker that only has low, high, and warm settings. A regular slow cooker requires you to manually turn it on and off and adjust the settings as needed. A programmable slow cooker with a delayed start gives you more control and flexibility over your cooking.

Why Do You Need a Crockpot with Delay Start?

There are many benefits to using a crockpot with a delayed start, such as:

Convenience and Flexibility

You can plan your meals ahead of time and cook them whenever you want. You don’t have to worry about being home to start or stop the cooking process. You can customize the settings to match your individual preferences and requirements.

Saves Time and Energy

Preparing the ingredients and relying on the slow cooker to do the rest can save time. You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen or watch over the stove. You can also save energy using less electricity than conventional ovens or stoves.

Perfect for Entertaining

You can impress your guests with delicious and tender dishes ready when they arrive. You can keep your food warm for hours without drying it out or losing its flavor. One can serve their food directly from the slow cooker or transfer it to a serving dish.

Ideal for Large Meals

You can cook large batches of food in one pot, such as soups, stews, casseroles, roasts, ribs, etc. You can feed a crowd or have leftovers for later. You can also freeze some portions for future use.

Perfect for a Busy Lifestyle

You can enjoy home-cooked meals even if you have a hectic schedule. You can cook healthy and nutritious dishes without compromising on taste or quality. You can also avoid ordering takeout or eating out, which can be expensive and unhealthy.

Top 7 Best Programmable Slow Cookers with Delay Start

Here are our top picks for the best programmable slow cookers with delay start:

1. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker

Key features

• 7-in-1 multi-functional appliance that can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make yogurt, rice, and more
• 14 smart programs that let you cook various dishes with one touch of a button
• Delay start function that lets you set the cooking time up to 24 hours in advance
• The inner pot is made of stainless steel, making it sturdy, simple to clean, and not interact with food.
• 10 safety mechanisms that ensure safe and reliable operation
• Large LCD that shows the cooking progress and status
• The 6-quart capacity can cook for up to 6 people

Performance

The Instant Pot Duo is a highly sought-after and flexible appliance that is widely acclaimed. It can replace several kitchen gadgets and save time, space, and money. It can pressure cook food up to 70% faster than conventional methods while preserving nutrients and flavor. It can also slow-cook food for up to 20 hours, giving you tender and succulent results.

The Instant Pot Duo has 14 smart programs that let you cook various dishes with one touch of a button, such as soup, meat/stew, poultry, beans/chili, rice, porridge, yogurt, etc. Customizing the settings based on your preferences and needs is also an option. The delay start function lets you set the cooking time up to 24 hours in advance, so you can have your food ready when you want it.

The Instant Pot Duo has a durable stainless steel inner pot that is easy to clean and does not react with food. It also has a 3-ply bottom that distributes heat evenly and prevents scorching. The lid, steam rack, and accessories are also dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. The Instant Pot Duo has 10 safety mechanisms that ensure safe and reliable operation, such as a locking lid, pressure regulator, anti-blockage vent, thermal fuse, etc. It also has a large LCD that shows the cooking progress and status, such as pressure level, temperature, time, etc.

The Instant Pot Duo has a 6-quart capacity that can cook for up to 6 people. It is ideal for making large meals or batches of food. It also has a recipe book, a measuring cup, a spoon, and a silicone mitt.

Pros and Cons

2 Crockpot SCCPVL610-S-A Programmable Slow Cooker

Key features

• A programmable slow cooker that lets you set the cooking time from 30 minutes to 20 hours
• Automatically switches to keep warm mode when the cooking is done
• Locking lid with a gasket that seals the food and prevents spills or leaks
• Oval-shaped stoneware pot that is removable and dishwasher-safe
• A digital timer that counts down the remaining cooking time
• The 6-quart capacity can cook for up to 7 people

Performance

The Crockpot SCCPVL610-S-A programmable slow cooker adjusts the cooking time from 30 minutes to 20 hours. Depending on your recipe and preference, you can choose from high, low, or warm settings. The slow cooker automatically switches to keep warm mode when cooking, so you don’t have to worry about overcooking or burning your food.

The Crockpot SCCPVL610-S-A has a locking lid with a gasket that seals the food and prevents spills or leaks. This makes it easy to transport your food without making a mess. The lid also has a handle for convenient carrying. The oval-shaped stoneware pot is removable and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. It also has handles for easy lifting and serving.

