We tested the Hammer Stahl Slow Cooker for three weeks. Below is our detailed review, summarizing the main advantages and drawbacks based on real use.
Hammer Stahl Slow Cooker Review
Hammer Stahl is one of North America’s oldest cookware makers, founded in 1874 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. In the 1970s the company began producing its American Clad cookware at a factory in Clarksville, Tennessee. Skilled American craftsmen hand-assemble the 7-ply surgical steel cookware and German-steeled knives.
This was our first extended experience cooking with Hammer Stahl cookware, though I had tried one of their knives before. For testing we used the 5-Quart Stockpot with Cover together with the Slow Cooker Base.
PRO: Made in USA
American Clad Cookware
Hammer Stahl cookware is multi-clad, meaning multiple metal layers are bonded together to create durable, energy-efficient cookware with excellent heat distribution. Their construction uses seven distinct layers, including surgical-grade stainless steel.
The seven layers are:
- 304 surgical stainless steel
- 1145 pure aluminum
- 3004 aluminum
- 1145 pure aluminum
- 304 surgical stainless steel
- ferritic steel
- 304 surgical stainless steel
This layered build results in cookware that heats evenly, retains heat well, resists scratches and will not leach metals into food when used and cared for properly.
PRO: The seven-layer cladding runs through the entire vessel, not just the base. Many lower-cost multi-clad pots concentrate cladding on the bottom only, leaving thinner, less durable sides.
Separate Slow Cooker Base
At first I wondered whether a separate heating base would cook as evenly as an integrated slow cooker. Typical slow cookers insulate the pot and trap heat from the bottom up, which promotes uniform cooking.
PRO: In practice the 7-layer cladding in the Hammer Stahl stockpot transfers heat evenly with no hotspots, and the pot retains heat very well.
CON: The Slow Cooker Base is lightweight and uses plastic handles, knobs and trim. Design-wise it doesn’t feel as upscale as the cookware itself, which is a minor aesthetic mismatch with the premium pot.
PRO: The base is versatile. It will slow-cook any pot with an 8.5-inch bottom and can double as a tabletop warmer on its lowest setting without scorching food.
We used the base and a smaller pot for cheese fondue at the table; the lowest setting kept the cheese warm and smooth without boiling or burning. The base fits Hammer Stahl 2.5-, 4- and 5-quart pots.
Hammer Stahl Stockpot
The 5-quart stockpot is a very useful size for soups, stews and small roasts. It’s well balanced and easy to handle.
PRO: Large, sturdy handles provide a secure grip even with oven mitts.
Multi-Use Pot
A major advantage of a separate slow cooker base is using the same attractive pot on the stovetop, in the base and at the table. The cookware works on gas, electric and induction cooktops because one layer of the cladding is ferritic steel, which makes the pot magnetic and induction-compatible.
This ferritic steel layer is a higher-quality way to ensure induction compatibility compared with cheaper methods that bind magnetic stainless steel to the outside, which can be less durable.
Many slow-cooker recipes require browning meat and vegetables first. With the Hammer Stahl set you can brown and then move the same pot to the slow cooker base, eliminating transfer and extra cleanup. For example, we browned oxtails, then placed the pot on the base to finish the stew with liquid, herbs and vegetables.
We also tested an Asian sweet chili sauce—browning garlic and shallots, adding sweet peppers, fish sauce, tamarind paste and palm sugar, then slow-cooking on the base for an hour. The single-pot workflow is convenient and efficient.
PRO: Only one pot to clean.
Price
The set is expensive. The 5-Quart Stockpot with Slow Cooker Base retails for $429.00. Buying the pot and base together offers a modest discount versus purchasing separately. Given the cookware’s build quality, longevity and the fact it’s made in the USA, we consider the set a worthwhile investment for serious home cooks who value performance and durability.