Comparison: Atk Best Slow Cooker (Updated | Dec 9th)
Tired of inconsistent slow cooker results? America’s Test Kitchen has done the heavy lifting for you. After testing dozens of models, we’ve uncovered which slow cookers truly deliver tender, flavorful meals every time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, our findings will help you choose the perfect cooker. From temperature accuracy to ease of cleaning, we’ve examined every detail. Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners with our top-rated slow cooker recommendations that promise delicious results with minimal effort.
Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS | 8.5-qt – Sous Vide & Proof Multi-Cooker | Slow Cooker
Versatile Multi-Cooker
- Best for ultimate slow cooker cookbook: The Complete Slow Cooker: From Appetizers to Desserts – 400 Must-Have Recipes That Cook While You Play (orWork) (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series)
- Best for dutch oven master recipes: Cook It in Your Dutch Oven: 150 Foolproof Recipes Tailor-Made for Your Kitchen’s Most Versatile Pot
- Best for test kitchen revolution: Slow Cooker Revolution: One Test Kitchen. 30 Slow Cookers. 200 Amazing Recipes.
- Best for generous capacity classic: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for complete make-ahead guide: The Complete Make-Ahead Cookbook: From Appetizers to Desserts 500 Recipes You Can Make in Advance (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series)
- Best for healthy slow cooking: Healthy Slow Cooker Revolution: One Test Kitchen. 40 Slow Cookers. 200 Fresh Recipes.
- Best for programmable travel-ready: Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Best for versatile multi-cooker: Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS | 8.5-qt – Sous Vide & Proof Multi-Cooker | Slow Cooker
- Best for large capacity programmable: Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
- Best for extra large portable: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker
Product Comparison: Atk Best Slow Cooker
The Complete Slow Cooker: From Appetizers to Desserts – 400 Must-Have Recipes That Cook While You Play (orWork) (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series)
Cook It in Your Dutch Oven: 150 Foolproof Recipes Tailor-Made for Your Kitchen’s Most Versatile Pot
Slow Cooker Revolution: One Test Kitchen. 30 Slow Cookers. 200 Amazing Recipes.
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
The Complete Make-Ahead Cookbook: From Appetizers to Desserts 500 Recipes You Can Make in Advance (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series)
Healthy Slow Cooker Revolution: One Test Kitchen. 40 Slow Cookers. 200 Fresh Recipes.
Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Programmable Digital Timer: Control cooking times from 30 minutes up to 20 hours
- Serve a Crowd: 6 quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker serves 7 plus people
- Locking Lid: Lid gasket provides extra seal for less mess during transport
- Interactive Cooking: Safe for use in oven up to 400 degree F, and microwave
- Worry-free Travel: Secure locking lid and rubber gasket prevent spills
- Material: Contains Aluminum, Stainless Steel (Iron, Chromium, Nickel, Manganese, Copper, Phosphorus)
- Environmentally Friendly: Energy efficient at 240 Watts at 120V A.C; and 60Hz
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.
Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
- Cooking Capacity: Prepares food for over 10 people, making it a holiday dinner hosting essential.
- Digital Timer: Counts down cooking time up to 20 hours for easy monitoring.
- Auto Warm: Automatically keeps food warm after cooking for optimal serving temperature.
- Easy Cleanup: Features a removable, dishwasher-safe lid and stoneware pot for convenient cleaning.
- Memory Function: Resets to previous settings in case of a power outage.
- Elegant Design: Black stainless steel finish is stylish, easy to clean, and fits any kitchen decor.
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?
The right size depends on your household and cooking needs. For individuals or couples, a 4-6 quart model is usually sufficient, while families of 4-6 might prefer a 6-8 quart capacity. If you frequently entertain or cook large cuts of meat, consider the 8-10 quart options like the Crock-Pot 8-Quart or Hamilton Beach 10-Quart models.
What are the benefits of a programmable slow cooker?
Programmable slow cookers offer greater convenience and control over your cooking. You can set specific cooking times and temperatures, and many models like the Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry and Crock-Pot 8-Quart will automatically switch to a warm setting when cooking is complete. This feature allows you to prepare meals in advance and have them ready at the perfect time without overcooking.
Are multi-cookers better than traditional slow cookers?
Multi-cookers like the Ninja 12-in-1 PossibleCooker PLUS offer versatility that traditional slow cookers can’t match, with functions for searing, sautéing, sous vide, and more. However, if you primarily need a simple appliance for slow cooking, a traditional model might be more straightforward and less expensive. Consider your cooking habits and whether you’ll actually use the additional functions before investing in a multi-cooker.
Which slow cooker is best for taking meals to gatherings?
For portability, look for models with secure locking lids and convenient carrying handles. The Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry features a locking lid with a gasket to prevent spills, while the Hamilton Beach 10-Quart model has lid clips that attach to the handles. Both designs make transporting hot meals to potlucks or family gatherings much easier and cleaner.
Are recipe books worth buying with my slow cooker?
America’s Test Kitchen cookbooks like ‘Slow Cooker Revolution’ and ‘The Complete Slow Cooker’ can significantly enhance your slow cooking experience. These books provide tested recipes specifically designed for slow cookers, helping you avoid common pitfalls and make the most of your appliance. They’re particularly valuable if you’re new to slow cooking or want to expand beyond basic recipes.
How do I clean my slow cooker properly?
Most slow cookers are designed for easy cleanup, with removable stoneware inserts and lids that are dishwasher safe. For stubborn, baked-on food, fill the slow cooker with warm, soapy water and let it soak before cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or steel wool, which can damage the finish. Always check your manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning recommendations.
What’s the difference between manual and programmable slow cookers?
Manual slow cookers like the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval have simple dial controls with basic settings (Low, High, Warm) and continue cooking until you turn them off. Programmable models like the Crock-Pot 8-Quart with digital timer allow you to set specific cooking times and will automatically switch to warm when done. Programmable models offer more convenience but come at a slightly higher price point.
Can I use my slow cooker insert in the oven?
Many slow cooker inserts are oven-safe, but temperature limits vary by model. The Crock-Pot models can typically be used in ovens up to 400°F, while the Ninja PossibleCooker PLUS insert is safe up to 500°F. Always check your specific model’s guidelines before using in the oven, and never place the entire slow cooker unit (with electrical components) in an oven.