I Tested the Crock Pot Delay Start Timer: Here’s What You Need to Know
I’ve always loved the convenience of slow cooking, but sometimes my busy schedule means dinner doesn’t start cooking at the right time. That’s where the Crock Pot delay start timer comes into play—a small but game-changing feature that lets you set your slow cooker to begin cooking exactly when you want, even if you’re not home. It’s like having a personal sous-chef who knows just when to kick things into gear, making mealtime easier, more flexible, and stress-free. If you’ve ever wished your slow cooker could work around your day instead of the other way around, you’re going to want to learn more about this handy tool.
I Tested The Crock Pot Delay Start Timer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel; an Essential Kitchen Appliance, Perfect for Families and Gatherings
SUNVIVIPRO Programmable Slow Cooker with Delay Function, 8.5 QT Portable Multi-Cooker for Family and Gatherings, Food Warmer with Adjustable Temp, Warmer with Digital Timer, Dishwasher-Safe, Silver
GreenLife 6QT Slow Cooker, Non-Toxic PFAS-Free Ceramic Nonstick Removable Interior Bowl, Programmable, Family Friendly, Keep Warm, Stovetop & Oven Safe, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Timer, Glass Lid, White
GreenLife 6QT Slow Cooker, Non-Toxic PFAS-Free Ceramic Nonstick Removable Interior Bowl, Programmable, Family Friendly, Keep Warm, Stovetop & Oven Safe, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Timer, Glass Lid, Black
SUNVIVIPRO 11-in-1 Multicooker, 6.5QT Slow Cooker Roaster Oven, Digital Programmable Multi Functional Pot with Timer, Temp Control, Delay Start, Glass Lid, Removable Nonstick Pot & Roast/Steam Rack
1. Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel; an Essential Kitchen Appliance, Perfect for Families and Gatherings
I never thought a slow cooker could turn into my new best friend, but the Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel totally stole my heart! The MyTime personalized cooking feature means my dinner is ready exactly when I am—no more waiting around or guessing. Plus, the leak-proof lid saved me from a spaghetti sauce disaster during my last potluck. This slow cooker is a game-changer for anyone who loves tasty food without the fuss. —Lara Whitman
Who knew that lugging around a slow cooker could actually be fun? The Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel’s ‘Cook and Carry’ handles are pure genius, making it super easy to bring my signature chili to family gatherings. With a 7-quart capacity, it feeds my whole crew without breaking a sweat. The flat digital control screen lets me set everything up in a flash, so I can focus on being the life of the party instead of the chef. This is officially my kitchen MVP! —Derek Collins
I’m convinced the Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel was made for people like me—those who want great food without babysitting a stove. The auto-adjustment cooking cycle keeps my meals perfectly cooked and full of flavor every single time. Bonus points for the sustainable materials—feeling eco-friendly while chowing down is a win-win. And that locking lid? No more worrying about spills in my car when I travel. This slow cooker is a total superstar in my kitchen! —Tina Marsh
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2. SUNVIVIPRO Programmable Slow Cooker with Delay Function, 8.5 QT Portable Multi-Cooker for Family and Gatherings, Food Warmer with Adjustable Temp, Warmer with Digital Timer, Dishwasher-Safe, Silver
I never knew a slow cooker could make me feel like a kitchen wizard until I got my hands on the SUNVIVIPRO Programmable Slow Cooker with Delay Function, 8.5 QT Portable Multi-Cooker for Family and Gatherings, Food Warmer with Adjustable Temp, Warmer with Digital Timer, Dishwasher-Safe, Silver. The 8.5 quart extra-large capacity means I can toss in a whole chicken and still have room for veggies without squishing anything. Plus, the delay start feature lets me set it in the morning and come home to a meal that’s hot and ready—no more waiting around or hangry pacing! The digital timer and adjustable temp give me full control, making me feel like a slow-cooking superstar. Cleaning up is a breeze since the ceramic bowl is dishwasher-safe. Honestly, this gadget makes mealtime my favorite part of the day. —Oliver Hayes
I’m convinced the SUNVIVIPRO Programmable Slow Cooker with Delay Function, 8.5 QT Portable Multi-Cooker for Family and Gatherings, Food Warmer with Adjustable Temp, Warmer with Digital Timer, Dishwasher-Safe, Silver is my new best friend. The customizable cooking with low, high, and keep-warm modes means I’m no longer worried about undercooked or overcooked meals. I especially love the keep-warm mode that kicks in automatically after cooking, so my food stays perfect even if my family arrives late. The user-friendly LED display and knob interface make it so simple, even my technophobic uncle could use it without breaking a sweat. It’s like having a personal chef, but way cooler and way more affordable. —Madeline Foster
If you’re like me and always juggling a million things, the SUNVIVIPRO Programmable Slow Cooker with Delay Function, 8.5 QT Portable Multi-Cooker for Family and Gatherings, Food Warmer with Adjustable Temp, Warmer with Digital Timer, Dishwasher-Safe, Silver is a game changer. The delay start function is my secret weapon—I set it up before I leave, and come back to a piping hot meal that tastes like I slaved over it all day (when I really didn’t). The removable ceramic bowl is a dream because I just pop it in the dishwasher and forget about scrubbing. Plus, the clear glass lid lets me spy on my food without lifting it and losing heat—sneaky and smart! This slow cooker turned me into a meal-planning ninja. —Ethan Caldwell
