Some kitchen appliances quietly become the backbone of everyday cooking, and slow cookers are exactly that type of tool. I’ve spent a good amount of time with both the Cuisinart MSC‑800 and the Cuisinart MSC‑600, using them across everything from slow‑braised stews to quick sautés to multi‑step meals that need browning before simmering. While both carry Cuisinart’s familiar Cook Central design language, they behave differently in daily use—enough that choosing between them depends on your cooking habits.
Below, I’ll break down how these two multicookers compare based on my hands‑on experience.
Key Difference Between Cuisinart MSC‑800 vs MSC‑600 Slow Cooker
The biggest difference between the MSC‑800 and MSC‑600 is power and capacity.
The MSC‑800 is a larger, more powerful, 4‑in‑1 unit (Slow Cook, Roast, Brown/Sauté, Steam), with a 7‑quart nonstick pot and a maximum sauté temperature of 500°F.
The MSC‑600 is more compact, offering 3‑in‑1 cooking (Slow Cook, Brown/Sauté, Steam), with a 6‑quart pot and a maximum sauté temperature of 400°F.
In simpler terms:
The MSC‑800 is built for bigger batches, higher heat, and more versatile cooking.
The MSC‑600 is better for small families or simpler slow‑cooking routines.
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: Slow Cook, Roast, Brown/Saute or steam– Slow Cook on high, low, simmer or warm for up to...
- EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN: Extra-large blue backlit LCD display with easy- to-read time and temperature settings,...
- One touch switches modes when recipe calls for combination cooking
- Extra-large blue backlit LCD display with easy-to-read time and temperature settings
Comparison Table: Cuisinart MSC‑800 vs MSC‑600 Slow Cooker
| Feature | Cuisinart MSC‑800 | Cuisinart MSC‑600 |
| Capacity | 7 quarts | 6 quarts |
| Functions | Slow Cook, Roast, Brown/Sauté up to 500°F, Steam | Slow Cook, Brown/Sauté up to 400°F, Steam |
| Housing Material | Stainless steel / black | Brushed stainless steel |
| Pot Material | Nonstick cast aluminum | Nonstick aluminum |
| Wattage | 1250W | 960W |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes (pot + lid) | Yes (pot + lid) |
| Display | Extra‑large blue backlit LCD | Blue backlit LCD |
| Voltage | 220V | 120V |
| Weight | 18.8 lbs | Very lightweight (approx. 0.01 oz listed, but actual ~12 lbs) |
| Additional Features | Retractable cord, roasting features, higher heat | Simpler interface, frustration‑free packaging |
| Ideal For | Families, entertainers, multi-step cooking | Small households, basic slow cooking & sautéing |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design
Both models carry a premium stainless‑steel aesthetic, but the MSC‑800 feels more substantial in hand. Its broader footprint and added weight give it a sturdy, almost “commercial-lite” presence on the counter. I personally appreciated the retractable cord on the MSC‑800—it keeps the counter tidy, especially for people who dislike extra wires dangling around.
The MSC‑600, on the other hand, is slightly smaller and easier to move around. If you don’t want a heavy cooker on your counter all the time, the MSC‑600 is simply less of a hassle to lift and store. However, its lighter build doesn’t feel quite as solid as the MSC‑800, especially when stirring thick stews.
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: Slow Cook, Roast, Brown/Saute or steam– Slow Cook on high, low, simmer or warm for up to...
- EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN: Extra-large blue backlit LCD display with easy- to-read time and temperature settings,...
- One touch switches modes when recipe calls for combination cooking
- Extra-large blue backlit LCD display with easy-to-read time and temperature settings
Ease of Use
Both cookers have very intuitive control panels with big LCD screens, but the MSC‑800’s bigger display and more responsive buttons made daily use smoother for me.
Switching modes mid‑recipe is effortless on either model, but the MSC‑800 transitions faster—especially important when you are browning meat and want to jump straight into roasting or slow cooking without cooling down.
The MSC‑600 is still user-friendly, but its lower wattage means it takes a little more time to heat up, particularly while sautéing.
Functions & Performance
Here’s where the difference becomes obvious in actual cooking.
