Comparison: Best Slow Cooker Stew (Updated | Dec 9th)
There’s nothing quite like coming home to the rich aroma of a hearty stew simmering away, ready to warm you from the inside out. We’ve done the delicious work for you, testing various methods to find the ultimate slow cooker stew. Get ready to discover the secrets to incredibly flavorful meat, a perfectly balanced broth, and vegetables that hold their shape. Your new go-to comfort food is just a page turn away.
- Best for hearty stew mix: McCormick Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew Seasoning Mix
- Best for classic beef stew: McCormick Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew Seasoning Mix
- Best for beginner’s crockpot guide: The Ultimate Crock Pot Cookbook for Beginners: Easy and Flavorful Crock Pot Recipes for Breakfast
- Best for family size champion: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for dutch oven favorites: Cook It in Your Dutch Oven: 150 Foolproof Recipes Tailor-Made for Your Kitchen’s Most Versatile Pot
- Best for quick stew recipes: 20 Best Slow Cooker Soup & Stew Recipes (Betty Crocker eBook Minis)
- Best for jumbo capacity cooker: Elite Gourmet MST-900RXT# Electric Ceramic XL Jumbo Slow Cooker
- Best for personal size cooker: Elite Gourmet MST-250XS Electric Slow Cooker Ceramic Pot
- Best for recipe collection: Crockpot Recipe Collection: More Than 350 Crockpot Slow Cooker Recipes from the Leader in Slow Cooking
- Best for comfort food cookbook: Taste of Home Soups
Product Comparison: Best Slow Cooker Stew
McCormick Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew Seasoning Mix, 1.5 oz (Pack of 12)
- Tasty blend of black pepper, paprika and time to make a hearty, homemade beef stew
- No MSG or Artificial Flavors Added*
- Convenient seasoning blend made with McCormick Spices
- USAGE TIP: Dinner is a breeze with McCormick Slow Cooker: 8 hours on low, 4 hours on high in the slow cooker
- USAGE TIP: Meal is ready in approximately 30 minutes in your Instant Pot
McCormick Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew Seasoning Mix, 1.5 oz
- Delicious, hearty beef stew made easy
- Zero trans fats and artificial flavors
- Low-cholesterol diet friendly
- Easy recipe – just add water, beef, carrots, potatoes and onions
- Perfect intense flavor blend of black pepper, paprika an d thyme
The Ultimate Crock Pot Cookbook for Beginners: Easy and Flavorful Crock Pot Recipes for Breakfast, Vegetables, Snacks, Beef, Pork, Fish, Seafood, Desserts, Soups & Stews | Perfect for Families
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
Cook It in Your Dutch Oven: 150 Foolproof Recipes Tailor-Made for Your Kitchen’s Most Versatile Pot
20 Best Slow Cooker Soup & Stew Recipes (Betty Crocker eBook Minis)
Elite Gourmet MST-900RXT# Electric Ceramic XL Jumbo Slow Cooker, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock, 8.5Qt, MetallicRed
- FEED THE MASSES with this 8.5qt slow cooker. Perfectly sized for a large turkey breast or beef roast, you can be assured of having plenty for drop-in guests or as leftovers for the next day’s lunches.
- JUMBO OVAL slow cooker makes cooking fork-tender roasts and poultry a breeze. Cool-touch handles and interface protect hands from burns and allow you to safely transport your slow cooker.
- ADJUSTABLE SETTINGS with versatile Low / High / Keep Warm settings, gives you ultimate control of meal preparation. Simply set it and forget it while you entertain guests or prepare other dishes.
- FAST, EASY CLEAN-UP with our dishwasher-safe clear tempered glass lid and removable oval crock. The brushed stainless steel heating unit can be wiped clean with a damp cloth to maintain its pristine appearance.
- Intertek LISTED 300 watt large slow cooker is ideal for home kitchen use. With its elegant brushed stainless steel finish and 8.5 quart removable stoneware pot, it makes a thoughtful housewarming or wedding gift.