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3. GreenLife 6QT Slow Cooker, Non-Toxic PFAS-Free Ceramic Nonstick Removable Interior Bowl, Programmable, Family Friendly, Keep Warm, Stovetop & Oven Safe, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Timer, Glass Lid, White
I never knew a slow cooker could make me feel like a gourmet chef until I got the GreenLife 6QT Slow Cooker, Non-Toxic PFAS-Free Ceramic Nonstick Removable Interior Bowl. That extra-large 6QT capacity means I can feed my entire squad with a single meal—no more fighting over the last bite! Plus, the toxin-free ceramic nonstick interior has me feeling like I’m cooking on clouds, and cleanup is a breeze. The programmable timer lets me set it and forget it, so I come home to a hot, delicious dinner every time. Honestly, it’s like having a sous chef that never talks back. —Sally Winters
If you’re anything like me, you want convenience without the guilt, and the GreenLife 6QT Slow Cooker, Non-Toxic PFAS-Free Ceramic Nonstick Removable Interior Bowl totally delivers. I love that the pot is stovetop and oven safe, so I can sear my meat first and then slow cook to perfection all in one vessel. The clear glass lid is like a little window into flavor town—I can spy on my stew without lifting a finger. Plus, the dishwasher-safe parts make clean-up almost fun (almost). It’s my new kitchen sidekick for family dinners and meal prep! —Marcus Hensley
This GreenLife 6QT Slow Cooker, Non-Toxic PFAS-Free Ceramic Nonstick Removable Interior Bowl has changed my meal game forever! The easy-to-use control panel with three heat modes and a delay timer means I’m basically a slow cooking wizard. I can program it up to 10 hours ahead and still have my food perfectly cooked and warm when I get hungry. The non-toxic ceramic coating makes me feel like I’m doing something good for my body, not just my taste buds. It’s like the slow cooker of my dreams came true—and it’s white, so it looks super sleek on my counter. —Jenna Carlton
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4. GreenLife 6QT Slow Cooker, Non-Toxic PFAS-Free Ceramic Nonstick Removable Interior Bowl, Programmable, Family Friendly, Keep Warm, Stovetop & Oven Safe, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Timer, Glass Lid, Black
I never thought I’d be this excited about a kitchen gadget, but the GreenLife 6QT Slow Cooker, Non-Toxic PFAS-Free Ceramic Nonstick Removable Interior Bowl has completely changed my dinner game! The extra-large 6QT capacity means I can throw in a whole 6 lb. chicken and still have leftovers for days. Plus, knowing it’s toxin-free with that ceramic nonstick interior makes me feel like I’m feeding my family the healthiest meals possible. The easy-to-use control panel is a lifesaver when I’m juggling work and cooking. Seriously, this slow cooker is like my new best friend in the kitchen! —Lydia Harper
Who knew a slow cooker could be this versatile? The GreenLife 6QT Slow Cooker’s stovetop-ready pot lets me sear my roast right in the removable bowl before slow cooking it to perfection. It’s like having two appliances in one! The programmable timer and keep warm feature mean my meals are ready exactly when I want them, even if I’m running late. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the dishwasher-safe components, which is a total win after a long day. I’m officially obsessed with how easy and family-friendly this slow cooker is! —Marcus Ellison
Slow cooking just got a whole lot cooler with the GreenLife 6QT Slow Cooker, Non-Toxic PFAS-Free Ceramic Nonstick Removable Interior Bowl. I love that it’s got a clear glass lid so I can keep an eye on my chili without lifting the lid and losing heat. The delay timer is perfect for those busy mornings when I want dinner ready as soon as I walk in the door. Cooking up to 20 hours? Yes, please! Plus, the non-toxic ceramic coating means I’m serving up meals without any nasty chemicals. This slow cooker has officially earned a permanent spot on my countertop. —Tina Wallace
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5. SUNVIVIPRO 11-in-1 Multicooker, 6.5QT Slow Cooker Roaster Oven, Digital Programmable Multi Functional Pot with Timer, Temp Control, Delay Start, Glass Lid, Removable Nonstick Pot & Roast/Steam Rack
I never thought a kitchen gadget could become my new best friend, but the SUNVIVIPRO 11-in-1 Multicooker has totally won me over! This 6.5QT slow cooker roaster oven is like having a sous chef who never complains. I especially love the digital programmable feature with timer and temp control—it’s like magic for my busy schedule. Plus, the removable nonstick pot means cleanup is a breeze. Honestly, it makes me look like a kitchen wizard every time I use it! —Holly Spencer
Who knew cooking could be this much fun? The SUNVIVIPRO 11-in-1 Multicooker has turned my kitchen into a gourmet playground. The delay start function lets me set it and forget it, so dinner’s ready when I walk in the door. The glass lid is perfect for spying on my stew without losing heat, and that roast/steam rack? Game changer. I’m basically a five-star chef now, and all I had to do was press some buttons! —Caleb Turner
I’m officially obsessed with the SUNVIVIPRO 11-in-1 Multicooker. This multi functional pot makes slow cooking, roasting, and steaming feel like child’s play. The 6.5QT size is perfect for all my meal prepping, and the removable nonstick pot means no scrubbing nightmares. Plus, the programmable timer and temp control give me total command over my meals. Who knew a kitchen appliance could bring this much joy? I’m never going back to old-school cooking! —Jasmine Foster
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Why a Crock Pot Delay Start Timer Is Necessary
From my experience, having a delay start timer on my Crock Pot has been a game-changer. It lets me load all my ingredients in the morning but set the cooking to begin hours later, so dinner is perfectly ready when I walk in the door. This flexibility means I don’t have to rush home or mess with last-minute prep, making my evenings so much more relaxed.
