Comparison: Best Ribs For Slow Cooker (Updated | Dec 8th)
If you’ve ever dreamed of fall-off-the-bone ribs with minimal effort, your slow cooker might just be the hero you never knew you needed. We’ve tested all the cuts—from baby back to St. Louis and even spare ribs—to find out which ones deliver the juiciest, most flavorful results after a long, slow braise. Spoiler: not every rib shines in low-and-slow cooking. In this comparison, we’ll break down the top contenders, what makes each unique, and which one deserves a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation. Let’s get saucy.
- Best for spacious stainless: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for dutch oven guide: Cook It in Your Dutch Oven: 150 Foolproof Recipes Tailor-Made for Your Kitchen’s Most Versatile Pot
- Best for heritage seasoning: Sauer’s BBQ Pulled Pork Slow Cookers
- Best for low‑carb cookbook: Easy Low Carb Slow Cooker Recipes: Best Healthy Low Carb Crock Pot Recipe Cookbook for Your Perfect Everyday Diet! (low carb chicken soup
- Best for award‑winning ribs: Award Winning Slow Smoked Baby Back BBQ Ribs
- Best for sunday roast blend: Grub Kicker Public House Sunday Roast Seasoning – 2.9 oz Bottle – Prime Rib
- Best for 10‑quart party cooker: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker
- Best for charcoal‑style cooker: Crockpot SCV700-CH-BR Slow Cooker 7 quarts Charcoal
- Best for bbq pork seasoning: Orrington Farms Pork Roast Slow Cookers Seasoning
- Best for texas‑style mix: McCormick Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Seasoning Mix
Product Comparison: Best Ribs For Slow Cooker
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
Cook It in Your Dutch Oven: 150 Foolproof Recipes Tailor-Made for Your Kitchen’s Most Versatile Pot
Sauer’s BBQ Pulled Pork Slow Cookers, 1.60 Ounce (Pack of 1)
- 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.
Easy Low Carb Slow Cooker Recipes: Best Healthy Low Carb Crock Pot Recipe Cookbook for Your Perfect Everyday Diet! (low carb chicken soup, ribs, pork chops, beef and low carb cake recipes)
Award Winning Slow Smoked Baby Back BBQ Ribs
- AWARD-WINNING RIBS as seen on Good Morning America, Rachael Ray and Martha Stewart are fall-off-the-bone tender. Our pork baby back ribs package feeds 4 with 2 racks and a bottle of barbecue sauce.
- SLOW-SMOKED FOR 4 HOURS after a 48-hour dry rub, Pig of the Month BBQ Ribs are succulent and flavorful. Brush-on our complimentary Love Me Tender Sauce for Memphis ribs that tantalize your taste buds.
- PREMIUM ORGANIC MEAT is all-natural, hormone-free and grass fed. Each 2-lb pork rib rack feeds 2 people. Our ribs contain no corn syrup, gluten, soy, dairy, egg, MSG, peanuts, additives or preservatives.
- FULLY-COOKED and easily reheated, Pig of the Month BBQ Ribs let you treat family or guests to an impressive meal in just minutes. Iron Chef Michael Symon called them “the best ribs I have ever eaten”.
- Bullet Point #5SURPRISE LOVED ONES with food gifts from Pig of the Month BBQ. Feel good foods like our Baby Back Ribs make thoughtful Mother’s Day or birthday gifts for women who lead busy lives and deserve delicious meals.
Grub Kicker Public House Sunday Roast Seasoning – 2.9 oz Bottle – Prime Rib, Pot Roast, and Beef Tenderloin Spice Rub – Perfect for Slow Cooker Meals and Savory Dishes
- Flavorful Roast Enhancer – Bring your Sunday roast’s flavor palette to life with our Grub Kicker Public House Sunday Roast Seasoning. This expertly crafted blend combines onion, garlic, paprika, turmeric, and other spices for a robust flavor that transforms any pot roast or prime rib into a culinary masterpiece.
