Comparison: Https Spoonfulofsi Com The Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew (Updated | Dec 9th)
As the chilly evenings roll in, nothing beats a hearty beef stew simmering away in your slow cooker. Today, we’re diving into Spoonful of Si’s acclaimed slow cooker beef stew recipe to see if it truly lives up to the hype. We’ll compare its flavor profile, texture, and ease of preparation against other popular versions, helping you discover whether this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your winter meal rotation.
- Best for flavorful seasoning mix: McCormick Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew Seasoning Mix
- Best for bulk stew seasoning: McCormick Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew Seasoning Mix
- Best for extra large capacity: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker
- Best for versatile multi-cooker: HOUSNAT Slow Cooker
- Best for precision temperature control: BLACK+DECKER 7-Quart Digital Slow Cooker
- Best for space-saving design: Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Slow Cooker with Space-Saving Folding Handles
- Best for sous vide specialist: Crockpot Programmable 7-Quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker with Sous Vide Stainless Steel
- Best for compact multi-purpose: Swarous Red 3.5L Non-Stick Pressure Cooker
- Best for stovetop searing: Hamilton Beach Sear & Cook Stock Pot Slow Cooker with Stovetop Safe Crock
- Best for ultimate multi-cooker: Hamilton Beach 6 Quart 9-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker with Sear
Product Comparison: Https Spoonfulofsi Com The Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew
McCormick Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew Seasoning Mix, 1.5 oz
- Delicious, hearty beef stew made easy
- Zero trans fats and artificial flavors
- Low-cholesterol diet friendly
- Easy recipe – just add water, beef, carrots, potatoes and onions
- Perfect intense flavor blend of black pepper, paprika an d thyme
McCormick Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew Seasoning Mix, 1.5 oz (Pack of 12)
- Tasty blend of black pepper, paprika and time to make a hearty, homemade beef stew
- No MSG or Artificial Flavors Added*
- Convenient seasoning blend made with McCormick Spices
- USAGE TIP: Dinner is a breeze with McCormick Slow Cooker: 8 hours on low, 4 hours on high in the slow cooker
- USAGE TIP: Meal is ready in approximately 30 minutes in your Instant Pot
Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195)
- PERFECT FOR A LARGE GATHERING: The 10 quart slow cooker lets you cook enough food for a gathering of 12 or more people and fits a 10 lb. turkey or a 12 lb. roast.
- REDUCE SPILLS: The lid clips tightly to the slow cooker handles to reduce messy spills when transporting food. Carry hot meals to family gatherings, potlucks or to serve at the table without worrying about spills.
- COOK FLAVORFUL MEALS WITH MINIMAL EFFORT: This Hamilton Beach slow cooker has simple controls that make it easy for you to create flavorful meals with minimal effort and great results. Just turn the dial. No watching needed.
- MAINTAIN THE IDEAL TEMPERATURE WITH 3 HEAT SETTINGS: Just turn the dial to choose from 3 heat settings. Cook your meal on Low or High, and then switch to Warm when cooking is complete for food that’s warm and ready when it’s time to eat.
- EASY TO CARRY WITH FULL-GRIP HANDLES: The large slow cooker is easy to lift and hold onto when carrying to the table to serve a meal or when taking food to gatherings.
- SIMPLE TO CLEAN: The removable stoneware crock and glass lid are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
HOUSNAT Slow Cooker, 10 in 1 Programmable Cooker, 304 Stainless Steel Rice Cookers 6QT, Yogurt Maker, Delay Start, Adjustable Temp& Digital Time for Large Families or Entertaining
- ✔️ MULTI USE SLOW COOKER – 10 preset programs of the low and high slow cook setting, sear/sauté, roast, bake, steam, stew, rice, multigrain, sous vide, yogurt to choose, time and energy saving. No need to operate after selecting the corresponding function, the display will automatically display the time and temperature, wait for about 10S to start automatically.
- ✔️ YOU ARE IN ALL CONTROL – Customize design allows you to adjust the cooking time and temp according to your cooking habits and preferences. 24-hour “delay start” You can set the cooking start time, the slow cooker will automatically start cooking when the time you set starts, and the slow cooker has a heat preservation function, even if you are not in the kitchen, you can make hot meals and keep warm.