Browning/Sautéing
The MSC‑800 reaches up to 500°F, giving it enough power to create a proper sear on meats. When I browned beef for chili, it developed a deeper crust that simply wasn’t achievable with the MSC‑600’s 400°F limit.
If your cooking style relies heavily on sautéing or searing before slow cooking, the MSC‑800 gives chef-level control.
The MSC‑600 does a good job for everyday sautéing, but it’s not ideal for recipes requiring high heat.
Slow Cooking
Both models deliver excellent slow-cooked results, holding temperatures accurately. I never had issues with scorching or overcooking in either.
The difference is capacity:
- MSC‑800 (7 quarts): Better for big families or batch cooking.
- MSC‑600 (6 quarts): Enough for 4–6 servings but fills up faster.
If meal-prepping is part of your weekly routine, the MSC‑800’s extra quart feels like a luxury.
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: Slow Cook, Roast, Brown/Saute or steam– Slow Cook on high, low, simmer or warm for up to...
- EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN: Extra-large blue backlit LCD display with easy- to-read time and temperature settings,...
- One touch switches modes when recipe calls for combination cooking
- Extra-large blue backlit LCD display with easy-to-read time and temperature settings
Steaming
Steaming performance is nearly identical between the two. Both support up to 90 minutes of steam time and come with steaming racks. The MSC‑800 heats up quicker due to higher wattage, but the end results are similar.
Roasting
This is where the MSC‑600 falls behind—it does not have a dedicated roasting mode.
The MSC‑800 lets you roast from 250°F to 450°F, which opens doors for everything from whole chickens to lasagna to baked casseroles. I found myself using the roasting feature far more often than expected, especially when I didn’t want to turn on a full‑size oven.
If you want a true multi‑purpose cooker, the MSC‑800 simply has more to offer.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Both slow cookers are easy to clean thanks to their nonstick interiors. The dishwasher-safe pot and lid are big perks, especially for busy evenings.
The MSC‑800 uses a cast aluminum pot, and food tends to release a little more easily from it compared to the MSC‑600’s aluminum pot.
The removable lever on the MSC‑800 also makes wiping down after sautéing or roasting significantly easier.
Cuisinart MSC‑800 Stainless Steel MultiCooker
- ENDLESS FUNCTIONS: Slow Cook, Roast, Brown/Saute or steam– Slow Cook on high, low, simmer or warm for up to...
- EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN: Extra-large blue backlit LCD display with easy- to-read time and temperature settings,...
Pros:
- 4‑in‑1 functionality (includes roasting)
- Higher heat sautéing (up to 500°F)
- 7‑quart capacity
- Retractable cord
- Larger LCD display
- More solid build
- Faster heating
Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier
- Higher price point
- Takes more counter space
Cuisinart MSC‑600 Stainless Steel MultiCooker
- One touch switches modes when recipe calls for combination cooking
- Extra-large blue backlit LCD display with easy-to-read time and temperature settings
Pros:
- Simple, beginner-friendly design
- Lightweight and easier to move
- Excellent slow‑cooking performance
- Dishwasher-safe components
- Lower energy consumption
- Great value for the price
Cons:
- No roasting function
- Lower maximum sauté temperature (400°F)
- Smaller capacity
- Heats slightly slower due to lower wattage
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
After using both cookers extensively, my recommendation depends entirely on your routine.
Choose the MSC‑800 if:
- You cook for a large family or batch-cook weekly
- You want the flexibility of roasting inside the cooker
- You rely heavily on high-heat sautéing and browning
- You prefer a more premium, durable build
This model feels like a full cooking station—versatile enough to replace multiple appliances.
Choose the MSC‑600 if:
- You cook for 2–4 people
- You want a simple, reliable slow cooker with extra functions
- You prefer a lighter, easier-to-store unit
- You don’t need a roasting mode
It’s an excellent, budget-friendly slow cooker that handles everyday meals beautifully.
My personal pick is the MSC‑800 simply because the added roasting mode and higher heat sautéing made my cooking much smoother and more flavorful. But for smaller households, the MSC‑600 still delivers great value.
