Your Hamilton Beach 9-in-1 Multi-Cooker just arrived, and dinner chaos ends today. Instead of juggling five different appliances, this single countertop hero sears steaks, slow-cooks chili, and steams vegetables—all while you handle other tasks. The 33065 model’s rectangular 6-quart pot fits a full 6-pound chicken or 4-pound roast, serving 7+ people with zero guesswork. By the time you finish this guide, you’ll know exactly how to use Hamilton Beach multi cooker functions to transform weeknight meals from stressful to seamless.
This isn’t just another slow cooker—it’s your kitchen’s command center. With dedicated buttons for rice, grains, steaming, and roasting, you’ll bypass soggy rice and under-seasoned roasts forever. We’ll skip fluff and dive straight into actionable steps verified with the official Hamilton Beach 33065 manual. Whether you’re prepping Sunday dinner or programming tomorrow’s breakfast, these techniques work immediately.
Unlock All 9 Hamilton Beach Multi Cooker Functions in Minutes
Slow Cook Mode Setup for Hands-Off Meals
Place the nonstick pot on the counter and press SLOW COOK once for HIGH or twice for LOW. The display flashes—use +/- to set time up to 12 hours (e.g., 6 hours for pulled pork). Add ingredients, secure the glass lid, and walk away. When cooking finishes, it auto-switches to WARM for 12 extra hours—no burnt edges or cold leftovers.
Critical detail: Always brown ground beef first using SEAR mode. Sear 2-3 minutes per side until golden, then switch to slow cook mode. This locks in flavor for chili that tastes simmered all day. Never add cold meat directly to slow cook mode—it steams instead of searing.
Sear, Brown & Sauté Techniques for Restaurant-Grade Results
Remove the nonstick pot and place it directly on your stovetop for maximum sear power, or use the built-in function. Press SEAR/BROWN/SAUTÉ and wait 3-4 minutes until the display stops flashing. Heat 1-2 tbsp oil until shimmering (not smoking), then add meat. For chicken breasts or roasts, sear 2-3 minutes per side until deeply browned. The rectangular pot accommodates four large chicken breasts without crowding.
Common mistake: Adding meat too early cools the oil, causing gray, steamed meat. Wait until oil shimmers slightly—this takes 30 seconds after the display stops flashing. If food sticks during searing, lower the heat; the nonstick surface works best at medium-high, not maximum.
Perfect Roasting Method for Juicy 6-Pound Chicken
Insert the roasting rack into the pot. Season a 6-pound chicken and place it breast-up on the rack. Press ROAST, set time up to 3 hours (2.5 hours for chicken), and select temperature (325°F for poultry). The glass lid lets you monitor without heat loss. When the timer beeps, it switches to WARM—ideal for holding dinner while guests arrive.
Hamilton Beach Multi Cooker First Use: 3 Steps to Your First Meal
Essential Setup Before Cooking
Unbox the unit and wash the nonstick pot, glass lid, and roasting rack in warm soapy water. Place the base on a heat-resistant surface with 6 inches clearance on all sides. Insert the pot until it clicks into place—this ensures proper electrical contact. Plug in the unit; the display lights briefly, then shows “00:00.” Never operate the base without the pot seated.
Quick Functionality Test (30 Seconds)
Press each function button once to cycle through modes: SLOW COOK → SEAR → RICE. The display changes confirm all functions work. This prevents mid-recipe surprises like unresponsive buttons. If any mode doesn’t activate, unplug, reseat the pot firmly, and retry.
Program Delay Start for Rice, Grain & Steam Cooking
Perfect Rice Timing for Busy Schedules
Add rice and water to the pot before leaving home. Press RICE, then DELAY START. Use +/- to set delay time (1-12 hours). The cooker waits, then automatically starts so rice finishes exactly when you arrive. Example: Leave at 8 AM, want rice ready at 6 PM? Set an 11-hour delay.
Pro tip: For risotto (using GRAIN mode), add broth last to prevent overflow during delay start. The rectangular pot holds 6 quarts—ideal for large batches.
