Comparison: How To Make The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork (Updated | Dec 9th)
Ready to become the pitmaster of your kitchen? From selecting the perfect cut of meat to mastering that finger-licking sauce, we’ve uncovered the secrets that transform ordinary pork into fall-apart, flavor-packed perfection. Whether you’re a slow cooker newbie or a seasoned pro, our guide will help you create pulled pork that’ll have friends and family begging for your secret recipe.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for classic bbq blend: Sauer’s BBQ Pulled Pork Slow Cookers
- Best for texas-style flavor: McCormick Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Seasoning Mix
- Best for family-size bbq mix: Orrington Farms Pork Roast Slow Cookers Seasoning
- Best for braising techniques guide: How to Braise Everything: Classic
- Best for mess-free cooking: Regency Wraps Slow Cooker Saver
- Best for versatile cooking master: Hamilton Beach 6 Quart 9-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker with Sear
- Best for bbq artistry guide: Low & Slow: Master the Art of Barbecue in 5 Easy Lessons
- Best for precision cooking pro: BLACK+DECKER 7-Quart Digital Slow Cooker
- Best for sous vide perfection: Crockpot Programmable 7-Quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker with Sous Vide Stainless Steel
- Best for healthy ceramic choice: GreenLife 6QT Slow Cooker
Product Comparison: How To Make The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Classic BBQ Blend
Sauer’s BBQ Pulled Pork Slow Cookers, 1.60 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Sauer’s
- Convenient seasoning blend crafted by Sauer’s
- See ingredients for instructions
- 1.6 ounce packet of Sauer’s BBQ Pulled Pork Slow Cooker Mix
- No Artificial Flavors
- Since 1887 Sauer’s was the first company to make pure flavoring extracts available to home cooks in grocery stores and by 1927 Sauer’s grew to be the largest producer of extract and spices in the nation.
Texas-Style Flavor
McCormick Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Seasoning Mix, 1.6 oz (Pack of 12)
McCormick
- Sweet and tangy blend of brown sugar, garlic and chili pepper; authentic Texas-inspired flavor
- Convenient seasoning blend made with McCormick Spices
- USAGE TIP: Dinner is a breeze with McCormick Slow Cooker: 8 hours on low, 4 hours on high in the slow cooker
- USAGE TIP: Meal is ready in approximately 60 minutes in your Instant Pot
- For a savory slow cooker meal, just add 1 seasoning mix packet per 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder
Family-Size BBQ Mix
Orrington Farms Pork Roast Slow Cookers Seasoning, BBQ, 2.5 oz Packet (Pack of 12)
ORRINGTON FARMS
- Pack of 12; Each pouch makes approx. 8 servings
- Made with premium ingredients including sea salt, paprika, pepper, onion and garlic
- Make dinner easy with our slow cooker seasonings, perfect for any family meal
- Gluten Free; No Artificial Colors; Contains Sea Salt
- BBQ Pork Roast: 1 1/4 cups water 1 pouch Orrington Farms BBQ Pork Roast Seasoning 1-6 oz can tomato paste 2 Tbsp cider vinegar 2 lbs pork roast** 1 medium onion, chopped MIX water with 1 pouch BBQ Pork Roast Seasoning, tomato paste and vinegar in a small bowl until completely combined. PLACE meat and vegetables in slow cooker; pour sauce over. COVER and COOK on low 8 hours or on high 4 hours until pork is tender. **Follow safe handling practices and cook meat thoroughly.
Braising Techniques Guide
How to Braise Everything: Classic, Modern, and Global Dishes Using a Time-Honored Technique
AMERICASTES TKITCHEN
Mess-Free Cooking
Regency Wraps Slow Cooker Saver, Time Saving, Non-Stick Liners For Easy Clean Up After Making Stews Soup and Meat, Store and Reheat Food, 20 x 12, Pack of 12
Regency Wraps
- MESS-FREE SLOW COOKING: Leave your slow cooker spotless with our non-stick Slow Cooker Liners. Simply place in the pot, add ingredients, slow cook, then remove the liner and throw away the mess, Fits round and up to 6.5-quart oval slow cookers.
- MADE IN THE USA : Our 100% BPA and PFAS free liners can withstand hours of slow cooking, chili, stews, soups, carnitas, roasts, pork loin, chicken, cholent and leave your slow cooker clean even after cheesy casseroles
- NOT JUST PLASTIC BAG: Our liners are made of heat resistant Nylon. They are freezer and microwave safe so leftover food can be stored in the Slow Cooker Saver and reheated adding convenience to your kitchen routine.
- MEALTIME MADE EASIER: From holiday feasts to everyday meals, professional and home chefs alike use our kitchen products like Brining Bags and Soup Socks, Roasting Bags and Slow Cooker Savers to make preparation simpler and clean up a snap.
- SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS: Regency Wraps is family-owned and operated in the USA since 1985; All of our products are manufactured, converted or assembled and inspected in our Dallas Facility and used by professional and home chefs worldwide.
Versatile Cooking Master
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)
Hamilton Beach
- 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.
