Comparison: Best Slow Cooker Reviews (Updated | Dec 9th)
Looking for the perfect slow cooker to transform your meals with minimal effort? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, our expert insights will help you choose the ideal appliance that fits your lifestyle, budget, and culinary ambitions.
- Best for generous capacity classic: 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 travel-ready programmable: Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Best for large capacity digital: Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
- Best for extra large gathering: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker
- Best for smart timing technology: Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker
- Best for compact perfect portions: Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black
- Best for family meal essential: Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings
- Best for versatile pressure cooking: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
- Best for dual-m meal innovation: Crock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cooker with Bake Function Oat Milk
Product Comparison: Best Slow Cooker Reviews
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 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 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.
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.
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
Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware Crock & Glass Lid, Silver (33665G)
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY MEALS AND ENTERTAINING: The slow cooker has a large 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
- 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.
- DELICIOUS MEALS WITH MINIMAL EFFORT: The Hamilton Beach slow cooker makes it simple to create delicious, flavorful meals without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s sure to become your go-to slow cooker. Just add ingredients and turn the dial.
- 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.
- BUILT FOR LONG-LASTING PERFORMANCE: The easy-to-use slow cooker is made of quality materials for years of cooking, and it’s backed by a 1 year limited warranty.
- SURPRISING THINGS YOU CAN MAKE IN YOUR SLOW COOKER: Make a wide variety of foods, from breakfast casserole and blueberry cobbler to lasagna, and even mulled wine.
- TAKES THE STRESS OUT OF FAMILY MEALS: The Hamilton Beach slow cooker does the cooking for you, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the ones you love.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: slow cooker base, stoneware crock, glass lid
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quart
- 7 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make rice, yogurt, or simply keep your meal warm—all in one appliance
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 13 one-touch options, from hearty soups to decadent cakes
- Safe & Easy Steam Release: The Easy-Release steam switch ensures fast, safe, and simple steam release every time
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods
- Pro-Grade Cooking Pot: Crafted from stainless steel (18/8) with a tri-ply bottom—perfect for searing and sautéing like a pro
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 6-quart capacity is perfect for up to 6 servings—ideal for families, meal prep, and batch cooking
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot make clean-up a breeze
- Power-Packed Performance: 1000 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features over 10 safety mechanisms, including overheat protection, an easy seal safety lid lock, and more to keep cooking worry-free
- A Little Extra: Includes a stainless steel steamer rack to keep you ready for anything
Crock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cooker with Bake Function Oat Milk
- Make Multiple Meals with Just One Appliance: Cook multiple recipes at one time, with dual-pot temperature and cook functions, including slow cook, sear/sauté, bake, rice/steam, and keep warm.
- Revolutionary Smart Timer: DualSync Technology ensures both dishes are ready at the same time.
- Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cooker Replaces 30+ Cooking Tools and Appliances: Create complete meals without needing to use separate stock pots, cooking pans, dutch ovens, slow cookers, steamers or food warmers.
- Flavorful Dual-Pot Meals: Seal in the rich taste and caramelization of every ingredient by searing first and then cooking in the same pot, to help build flavors.
- Includes Bake Function: Choose between 300 or 350 degrees F to bake desserts, breads, and more.
- Nonstick. Easy-to-Clean: Ceramic-coated pot wipes clean easily.
- Family-Size Meals: Two 3.7-quart nonstick pots feed 4+ people each
- Easy Cleanup: Dishwasher-safe lid, pots, and steam rack (hand washing recommended for pot).
- Oven Safe: The removable cooking pots are oven-safe up to 450 degrees F, to help add a crispy finish to any meal.
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 for my needs?
Consider how many people you typically cook for – smaller 2-quart models like the Crockpot 2-Quart Classic are perfect for couples, while families should look at 6-8 quart options. For large gatherings or meal prepping, the Hamilton Beach 10-Quart or Ninja 8.5-Quart models can serve 12+ people or accommodate large cuts of meat like a 10-pound turkey.
What are the main differences between manual and programmable slow cookers?
Manual slow cookers like the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval have simple high/low/warm settings and are more budget-friendly, while programmable models like the Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry offer digital timers that automatically switch to warm. Programmable options provide more convenience for those who need to cook while away from home, as you can set exact cooking times.
Are multi-cookers like the Instant Pot or Ninja better than traditional slow cookers?
Multi-cookers offer more versatility with functions like pressure cooking, searing, baking, and sous vide, making them ideal if you want to replace multiple appliances. However, traditional slow cookers are simpler to operate, often more affordable, and some people prefer the specialized slow cooking results they provide.
Which slow cookers are best for transporting food to potlucks or gatherings?
Look for models with locking lids and secure handles like the Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry or the Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Portable models. These feature lid clips and gaskets that create tight seals to prevent spills during transport, making them ideal for taking dishes to parties.
What cleaning features should I consider when choosing a slow cooker?
Dishwasher-safe components make cleanup much easier – most quality models like the Crock-Pot and Hamilton Beach lines have removable stoneware and lids that are dishwasher safe. Some models also feature nonstick surfaces that prevent food from sticking, further simplifying the cleaning process.
Are there slow cookers that can brown or sear food before slow cooking?
Yes, advanced models like the Ninja PossibleCooker PLUS and the Crock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker feature searing capabilities, allowing you to brown meat directly in the pot. This eliminates the need to use separate pans for searing, saving time and reducing cleanup while enhancing flavor development.
What temperature settings should I look for in a quality slow cooker?
Basic models offer high, low, and warm settings, which are sufficient for most recipes. More advanced models like the Crock-Pot MultiMeal offer additional temperature options including bake functions at 300-350°F, while the Ninja PossibleCooker PLUS can reach up to 500°F for more versatile cooking methods.
How do the cooking times compare between different slow cooker models?
Most slow cookers have similar cooking times on equivalent settings, but multi-cookers like the Instant Pot can cook up to 70% faster using pressure cooking functions. The Ninja PossibleCooker PLUS also claims to cook up to 30% faster than conventional ovens using its Triple Fusion Heat Technology, making it faster than traditional slow cookers.
What are the advantages of the newer smart features in premium slow cookers?
Premium models like the Crock-Pot 7-Quart with MyTime technology can adjust cooking cycles so your meal is ready exactly when you want it, while the Crock-Pot MultiMeal features DualSync Technology to coordinate multiple dishes. These smart features offer more precision and convenience for those who want to plan meals around specific serving times.
