Best Slow Cookers

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Slow cookers are a convenient kitchen staple, perfect for anyone looking to simplify meal prep. By cooking food at a low temperature over an extended period, they allow flavors to meld and help tenderize tough cuts of meat. Ideal for busy people, slow cookers let you start cooking in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat meal. Available in various sizes and with different features, some models offer basic controls, while others include advanced settings like timers and adjustable temperatures. Whether you’re making soups, stews, roasts, or desserts, choosing the right slow cooker depends on your cooking needs and the amount of food you plan to make. We tested several models to find the best slow cookers for different preferences and kitchens.

  • Crock-Pot 7-Quart Manual Slow Cooker

    10

    We think this slow cooker is a great choice for big families or anyone who likes to meal prep.

    10

    We think this slow cooker is a great choice for big families or anyone who likes to meal prep.

    Pros

    • Huge 7-quart capacity
    • Simple, user-friendly controls
    • Versatile stoneware insert

    Cons

    • No indicator light
    • Manual controls only
    • Might be too big for small kitchens

    We’ve used this Crock-Pot for a while now, and it’s become a kitchen staple. The 7-quart size is perfect for cooking large meals. We’ve made everything from roasts to soups with great results.

    The controls are basic but effective. There’s no fancy digital display, just a knob with low, high, and warm settings. It’s easy to use, but we do wish it had an indicator light to show when it’s on.

    We love how versatile this slow cooker is. The stoneware insert can go in the oven or microwave, which adds to its usefulness. Clean-up is a breeze too, as both the insert and lid are dishwasher safe.

    Sale
    Crock-Pot 7-Quart Manual Slow Cooker
    • Generous Capacity: 7-quart slow cooker that comfortably serves 9+ people or fits a 7-pound roast
  • Crock-Pot 8-Quart Digital Slow Cooker

    9.7

    We think this Crock-Pot is a solid choice for large families or frequent entertainers who need a spacious, programmable slow cooker.

    9.7

    We think this Crock-Pot is a solid choice for large families or frequent entertainers who need a spacious, programmable slow cooker.

    Pros

    • Huge 8-quart capacity
    • User-friendly digital controls
    • Auto-warm function

    Cons

    • Exterior gets hot during use
    • Bulky size for storage
    • Higher price point

    We’ve put this Crock-Pot through its paces, and it’s clear why it’s a popular choice. The 8-quart capacity is a game-changer for big batches. We easily fit a 10-pound chicken with room to spare. It’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

    The digital timer is a nice upgrade from older models. We set it and forgot it, coming home to perfectly cooked meals. The auto-warm feature kept our food at the right temperature until we were ready to eat. No more overcooked disasters!

    Cleanup was a breeze thanks to the removable stoneware insert. We popped it right into the dishwasher. The black stainless finish looked sleek in our kitchen and wiped clean easily.

    One downside we noticed was how hot the exterior gets. You’ll want to keep kids and pets away while it’s running. It’s also quite large, so storage might be tricky in smaller kitchens. The price is higher than basic models, but we think the extra features are worth it for serious slow cookers.

    Sale
    Crock-Pot 8-Quart Digital Slow Cooker
    • Cooking Capacity: Prepares food for over 10 people, making it a holiday dinner hosting essential
  • Crock-Pot Digital Cook & Carry

    9.5

    We think this Crock-Pot is a great buy for anyone who loves easy, portable cooking.

    9.5

    We think this Crock-Pot is a great buy for anyone who loves easy, portable cooking.

    Pros

    • Easy-to-use digital timer
    • Locking lid for spill-free travel
    • Large 6-quart capacity

    Cons

    • Might be too big for small kitchens
    • Low setting can run hot
    • Ceramic insert is heavy

    We tried out this Crock-Pot and were impressed by its handy features. The digital timer let us set cooking times from 30 minutes to 20 hours. This was great for recipes that needed precise timing.

    The locking lid was a game-changer for us. We took this to a potluck and didn’t worry about spills in the car. The rubber gasket gave an extra tight seal. At the party, the 6-quart size was perfect for feeding a crowd.

    We liked that we could put the stoneware in the oven and microwave. It made it easy to brown meats or melt cheese. Cleaning up was simple too. We just popped the pot and lid in the dishwasher.

    Crock-Pot Digital Cook & Carry
    • Programmable Digital Timer: Control cooking times from 30 minutes up to 20 hours
  • Crock-Pot 7-Qt Programmable Slow Cooker

    9.4

    We think this Crock-Pot is a smart buy for its adjustable cooking times and handy travel features.

    9.4

    We think this Crock-Pot is a smart buy for its adjustable cooking times and handy travel features.

    Pros

    • MyTime technology adapts cooking for perfect results
    • Large 7-quart capacity ideal for families
    • Locking lid prevents spills during transport

    Cons

    • May cook hotter than some older models
    • No 4+ pound setting for very large cuts
    • Digital controls can be tricky at first

    This Crock-Pot won us over with its MyTime feature. We set our desired meal time, and it adjusted the cooking cycle automatically. No more mushy veggies or dried-out meat – everything came out just right.

