Comparison: Best Slow Cooker For Pot Roast (Updated | Dec 9th)
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a tender pot roast simmering away all day, filling your home with anticipation. But achieving that fall-apart perfection starts with choosing the right slow cooker. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just beginning your culinary journey, the perfect slow cooker can transform a tough cut of meat into a mouthwatering masterpiece. We’ve tested and compared the top models to help you find the **best slow cooker for pot roast**, ensuring your next family dinner is nothing short of spectacular.
- Best for pot roast flavor: McCormick Slow Cooker Savory Pot Roast Seasoning Mix
- Best for classic large capacity: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for multi-function cooking: Instant Pot Superior Cooker 7.5QT Slow Cooker and Multicooker
- Best for seasoning value pack: Orrington Farms Slow Cookers Seasoning Mix
- Best for effortless cleanup: Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners
- Best for versatile searing cooker: Hamilton Beach 6 Quart 9-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker with Sear
- Best for ultimate multi-cooker: Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS | 8.5-qt – Sous Vide & Proof Multi-Cooker | Slow Cooker
- Best for flavor seasoning pack: McCormick Slow Cooker Savory Pot Roast Seasoning Mix
- Best for bulk roast seasoning: Orrington Farms Slow Cookers Pot Roast Seasoning
- Best for extra large gatherings: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker
Product Comparison: Best Slow Cooker For Pot Roast
McCormick Slow Cooker Savory Pot Roast Seasoning Mix, 1.3 oz
- HOMEMADE FLAVOR: Make homestyle pot roast with McCormick Slow Cooker Savory Pot Roast Seasoning Mix in your slow cooker or electric pressure cooker.
- OLD-FASHIONED FLAVOR: Satisfy your craving for old-fashioned comfort food with rich, flavorful pot roast. Made with onion, garlic, herbs, and spices.
- 10 MINUTES PREP: Trim a boneless chuck roast and chop up your choice of veggies like carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes. Combine with seasoning mix and water in a slow cooker or electric pressure cooker and simmer until tender.
- MAKES 10 SERVINGS: Perfect for a weeknight dinner with leftovers for casseroles, sandwiches, pasta, and soup. Also great for weekend meal prep and for cozy fall and winter get-togethers.
- PANTRY CONVENIENCE: Add convenience and variety to dinnertime with McCormick Seasoning Mixes. Try other tasty flavors such as Mississippi Roast and Hearty Beef Stew in your slow cooker or electric pressure cooker.
- No MSG
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining
- Generous Capacity: 7-quart slow cooker that comfortably serves 9+ people or fits a 7-pound roast
- Cooking Flexibility: High or low slow cooking settings, with convenient warm function for ideal serving temperature
- Convenient: Set it and forget it feature enables you to cook while at work or performing daily tasks
- Minimal Clean-Up: One-pot cooking reduces dishes; lid and removable stoneware are dishwasher safe
- Versatile: Removable stoneware insert can be used in the microwave or an oven up to 400°F
- Stylish: Stainless steel exterior with black accents and practical plastic handles
- Economical & Healthy: Provides a cost-efficient way to prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals
Instant Pot Superior Cooker 7.5QT Slow Cooker and Multicooker, 4-in-1 Functions, Sears/Sauté, Slow Cooks/Roast, Steams and Warms, From The Makers of Instant Pot
- 4 Cooking Functions: Slow cook, sauté, steam, and warm all in one compact appliance. Sear using the sauté function to lock in flavor before slow cooking, then reduce sauces afterward for rich, delicious results—all without switching pots
- Versatile & Lightweight: The aluminum inner pot is 80% lighter than ceramic pots of comparable size, making it easy to handle from prep to cleanup
- Family-Sized Capacity: With a 7.5-quart capacity and a deep skillet design, it offers more cooking area than a 12″ skillet—ideal for families, gatherings, meal prep, and batch cooking
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The non-stick ceramic-coated aluminum pot, dishwasher-safe glass lid and silicone accessories make washing up effortless
- Power-Packed Performance: 800 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
- Proven Peace of Mind: Includes overheat protection and stay-cool knobs and handles on the cooker base for worry-free cooking and carrying.
- A Little Extra: Includes a silicone storage lid for leftovers and an easy-lift steam sling for veggies, eggs, and more
Orrington Farms Slow Cookers Seasoning Mix, 2.5 Oz, Tender Pot Roast, 30 Oz (Pack of 12)
- Value Pack of 12; each pouch makes approx. 8 servings
- Made with premium ingredients including sea salt, onion, beef stock, pepper and garlic
- Make dinner easy with our slow cooker seasonings, perfect for any family meal
- Gluten Free; No Artificial Flavors; No Artificial Colors
- For Tender Pot Roast 1 1/2 cups water 1 pouch Orrington Farms Tender Pot Roast Seasoning 3-4 lbs chuck roast** 1 medium onion, chopped 2 medium celery stalks, chopped 2 cups baby carrots 3 large potatoes, chopped MIX water with 1 pouch Tender Pot Roast Seasoning in a small bowl until completely combined. PLACE meat and vegetables in slowcooker; pour sauce over. COVER and COOK on low 8 hours or on high 4 hours until beef is tender. Remove beef and slice. **Follow safe handling practices and cook meat thoroughly.
