Comparison: Best Slow Cooker Short Ribs (Updated | Dec 8th)
There’s something truly magical about slow cooker short ribs, isn’t there? That fall-off-the-bone tenderness, the rich, velvety sauce that develops over hours of low-and-slow cooking—it’s pure comfort food perfection. We’ve done the delicious work for you, testing various methods to find the absolute best. Get ready to discover the secrets to melt-in-your-mouth short ribs that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for italian slow cooking: The Italian Slow Cooker
- Best for rib recipe collection: Oh! Top 50 Slow Cooker Rib Recipes Volume 1: The Best Slow Cooker Rib Cookbook that Delights Your Taste Buds
- Best for fresh slow cooker: Fresh Flavors for the Slow Cooker: Reinvent the Slow-Cooked Meal; 77 Mouthwatering Recipes
- Best for versatile multi-cooker: Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker
- Best for large family capacity: Instant Pot Pro (8 QT) 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker
- Best for compact ceramic cooker: bella 1.5 Qt Slow Cooker with 3 Heat Manual Control
- Best for classic crockpot: Crockpot SCV700-CH-BR Slow Cooker 7 quarts Charcoal
- Best for family-friendly recipes: Crock Pot Magic! – Slow Cooker Recipes: Yummy Crock Pot Recipes The Whole Family Will Love ( slow cooker instant pot
- Best for extra large capacity: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker
- Best for gourmet slow cooking: GreenPan Elite Electric Slow Cooker Cookbook
Product Comparison: Best Slow Cooker Short Ribs
Italian Slow Cooking
The Italian Slow Cooker
Harvest
- Presents a variety of slow-cooker recipes for Italian food which detail how to combine fresh ingredients and simple techniques to produce dishes for soups
- sauces
- meats
- vegetables
- and simple desserts
Rib Recipe Collection
Oh! Top 50 Slow Cooker Rib Recipes Volume 1: The Best Slow Cooker Rib Cookbook that Delights Your Taste Buds
Independently published
Fresh Slow Cooker
Fresh Flavors for the Slow Cooker: Reinvent the Slow-Cooked Meal; 77 Mouthwatering Recipes
Storey Publishing
Versatile Multi-Cooker
Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice/Grain Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Sous Vide, Yogurt Maker, Sterilizer, and Warmer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Black, 6 Quart
Instant Pot
- 10 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté, sterilize, cook yogurt and rice, bake, steam, or simply keep warm, all in one easy appliance
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 28 one-touch options covering all essential meals
- Good Food Done Faster: Preheat 20% faster and cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods
- Easy & Convenient Steam Release: Gentle steam release switch and diffusing cover allow you to confidently and quietly release steam every time
- 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: 1200 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features safety features and mechanisms like easy grip inner pot handles, overheat protection, and an auto-sealing safety lid lock
- A Little Extra: Includes an extra sealing ring and a stainless steel steamer rack with handles to keep you ready for anything
Large Family Capacity
Instant Pot Pro (8 QT) 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice/Grain Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Sous Vide, Yogurt Maker, Sterilizer, and Warmer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Black
Instant Pot
- 10 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté, sterilize, cook yogurt and rice, bake, steam, or simply keep warm, all in one easy appliance.
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 28 one-touch options covering all essential meals.
- Good Food Done Faster: Preheat 20% faster and cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
- Convenient & Easy Steam Release: Gentle steam release switch and diffusing cover allow you to confidently and quietly release steam every time.
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 8-quart capacity is perfect for up to 8 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: 1400 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
- Proven Peace of Mind: Includes safety features and mechanisms like easy grip inner pot handles, overheat protection, an auto-sealing safety lid lock, and more.
- A Little Extra: Includes an extra sealing ring and stainless-steel steamer with handles to keep you ready for anything.
