Slow cookers are a staple in many kitchens, particularly for those who enjoy preparing meals ahead of time or want to come home to a hot and ready dinner. Slow cookers, also known as crockpots, are designed to cook food at a low temperature over several hours, allowing for flavors to blend and meat to become tender.
When looking for the best slow cooker, there are a few things to keep in mind. One critical aspect is the size of the slow cooker. Slow cookers come in various sizes, ranging from small 1-quart models to large 8-quart models. It’s important to consider how many people you will be cooking for and how much food you typically make.
Another thing to consider is the features of the slow cooker. Some models come with programmable timers, allowing you to set the cooking time and temperature. Others have a keep-warm function, which is ideal for those who want to keep their food warm until they are ready to eat.
We spent countless hours researching and testing various slow cookers to identify the ones that stand out from the rest. In the following sections, we will highlight the top slow cookers on the market and explain why they are worth considering for your kitchen.
Best Slow Cookers
We’ve researched and tested various slow cookers to bring you the best options for your kitchen. Slow cookers are perfect for those who want to prepare a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With the right slow cooker, you can easily cook stews, soups, roasts, and more. In this roundup, we’ve included slow cookers that are easy to use, durable, and offer excellent cooking performance. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, we’ve got you covered. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the best slow cookers on the market.
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
If you’re looking for a slow cooker that can accommodate your large family or guests, then the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker is the way to go. It’s a versatile and convenient way to prepare a meal early and have it slow-cook all day while you carry out your full day’s activities and still enjoy a nutritious, home-cooked meal in the evening.
Pros
- The spacious 7 quart manual slow cooker serves 9 plus people or fits a 7 pounds roast, making it perfect for larger families or entertaining.
- The warm setting keeps food at an ideal serving temperature for as long as you need to, so you don’t have to worry about your meal getting cold.
- The removable oval stoneware and lid are dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean up after cooking.
Cons
- The metal portion is thin and lightweight, so the pot inside of it moves all over the place.
- The lid doesn’t line up right, which can be frustrating.
- There is no indicator light to show that the slow cooker is on.
We’ve been using the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker for a while now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The ceramic, glass, and stainless steel materials make it durable, and the spacious 7 quart capacity allows us to cook large meals for our family or guests. We love that we can set the cooking time to high and get a hot meal in no time, or set it on low and let tonight’s dinner cook while we’re at work. The warm setting is also a great feature that keeps our food at an ideal serving temperature until we’re ready to eat.
The removable oval stoneware and lid are dishwasher safe, so cleaning up after cooking is a breeze. However, the metal portion is thin and lightweight, which can cause the pot inside to move around. Also, the lid doesn’t line up right, which can be frustrating when we’re trying to cook a meal. Lastly, there is no indicator light to show that the slow cooker is on, which can be confusing at times.
Overall, we highly recommend the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker for its spacious capacity, versatile cooking options, and easy-to-clean design.
Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer, Stainless Steel (SCCPVL610-S-A)
If you’re looking for a portable slow cooker that can keep your food warm and secure on the go, the Crock-Pot Programmable Cook & Carry Slow Cooker with Digital Timer might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The secure locking lid and rubber gasket create an airtight seal, preventing spills and messes while you’re on the move.
- The digital panel allows for easy customization of cooking time and temperature, with settings for High, Low, and Warm.
- The 6 quart capacity is perfect for serving large groups, making it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and parties.
Cons
- The plastic handle on the lid may crack over time, so handle with care.
- The seal around the cover may look thin, so it may not last as long as other models.
- The cooking pot may take longer to heat up than other models due to the lower wattage.
We recently used this slow cooker for a family gathering and were impressed with its performance. The locking lid and rubber gasket kept the food secure and prevented any spills or messes during transportation. The digital panel was easy to use, allowing us to customize the cooking time and temperature to our liking. The 6 quart capacity was perfect for serving our large group, and the slow cooker shifted to Warm automatically once the cooking time was complete, keeping our food warm and flavorful.
While we were happy with the overall performance of this slow cooker, we did notice that the plastic handle on the lid felt a bit flimsy and may crack over time. Additionally, the seal around the cover may not last as long as other models, so handle with care. Finally, the cooking pot may take longer to heat up than other models due to the lower wattage.
Overall, we would recommend the Crock-Pot Programmable Cook & Carry Slow Cooker with Digital Timer for anyone looking for a portable slow cooker that can keep their food warm and secure on the go.
Crock-Pot Large 8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
We highly recommend the Crock-Pot Large 8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker for anyone looking for a reliable and spacious slow cooker.
Pros
- The 8-quart capacity can prepare food for 10+ people, making it perfect for family gatherings and parties.
- The digital timer counts down cook time up to 20 hours, and the automatic warming function ensures that your food stays warm even after cooking is done.
- The removable, dishwasher-safe lid and stoneware pot make cleaning up a breeze.
Cons
- In case of a brief power outage or blinking, all the previous settings will be cleared, and a reset is necessary.
- As with any fine ceramic, the stoneware and lid will not withstand sudden temperature changes. Do not wash the stoneware or lid with cold water when they are hot.
- The heat control settings and options could be improved.