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
- SLOW COOKER LINERS: This package contains six Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, each measuring 13 x 21 inches to fit 3- to 8-quart round and oval slow cookers
- EASY CLEANUP: These strong, reliable slow cooker bags shorten your slow cooker cleanup to eight seconds or less, guaranteed
- NO SOAKING OR SCRUBBING: Line your slow cooker with these slow cooker bags to prevent stubborn, stuck-on messes
- BPA-FREE & SAFE FOR HIGH TEMPS: Each slow cooker bag is made with a BPA-free nylon-blend construction that’s safe for low, medium & high settings
- MAKE MEALS EASY: Use a Reynolds slow cooker liner next time you make chili, pulled pork, pot roasts, soups & more to spend less time scrubbing & more time with your loved ones
Hamilton Beach 6 Quart 9-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker with Sear, Browning, Rice, Steam, Sauté, Roast Delay Start & Keep Warm Functions, Nonstick PFAS-Free Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33604)
- 9 COOKING OPTIONS: Cook multiple ways with one versatile appliance. As a slow cooker, choose high or low heat, or select white rice or whole grain to use as a rice cooker. You can also sear, brown, sauté, roast, steam or keep food warm.
- SEAR OR BROWN RIGHT IN THE POT: Sear or brown right in the ceramic nonstick pot — no stovetop necessary. Improve the color and flavor of every dish you make in this searing slow cooker by searing or browning before you roast or slow cook foods.
- SLOW COOK ONE-POT MEALS, SIDE DISHES, APPETIZERS AND DESSERTS: With our versatile slow cooker, you can make and serve everything from lasagna, meatballs and macaroni and cheese, to fruit cobblers and cakes. Choose low or high heat settings .
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY GATHERINGS AND ENTERTAINING: The Hamilton Beach slow cooker has a removable, 6 quart rectangular pot that fits a variety of foods. It will hold a 6 lb. chicken, 4 lb. roast or enough barbecue to make up to 25 sliders. Serves 7+ people.
- DELAY START FUNCTION FOR RICE, WHOLE GRAINS and STEAM: Delay start adds to this multi-cooker’s convenience and makes meal planning easier. You can set the delay cooking time from 1 to 15 hours to begin cooking rice or grains or steaming food while you are away from home or busy with other tasks.
- Thoughtfully Designed with Easy-Touch Controls The easy touch controls are intuitive to use. You can set your own time and temperature for most programs.
- The time counts down on the screen, so you can track the remaining cook time and know when food is ready. When food is ready, the slow cooker automatically switches to warm. Simply wipe the control panel to keep clean.
- Easy to Carry This slow cooker has full-grip handles that make it easy to lift and carry.
- Easy to Clean The removable, ceramic nonstick pot is PFAS free. The pot, roasting/steaming rack and glass lid and are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
- Great for roasting meat to the perfect tenderness every time. Place meat on top of the rack in the pot and set roasting time up to 3 hours. The timer countdown begins when the cooking temperature reaches 375°F (190°C), and when food is ready, the searing slow cooker automatically switches to warm.
Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS | 8.5-qt – Sous Vide & Proof Multi-Cooker | Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven & More | Glass Lid & Integrated Spoon | Nonstick | Oven Safe Pot to 500°F | Black | MC1010
- REPLACES 12 COOKING TOOLS & APPLIANCES: This cooker replaces the need for a slow cooker, food warmer, nonstick pot, sauté pan, cast iron skillet, saucier, saucepan, stock pot, Dutch oven, roasting pan, bread maker, and utensil.
- SEAR & SAUTÉ DIRECTLY IN THE POT: Using the bottom heating elements, you are able to sear proteins and sauté vegetables right in the cooking pot—no need to transfer to the stovetop.
- OVEN SAFE TO 500°F: Removable cooking pot is oven safe up to 500°F, so you can finish your meal in the oven for a crispy top.
- PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING: 8.5-quart cooking capacity allows you to make chili for up to 20 people, 9 lbs of spaghetti and meatballs, or enough pulled pork for 30 sliders.
- TRIPLE FUSION HEAT TECHNOLOGY: Cook up to 30% faster* than conventional ovens by combining bottom, side, and steam heat. More heat, more possibilities. *Tested on 6-lb chickens.
- INCLUDED UTENSIL: Multi-functional utensil works as a ladle and pasta fork, plus it has its own utensil rest right in the lid handle.
- 6 COOKING FUNCTIONS: Slow Cook, Sear/Sauté, Keep Warm, Sous Vide, Braise, and Proof.
- EASY CLEANUP: Nonstick pot enables you to quickly wipe away messes and makes for a stress-free cleaning experience. Utensil & glass lid are dishwasher safe. Hand-washing pot recommended to extend its life.
