Comparison: Best Slow Cooker Atk (Updated | Dec 8th)
Finding the perfect slow cooker can transform your kitchen routine, but with so many options, how do you choose? That’s where America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) comes in. Their rigorous testing uncovers the models that deliver consistent, flavorful results with minimal fuss. Whether you’re simmering stews, tenderizing meats, or crafting soups, ATK’s top picks excel in performance, durability, and ease of use. Let’s dive into the best slow cookers ATK recommends, so you can cook with confidence and enjoy delicious, hassle-free meals every time.
- Best for recipe collection: 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 recipes: Cook It in Your Dutch Oven: 150 Foolproof Recipes Tailor-Made for Your Kitchen’s Most Versatile Pot
- Best for slow cooker recipes: Slow Cooker Revolution: One Test Kitchen. 30 Slow Cookers. 200 Amazing Recipes.
- Best for family capacity: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for make-ahead recipes: The Complete Make-Ahead Cookbook: From Appetizers to Desserts 500 Recipes You Can Make in Advance (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series)
- Best for healthy recipes: Healthy Slow Cooker Revolution: One Test Kitchen. 40 Slow Cookers. 200 Fresh Recipes.
- Best for travel friendly: Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Best for multi-cooker pro: Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS | 8.5-qt – Sous Vide & Proof Multi-Cooker | Slow Cooker
- Best for easy prep recipes: Slow Cooker Revolution Volume 2: The Easy-Prep Edition: 200 All-New
- Best for large capacity: Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
Product Comparison: Best Slow Cooker Atk
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.
Slow Cooker Revolution Volume 2: The Easy-Prep Edition: 200 All-New, Ground-Breaking Recipes
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.
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 capacity should I look for in a slow cooker?
Consider your household size and cooking needs when selecting capacity. The Crock-Pot 7 Quart serves 9+ people, the 6 Quart model serves 7+, while the Ninja 8.5-qt can accommodate up to 20 people for gatherings.
Which slow cooker offers the most versatility?
The Ninja 12-in-1 PossibleCooker PLUS provides the most versatility, replacing 12 different cooking appliances. It allows you to sear, sauté, slow cook, and even functions as a Dutch oven and bread maker.
Are programmable features worth the extra cost?
Programmable features like digital timers and auto-warm functions add significant convenience to slow cooking. Models like the Crock-Pot 6 Quart and 8 Quart programmable versions allow you to set cooking times up to 20 hours and automatically switch to warm.
Which slow cooker is best for transporting food?
The Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry is specifically designed for transport with its locking lid and rubber gasket. These features prevent spills and make it ideal for potlucks, parties, and bringing meals to others.
How do the manual and programmable Crock-Pot models compare?
The manual Crock-Pot 7 Quart offers basic high, low, and warm settings with a simple operation, while the programmable models provide digital timers and automatic functions. The manual model is more straightforward but less flexible than the programmable versions.
Which slow cooker is easiest to clean?
All the Crock-Pot models feature removable, dishwasher-safe stoneware and lids for easy cleanup. The Ninja PossibleCooker also has a removable pot that’s oven safe to 500°F, making it versatile and easy to clean.
What are the advantages of the Ninja’s Triple Fusion Heat Technology?
The Ninja’s Triple Fusion Heat Technology combines bottom, side, and steam heat to cook up to 30% faster than conventional ovens. This technology provides more even cooking and expands the range of dishes you can prepare compared to traditional slow cookers.
Are the recipe books a good value compared to the actual slow cookers?
The recipe books like Slow Cooker Revolution offer tested recipes specifically designed for slow cooking, which can help you maximize your appliance’s potential. However, they don’t replace the functionality of an actual slow cooker, which provides the cooking method itself.
Which slow cooker offers the best temperature control?
The Ninja PossibleCooker offers the most advanced temperature control with its multiple heating elements and ability to sear at high temperatures. The Crock-Pot models provide basic high, low, and warm settings, with the programmable versions offering more precise timing control.