- ✔️HIGH CAPACITY & DISHWASHER SAFE – 6 QT inner pot is perfect for family meals. Easy cleaning mirror stainless steel made and dishwasher safe removable pot and glass lid are convenient to be cleaned in dishwasher with warm soapy water after use.
- ✔️ SMART COOKWARE WITH RECIPE – There is a real time display of the remaining cooking time and selected temperature on the digital screen. And the automatic keep warm function works with no watching needed and keeps your dishes warm until it is time to serve.
- ✔️ SAFE TO USE – Thick 304 stainless steel with good heat insulation brings non melt and cool touch handles and shells to protect your hands from burns and assure you safe transport. The tempered glass lid can bear high temperature and long time use.
- Note: After the slow cooker starts cooking, the temperature rises gradually. The maximum slow cooking temperature is lower than 212°F(100°C): Low setting: 201.2°F ± 5.4°F; High setting: 204.8°F ± 5.4°F. This programmed setting prevents burning and sticking at the bottom. Characterized by low-temperature slow cooking, it functions to preserve the moisture and nutrients in the food.
- Note: The stainless steel pot of the slow cooker is lead-free and safe for cooking. The lead warning on the outer box pertains to the circuit board located at the base of the product. Since the circuit board does not come into contact with food, please rest assured.
BLACK+DECKER 7-Quart Digital Slow Cooker, SCD7007SSD, Temperature Probe, Sous-Vide, Locking Lid, Removable Stoneware Crock
- Temperature Probe: Set your desired temp and insert the probe—unit adjusts heat to maintain it automatically. Keep lid closed to avoid heat loss, which can cause uneven cooking or undercooked results. Great for perfectly cooked meats every time
- Sous-Vide Function: Enjoy restaurant-quality results at home. Gently brings sealed food to ideal temp using precise water heating. Use included bags, submerge completely, and monitor with probe for even, juicy results without overcooking or drying out.
- Digital Control Panel: Easy-to-use display lets you select mode, set exact temps, and track cooking progress. If food isn’t heating properly, check for power loss, use correct settings, and ensure lid is sealed to maintain even, steady heat.
- Removable Stoneware Crock: Large 7-quart stoneware pot ensures even heating and easy cleanup. Always fill between ½ and ¾ full for best results. Cooking with the lid off or opening too often can cause heat loss, overcooking, or uneven results.
- First-Time Use Note: A slight odor or smoke during initial use is normal due to protective oils from manufacturing. It’s temporary, harmless, and will fade after first use. This won’t affect cooking performance or food safety in any way.
Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Slow Cooker with Space-Saving Folding Handles, 3 Heat Settings, Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Crock and Glass Lid, Black (33664)
- UNIQUE FOLDING HANDLES: The full-grip handles lift up for carrying and down when storing the slow cooker or when you need to make more space on the countertop. The handles are easy to grasp when carrying food to the table or to gatherings.
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY MEALS AND ENTERTAINING: The large slow cooker has a 6 quart stoneware crock that holds enough to serve 7+ people. It will fit a whole 6 lb. chicken, a 4 lb. roast or enough barbecue to make up to 25 sliders
- MAINTAIN THE IDEAL TEMPERATURE WITH 3 HEAT SETTINGS: Just turn the dial to choose from 3 heat settings. Cook your meal on Low or High, and then switch to Keep Warm when cooking is complete for food that’s warm and ready when it’s time to eat.
- FAST AND EASY CLEANUP: The removable stoneware crock and durable glass lid are both dishwasher safe.
- TAKES THE STRESS OUT OF FAMILY MEALS: The 6 quart slow cooker does the cooking for you, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the ones you love.