The Crockpot SCCPVL610-S-A has a digital timer that counts the remaining cooking time. You can easily monitor the progress of your food without opening the lid. The timer also beeps when the cooking is done. The slow cooker has a sleek stainless steel exterior that matches any kitchen decor. It also has cord storage for neat storage.

The Crockpot SCCPVL610-S-A has a 6-quart capacity that can cook for up to 7 people. It is ideal for making large meals or batches of food. It also comes with a recipe book.

Pros and Cons

3 Elite Gourmet MST-900D Digital Programmable Slow Cooker

Key features

• This is a slow cooker that is programmable and digital. It enables you to set the cooking time from as little as 30 minutes to as long as 20 hours.
• Automatically switches to keep warm mode when the cooking is done.
• Brushed stainless steel housing with cool-touch handles and knobs
• Tempered glass lid with silicone rim that seals the food and prevents spills or leaks
• The oval-shaped ceramic pot is removable and dishwasher-safe.
• LCD that shows the cooking time and temperature
• The 8.5-quart capacity can cook for up to 10 people.

Performance

The Elite Gourmet MST-900D is a digital programmable slow cooker that lets you set the cooking time from 30 minutes to 20 hours. Depending on your recipe and preference, you can choose from high, low, or warm settings. The slow cooker automatically switches to keep warm mode when cooking, so you don’t have to worry about overcooking or burning your food.

The Elite Gourmet MST-900D has a brushed stainless steel housing with cool-touch handles and knobs. It has a sleek and modern design that complements any kitchen decor. It also has a tempered glass lid with a silicone rim that seals the food and prevents spills or leaks. The lid also has a handle for easy lifting and viewing.

The Elite Gourmet MST-900D has an oval-shaped ceramic pot that is removable and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. It also has handles for easy lifting and serving. The pot is large enough to accommodate a whole chicken, a roast, or a casserole. The slow cooker has an LCD that shows the cooking time and temperature. Adjusting the settings is made easy with just a touch of a button.

The Elite Gourmet MST-900D has an 8.5-quart capacity that can cook for up to 10 people. It is ideal for making large meals or batches of food. It also comes with a user manual.

Pros and Cons

4 COMFEE’ 6 Quart 12-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker

Key features

• 12-in-1 multi-functional appliance that can slow cook, pressure cook, sauté, steam, make yogurt, rice, cake, soup, stew, etc.
• 24-hour delay start function that lets you set the cooking time in advance
• Once the cooking is complete, it will automatically switch to the keep warm mode. The non-stick aluminum inner pot is removable and dishwasher-safe.
• LED digital control panel that shows the cooking time, pressure level, and temperature
• 9 safety mechanisms that ensure safe and reliable operation
• The 6-quart capacity can cook for up to 6 people.

Performance

The COMFEE’ 6 Quart 12-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker is a versatile and multi-functional appliance that can replace several kitchen gadgets and save time, space, and money. It can slow-cook food for up to 12 hours, giving you tender and succulent results. It can also pressure cook food up to 70% faster than conventional methods while preserving the nutrients and flavor.

The COMFEE’ 6 Quart 12-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker has 12 smart programs that let you cook various dishes with one touch of a button, such as rice, cake, soup, stew, yogurt, etc. Customizing the settings to suit your preferences and requirements is also an option. The delay start function lets you set the cooking time up to 24 hours in advance, so you can have your food ready when you want it.

The COMFEE’ 6 Quart 12-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker has a non-stick aluminum inner pot that is removable and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. It also has a stainless steel exterior that is durable and easy to clean. The lid, steam rack, spoon, measuring cup, and sealing ring are also dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. The slow cooker has an LED digital control panel showing cooking time, pressure level, and temperature. Adjusting the settings is a breeze with just a touch of a button.

The COMFEE’ 6 Quart 12-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker has 9 safety mechanisms that ensure safe and reliable operation, such as a locking lid, pressure regulator, anti-blockage vent, thermal fuse, etc. It also has a cool-touch handle and a detachable power cord for easy storage and transport. The slow cooker has a 6-quart capacity for up to 6 people. It is ideal for making large meals or batches of food. It also comes with a recipe book.