We were impressed with the Crock-Pot Slow Cooker’s sleek and modern black stainless steel finish, which is both stylish and easy to maintain. The slow cooker’s 8-quart capacity was more than enough to prepare meals for our large family gatherings, and the digital timer and automatic warming function made cooking a breeze. Cleanup was also a breeze thanks to the removable, dishwasher-safe lid and stoneware pot. However, we did experience some issues with the heat control settings and options, and the stoneware and lid are sensitive to sudden temperature changes. Overall, we highly recommend this slow cooker for anyone looking for a reliable and spacious option.
Crock-Pot MyTime Slow Cooker
If you’re looking for a slow cooker that allows you to customize the precise time of day you want your meal to be served, the Crock-Pot MyTime Slow Cooker is worth considering.
Pros
- The MyTime Technology adjusts the cooking cycle, so food is perfectly done when you need it to be.
- The travel-proof locking lid has a tight seal to prevent leaks and spills while on the go.
- With a 7-quart capacity, it serves 7+ people, making it perfect for the entire family.
Cons
- The automatic function needs refinement, as it doesn’t have a 4+ lbs setting, which may result in undercooked food.
- The instructions on how to use the timer are not intuitive.
- The manual cook option may be confusing for some users.
We recently had the opportunity to try out the Crock-Pot MyTime Slow Cooker, and we were impressed with its sleek, intuitive design. The flat digital countdown control screen lets you easily schedule your desired meal time, monitor meal progress, and manually control your cook time and temperature.
The MyTime Technology features three unique slow cooker settings that help to cook to your time, plus an additional Manual setting. We found it easy to control cook settings on our own with the manual cook option.
The Cook & Carry lid prevents leaks and spills for mess-free travel, which is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. We appreciated that the easy carry handles make lifting and carrying a breeze.
Overall, we recommend the Crock-Pot MyTime Slow Cooker for those who want a slow cooker that adjusts cooking to their exact mealtime. However, keep in mind that the automatic function may need refinement, and the instructions on how to use the timer are not intuitive.
Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO
We highly recommend the Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO for anyone looking to purchase a versatile and efficient slow cooker.
Pros
- Replaces 14 cooking tools and appliances, saving space and money
- Allows for searing and sautéing directly in the pot
- Oven safe up to 500°F, offering more cooking options
Cons
- Confusing process to turn on
- Only has a 6-hour cooking time
- Rack not included for best steam and roast results
This 8-in-1 cooker is perfect for entertaining with its 8.5-quart cooking capacity, allowing you to make large portions of your favorite meals. The Triple Fusion Heat Technology combines bottom, side, and steam heat, cooking up to 30% faster than conventional ovens. We love the multi-functional utensil that works as a ladle and pasta fork, plus it has its own utensil rest right in the lid handle. Cleanup is a breeze with the nonstick pot that enables you to quickly wipe away messes, and the utensil and glass lid are dishwasher safe.
We have used this cooker multiple times a week for a month now and have had no issues with it. It has replaced the need for a slow cooker, steam oven, food warmer, nonstick pot, sauté pan, cast iron skillet, saucier, steamer, saucepan, stock pot, Dutch oven, roasting pan, bread maker, and utensil. However, the process to turn on the cooker can be confusing, and it only has a 6-hour cooking time. Additionally, the rack for best steam and roast results is not included.
Overall, we highly recommend the Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO for anyone in need of a versatile and efficient slow cooker that can replace multiple appliances.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best slow cooker, there are a few things to consider to ensure that you get the right product for your needs. Here are some of the features that you should look for:
Capacity
The first thing to consider is the capacity of the slow cooker. Slow cookers come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small models that hold just a few cups of food, to large models that can hold up to 8 quarts. The size you choose will depend on your needs and how many people you plan to cook for.
Settings
Another important feature to consider is the settings on the slow cooker. Most models come with high, low, and warm settings, but some also have additional settings for cooking specific types of food, such as soups or stews. Look for a slow cooker with settings that match the types of food you plan to cook.
Timer and Delay Start
A timer and delay start feature can be a helpful addition to a slow cooker. A timer allows you to set the cooking time, so you don’t have to worry about overcooking your food. A delay start feature allows you to set the slow cooker to start cooking at a specific time, even if you’re not at home.
Removable Insert
A removable insert makes it easier to clean your slow cooker. Look for a model with a removable insert that is dishwasher safe for even easier cleaning.
Design and Appearance
Finally, consider the design and appearance of the slow cooker. Slow cookers come in a variety of styles, from basic models to more stylish options that can match your kitchen decor. Choose a model that fits your style and preferences.
By considering these features, you can find the best slow cooker for your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, after researching and testing various slow cookers, we have found that the best slow cooker is the Crock-Pot 6-Quart Programmable Cook and Carry Oval Slow Cooker.
This slow cooker stood out from the rest due to its large capacity, programmable settings, and portability. The 6-quart capacity is perfect for cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week. The programmable settings allow for easy customization of cooking times and temperatures, making it easy to cook a variety of dishes. The Cook and Carry feature is also a great addition, making it easy to transport your slow-cooked meals to potlucks, parties, or family gatherings.
Another great option is the Instant Pot Duo Nova 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker. While it is not a traditional slow cooker, it does have a slow cook function and can also be used as a pressure cooker, rice cooker, and more. The versatility of this appliance is a great option for those who want more than just a slow cooker.
Overall, when choosing the best slow cooker, it is important to consider your needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize programmable settings, portability, or versatility, there is a slow cooker out there for you. We hope that our research and testing has helped guide you in making the best decision for your cooking needs.
