Comparison: Best Slow Cooker Brand (Updated | Dec 9th)
When it comes to transforming tough cuts of meat into tender, flavorful meals with minimal effort, a quality slow cooker is your kitchen’s best friend. We’ve tested the top contenders, evaluating everything from temperature consistency to build quality and special features. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for weekday meal solutions or a food enthusiast who wants precision cooking, our comprehensive comparison will help you invest in a slow cooker that delivers delicious results every time.
- Best for family gathering essential: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for digital timer champion: Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
- Best for travel-proof design: Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Best for ultimate multi-cooker: Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS | 8.5-qt – Sous Vide & Proof Multi-Cooker | Slow Cooker
- Best for party size perfection: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker
- Best for smart scheduling tech: Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker
- Best for precision temperature probe: Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock
- Best for express serving capacity: Crock-pot Express Crock Slow Cooker 8 quart Red
- Best for cleanup time saver: Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners
- Best for compact cooking solution: Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black
Product Comparison: Best Slow Cooker Brand
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
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
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.
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 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.
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 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
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
- SLOW COOKER LINERS: This package contains six Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, each measuring 13 x 21 inches to fit 3- to 8-quart round and oval slow cookers
- EASY CLEANUP: These strong, reliable slow cooker bags shorten your slow cooker cleanup to eight seconds or less, guaranteed
- NO SOAKING OR SCRUBBING: Line your slow cooker with these slow cooker bags to prevent stubborn, stuck-on messes
- BPA-FREE & SAFE FOR HIGH TEMPS: Each slow cooker bag is made with a BPA-free nylon-blend construction that’s safe for low, medium & high settings
- MAKE MEALS EASY: Use a Reynolds slow cooker liner next time you make chili, pulled pork, pot roasts, soups & more to spend less time scrubbing & more time with your loved ones
Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black
- 3 Manual Heat Settings: Choose from high, low, and warm, for cooking flexibility no matter what you’re making
- 2-Quart Capacity: Feeds 2+ people and is perfectly sized for preparing small meals, dips, and sides
- Keep Warm Setting: The manual warm setting allows you to keep your food at serving temperature when it’s time to eat
- Oven-Safe Stoneware: Removable stoneware is oven-safe up to 400 degrees F
- Dishwasher-Safe: Stoneware and lid are both dishwasher-safe, for easy cleaning
- Modern Look: Sleek black finish
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 – small 2-quart models like the Crockpot 2-Quart Classic are perfect for couples or small meals, while larger families might prefer the 6-8 quart options. For entertaining or large gatherings, the Hamilton Beach 10 Quart or Ninja 8.5-qt models can accommodate 12+ people and larger cuts of meat like roasts or turkeys.
What are the main differences between manual and programmable slow cookers?
Manual slow cookers like the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval offer basic High/Low/Warm settings that you control manually, while programmable models like the Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart feature digital timers and automatic settings. Programmable models typically offer more precise control with countdown timers, automatic warm functions, and sometimes memory features that restore settings after power outages.
Which slow cooker is best for portability?
If you frequently transport your slow cooker, look for models with locking lids and secure handles like the Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry or the Hamilton Beach Portable models. These feature special gasket seals and clip-tight lids that prevent spills during transport, making them ideal for potlucks, parties, and family gatherings.
What makes the Ninja PossibleCooker different from traditional slow cookers?
The Ninja 12-in-1 PossibleCooker stands out with its versatility, replacing 12 different cooking appliances with its multi-function capabilities. Unlike traditional slow cookers, it allows you to sear and sauté directly in the pot, offers triple fusion heat technology for faster cooking, and features an oven-safe pot up to 500°F compared to the typical 400°F limit of other models.
Are slow cooker liners worth using?
Slow cooker liners like Reynolds Kitchens can significantly reduce cleanup time, eliminating the need for soaking and scrubbing after cooking. These BPA-free liners are safe for all temperature settings and fit most 3-8 quart slow cookers, making them a convenient accessory for any slow cooker owner who wants to spend less time cleaning.
Which brand offers the best value for the money?
Crock-Pot offers reliable performance across their range from basic manual models to advanced programmable options, making them a solid value choice for most households. Hamilton Beach provides competitive features at often lower price points, especially with their temperature probe technology in the Set & Forget model. For those willing to invest more, the Ninja PossibleCooker offers exceptional versatility that could replace multiple kitchen appliances.
What features should I look for in a slow cooker for meat cooking?
For cooking meats, consider models with temperature probes like the Hamilton Beach Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker, which allows you to cook to precise internal temperatures. Larger capacity models (6+ quarts) accommodate bigger cuts of meat, and models with searing capabilities like the Ninja PossibleCooker allow you to brown meat directly in the pot for better flavor development.
How do I choose between Crock-Pot and Hamilton Beach slow cookers?
Crock-Pot is known for its reliability and consistent performance across their product line, with options ranging from basic manual controls to advanced programmable features. Hamilton Beach often offers innovative features like temperature probes and smart technology at competitive price points, making them attractive for tech-savvy cooks. Both brands offer similar capacity options and portability features, so your choice may come down to specific features like Crock-Pot’s MyTime technology versus Hamilton Beach’s temperature probe functionality.