BBQ Artistry Guide
Low & Slow: Master the Art of Barbecue in 5 Easy Lessons
Running Press Adult
Precision Cooking Pro
BLACK+DECKER 7-Quart Digital Slow Cooker, SCD7007SSD, Temperature Probe, Sous-Vide, Locking Lid, Removable Stoneware Crock
BLACK+DECKER
- Temperature Probe: Set your desired temp and insert the probe—unit adjusts heat to maintain it automatically. Keep lid closed to avoid heat loss, which can cause uneven cooking or undercooked results. Great for perfectly cooked meats every time
- Sous-Vide Function: Enjoy restaurant-quality results at home. Gently brings sealed food to ideal temp using precise water heating. Use included bags, submerge completely, and monitor with probe for even, juicy results without overcooking or drying out.
- Digital Control Panel: Easy-to-use display lets you select mode, set exact temps, and track cooking progress. If food isn’t heating properly, check for power loss, use correct settings, and ensure lid is sealed to maintain even, steady heat.
- Removable Stoneware Crock: Large 7-quart stoneware pot ensures even heating and easy cleanup. Always fill between ½ and ¾ full for best results. Cooking with the lid off or opening too often can cause heat loss, overcooking, or uneven results.
- First-Time Use Note: A slight odor or smoke during initial use is normal due to protective oils from manufacturing. It’s temporary, harmless, and will fade after first use. This won’t affect cooking performance or food safety in any way.
Sous Vide Perfection
Crockpot Programmable 7-Quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker with Sous Vide Stainless Steel
Crock-Pot
- Sous Vide Function: Food cooks in a temperature controlled water bath, in air-tight bags, for unrivaled results. The removable probe ensures food reaches a precise internal temperature, so there’s no over- or under-cooking. Finish on the stove for a perfect, caramelized sear
- Removable Temperature Probe: Ensures food reaches a precise internal temperature, so there’s no over-cooking, under-cooking, or guesswork
- Cook & Carry Locking Lid: Travel-proof locking lid provides a tight seal to prevent leaks and spills, for no mess on-the-go
- Innovative Design: Updated 7-quart stoneware design has more usable cooking space*, with a generous base for larger cuts of meat and family-sized meals* *Compared with SCV700 Crock-Pot Slow Cooker
- Warm Setting: Keeps food at the ideal serving temperature until it’s time to eat
- Dishwasher- and Oven-Safe: Removable stoneware and glass lid are both dishwasher-safe; the stoneware is also oven-safe
- Modern Digital Display: Customize precise temperature controls, as well as cook times from 5 minutes to 30 hours
Healthy Ceramic Choice
GreenLife 6QT Slow Cooker, Non-Toxic PFAS-Free Ceramic Nonstick Removable Interior Bowl, Programmable, Family Friendly, Keep Warm, Stovetop & Oven Safe, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Timer, Glass Lid, White
GreenLife
- EXTRA-LARGE 6QT CAPACITY: The spacious 6QT pot fits a 6 lb. chicken, a 4 lb. roast, or enough to serve 7+ people—ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.
- TOXIN-FREE CERAMIC NONSTICK INTERIOR: Our coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium so you can make every meal healthier. Its healthy and easy-to-clean ceramic nonstick coating is derived from sand and delivers effortless release with quick cleanup.
- EASY-TO-USE CONTROL PANEL: Choose from 3 modes (Low/Medium/High), use the Delay Timer, and rely on Keep Warm to serve when you’re ready.
- PERFECT FOR MEAL PREP: Cook from 30 minutes to 20 hours, program up to 10 hours in advance, and it stays warm for 4 hours—ideal for make-ahead meals, busy mornings, or prepping big batches.
- STOVETOP READY POT: The pot is lightweight and removable for stovetop and oven use, so you can start with a sear, finish slow, and get more flavor.
- CLEAR GLASS LID: A clear glass lid lets you keep an eye on your meal.
- DISHWASHER-SAFE COMPONENTS: Removable inner pot and lid for hassle-free maintenance and easy cleaning.
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 is best for pulled pork?
A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for most recipes, as it provides enough space for a pork shoulder to cook evenly. Smaller models may crowd the meat, while larger ones can be inefficient for smaller batches.
Which features are most important for making pulled pork?
Look for a programmable timer and a ‘keep warm’ setting to avoid overcooking. A removable, dishwasher-safe insert makes cleanup easier after handling greasy pork.
How do oval and round slow cookers compare for pulled pork?
Oval slow cookers are better for accommodating larger cuts of pork shoulder, ensuring even cooking. Round models work well for smaller portions but may require trimming the meat to fit.
Is a more expensive slow cooker worth it for pulled pork?
Higher-end models often offer precise temperature control and durability, which can improve consistency. Budget options can still produce great results, but may lack advanced features.
What’s the difference between low and high settings for pulled pork?
Low heat (around 190°F) cooks pork slowly, making it more tender and flavorful over 8-10 hours. High heat (around 300°F) speeds up the process but may result in slightly less tender meat.
Should I choose a manual or digital slow cooker?
Digital models offer precise timing and temperature settings, which are helpful for hands-off cooking. Manual models are simpler and more affordable but require monitoring to avoid overcooking.
How do I prevent the pork from drying out in a slow cooker?
Use enough liquid, like broth or BBQ sauce, to keep the meat moist. Cooking on low heat for longer periods also helps retain moisture and tenderness.
Are there any accessories that improve pulled pork results?
A meat thermometer ensures the pork reaches the safe internal temperature of 205°F. A liner bag can reduce cleanup and help lock in juices.