Compact Ceramic Cooker
bella 1.5 Qt Slow Cooker with 3 Heat Manual Control, Ceramic Nonstick Coating, Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Pot and Tempered Glass Lid, Tangle Free Cord Wrap & Cool Touch Handles, Surf
BELLA
- Perfect Size for Two: With a 1.5qt capacity, this slow cooker is just right for cooking for two or making your favorite dips, nachos, and sauces. Compact yet versatile, it’s the perfect kitchen companion for cozy dinners or party-ready appetizers
- Smart Coating for Easy Cleanup: Enjoy mess-free cooking with our EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating, free from PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, and cadmium. The surface of this electric cooking pot ensures easy food release, quick cleanup, and fun for all
- Three Heat Settings for Perfect Results: Choose from low, medium, or high temperature settings to prepare your meals to perfection. Whether you’re simmering sauces or melting chocolate, this mini pressure cooker will help you create culinary wonders
- Safe & Durable Design: The shatter-resistant glass lid lets you keep an eye on your food while it cooks, and the cool-touch handles ensure safe handling. Non-skid feet keep the crock pot slow cooker stable on your countertop, adding peace of mind
- Effortless Storage & Cleanup: With a clutter-free cord wrap, this mini portable cooker stays neat on your countertop. The dishwasher-safe stoneware pot and tempered glass lid make cleanup as simple as cooking, so you can focus on enjoying your meal
Classic Crockpot
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-Friendly Recipes
Crock Pot Magic! – Slow Cooker Recipes: Yummy Crock Pot Recipes The Whole Family Will Love ( slow cooker instant pot, good crockpot meals, best crock pot recipes, crockpot cookbooks, slow cook book
Independently published
Extra Large Capacity
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.
Gourmet Slow Cooking
GreenPan Elite Electric Slow Cooker Cookbook, Hardcover, 50 Simple Step Recipes, Breakfast Lunch Dinner Dessert Meals, Quick Easy Tips
GreenPan
- 50 SLOW COOKER RECIPES: The wide range of slow cooker recipes will satisfy everyone’s tastebuds – from breakfast to dessert and everything in between.
- SIMPLE STEPS: Mix a few ingredients together, set your cooking time, and let your slow cooker do all the work.
- QUICK TIPS: Not only does this cookbook provide delicious recipes, but it also includes helpful hints and tips to ensure the best results.
- BREAKFAST: Wake up to wonderful breakfast feasts like Pear French Toast Casserole, Breakfast Strata, Apple Bread Pudding, and more.
- LUNCH: Create midday masterpieces like Beef Tostadas, Lobster Mac & Cheese, or Spectacular Slow-Cooker Chili.
- DINNER: Come home to gourmet dishes like Gourmet Bourbon Short Ribs, Chinese BBQ Pork, or Chicken Mango Curry.
- DESSERT: Indulge in delectable desserts like Chocolate Cherry Fudge Cake, Caramel Apple Cider, or Spiced S’mores Dip.
- INCREDIBLE GIFT: This slow cooker cookbook makes a great gift for someone who wants to cook amazing meals that are quick, easy, with an effortless cleanup.
- MEALS ALL DAY LONG: With 50 recipes for every meal of the day, this cookbook is 112 pages of easy slow cooker dishes – all in one place.
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 short ribs?
Choose a model with at least 6-quart capacity to accommodate larger cuts. Look for programmable settings and a sear function for better flavor development.
How do different slow cooker brands compare for short ribs?
Crock-Pot offers reliable performance and basic features, while Instant Pot provides multi-functionality. High-end brands like Breville deliver precise temperature control and premium build quality.
Are programmable slow cookers worth the extra cost?
Yes, programmable models allow you to set cooking times and switch to warm automatically. This ensures tender short ribs without overcooking, even if you’re away.
What features are most important for cooking short ribs?
A sear or browning function enhances flavor by caramelizing the meat first. Even heat distribution and a tight-fitting lid are also crucial for consistent results.
How do slow cooker sizes affect short rib cooking?
Smaller models may overcrowd the ribs, leading to uneven cooking. A larger slow cooker allows proper space for heat circulation and tender results.
Is a multi-cooker better than a dedicated slow cooker for short ribs?
Multi-cookers offer versatility but may lack the slow, steady heat of dedicated models. If short ribs are a staple, a traditional slow cooker is often more reliable.
What’s the best way to clean a slow cooker after cooking short ribs?
Soak the removable insert in warm, soapy water to loosen grease. Many models have dishwasher-safe parts for easier cleanup.
How do I ensure my short ribs turn out tender in a slow cooker?
Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours to break down collagen. Avoid lifting the lid frequently, as it releases heat and extends cooking time.