- SAFE & EASY TO USE: Free of PFOA, cadmium, and lead.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: 8.5-Quart Cooking Pot, PossibleCooker Base Unit, Integrated Detachable Spoon-Ladle, Glass Cooking Lid, Chef Curated Recipe Guide.
McCormick Slow Cooker Savory Pot Roast Seasoning Mix, 1.3 oz (Pack of 12)
- Tasty blend of garlic, basil, oregano and other spices to make a savory, slow-simmered pot roast
- No MSG or Artificial Flavors Added*
- Convenient seasoning blend made with McCormick Spices
- RECIPE TIP: Trim beef, chop up potatoes, carrots, celery and onions and combine with seasoning mix and water in slow cooker; stir until blended
- USAGE TIP: Dinner is a breeze with McCormick Slow Cooker: 8 hours on low, 4 hours on high in the slow cooker
Orrington Farms Slow Cookers Pot Roast Seasoning, 2.5 Ounce (Pack of 12)
Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195)
- 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.
- REDUCE SPILLS: The lid clips tightly to the slow cooker handles to reduce messy spills when transporting food. Carry hot meals to family gatherings, potlucks or to serve at the table without worrying about spills.
- COOK FLAVORFUL MEALS WITH MINIMAL EFFORT: This Hamilton Beach slow cooker has simple controls that make it easy for you to create flavorful meals with minimal effort and great results. Just turn the dial. No watching needed.
- MAINTAIN THE IDEAL TEMPERATURE WITH 3 HEAT SETTINGS: Just turn the dial to choose from 3 heat settings. Cook your meal on Low or High, and then switch to Warm when cooking is complete for food that’s warm and ready when it’s time to eat.
- EASY TO CARRY WITH FULL-GRIP HANDLES: The large slow cooker is easy to lift and hold onto when carrying to the table to serve a meal or when taking food to gatherings.
- SIMPLE TO CLEAN: The removable stoneware crock and glass lid are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What size slow cooker should I get for pot roast?
For pot roast, consider a 6-8 quart capacity which can comfortably accommodate a 4-7 pound roast along with vegetables. The Hamilton Beach 6 Quart and Ninja 8.5-qt models are ideal for family meals, while the extra-large 10-quart Hamilton Beach is perfect for gatherings of 12+ people.
What features should I look for in a slow cooker for pot roast?
Look for models with searing capabilities like the Hamilton Beach 9-in-1 or Ninja PossibleCooker PLUS, which allow you to brown meat directly in the pot before slow cooking. Programmable settings, warm functions, and removable, dishwasher-safe components also add convenience to your cooking experience.
How do multi-cookers compare to traditional slow cookers for pot roast?
Multi-cookers like the Instant Pot Superior Cooker and Ninja PossibleCooker PLUS offer more versatility with functions like sautéing, steaming, and even sous vide cooking. Traditional slow cookers like the Crock-Pot 7 Quart are simpler to operate but lack the additional cooking methods that can enhance your pot roast preparation.
Are seasoning mixes worth buying for pot roast?
Seasoning mixes like McCormick Slow Cooker Savory Pot Roast or Orrington Farms Tender Pot Roast provide convenient, balanced flavor combinations with ingredients like onion, garlic, and herbs. They’re particularly useful for beginners or those who want consistent results without measuring multiple spices, though you can create your own blend if you prefer customizing flavors.
How do I make cleanup easier after cooking pot roast?
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners can reduce cleanup time to eight seconds or less by preventing food from sticking to the pot. Alternatively, choose models with removable, dishwasher-safe components like the Instant Pot Superior Cooker with its non-stick ceramic-coated aluminum pot or the Hamilton Beach models with removable stoneware.
What’s the difference between oval and rectangular slow cookers for pot roast?
Oval slow cookers like the Crock-Pot 7 Quart are better suited for larger cuts of meat like roasts as they accommodate the shape more efficiently. Rectangular models like the Hamilton Beach 9-in-1 offer more surface area which can be advantageous when cooking pot roast with lots of vegetables or when you need to sear before slow cooking.
Is it worth paying more for premium slow cooker models?
Premium models like the Ninja PossibleCooker PLUS offer advanced features like Triple Fusion Heat Technology and oven-safe pots up to 500°F, which can significantly improve your pot roast results. However, if you primarily need basic slow cooking functions, more affordable options like the Crock-Pot 7 Quart can still produce excellent pot roast with simpler operation.
How long should I cook a pot roast in a slow cooker?
Most pot roast recipes call for 8 hours on low heat or 4 hours on high heat setting, as recommended by McCormick seasoning mixes. The exact time may vary depending on the size of your roast and the specific model of slow cooker, but these guidelines work well for most 3-5 pound roasts.
Can I use a slow cooker liner with any brand of slow cooker?
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners are designed to fit 3-8 quart round and oval slow cookers from any brand, making them compatible with most models like Crock-Pot, Hamilton Beach, and Instant Pot. Just ensure your slow cooker falls within this size range and avoid using liners with models that have built-in searing functions, as the liner might interfere with direct heat contact.