    The 7-quart size is great for big batches. We made a whole chicken with veggies, and there was plenty of room. Clean-up was a breeze too, since both the pot and lid are dishwasher-safe.

    We loved the locking lid for potlucks. The handles made it easy to carry, and we didn’t worry about spills in the car. The sleek stainless steel look fits in any kitchen. While it took us a bit to get used to the controls, we soon found them simple to use.

    Sale
    Crock-Pot 7-Qt Programmable Slow Cooker
    • Personalized Cooking: MyTime adjusts the cooking cycle so your meal is ready exactly when you want it
  • GreenLife Healthy Cook Duo

    9.3

    We think the GreenLife Healthy Cook Duo is a great choice for families looking for a versatile and easy-to-use slow cooker.

    9.3

    We think the GreenLife Healthy Cook Duo is a great choice for families looking for a versatile and easy-to-use slow cooker.

    Pros

    • Removable pot for stovetop searing
    • Non-toxic ceramic nonstick coating
    • Large 6-quart capacity

    Cons

    • Pricier than basic models
    • Only 3 temperature settings
    • May cook hotter than some expect

    We tried out the GreenLife Healthy Cook Duo and were impressed by its versatility. The removable pot is a game-changer. We seared meat right on the stove, then popped it back in the base to finish cooking. This extra step added tons of flavor to our meals.

    The non-stick coating worked like a charm. Food didn’t stick at all, and cleanup was a breeze. We just wiped it clean with a sponge most times. When we did put it in the dishwasher, it came out spotless.

    We found the 6-quart size perfect for family meals. We made a big batch of chili that fed six people with leftovers. The digital controls were simple to use, and we liked being able to set a delay timer. This let us start cooking before we got home from work.

    GreenLife Healthy Cook Duo
    • EXTRA LARGE 6QT CAPACITY: This slow cooker's spacious 6-quart pot offers plenty of room for family-sized meals
  • Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Programmable Cooker

    9.1

    We recommend this versatile slow cooker for its flexible programming options and easy-to-use design.

    9.1

    We recommend this versatile slow cooker for its flexible programming options and easy-to-use design.

    Pros

    • Multiple cooking times and temperatures
    • Automatically switches to warm when done
    • Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning

    Cons

    • Might be too small for large families
    • Digital display can be hard to read in low light
    • Some users report uneven heating

    We found the Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Programmable Cooker to be a solid choice for small households. Its 15 programmable options let us mix and match heat settings with cooking times. We liked being able to set it and forget it – once the cooking time was up, it switched to warm on its own.

    The 4-quart capacity was perfect for cooking a whole chicken or a small roast. We made tasty meals for 3-4 people with ease. The oval shape fit most cuts of meat well, and we even baked a lasagna in it.

    Cleaning up was a breeze. We just popped the stoneware crock and glass lid in the dishwasher. The touchpad wiped clean with a damp cloth. We appreciated the full-grip handles when moving the cooker, though it was a bit heavy when full.

    Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Programmable Cooker
    • VERSATILE COOKING WITH 15 PROGRAMMABLE OPTIONS: Mix and match warm, low or high heat settings with your choice of 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 hours of cooking time.
  • Hamilton Beach 10-Quart Slow Cooker

    9

    We think this large-capacity slow cooker is a great choice for big families or those who love to entertain.

    9

    We think this large-capacity slow cooker is a great choice for big families or those who love to entertain.

    Pros

    • Huge 10-quart capacity
    • Locking lid for easy transport
    • Simple, intuitive controls

    Cons

    • Quite heavy when full
    • Takes up a lot of counter space
    • May be too big for smaller households

    We’ve put this Hamilton Beach slow cooker through its paces, and it really shines when cooking for a crowd. The 10-quart capacity is perfect for big batches of chili, soup, or even a whole turkey. We loved how easy it was to use – just turn the dial to low, high, or warm and let it do its thing.

    The locking lid is a game-changer for potlucks. We took it to a family gathering with a big batch of pulled pork, and there were no spills on the ride over. Clean-up was a breeze too, since both the crock and lid can go in the dishwasher.

    One thing to keep in mind is that this slow cooker is pretty hefty. When it’s full of food, it can be a challenge to move around. It also takes up a good chunk of counter space. But if you’ve got the room and need to feed a crowd, we think this Hamilton Beach model is hard to beat.

    Hamilton Beach 10-Quart Slow Cooker
    • PERFECT FOR A LARGE GATHERING: The 10 quart slow cooker lets you cook enough food for a gathering of 12 or more people and fits a 10 lb. turkey or a 12 lb. roast.
  • Crock-Pot 2-Quart Mini

    8.7

    We think this compact slow cooker is a great choice for small households or dorm rooms.

    8.7

    We think this compact slow cooker is a great choice for small households or dorm rooms.