Crockpot Programmable 7-Quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker with Sous Vide Stainless Steel
- Sous Vide Function: Food cooks in a temperature controlled water bath, in air-tight bags, for unrivaled results. The removable probe ensures food reaches a precise internal temperature, so there’s no over- or under-cooking. Finish on the stove for a perfect, caramelized sear
- Removable Temperature Probe: Ensures food reaches a precise internal temperature, so there’s no over-cooking, under-cooking, or guesswork
- Cook & Carry Locking Lid: Travel-proof locking lid provides a tight seal to prevent leaks and spills, for no mess on-the-go
- Innovative Design: Updated 7-quart stoneware design has more usable cooking space*, with a generous base for larger cuts of meat and family-sized meals* *Compared with SCV700 Crock-Pot Slow Cooker
- Warm Setting: Keeps food at the ideal serving temperature until it’s time to eat
- Dishwasher- and Oven-Safe: Removable stoneware and glass lid are both dishwasher-safe; the stoneware is also oven-safe
- Modern Digital Display: Customize precise temperature controls, as well as cook times from 5 minutes to 30 hours
Swarous Red 3.5L Non-Stick Pressure Cooker, Stew Pot, Slow Cooker, Food Warmer, Portable Rice Cooker, Kitchen Accessories, Has Lid, Includes Pot, Rag, Soup Spoon
- Time-Saving Pressure Cooking: Experience the even cooking with our pressure pots, a practical tool for your kitchen that ensures time and energy efficiency
- Nutrient Preservation: Pressure-cooking retains the maximum nutrients in your food. Enjoy healthier, more wholesome meals without sacrificing taste
- Even and Rapid Heating: The heat is evenly distributed throughout the cooking pot, and advanced temperature control technology to achieve rapid heating
- Non-Stick Coat For Easy Cleanup: The coating not only prevents food from sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze
- Multi-occasion application: Whether for daily family meals, festival gatherings, or outdoor camping cookouts, this pots meets diverse cooking needs easily
Hamilton Beach Sear & Cook Stock Pot Slow Cooker with Stovetop Safe Crock, Large 10 Quart Capacity, Programmable, Silver (33196)
- LOCK IN THE FLAVOR — SEAR RIGHT ON THE STOVETOP. Enjoy great flavor along with one-pan convenience: sear on the stovetop, then finish the meal in the same pan. The removable nonstick pot can cook directly on gas, electric or ceramic stovetops.
- SERVE 12+ PEOPLE WITH 10 QUART CAPACITY: Cook a hearty meal for the whole family or serve a delicious main dish for a crowd. The 10 quart capacity slow cooker feeds a gathering of 12 or more people and fits a 10 lb. turkey or 12 lb. roast.
- 15 HEATING OPTIONS: This programmable slow cooker lets you mix and match high, low or warm heat settings with your choice of 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 hours of cooking time.
- LIGHTWEIGHT REMOVABLE NONSTICK ALUMINUM POT. The lightweight removable pot is lighter than a ceramic crock, so it’s easy to lift when the pot is full.
- AUTOMATIC KEEP WARM. When cooking is complete, this 10 quart slow cooker automatically shifts to warm to keep food at the perfect temperature until serving time.
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)
- 9 COOKING OPTIONS: Cook multiple ways with one versatile appliance. As a slow cooker, choose high or low heat, or select white rice or whole grain to use as a rice cooker. You can also sear, brown, sauté, roast, steam or keep food warm.
- SEAR OR BROWN RIGHT IN THE POT: Sear or brown right in the ceramic nonstick pot — no stovetop necessary. Improve the color and flavor of every dish you make in this searing slow cooker by searing or browning before you roast or slow cook foods.
- SLOW COOK ONE-POT MEALS, SIDE DISHES, APPETIZERS AND DESSERTS: With our versatile slow cooker, you can make and serve everything from lasagna, meatballs and macaroni and cheese, to fruit cobblers and cakes. Choose low or high heat settings .
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY GATHERINGS AND ENTERTAINING: The Hamilton Beach slow cooker has a removable, 6 quart rectangular pot that fits a variety of foods. It will hold a 6 lb. chicken, 4 lb. roast or enough barbecue to make up to 25 sliders. Serves 7+ people.