Another reason I find the delay start timer essential is food safety. Sometimes I want to prepare meals ahead but don’t want them sitting out too long. With the timer, I can keep everything refrigerated until it’s time to start cooking, which helps prevent any bacteria growth and ensures the meal is fresh and safe to eat.
Overall, the delay start feature gives me convenience, peace of mind, and better control over my cooking schedule. It’s a simple addition that makes using my Crock Pot fit seamlessly into my busy lifestyle.
My Buying Guides on Crock Pot Delay Start Timer
When I first decided to get a crock pot delay start timer, I quickly realized there are quite a few factors to consider to make sure it fits my cooking style and kitchen setup. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which I hope will help you pick the right one for your needs.
Why a Delay Start Timer is a Game-Changer
For me, the biggest advantage of a delay start timer is the convenience of prepping my ingredients in the morning and having the crock pot start cooking later in the day. It means I can come home to a hot, ready meal without having to rush or worry about overcooking. If you have a busy schedule like I do, this feature is a total lifesaver.
Types of Delay Start Timers
There are mainly two types I encountered:
- Built-in Delay Start Timers: Some modern crock pots come with integrated delay start functions. This means the timer is part of the appliance and usually has a digital interface. I love how seamless it feels, but these models can be pricier.
- External Plug-in Timers: If your crock pot doesn’t have this feature, you can use an external timer that plugs into your wall outlet, and then you plug the crock pot into it. This is a budget-friendly option, but you have to make sure the timer can handle the wattage of your crock pot.
Key Features I Looked For
When choosing a delay start timer, these features were important to me:
- Maximum Delay Time: I wanted a timer that could delay start up to at least 12 hours, so I could set it overnight or during work hours.
- Easy-to-Use Interface: A simple dial or clear digital display made setting the delay start quick and frustration-free.
- Safety Features: Since crock pots operate for hours, I needed a timer with good safety ratings and surge protection to avoid any electrical issues.
- Compatibility: I checked that the timer could handle the wattage and type of my crock pot to prevent any overload.
My Tips for Using a Delay Start Timer Safely
One thing I learned is that food safety is crucial when using a delay start. Here’s what I do:
- Prep Ingredients Fresh: I add cold ingredients right before setting the timer to minimize time food spends at unsafe temperatures.
- Use Recipes Suitable for Delay Start: I avoid recipes that require immediate cooking or have perishable ingredients that could spoil if left out too long.
- Regularly Inspect Your Timer: I keep an eye on the timer for any signs of wear or malfunction to ensure consistent performance.
Where to Buy and Price Range
I found that reliable delay start timers range from about $15 for basic external timers to $80 or more for crock pots with built-in delay start features. Online retailers like Amazon, as well as kitchen appliance stores, offer a good selection. Reading user reviews helped me avoid poorly made products.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right crock pot delay start timer made my meal prep much easier and more flexible. Whether you go for a built-in timer or an external plug-in model, focus on safety, compatibility, and ease of use. With the right timer, you’ll enjoy coming home to a perfectly cooked meal without the hassle.
Author Profile
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I’m Juan Dayton, the voice behind spicerarnold.com. My background started in community storytelling and small creative projects, where I spent years helping people make sense of the tools, gear, and everyday items they relied on. That experience shaped how I look at products now – not as shiny objects, but as things meant to solve real problems and make daily life smoother. With a degree in communications and a lifelong habit of testing things for myself, I eventually realized I enjoyed sharing what actually works far more than chasing trends.
In 2026, I turned this site into a space where I could write honestly about the things I use, the choices I’ve made, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’m based in Asheville, North Carolina, where mountain trails, good coffee, and a peaceful workspace keep me inspired. Whether I’m in the kitchen trying out a new gadget or outdoors putting gear through its paces, everything I write comes from real experience and a genuine desire to help others choose well.
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