Comparison: Best Slow Cooker (Updated | Dec 9th)
Looking for the perfect slow cooker to transform your meals with minimal effort? We’ve tested and compared the top models to help you find your ideal kitchen companion. From compact options perfect for small kitchens to feature-packed family-sized models, our guide covers everything you need to know. We’ll break down performance, capacity, special features, and value for money to ensure you make a smart investment. Get ready to discover how the right slow cooker can revolutionize your cooking routine and deliver delicious, hassle-free meals every time.
- Best for family gathering essential: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for ultimate multi-cooker: Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS | 8.5-qt – Sous Vide & Proof Multi-Cooker | Slow Cooker
- Best for holiday hosting champion: Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
- Best for travel-ready cooking: Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Best for smart scheduling solution: Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker
- Best for versatile 3-in-1: Cuisinart 3-In-1 Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker: Slow Cooker
- Best for precision temperature control: Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock
- Best for compact casserole perfect: Crock-Pot Small 2.5 Quart Casserole Slow Cooker in White/Blue
- Best for massive gathering feeder: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker
- Best for large capacity express: Crock-pot Express Crock Slow Cooker 8 quart Red
Product Comparison: Best 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
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.
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
Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel; an Essential Kitchen Appliance, Perfect for Families and Gatherings
- Personalized Cooking: MyTime adjusts the cooking cycle so your meal is ready exactly when you want it
- Leak-proof Lid: Travel-proof locking lid provides a tight seal to prevent leaks and spills
- Large Capacity: Fitted with a 7-quart bowl that serves 7+ people – perfect for families or gatherings
- Temperature Control: Auto-adjustment cooking cycle ensures meals are never overcooked but always flavor-filled
- Intuitive Control: Flat digital control screen lets you schedule meal times, and manually control cook time and temperature
- Convenient Handles: ‘Cook and Carry’ handles for hassle-free lifting and carrying
- Sustainable Materials: Made of Aluminum, Stainless Steel (Iron, Chromium, Nickel, Manganese, Copper, Phosphorus), and is 100% recyclable.
Cuisinart 3-In-1 Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker: Slow Cooker, Brown/Saute, Steamer, MSC-600 NAS, Silver
- One touch switches modes when recipe calls for combination cooking
- Extra-large blue backlit LCD display with easy-to-read time and temperature settings
- Removable 6-quart nonstick aluminum cooking pot
- Glass lid with cool-touch handle for clear view and comfortable handling
- Dishwasher-safe removable parts for effortless cleanup, Steaming rack included, Limited 3-year warranty.Steam for up to 90 minutes
- Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging
Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock, Temperature Probe, Dishwasher Safe Crock & Lid, Stainless Steel (33969A)
- NOT YOUR MOM’S SLOW COOKER: Smart technology allows you to cook a recipe to either a desired cooking time or specific temperature, before automatically switching to Warm when it’s done.
- PATENTED TEMPERATURE PROBE: Place the temperature probe into large cuts of meat to cook to a precise temperature. The control panel will display the food’s exact temperature as it cooks.
- CLIP-TIGHT GASKET LID: The lid clips securely in place, perfect for taking the slow cooker to a party, potluck or tailgate. The tight seal helps prevent messy spills along the way.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Removable and dishwasher safe crock and glass lid make cleanup simple.
- 6 QUART CAPACITY: Spacious size is perfect for a 6 lb. chicken or 4 lb. roast.
- YOUR CHOICE COOKING: Three smart settings – probe, program and manual – allow you to cook foods to a specific temperature, for a set number of hours or on High, Low or Warm settings for up to 24 hrs
- POWER INTERRUPT PROTECTION: During a momentary power interruption of 5 seconds or less, the slow cooker will remember the programmed heat and time settings and continue cooking.
Crock-Pot Small 2.5 Quart Casserole Slow Cooker in White/Blue, Enjoy Eye-Catching Quick Meals, Durable and Compact
- Compact 2.5 Quart Capacity: Perfect for dinners, potlucks and parties
- Oven-Safe Stoneware: Removable and casserole-shaped for easy serving
- High, Low and Warm Settings: Precision cooking and keeping food warm
- Cook & Carry locking lid system: For hassle-free and neat transportation
- Dishwasher Safe: Stoneware and lid for easy clean-up
- Robust Material: Contains Aluminum, Stainless Steel for durability
- Versatility: Great for make-ahead meals, entertaining, and when conventional oven space is limited.
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.
Crock-pot Express Crock Slow Cooker 8 quart Red
- Serves 10+ people
- 8-quart capacity
- HIGH/LOW cook settings
- Convenient WARM setting
- Removable oval stoneware
- Dishwasher-safe stoneware and glass lid
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 choose?
Consider your household size and cooking needs when selecting capacity. For small households or couples, the 2.5-quart Crock-Pot is sufficient, while families of 4-6 should consider 6-7 quart models. If you frequently host gatherings or meal prep, larger options like the 8.5-quart Ninja or 10-quart Hamilton Beach can accommodate 10+ people.
What are the advantages of programmable slow cookers?
Programmable models like the Crock-Pot 8-Quart and Crock-Pot Cook & Carry offer digital timers that allow you to set cooking times up to 20 hours. These models automatically switch to a warm setting when cooking is complete, preventing overcooking. Some advanced models like the Crock-Pot 7-Quart with MyTime even adjust cooking cycles to have your meal ready exactly when you want it.
Which slow cooker offers the most versatility?
The Ninja 12-in-1 PossibleCooker PLUS offers the most versatility, replacing 12 different cooking appliances including a slow cooker, sauté pan, Dutch oven, and even a bread maker. It allows you to sear and sauté directly in the pot using bottom heating elements. The Cuisinart 3-In-1 Cook Central also offers multi-functionality with slow cooking, browning/sautéing, and steaming capabilities.
Which slow cookers are best for transporting food?
Models with locking lids like the Crock-Pot Cook & Carry, Crock-Pot 7-Quart with locking lid, and Hamilton Beach Set & Forget are ideal for transport. These feature secure locking systems with gaskets that prevent spills during travel to potlucks or gatherings. The Hamilton Beach models also include clip-tight lids and full-grip handles for easier carrying.
What unique features should I consider when comparing slow cookers?
The Hamilton Beach Set & Forget offers a unique temperature probe that allows you to cook meats to precise temperatures. The Ninja PossibleCooker features Triple Fusion Heat Technology that combines bottom, side, and steam heat to cook up to 30% faster. The Crock-Pot 8-Quart includes a memory function that resets to previous settings in case of a power outage.
Are all slow cooker pots oven-safe?
Not all slow cooker pots are oven-safe, though many removable stoneware inserts can withstand certain temperatures. The Crock-Pot 7-Quart Manual and Cook & Carry models are oven-safe up to 400°F, while the Ninja PossibleCooker pot can withstand temperatures up to 500°F. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines before placing your slow cooker insert in the oven.
How do manual and programmable slow cookers compare?
Manual slow cookers like the Crock-Pot 7-Quart Oval offer basic High, Low, and Warm settings with simple dial controls, making them straightforward to operate. Programmable models provide digital timers, countdown displays, and automatic switching to warm settings for more precise cooking control. Programmable models are generally more expensive but offer greater convenience for those who need to cook while away from home.
Which slow cookers are easiest to clean?
Most models feature removable, dishwasher-safe components for easy cleanup. The Crock-Pot models typically have dishwasher-safe stoneware inserts and lids. The Cuisinart 3-In-1 Cook Central offers nonstick aluminum pots that clean up easily, while the Hamilton Beach models also feature dishwasher-safe crocks and glass lids for minimal cleanup effort.
