Comparison: Best Slow Cooker Good Housekeeping (Updated | Dec 9th)
Looking for the perfect slow cooker that meets Good Housekeeping’s seal of approval? We’ve done the homework for you, testing and comparing the top models that combine reliability, performance, and convenience. Whether you’re a busy parent needing weeknight meal solutions or a home chef who loves experimenting with flavors, our comprehensive guide will help you find the ideal slow cooker. From compact designs perfect for small kitchens to feature-packed models for culinary enthusiasts, we’ll help you make a choice that will transform your cooking experience.
- Best for instant pot recipes: Good Housekeeping Instant Pot® Cookbook: 60 Delicious Foolproof Recipes (Good Food Guaranteed
- Best for family size 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 party size champion: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker
- Best for travel-ready timer: Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Best for smart time control: Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker
- Best for holiday hosting hero: Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
- Best for glam kitchen essential: Paris Hilton 6-Quart Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for space-saving design: Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Slow Cooker with Space-Saving Folding Handles
- Best for compact classic: Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black
Product Comparison: Best Slow Cooker Good Housekeeping
Good Housekeeping Instant Pot® Cookbook: 60 Delicious Foolproof Recipes (Good Food Guaranteed, 15)
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.
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 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.
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.
Paris Hilton 6-Quart Manual Slow Cooker, Features Three Settings (Low, High, Warm), Naturally Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Insert, Family Sized Capacity, Pink
- EASY TO USE: Simple manual controls to save you time. Plug it in, pick your settings and let it do the rest. Choose from Low, High, and Warm settings for perfectly cooked meals every time, whether it’s slow-simmered stews or quick-cooked dinners.
- NATURALLY NONSTICK: The stoneware insert provides a long-lasting naturally nonstick surface made without PFAS, PFOA, PTFE and PFOS.
- FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: With a 6-quart capacity, this slow cooker can feed 7+ people, making it ideal for large family meals, holiday gatherings, and meal prepping.
- ICONIC DESIGN: Featuring chic gold accents, this slow cooker is the perfect blend of style and functionality #ThatsHot! Add a touch of glam to your kitchen while creating epic meals for your loved ones.
- DISHWASHER-SAFE PARTS: Cleaning up is a breeze! The removable stoneware pot and tempered glass lid are dishwasher-safe for easy maintenance. Loves it!
Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Slow Cooker with Space-Saving Folding Handles, 3 Heat Settings, Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Crock and Glass Lid, Black (33664)
- UNIQUE FOLDING HANDLES: The full-grip handles lift up for carrying and down when storing the slow cooker or when you need to make more space on the countertop. The handles are easy to grasp when carrying food to the table or to gatherings.
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY MEALS AND ENTERTAINING: The large slow cooker has a 6 quart stoneware crock that holds enough to serve 7+ people. It will fit a whole 6 lb. chicken, a 4 lb. roast or enough barbecue to make up to 25 sliders
- 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 Keep Warm when cooking is complete for food that’s warm and ready when it’s time to eat.
- FAST AND EASY CLEANUP: The removable stoneware crock and durable glass lid are both dishwasher safe.
- TAKES THE STRESS OUT OF FAMILY MEALS: The 6 quart slow cooker does the cooking for you, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the ones you love.
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 capacity slow cooker should I choose?
Consider your household size and cooking needs when selecting capacity. Small 2-quart models like the Crockpot Classic are perfect for couples or small portions, while 6-8 quart options like the Hamilton Beach 10 Quart or Crock-Pot 7-Quart models serve larger families of 7+ people. For entertaining large groups, the Hamilton Beach 10 Quart can accommodate 12+ people or even a 10-pound turkey.
What are the advantages of programmable slow cookers versus manual models?
Programmable models like the Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry offer digital timers with settings from 30 minutes to 20 hours, allowing precise cooking control. The Crock-Pot 7-Quart with MyTime technology even adjusts cooking cycles so your meal is ready exactly when you want it. Manual models like the Paris Hilton 6-Quart are simpler with just basic low, high, and warm settings but may require more monitoring.
Which slow cooker is best for transporting food to gatherings?
Models with locking lids and secure handles are ideal for transport. The Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker features lid clips that tightly attach to handles to prevent spills, while the Crock-Pot Cook & Carry models include lid gaskets for extra sealing. The Hamilton Beach 6 Quart also features unique folding handles that make carrying easier and storage more convenient.
How does the Ninja PossibleCooker PLUS compare to traditional slow cookers?
The Ninja 12-in-1 PossibleCooker PLUS offers significantly more versatility than traditional slow cookers, replacing 12 different kitchen appliances. It features Triple Fusion Heat Technology that cooks up to 30% faster than conventional ovens and allows you to sear proteins directly in the pot. While traditional slow cookers like the Crock-Pot models focus on slow cooking simplicity, the Ninja provides multi-functionality with sous vide, proofing, and oven-safe capabilities up to 500°F.
What features make cleaning easier after cooking?
Most quality slow cookers feature removable stoneware and dishwasher-safe components for easy cleanup. The Paris Hilton 6-Quart stands out with its naturally nonstick surface made without harmful chemicals like PFAS and PFOA. Models like the Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart and Hamilton Beach options have both dishwasher-safe lids and removable stoneware pots, making post-meal cleanup virtually effortless.
Are there slow cookers that offer temperature control beyond basic settings?
Advanced models like the Crock-Pot 7-Quart with MyTime technology offer auto-adjustment cooking cycles to prevent overcooking while maintaining flavor. The Ninja PossibleCooker PLUS provides superior temperature control with its Triple Fusion Heat Technology combining bottom, side, and steam heat. For those who want simplicity, most Hamilton Beach models offer three basic settings (Low, High, and Warm) that are easy to operate with just a dial turn.
Which slow cooker offers the best value for different budgets?
For budget-conscious shoppers, the Crockpot 2-Quart Classic provides essential functionality at a lower price point, perfect for smaller households. Mid-range options like the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual offer generous capacity and versatility without complex features. Premium models like the Ninja PossibleCooker PLUS justify their higher price with multi-functionality that replaces numerous kitchen appliances, potentially saving money and space in the long run.
What safety features should I look for in a slow cooker?
Many modern slow cookers include important safety features like secure locking lids to prevent spills during transport, as seen in the Crock-Pot Cook & Carry models. The Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart includes a memory function that resets to previous settings in case of a power outage. Look for models with cool-touch handles, stable bases, and automatic warm settings that prevent food from staying at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.