    Pros

    • Perfect size for 1-2 people
    • Simple, easy-to-use controls
    • Dishwasher-safe parts

    Cons

    • Limited capacity for larger meals
    • No programmable timer
    • Only basic heat settings

    We recently tested the Crock-Pot 2-Quart Mini slow cooker and found it to be a handy little appliance. Its compact size is ideal for small kitchens or cooking for one or two people. We easily fit a small pot roast inside, which came out tender and flavorful after a few hours on low.

    The controls couldn’t be simpler – just turn the dial to low, high, or warm. We liked using the warm setting to keep our spinach artichoke dip at the perfect temperature during a game night. Clean-up was a breeze too, as both the stoneware insert and glass lid are dishwasher-safe.

    One thing to note is that this model lacks some fancier features found on larger slow cookers. There’s no timer or digital display, so you’ll need to keep an eye on cooking times yourself. But for basic slow cooking tasks, we found this little Crock-Pot got the job done nicely. It’s a solid pick if you want an affordable, no-frills slow cooker for smaller portions.

    Crock-Pot 2-Quart Mini
    • 3 Manual Heat Settings: Choose from high, low, and warm, for cooking flexibility no matter what you're making
  • Instant Superior Cooker

    8.7

    We think this versatile 4-in-1 cooker is a great choice for busy families who want to simplify meal prep.

    8.7

    We think this versatile 4-in-1 cooker is a great choice for busy families who want to simplify meal prep.

    Pros

    • Large 7.5-quart capacity
    • Sears and slow cooks in one pot
    • Easy to clean non-stick insert

    Cons

    • Coating may show wear quickly
    • Takes up counter space
    • Learning curve for multiple functions

    We tested the Instant Superior Cooker and found it to be a handy kitchen helper. Its 7.5-quart capacity let us make big batches of chili and stew with ease. We liked that we could brown meat right in the pot before slow cooking, saving us from dirtying extra pans.

    The cooker felt light when we moved it, thanks to its aluminum insert. We had no trouble carrying it from the counter to the table for serving. The glass lid let us check on food without losing heat. When we were done, cleanup was a breeze – everything went straight into the dishwasher.

    We noticed the non-stick coating showed some signs of wear after just a few uses. While this didn’t affect cooking, it was a bit disappointing. The unit also takes up a fair amount of space, so it might not be ideal for small kitchens. There’s a bit of a learning curve to master all the functions, but we found the controls to be pretty user-friendly once we got the hang of it.

    Sale
    Instant Superior Cooker
    • 4-IN-1 FUNCTIONS: slow cook, sear/sauté, steam and warm
  • Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker

    8.6

    We think this slow cooker is a solid choice for most home cooks due to its simplicity and large capacity.

    8.6

    We think this slow cooker is a solid choice for most home cooks due to its simplicity and large capacity.

    Pros

    • Big enough for family meals
    • Easy to use and clean
    • Affordable price

    Cons

    • Basic features only
    • Exterior gets hot
    • No timer function

    We’ve been using this Hamilton Beach slow cooker for a few weeks now, and it’s become a go-to for easy weeknight dinners. The 6-quart size is perfect for making big batches of chili or soup that last us several days. We love how simple it is to use – just toss in the ingredients, turn the dial, and let it do its thing.

    The removable stoneware insert is heavy and well-made. It cleans up easily in the dishwasher, which we really like. We’ve made everything from pot roast to pulled pork, and the results have been tasty and tender every time.

    One downside is that it lacks fancy features like a timer or smartphone control. But for the price, we can’t complain too much. The exterior does get pretty hot while cooking, so you need to be careful. All in all, this slow cooker gets the job done without any fuss. It’s a good basic model that we think most people will be happy with.

    Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker
    • PERFECT FOR FAMILY MEALS AND ENTERTAINING: The slow cooker has a large 6 quart stoneware crock that holds enough to serve 7+ people. It will fit a whole 6 lb. chicken, a 4 lb. roast or enough barbecue to make up to 25 sliders

Buying Guide

When shopping for a slow cooker, there are several key factors to consider. We’ve put together this guide to help you choose the best one for your needs.

Size and Capacity

Slow cookers come in various sizes. Think about how many people you usually cook for:

  • 1-3 quarts: Good for 1-2 people or small families
  • 4-5 quarts: Ideal for families of 3-4
  • 6-7 quarts: Great for larger families or batch cooking

Features to Look For

Here are some useful features to keep in mind:

  • Programmable timer
  • Keep warm function
  • Removable insert for easy cleaning
  • Locking lid for transport
  • Multiple heat settings

Materials

The cooking insert material can affect performance and ease of use:

Material Pros Cons
Ceramic Even heating, affordable Heavy, can break if dropped
Metal Lightweight, durable May not retain heat as well

Shape

Oval slow cookers are versatile and can fit oddly shaped cuts of meat. Round ones are compact and good for soups and stews.

We recommend choosing a slow cooker that fits your cooking habits and kitchen space. Don’t forget to check the warranty and read user reviews before making your final decision.