Comparison: Best Slow Cooker Ribs (Updated | Dec 9th)
There’s nothing quite like fall-off-the-bone ribs that have been simmering to perfection all day, and your slow cooker is the secret weapon you’ve been overlooking. Whether you prefer sticky-sweet BBQ or spicy-savory flavors, these tried-and-true techniques will transform your kitchen into a rib joint that’ll have friends and family begging for your secret.
Editor’s Choice
Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock
Smart Temperature Control
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for generous capacity cooker: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for extra large gathering: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker
- 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 oven-safe ceramic: AUTUCU Slow Cooker 10-Quart – PFOA-Free Ceramic Coating
- Best for spacious manual cooker: Crockpot SCV700-CH-BR Slow Cooker 7 quarts Charcoal
- Best for family meal maker: Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings
- Best for low carb recipes: Easy Low Carb Slow Cooker Recipes: Best Healthy Low Carb Crock Pot Recipe Cookbook for Your Perfect Everyday Diet! (low carb chicken soup
- Best for multi-function pressure: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
- Best for smart temperature control: Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock
- Best for versatile griddle cooker: West Bend Versatility Slow Cooker Large Capacity Non-stick Cooking Vessel & Variable Temperature Heating Base Includes Travel Lid and Storage Bag
Product Comparison: Best Slow Cooker Ribs
Generous Capacity Cooker
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining
Crock-Pot
- 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
Extra Large Gathering
Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195)
Hamilton Beach
- 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.
Dutch Oven Recipes
Cook It in Your Dutch Oven: 150 Foolproof Recipes Tailor-Made for Your Kitchen’s Most Versatile Pot
AMERICASTES TKITCHEN
Oven-Safe Ceramic
AUTUCU Slow Cooker 10-Quart – PFOA-Free Ceramic Coating, Oven Safe to 450°F | Keep Warm Function for Large Family Gatherings (Includes Silicone Spoon)
AUTUCU
- 【Large-Capacity Feasts】: 10-Quart PFOA-Free Ceramic Pot comfortably serves 10+ guests — ideal for holiday turkeys or game-day chili.
- 【Effortless Control】: Simple 3-level dial (WARM/LOW/HIGH) handles continuous cooking → perfect for slow-cooked ribs, stews, and simmered sauces.
- 【Safe& Nonstick】: PFOA-free ceramic coating for non-toxic dining. Comes with silicone Spoon→ Always use gentle tools to preserve coating.
- 【True Oven-to-Table Convenience】: Removable pot with handles transfers from heating base to oven (450°F safe) → Carry directly to table using heat-resistant gloves (save dishes, save time).
- 【Gift-Ready Premium Packaging】: Double-box design with protective inner foam ensures safe arrival — the ultimate housewarming or wedding gift.
Spacious Manual Cooker
Crockpot SCV700-CH-BR Slow Cooker 7 quarts Charcoal
Crock-Pot
- Spacious 7-quart manual slow cooker serves 8+ people or fits a 6-lb. roast
- Set cooking time to high and get a hot meal in no time or set it on low and tonight’s dinner can cook while you’re at work
- Keep food at an ideal serving temperature for as long as you need to with the convenient warm setting
- One-pot cooking means there are less dishes to clean, plus the lid and removable stoneware are dishwasher safe
Family Meal Maker
Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware Crock & Glass Lid, Silver (33665G)
Hamilton Beach
- 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
Low Carb Recipes
Easy Low Carb Slow Cooker Recipes: Best Healthy Low Carb Crock Pot Recipe Cookbook for Your Perfect Everyday Diet! (low carb chicken soup, ribs, pork chops, beef and low carb cake recipes)
Independently Published
Multi-Function Pressure
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
Instant Pot
- 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
Smart Temperature Control
Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock, Temperature Probe, Dishwasher Safe Crock & Lid, Stainless Steel (33969A)
Hamilton Beach
- 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.
Versatile Griddle Cooker
West Bend Versatility Slow Cooker Large Capacity Non-stick Cooking Vessel & Variable Temperature Heating Base Includes Travel Lid and Storage Bag, Range and Oven-Safe Cooking Pot, 5-Quart, Silver
West Bend
- Versatile Crock Pot: Slow cook almost any sized meal, from a dinner for 2 to enough to entertain a crowd with the West Bend Versatility Cooker
- Large Capacity: 5-quart crock pot crock features a non-stick interior and is safe for use in the oven, on the stove top, in the freezer or refrigerator, and is top-rack dishwasher safe
- Griddle Base: Our crock pots/slow cookers aren’t just for slow cooking – use the included griddle base to make pancakes, grilled cheese, and more
- Glass Cover: This portable crock pot comes with a transparent, heat-resistant glass cover that makes it easy to keep an eye on your meal
- On-the-Go Convenience: Complete with an insulated tote and cover, this travel crockpot makes it simple to transport delicious meals from one house to the next
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 should I look for in a slow cooker for making ribs?
Choose a slow cooker with a capacity of at least 6 quarts to accommodate full racks of ribs. Look for models with programmable settings and a ‘keep warm’ function for precise cooking. A removable, dishwasher-safe insert makes cleanup easier after cooking messy ribs.
How do oval and round slow cookers compare for cooking ribs?
Oval slow cookers are better for ribs as they can fit full racks without cutting them. Round models may require you to cut the ribs into smaller sections, which can affect cooking time and texture. Oval designs also provide more even heat distribution for larger cuts of meat.
What features are most important for tender, flavorful ribs?
A low-temperature setting (around 200°F) is essential for slow-cooking ribs to tenderness. A timer or programmable delay-start feature allows you to set it and forget it. Some models include a sear function, which can enhance flavor by browning the meat before slow cooking.
Are expensive slow cookers worth the extra cost for ribs?
Higher-end models often offer more precise temperature control and additional features like searing or sous-vide modes. However, budget-friendly options can still produce excellent ribs if they have basic settings and a good capacity. Consider how often you’ll use it and whether the extra features justify the price.
How do I prevent ribs from drying out in a slow cooker?
Use a low heat setting and ensure the ribs are fully submerged in liquid or sauce. Adding a bit of apple cider vinegar or beer can help retain moisture. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as it releases heat and steam, which can dry out the meat.
Can I cook other foods alongside ribs in the same slow cooker?
Yes, you can add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or onions to cook alongside the ribs. Place denser vegetables at the bottom for even cooking. However, avoid overcrowding, as it can affect the ribs’ texture and cooking time.
What’s the best way to clean a slow cooker after making ribs?
Soak the removable insert in warm, soapy water to loosen stuck-on sauce and residue. Many inserts are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup even easier. For stubborn stains, use a paste of baking soda and water to scrub gently.
How long should I cook ribs in a slow cooker?
Cook ribs on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Always check for an internal temperature of 190°F for optimal results. Overcooking can make the meat mushy, so monitor closely toward the end of the time.