- Versatile Spice Blend – Ideal for more than just pot roast, this seasoning is perfect for London broil, beef tenderloin, and rib roast. It effortlessly enhances the flavor of your favorite cuts, making it a must-have for every kitchen.
- Savory Slow Cooker Companion – Add a burst of flavor to your slow-cooked meals. Whether you’re preparing a hearty pot roast or a beef roast in the slow cooker, our seasoning blend ensures a rich and savory taste in every bite.
- Quality Ingredients – Made with a thoughtful selection of natural ingredients, our seasoning guarantees a fresh and authentic taste. It’s free from artificial additives, providing a wholesome option for those who appreciate real flavor.
- Low Sodium Delight – Enjoy a flavorful roast seasoning that’s mindful of your dietary needs. Our Public House Sunday Roast Seasoning is low in sodium, allowing you to savor the taste of your favorite dishes without the extra salt.
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.
Crockpot SCV700-CH-BR Slow Cooker 7 quarts Charcoal
- Spacious 7-quart manual slow cooker serves 8+ people or fits a 6-lb. roast
- Set cooking time to high and get a hot meal in no time or set it on low and tonight’s dinner can cook while you’re at work
- Keep food at an ideal serving temperature for as long as you need to with the convenient warm setting
- One-pot cooking means there are less dishes to clean, plus the lid and removable stoneware are dishwasher safe
Orrington Farms Pork Roast Slow Cookers Seasoning, BBQ, 2.5 oz Packet (Pack of 12)
- 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.
McCormick Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Seasoning Mix, 1.6 oz (Pack of 12)
- 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
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 key factors should I consider when choosing ribs for a slow cooker?
Look for bone-in pork ribs, such as baby back or spare ribs, because the bone helps retain moisture during long cooking. Choose ribs with a good amount of marbling and a thin layer of fat, which will render and keep the meat tender. Also, consider the size of the rack to ensure it fits comfortably in your slow cooker.
How do baby back ribs compare to spare ribs in a slow cooker?
Baby back ribs are shorter, leaner, and cook faster, making them ideal for shorter slow‑cooking cycles. Spare ribs are larger, meatier, and have more connective tissue, which benefits from the low‑and‑slow method to become fall‑off‑the‑bone. Both work well, but spare ribs often deliver a richer, fattier flavor.
Is it better to buy fresh or frozen ribs for slow cooking?
Fresh ribs usually have a brighter color and more natural moisture, which can result in a slightly juicier final dish. Frozen ribs are convenient and often less expensive, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. Either option works as long as you season and sear them properly before adding them to the slow cooker.
Should I pre‑sear ribs before placing them in the slow cooker?
Yes, searing the ribs in a hot pan for 2–3 minutes per side creates a caramelized crust that adds depth of flavor. This step also helps lock in juices, preventing the meat from becoming overly soggy. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, but the taste and texture will be noticeably improved with searing.
What type of sauce works best with slow‑cooked ribs?
A balanced sauce with sweet, tangy, and smoky elements—like a mix of barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and smoked paprika—complements the slow‑cooked tenderness. You can also use a simple broth or a dry rub if you prefer a less saucy finish. Adding a splash of liquid (broth, cola, or beer) helps keep the ribs moist during the long cook.
How long should I cook ribs in a slow cooker for optimal tenderness?
Cook baby back ribs on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours; spare ribs need 8–10 hours on low or 4–5 hours on high. The meat should be fork‑tender and easily pull away from the bone. Avoid overcooking, as the ribs can become mushy if left too long.
Are there any cost‑effective tips for getting high‑quality ribs without breaking the bank?
Buy ribs in bulk or on sale and portion them into freezer bags for future meals. Look for “family pack” or “value pack” options, which often provide a lower price per pound. Marinating or using a dry rub can enhance cheaper cuts, making them taste as good as premium selections.