Pros and Cons

5 Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

Key features

• A programmable slow cooker that lets you set the cooking time from 30 minutes to 18 hours
• Automatically switches to keep warm mode when the cooking is done
• Clip-tight sealed lid that locks the food and prevents spills or leaks
• Oval-shaped stoneware pot that is removable and dishwasher-safe
• A digital timer that counts down the remaining cooking time
• The 6-quart capacity can cook for up to 7 people

Performance

The Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker is a programmable slow cooker that lets you set the cooking time from 30 minutes to 18 hours. Depending on your recipe and preference, you can choose from high, low, or warm settings. The slow cooker automatically switches to keep warm mode when cooking, so you don’t have to worry about overcooking or burning your food.

The Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker has a clip-tight sealed lid that locks the food and prevents spills or leaks. This makes it easy to transport your food without making a mess. The lid also has a handle for convenient carrying. The oval-shaped stoneware pot is removable and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. It also has handles for easy lifting and serving.

The Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker has a digital timer that counts the remaining cooking time. You can easily monitor the progress of your food without opening the lid. The timer also beeps when the cooking is done. The slow cooker has a sleek black exterior that matches any kitchen decor. It also has cord storage for neat storage.

The Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker has a 6-quart capacity that can cook for up to 7 people. It is ideal for making large meals or batches of food. It also comes with a user manual.

Pros and Cons

6 All-Clad SD700450 Programmable Oval-Shaped Slow Cooker

Key features

• A programmable slow cooker that lets you set the cooking time from 4 to 20 hours
• Automatically switches to keep warm mode when the cooking is done
• Stainless steel housing with riveted stainless steel handles
• This glass lid comes with a stainless steel rim and handle. Ceramic insert pot that is removable and dishwasher-safe
• Digital display and push-button controls
• Integrated handles on insert pot for easy lifting and serving
• 6.5-quart capacity

Performance

The All-Clad SD700450 Programmable Oval-Shaped Slow Cooker is a programmable slow cooker that lets you set the cooking time from 4 to 20 hours. Depending on your recipe and preference, you can choose from high, low, or warm settings. The slow cooker automatically switches to keep warm mode when cooking, so you don’t have to worry about overcooking or burning your food.

The All-Clad SD700450 Programmable Oval-Shaped Slow Cooker has a stainless steel housing with riveted stainless steel handles. It has a sleek and elegant design that reflects the quality and craftsmanship of All-Clad. It also has a glass lid with stainless steel rim and handle that lets you view the food without opening the lid. The lid also has a silicone gasket that seals the food and prevents spills or leaks.

The All-Clad SD700450 Programmable Oval-Shaped Slow Cooker has a ceramic insert pot that is removable and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. It also has integrated handles for easy lifting and serving. The pot is large enough to accommodate a whole chicken, a roast, or a casserole. The slow cooker has a digital display and push-button controls that let you easily adjust the settings. You can also see the remaining cooking time on the display.

The All-Clad SD700450 Programmable Oval-Shaped Slow Cooker has a 6.5-quart capacity to cook for up to 8 people. It is ideal for making large meals or batches of food. It also comes with a recipe book and a user manual.

Pros and Cons

7 HOUSNAT 10 in-1 Programmable Multi-Cooker

Key features

• 10-in-1 multi-functional appliance that can slow cook, pressure cook, sauté, steam, make yogurt, rice, cake, soup, stew, etc.
• 24-hour delay start function that lets you set the cooking time in advance
• Once the cooking process is complete, the device will automatically switch to keep warm mode. The non-stick inner pot is removable and dishwasher-safe.
• LED touchscreen panel that shows the cooking time, pressure level, and temperature
• 11 safety mechanisms that ensure safe and reliable operation
• The 6-quart capacity can cook for up to 6 people.

Performance

The HOUSNAT 10-in-1 Programmable Multi Cooker is a versatile and multi-functional appliance that can replace several kitchen gadgets and save you time, space, and money. It can slow-cook food for up to 12 hours, giving you tender and succulent results. It can also pressure cook food up to 70% faster than conventional methods while preserving the nutrients and flavor.

The HOUSNAT 10-in-1 Programmable Multi-Cooker has 10 smart programs that let you cook various dishes with one touch of a button, such as rice, cake, soup, stew, yogurt, etc. You have the option to tailor the settings to your liking and requirements. The delay start function lets you set the cooking time up to 24 hours in advance, so you can have your food ready when you want it.