Steaming Schedule for Fresh Vegetables on Arrival
Prep broccoli or fish in the steamer rack, add 1 cup water below, and press STEAM. Set DELAY START for 2-4 hours. When you walk in, vibrant steamed veggies await—never overcooked mush. The delay function works identically for GRAIN mode for quinoa or barley.
Daily Cleaning Routine for Hamilton Beach Multi Cooker
Post-Meal Cleanup in 5 Minutes
Unplug and let the unit cool completely—never immerse the base in water. Lift the nonstick pot using cool-touch handles. All removable parts (pot, lid, rack) are dishwasher safe: place pot on top rack, lid and rack anywhere. For stuck-on food, soak the pot 15 minutes in warm water; the nonstick coating releases residue effortlessly.
Quick tip: Wipe the stainless steel exterior with a microfiber cloth while slightly warm to prevent water spots and fingerprints. Never use abrasive cleaners—they scratch the finish.
Monthly Deep Cleaning to Prevent Malfunctions
Unplug and cool the unit. Wipe the heating element surface (visible when pot is removed) with a damp cloth. Check for food splatters under the rim—use a soft sponge for stubborn spots. Replace the glass lid ($51.99) if the silicone seal cracks, causing steam leaks during slow cooking.
Fix Hamilton Beach Multi Cooker Display and Sticking Food
Display Not Responding: 3 Fixes That Work
First, test the outlet with another appliance. If dark, ensure the power cord clicks firmly into the base. Most failures happen when the pot isn’t seated—lift and reinsert until you hear a click. If issues persist, unplug for 5 minutes to reset the control panel.
Food Sticks to Pot: Nonstick Rescue Plan
Lower the sear temperature—maximum heat damages the coating. Use medium-high heat and add 1-2 tbsp oil before meat. If sticking continues, the pot may need replacement ($27.99). Never use metal utensils; they scratch the surface. For immediate fixes, deglaze with broth after searing.
Steam Escaping During Slow Cook Mode
Check if the glass lid sits flat—dishwasher heat can warp it. Inspect the silicone seal around the rim; replace the entire lid ($51.99) if cracked. Always ensure the lid handle aligns with the pot handle for a tight seal.
Cook 7+ Servings: Hamilton Beach Multi Cooker Party Meals
Sunday Meal Prep for 5 Days of Dinners
Sunday: Roast a 6-pound chicken on the rack with potatoes below. Shred leftovers for Monday’s tacos. Tuesday: Slow-cook chili using the full 6-quart capacity. Thursday: Steam a week’s vegetables in the rack—the rectangular pot fits 30% more than round cookers. The WARM mode holds food safely for 12 hours.
Holiday Dinner for 10+ Guests
Cook a 4-pound roast with carrots and parsnips in the rectangular pot—everything fits without crowding. Use ROAST mode at 375°F for 2.5 hours. When done, switch to WARM to hold temperature while guests arrive. The glass lid lets everyone admire the meal without lifting and releasing heat.
Avoid Hamilton Beach Multi Cooker Problems: Storage and Parts
Storage Best Practices for Longevity
Store with the lid inverted to prevent odor absorption. Wrap the power cord loosely around the base—tight loops damage internal wires. Place the roasting rack inside the pot with a paper towel between to avoid scratches. Never stack heavy items on top.
Part Replacement Guide for Quick Fixes
Order genuine Hamilton Beach parts:
– Steamer/roasting rack: $8.99 (ships in 2-3 days)
– Nonstick pot: $27.99 (replace when coating scratches)
– Glass lid: $51.99 (critical for steam retention)
The pot lasts 3-5 years with proper care—avoid dishwasher use for the lid seal to extend its life.
Your Hamilton Beach multi cooker transforms from countertop appliance to complete kitchen command center. Start with slow-cook chili this weekend using the exact steps above. By month three, you’ll delay-start rice while searing tomorrow’s roast—all without breaking a sweat. Remember: always sear before slow cooking, use the rack for roasting, and clean the heating element monthly. These small actions prevent 90% of user issues. Now program your first meal—the display is waiting.
