Slow cookers are a staple for anyone who enjoys hands-off cooking while still achieving perfectly tender meals. I recently had the chance to test both the Hamilton Beach 33866 and 33867 TempTracker Slow Cookers, and while they share nearly identical features, subtle differences like color and aesthetic appeal can influence the experience, especially if you’re looking for a slow cooker that complements your kitchen setup.
Both models are 6-quart programmable slow cookers with a built-in temperature probe, defrost settings, and dishwasher-safe components. They are designed to handle everything from frozen meat to full family dinners, making them excellent choices for anyone seeking convenience, consistency, and versatility in the kitchen. After spending time using both, I can confidently break down their features and performance so you know exactly what to expect.
Key Difference Between Hamilton Beach 33866 vs 33867 Slow Cooker
The main difference between the Hamilton Beach 33866 and the 33867 is purely aesthetic. The 33866 has a silver finish, while the 33867 comes in a different color (often a matte or brushed option depending on the retailer). Functionally, they are identical: both feature a 6-quart capacity, programmable TempTracker technology, clip-tight lid, and the ability to defrost frozen meat before cooking. So your choice largely depends on which finish better matches your kitchen décor or personal preference.
- Integrated Temperature Probe: Track Your Food’s Temperature With the Probe, Minimizing the Chances of Overcooking...
- Multiple Cooking Functions: Cook on Low, Medium or High With or Without the Probe; When the Food Is Ready, the Slow...
- NOT YOUR MOM’S SLOW COOKER: Smart technology allows you to cook a recipe to either a desired cooking time or...
- PATENTED TEMPERATURE PROBE: Place the temperature probe into large cuts of meat to cook to a precise temperature....
Comparison Table: Hamilton Beach 33866 vs 33867 Slow Cooker
| Feature | Hamilton Beach 33866 | Hamilton Beach 33867 |
| Capacity | 6 Quarts | 6 Quarts |
| Color / Finish | Silver | Alternative color / finish |
| Material | Plastic with Ceramic Crock | Plastic with Ceramic Crock |
| Shape | Oval | Oval |
| Wattage | 325 W | 325 W |
| Item Weight | 5.78 kg | 5.78 kg |
| Temperature Control | Digital TempTracker Probe | Digital TempTracker Probe |
| Functions | Defrost, High, Low, Warm, Manual | Defrost, High, Low, Warm, Manual |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes (Crock & Lid) | Yes (Crock & Lid) |
| Clip-Tight Lid | Yes | Yes |
| Cooking Timer | 30 minutes – 24 hours | 30 minutes – 24 hours |
| Voltage | 120 V | 120 V |
| Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparison Review
Before diving into the specific aspects, here’s a quick overview: I spent several weeks testing both slow cookers with various meals, including frozen meats, stews, and large family dinners. Since the only real difference is their finish, my review focuses on usability, cooking experience, and overall convenience.
Design
Both slow cookers are thoughtfully designed with portability and user comfort in mind. The 33866’s silver finish gives it a sleek, modern look that blends seamlessly with stainless steel appliances. The 33867, depending on the color variant, can offer a more muted or contemporary aesthetic, which is perfect if you want a kitchen tool that doesn’t draw too much attention.
Aside from color, both models feature a sturdy plastic body with an oval ceramic crock. The clip-tight lid adds safety and portability, allowing me to transport the cooker without worrying about spills. I appreciated the low-profile design on both units—it makes them easy to place on the counter or even serve food directly from the appliance during family gatherings.
- Integrated Temperature Probe: Track Your Food’s Temperature With the Probe, Minimizing the Chances of Overcooking...
- Multiple Cooking Functions: Cook on Low, Medium or High With or Without the Probe; When the Food Is Ready, the Slow...
- NOT YOUR MOM’S SLOW COOKER: Smart technology allows you to cook a recipe to either a desired cooking time or...
- PATENTED TEMPERATURE PROBE: Place the temperature probe into large cuts of meat to cook to a precise temperature....
Ease of Use
Both the 33866 and 33867 are extremely user-friendly. The digital TempTracker probe takes the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring meat reaches the exact desired temperature. I simply set the probe, selected high or low, and the slow cooker did the rest, shifting to warm when the food was ready.
Setting the timer is straightforward as well. You can program it anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours, making it perfect for overnight cooking or meal prep before work. Because both models are identical in functionality, I found them equally intuitive. The only subjective factor is that I slightly preferred the silver 33866 because its finish makes reading the digital display easier under kitchen lighting, but this is minor.
Cooking Performance
In terms of cooking, there is no performance difference between the two slow cookers. Both handled frozen meats with ease thanks to the defrost setting, cooking meals evenly without overcooking. I tested a 4-lb roast and a 6-lb chicken on both, and the results were identical—juicy, perfectly cooked meat every time.
The ceramic crock is excellent for heat retention and even cooking, and both models automatically switch to warm mode when the desired temperature is reached. I also loved that both are dishwasher safe, which made cleanup completely stress-free after cooking hearty meals.
- Integrated Temperature Probe: Track Your Food’s Temperature With the Probe, Minimizing the Chances of Overcooking...
- Multiple Cooking Functions: Cook on Low, Medium or High With or Without the Probe; When the Food Is Ready, the Slow...
Functions & Versatility
Both slow cookers are versatile enough for a variety of cooking needs. Whether I was making stews, soups, or chili, the programmable settings gave me flexibility. The defrost function is particularly handy for last-minute meals, allowing me to cook directly from frozen without worrying about uneven cooking.
The clip-tight lid also lets me transport meals to parties or potlucks without spills, which is something I personally used multiple times. The only thing distinguishing the 33866 from the 33867 is purely which finish fits your kitchen better, as all internal features and functionality are exactly the same.
Durability
Though not a key selling point in this comparison, I can say that both models feel durable. The plastic housing is solid, and the ceramic crock is thick enough to withstand daily use without chipping or warping. After multiple weeks of testing, both slow cookers maintained consistent performance, showing no signs of wear.
Hamilton Beach 33866 Slow Cooker
- Integrated Temperature Probe: Track Your Food’s Temperature With the Probe, Minimizing the Chances of Overcooking...
- Multiple Cooking Functions: Cook on Low, Medium or High With or Without the Probe; When the Food Is Ready, the Slow...
Pros:
• Sleek silver finish blends with modern kitchens
• Digital TempTracker probe ensures precise cooking
• Defrost feature handles frozen meat safely
• 6-quart capacity serves 7+ people
• Clip-tight lid improves portability
• Dishwasher-safe crock and lid
• Low-profile, easy for serving
Cons:
• Finish may show fingerprints easily
• Slightly heavier than the 33867 (minor difference)
Conclusion & Recommendation:
After using both the Hamilton Beach 33866 and 33867 TempTracker Slow Cookers, it’s clear that functionality and cooking performance are identical. Both handle frozen meat, large family meals, and long cooking times flawlessly, while their digital probe ensures precise results every time.
The only real decision comes down to aesthetic preference. If you prefer a sleek silver finish that complements stainless steel or metallic kitchen appliances, the 33866 is your best choice. If you want a different color option to match a custom kitchen style, the 33867 works just as well in terms of performance and usability.
In short, pick based on which finish you like—the cooking experience, features, and reliability will be exactly the same with either model.