The HOUSNAT 10-in-1 Programmable Multi-Cooker has a non-stick inner pot that is removable and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. It also has a stainless steel exterior that is durable and easy to clean. The lid, steam rack, spoon, measuring cup, and sealing ring are also dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. The multi-cooker has an LED touchscreen panel showing cooking time, pressure level, and temperature. Adjusting the settings is simple – use your finger to make the necessary changes.

The HOUSNAT 10-in-1 Programmable Multi-Cooker has 11 safety mechanisms that ensure safe and reliable operation, such as a locking lid, pressure regulator, anti-blockage vent, thermal fuse, etc. It also has a cool-touch handle and a detachable power cord for easy storage and transport. The multi-cooker has a 6-quart capacity that can cook for up to 6 people. It is ideal for making large meals or batches of food. It also comes with a recipe book.

Pros and Cons

How Should a Programmable Slow Cooker Be Used?

A programmed slow cooker is simple and practical to use. Following are some general guidelines:

1. Get the items ready in accordance with your recipe. They may be diced, diced, sliced, browned, or seasoned.
2. Put the ingredients in the saucepan of the slow cooker. You may stack them based on a recipe or your own preferences. To aid in the cooking process and add taste, you may also add some liquid, such as water, broth, wine, sauce, etc.
3. Turn on the slow cooker after plugging it in. Set the temperature and cooking time to suit your recipe or preferences. The delay start feature may be used to start cooking later.
4. Make sure the lid is securely fastened on the slow cooker before covering it. If at all possible, avoid opening the cover during cooking since doing so will leak heat and moisture, which can shorten cooking time and reduce cooking quality.
5. Await the slow cooker’s completion of cooking. When cooking, the slow cooker will automatically switch to the keep warm setting, so you can relax knowing that nothing will burn or be overdone.
6. Enjoy your succulent and flavorful meal. Your meal may either be served straight from the slow cooker or moved to a different serving dish. For later usage, you may also save some parts in the freezer or refrigerator.

Use of a Delay Slow Cooker: Is It Risky?

If you take a few simple steps and adhere to some basic rules, a delay slow cooker is often secure and practical. The following are some possible risks to keep away from while using a delayed slow cooker:

Food safety

If kept at room temperature for an extended period of time, several items, particularly raw meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products, might deteriorate or develop germs. Consuming tainted food might cause food poisoning or other health problems. Keep your ingredients cold or frozen until you’re ready to cook with them to avoid this. Using frozen components in your slow cooker should also be avoided since they may take too long to defrost and reach a safe temperature. Your ingredients should defrost in the fridge before being put in the slow cooker.

Overcooking

If cooked for an excessively long time, several foods, particularly vegetables, grains, pasta, beans, etc., may become mushy or lose their texture or taste. To avoid this, you should modify the cooking time and temperature in accordance with your recipe or preferences. Additionally, because the keep warm setting might somewhat continue to cook your meal, it would be beneficial if you utilized it rarely.

Electricity security

Slow cookers are one example of an electrical equipment that may cause a fire danger if used improperly or if left unattended for an extended period of time. Check your slow cooker often for any indications of wear and tear or damage to avoid this. Additionally, it would be beneficial if you set your slow cooker down on a firm, level surface far from any heat sources or combustible substances. When not in use, you should unplug your slow cooker.

surfaces for scaling

During or after cooking, the slow cooker’s handles, pot, lid, and other components may become very hot. To avoid burns or injuries, it will be beneficial if you handle these components using oven gloves or potholders. Additionally, you need to keep your dogs and kids away from the slow cooker.

Where Can I Find a Programmable Crockpot with a Delayed Timer?

When purchasing a programmable crockpot with a delayed timer, there are several things to take into account, including:

Capacity

How much food a crockpot can store or cook at once is referred to as its capacity. Typically, the capacity is expressed in quarts or liters. How many people you want to feed or how much food you want to produce will determine how much capacity you need. In general, a 4-quart slow cooker can prepare food for up to 4 people, a 6-quart slow cooker can prepare food for up to 6 people, an 8-quart slow cooker can prepare food for up to 8 people, etc.

