Hamilton Beach 33866 vs 33867 Slow Cooker: Which One Looks Better on Your Countertop?

If you’re anything like me, a reliable slow cooker is one of those kitchen staples you can’t live without. Whether it’s a Sunday pot roast, a weeknight chili, or even experimenting with sous vide, having a cooker that’s both smart and steady can make your life much easier. Recently, I got the chance to test out the Hamilton Beach 33866 and the Hamilton Beach 33867 — two models that have become favorites among home cooks who appreciate convenience and precision.

Here’s the fun part: these two slow cookers are identical in every way except one — color. The 33866 comes in a sleek black stainless finish, while the 33867 sports a clean silver tone. Everything else — from the digital controls to the temperature probe and cooking modes — is exactly the same.

But color can still be a deciding factor, especially when you care about your kitchen’s aesthetics. So let’s go through what both models offer, how they perform, and which one I’d recommend after putting them through a few real-world tests.

Key Difference Between Hamilton Beach 33866 vs 33867 Slow Cooker

The only real difference between the Hamilton Beach 33866 and 33867 slow cookers is color. The 33866 has a modern black stainless-steel exterior, while the 33867 comes in a classic silver stainless finish. Both have the same 6-quart capacity, digital programmable controls, integrated temperature probe, and clip-tight sealed lid design.

So, your choice really comes down to your kitchen’s color scheme and personal preference in style — black for a bold, modern touch or silver for a timeless, polished look.

Specifications Table: Hamilton Beach 33866 vs 33867 Slow Cooker

Feature	Hamilton Beach 33866	Hamilton Beach 33867
Brand	Hamilton Beach	Hamilton Beach
Color	Black Stainless	Silver Stainless
Material	Stoneware	Stoneware
Capacity	6 Quarts	6 Quarts
Power	290 Watts	290 Watts
Voltage	220 Volts	220 Volts
Dimensions	12″D x 16″W x 12″H	11″D x 17.5″W x 12″H
Weight	13.05 lbs	13.05 lbs
Shape	Oval	Oval
Cooking Modes	Low, Medium, High, Probe, Keep Warm	Low, Medium, High, Probe, Keep Warm
Dishwasher Safe	Yes	Yes
Temperature Probe	Integrated	Integrated
Digital Timer	Yes	Yes
Clip-Tight Lid	Yes	Yes
Check Latest Price & Deals / Offers	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Design and Build Quality

The first thing I noticed while unboxing these two slow cookers was just how premium they look. Both models have a sturdy stainless-steel exterior, a tight-fitting lid with a clip seal to prevent spills, and a large digital display that’s easy to read even from across the kitchen.

The 33866 in black stainless has a slightly more modern appeal — it hides fingerprints better and matches perfectly with newer kitchen appliances like black coffee makers or matte dark refrigerators. The 33867, however, leans toward the traditional silver stainless steel look that complements most kitchens, especially those with lighter countertops or chrome fixtures.

Both slow cookers are designed around the same oval 6-quart stoneware crock, which is large enough to fit a 6 lb. chicken or a 4 lb. roast comfortably. The crock and the lid are both dishwasher safe, and the handles are wide enough to carry even when full.

From a build perspective, I’d say Hamilton Beach nailed the balance between functionality and style here. These cookers feel solid, and the lid-lock mechanism gives you peace of mind if you’re traveling with your dish to a potluck or family gathering.

Ease of Use

Using either the 33866 or 33867 is refreshingly straightforward. The digital control panel lets you choose between low, medium, high, or probe mode, and there’s a clear countdown timer displayed on the screen.

What makes these models stand out, though, is the integrated temperature probe. It allows you to track your food’s internal temperature in real time. Once the meat reaches the set temperature, the slow cooker automatically switches to Keep Warm mode, preventing overcooking. That feature alone saves me from constantly checking or using an external meat thermometer.

If you’re new to slow cooking, you’ll also love the “Hold Temperature” mode, which opens up extra possibilities like sous vide, fondue, yogurt making, simmering, and poaching. It’s surprisingly versatile for a machine that’s not much bigger than a typical crockpot.

In daily use, the controls are intuitive — just set, forget, and let it do the work. The only minor difference is that the 33866’s black exterior can make the LED screen pop a little more visually than the silver 33867, but functionally, they behave the same.

Cooking Performance

I put both slow cookers through several tests: pulled pork, beef stew, and even chicken curry. Across all tests, the cooking results were identical. The 290-watt heating system maintains an even temperature throughout the crock, and with the temperature probe inserted, I could get restaurant-quality doneness every time.

What I especially appreciated was how accurate the temperature tracking was. For example, when slow-cooking a roast, the probe allowed me to see the internal temperature rise gradually, giving me full control over how well-done I wanted the meat.

The Keep Warm function is another win — it doesn’t overcook your meal or dry it out, even if you leave it sitting for an hour or two after cooking.

I also tested the Hold Temperature feature for a quick sous vide experiment. I sealed some chicken breasts in a bag, submerged them, and set the temperature manually. The cooker held steady without fluctuations, and the results were tender and juicy — impressive for a non-specialized device.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleanup is one of my favorite parts of using these models. Both the stoneware crock and glass lid are dishwasher safe, and the stainless-steel exterior wipes down easily with a damp cloth. The clip-tight lid design prevents messy drips during cooking, and the inner rim doesn’t accumulate residue the way cheaper models often do.

Between the two, the black stainless finish on the 33866 hides smudges slightly better than the silver 33867. If you’re particular about keeping your kitchen appliances spotless, the darker color might save you some daily polishing.

Special Features That Stand Out

• Integrated Temperature Probe: Tracks your food’s internal temperature precisely. Perfect for meats and poultry.
• Hold Temperature Mode: Lets you experiment with advanced techniques like sous vide and yogurt making.
• Clip-Tight Lid: Ideal for transporting dishes without spills.
• Digital Display with Countdown Timer: Simple, accurate, and easy to monitor at a glance.
• Automatic Warm Mode: Keeps your food at the perfect serving temperature once cooking is complete.

These features make both cookers feel like more than just “set-and-forget” devices — they’re true multi-purpose kitchen tools.

Pros:

• Integrated temperature probe for precision cooking
• Excellent 6-quart capacity fits family-sized meals
• Multiple cooking modes, including sous vide and yogurt
• Digital timer with automatic warm mode
• Dishwasher-safe stoneware and lid
• Clip-tight design prevents messy spills
• Reliable and consistent heating performance

Cons:

• Large footprint for smaller kitchens
• Outer surface gets slightly warm during extended cooking
• The display isn’t backlit enough in very bright lighting

Conclusion – Which One Should You Buy?

After testing both, I can confidently say that performance-wise, the Hamilton Beach 33866 and 33867 are identical. They’re both incredibly reliable, user-friendly, and packed with features that make slow cooking smarter and more precise.

So, your decision really depends on aesthetic preference:

• Choose the Hamilton Beach 33866 if you love a modern black stainless look that matches dark or contemporary kitchen designs.
• Go for the Hamilton Beach 33867 if you prefer the classic silver stainless finish that complements traditional or minimalist setups.

If I had to pick one personally, I’d lean toward the 33866. The darker finish hides fingerprints better and gives a more premium, high-end feel — especially when sitting next to other modern appliances.

But no matter which color you choose, both models deliver excellent cooking results, effortless cleanup, and the kind of reliability Hamilton Beach has built its name on.