- DELAY START FUNCTION FOR RICE, WHOLE GRAINS and STEAM: Delay start adds to this multi-cooker’s convenience and makes meal planning easier. You can set the delay cooking time from 1 to 15 hours to begin cooking rice or grains or steaming food while you are away from home or busy with other tasks.
- Thoughtfully Designed with Easy-Touch Controls The easy touch controls are intuitive to use. You can set your own time and temperature for most programs.
- The time counts down on the screen, so you can track the remaining cook time and know when food is ready. When food is ready, the slow cooker automatically switches to warm. Simply wipe the control panel to keep clean.
- Easy to Carry This slow cooker has full-grip handles that make it easy to lift and carry.
- Easy to Clean The removable, ceramic nonstick pot is PFAS free. The pot, roasting/steaming rack and glass lid and are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
- Great for roasting meat to the perfect tenderness every time. Place meat on top of the rack in the pot and set roasting time up to 3 hours. The timer countdown begins when the cooking temperature reaches 375°F (190°C), and when food is ready, the searing slow cooker automatically switches to warm.
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Buying Guide
FAQs
What capacity slow cooker should I choose for making beef stew?
For a typical family of 4-6 people, a 6-quart slow cooker like the Hamilton Beach models provides ample space for beef stew with vegetables. If you frequently host gatherings or prefer batch cooking, consider the 10-quart Hamilton Beach models which can accommodate 12+ people. For smaller households or couples, the 3.5L Swarous pressure cooker might be sufficient.
Are multi-function cookers worth it for making beef stew?
Multi-function cookers like the HOUSNAT 10-in-1 and Hamilton Beach 9-in-1 offer excellent versatility, allowing you to sear meat directly in the pot before slow cooking, which enhances flavor. These models can replace several appliances, saving kitchen space and offering more cooking options beyond just beef stew. However, if you only plan to make basic slow cooker recipes, a simpler model might be more cost-effective.
What’s the advantage of a slow cooker with a temperature probe?
Temperature probes in models like the BLACK+DECKER and Crock-Pot allow for precise cooking by monitoring the internal temperature of your meat. This feature ensures your beef reaches the perfect doneness without overcooking, resulting in more tender and flavorful results. The probe eliminates guesswork and helps achieve consistent results every time you cook.
Can I achieve better flavor by searing meat before slow cooking?
Yes, searing meat before slow cooking significantly enhances the flavor and color of your beef stew. Models like the Hamilton Beach Sear & Cook and 9-in-1 Programmable allow you to brown meat directly in the pot, creating a rich foundation of caramelized flavors. This extra step develops deeper, more complex flavors that wouldn’t develop through slow cooking alone.
How do McCormick seasoning mixes compare to homemade spice blends?
McCormick Slow Cooker Beef Stew Seasoning mixes offer convenience with a perfectly balanced blend of black pepper, paprika, and thyme, making flavorful stew with minimal effort. While homemade blends allow for customization, these pre-mixed seasonings are free from artificial flavors and MSG, providing consistent results. The pack of 12 option offers better value for frequent stew makers who prioritize convenience.
What features should I look for in a slow cooker for beef stew?
For perfect beef stew, look for models with at least low, high, and warm settings to control cooking times effectively. A removable stoneware or stainless steel pot makes cleanup easier, while locking lids like those on the Crock-Pot Cook & Carry prevent spills during transport. Consider programmable options with delay start for added convenience when planning meals ahead of time.
Are sous vide functions in slow cookers useful for beef stew?
Sous vide functions in models like the BLACK+DECKER and Crock-Pot offer precise temperature control that can result in exceptionally tender beef. While not traditional for stew, this feature allows you to cook beef to perfect doneness before combining with other ingredients. For those who value precision cooking and enjoy experimenting with techniques, this feature adds versatility to your appliance.
How do I prevent spills when transporting my slow cooker?
Look for models with secure lid-locking mechanisms like the Hamilton Beach Stay or Go and Crock-Pot Cook & Carry, which feature clips that lock the lid tightly to the handles. These designs prevent messy spills during transport to potlucks or family gatherings. Full-grip handles also provide better control when carrying a full slow cooker, reducing the risk of accidents.