Features

The functions or choices that a crockpot gives are referred to as its features. Examples include:

• Use the delay start option to specify the cooking time ahead of time so that your meal will be ready when you need it. This is helpful if you want to plan your meals in advance or have a hectic schedule.
• After cooking, you may keep your food warm for hours with the help of the “keep warm” mode without overcooking or drying it out. If you want to serve your dinner later or keep it warm for visitors, this is helpful.
• Programmable settings: Depending on your recipe or preferences, you may choose from a variety of cooking modes, such as hot, low, or warm. Some crockpots also feature pre-programmed settings for certain meals, such soup, stew, rice, etc. If you want greater flexibility and control over your cooking, this is helpful.
• Digital display and controls: This feature makes it simple to see and change parameters including pressure level, temperature, and cooking time. For simple control, some crockpots additionally have touchscreen displays or buttons. If you want to improve the ease and precision of your cooking, this is helpful.
• Gasket and locking lid: This feature allows you to seal the food and stop leakage. If you want to transfer food without producing a mess or losing heat or moisture, this is helpful.
• The crockpot’s removable, dishwasher-safe pot and cover makes cleanup simple. Some crockpots also come with ceramic or non-stick pots and lids, which are tougher and simpler to clean. If you want to reduce the time and effort you spend cleaning, this is helpful.

Potentially Prepared

The many foods or cuisines that may be cooked in a crockpot are referred to as its different preparations. Examples include:

• Food is prepared by cooking it slowly at a low temperature over an extended period of time to give it a soft and luscious texture and taste. Soups, stews, casseroles, roasts, ribs, and other foods are some meals that may be cooked slowly.
• By cooking food under pressure for a brief period of time at a high temperature, the nutrients and taste are retained while the procedure is quick and effective. Rice, beans, beef, chicken, fish, and other ingredients are among foods that may be pressure-cooked.
• In order to give food a browned and crispy texture and taste, sautéing requires frying it in a tiny quantity of oil or butter over high heat. Stir-fries, curries, fajitas, and other foods that are sautéed are some examples.
• Food is cooked in steam over boiling water during the steaming process, giving it a moist, wholesome texture and taste. Vegetables, dumplings, salmon, and other foods are some examples of steamed dishes.
• Making yogurt: This preparation uses living organisms to ferment milk, giving it a thick, creamy texture and taste. Yogurt flavors include things like plain, vanilla, strawberry, etc.
• Making rice: To make rice fluffy and delicious, this technique entails cooking it in water or broth with spices. Rice comes in a variety of colors, including white, brown, basmati, jasmine, etc.
• Making cake: In this step, cake batter is baked in a crockpot with water or steam to give it a moist, soft texture and taste. Carrot, vanilla, and chocolate are a few tastes of cakes.

Material

The substance or components that make up a cooker are referred to as its material. Examples include:

• Stainless steel is a form of metal that is enduring, simple to clean, and inert around food. Additionally, it features a sleek, contemporary look that blends in with any kitchen design. It may, however, be cumbersome, pricey, and prone to dents or scratches.
• Aluminum is a heat-conducting, lightweight material that is also reasonably priced. Food won’t adhere to it or burn because of the non-stick coating. It may, however, be fragile, prone to warping or rusting, and react to foods that are acidic.
• Ceramic: This substance is made of clay that has been heated to a high temperature and given a smooth, hard surface. Additionally, it naturally repels food, which keeps it from sticking or burning. It may, however, also be flimsy, hefty, and costly.
• Glass is a clear or translucent substance derived from silica or sand. Additionally, it features a transparent exterior that allows you to see the food without opening the lid. It may, however, be brittle, hefty, and prone to breaking or shattering.

The Cost

A crockpot’s price is how much money it costs to purchase one. The cost might change based on the model, brand, features, size, quality, etc. A crockpot typically ranges in price from $20 to $200.

Warranty

A crockpot’s warranty is a promise or assurance made to the customer by the seller or manufacturer in the event that there are any flaws or problems. According on the brand, model, features, quality, etc., the warranty may change. In general, a crockpot’s warranty may last anywhere from a year and ten years or more.

Final Words

You may prepare delectable and delicate meals with little work and time by using a programmable crockpot with a delayed timer. Additionally, it might help you to plan your meals in advance and provide you more freedom and control when it comes to cooking.

The same cannot be said for all programmable crockpots with delayed timers. Think about things like capacity, features, potential setups, materials, pricing, and warranty before making a purchase. When operating and maintaining your programmable crockpot with a delayed timer, you should also adhere to certain fundamental safety considerations and best practices.

We hope that this post has provided you with additional information about programmable crockpots with delayed timers and how to choose the right one for your requirements. Have fun cooking!