Elite Gourmet MST-250XS Electric Slow Cooker Ceramic Pot, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock, 1.5 Quart, Stainless Steel
- PERSONAL 1.5 QUART slow cooker makes cooking fork-tender roasts and poultry a breeze. Cool-touch handles and knob protect hands and allow you to safely transport your slow cooker.
- ADJUSTABLE SETTINGS with versatile Low / High / Keep Warm settings, gives you ultimate control of meal preparation. Simply set it and forget it while you continue on with your busy day, entertain guests or prepare other dishes.
- FAST, EASY CLEAN-UP with our dishwasher-safe clear tempered glass lid and removable oval stoneware pot. The stainless steel exterior heating base can be wiped clean with a damp cloth to maintain its pristine appearance.
- STAINLESS STEEL FINISH for a sleek and stylish design, plus rust-proof and easy to clean.
- TRUSTED BRAND – As a trusted brand for 40 years, Elite Gourmet has delivered high quality and stylish kitchen products that are affordable & user friendly. Call, email, or live chat with us, our US-based support team responds quickly to all inquiries.
Crockpot Recipe Collection: More Than 350 Crockpot Slow Cooker Recipes from the Leader in Slow Cooking
Taste of Home Soups, Stews and More: 325+ Comfort Food Recipes With Tasty Photos and Handy Tips (Taste of Home Comfort Food)
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 is best for making stew?
For a family of four, a 6-quart slow cooker is ideal as it provides enough space for ingredients to cook properly without overflowing. If you’re cooking for one or two, a 3-4 quart model is more efficient and prevents the stew from drying out. Always ensure the cooker is at least half-full for the best results.
What’s the difference between a manual and a programmable slow cooker for stew?
A manual slow cooker has basic low, high, and warm settings that you control manually, offering simplicity and a lower price point. A programmable model allows you to set a specific cook time, after which it automatically switches to a ‘keep warm’ setting, preventing overcooking. For busy cooks, a programmable slow cooker provides more convenience and flexibility.
Are more expensive slow cookers worth the extra cost for stew?
More expensive models often offer advanced features like precise temperature control, searing functions, and better build quality, which can improve the flavor and texture of your stew. A searing function allows you to brown meat directly in the pot, adding a depth of flavor that is lost in basic models. If you frequently make stews and want a one-pot solution, the investment can be worthwhile.
What key features should I look for in a slow cooker for stew?
Look for a model with a removable, oval-shaped ceramic insert, which is perfect for fitting larger cuts of meat common in stews. A digital timer and automatic ‘keep warm’ function are essential for preventing overcooking. A tight-fitting, tempered glass lid is also crucial to retain moisture and allow you to monitor progress without lifting the lid.
How do I compare slow cooker performance for making tender stew?
Performance is best judged by how evenly and consistently it cooks on the ‘low’ setting over a long period. A great slow cooker will gently simmer the stew, resulting in fall-apart tender meat, while a poor one may have hot spots that cause uneven cooking. Reading user reviews specifically mentioning long-cook recipes like pot roast or stew is the best way to gauge real-world performance.
Is it better to get a slow cooker with a stovetop-safe insert?
Yes, a stovetop-safe insert offers significant value by allowing you to sear meat and sauté vegetables in the same pot before slow cooking. This ‘one-pot’ method builds a richer flavor base for your stew and saves on cleanup. This feature bridges the gap between a basic slow cooker and a multi-cooker.
How does a multi-cooker compare to a dedicated slow cooker for stew?
A multi-cooker, like an Instant Pot, can make stew faster using a pressure-cooking function, but a dedicated slow cooker excels at developing deep, slow-simmered flavors. The ‘low’ setting on a traditional slow cooker provides a gentle, consistent heat that is difficult to replicate. For the classic, melt-in-your-mouth texture, a dedicated slow cooker is often the superior choice.