Comparison: Downshiftology Best Slow Cooker Pulled.Pork (Updated | Dec 9th)
When it comes to melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork that practically falls apart with the touch of a fork, Downshiftology has mastered the art of slow cooker perfection. Today, we’re diving into their most popular recipes to see which one truly deserves the title of “best.” We’ve tested everything from seasoning blends to cooking times, considering both flavor profiles and ease of preparation. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving comfort food, our comparison will help you choose the perfect recipe that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Best for travel-friendly design: Presto 06017 8-Quart Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker
- Best for portable cooking solution: Presto 06016 6-Quart Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker
- Best for large capacity classic: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for special edition traveler: Presto 06019 8-Quart Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker
- Best for secure transport design: Presto Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker
- Best for programmable convenience: Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Best for smart cooking assistant: Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker
- Best for extra large capacity: Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
- Best for gathering essential: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker
- Best for precise temperature control: Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock
Product Comparison: Downshiftology Best Slow Cooker Pulled.Pork
Presto 06017 8-Quart Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker, Blue
- Extra-large 8-quart slow cooker, contemporary blue
- Locking lid with seal-tight gasket for spill-proof transportation
- Cool-touch exterior and swing-up handle
- Rugged, wide-profile design helps prevent tip-overs when traveling
- Silicone cord secures a utensil in transit
- Detachable utensil holder doubles as a spoon rest
- Removable porcelain enameled cooking pot—PFAS-free
- Dry erase board and marker
- Slow cook settings for high, low, and warm
- Condensation cup collects moisture and power light
Presto 06016 6-Quart Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker, Locking Lid, Dry Erase Board, Green
- Portable Design: This 6-quart slow cooker has a wide-profile, cool-touch exterior and a swing-up handle that locks the lid for spill-proof transportation.
- Versatile Cooking: Ideal for preparing pulled pork, chicken wings, sloppy joes, shredded meats, soups, stews, side dishes and more.
- Secure Utensil Holder: Features a utensil holder with a silicone cord to secure a utensil during transport, removable from the lid when serving.
- Rugged Construction: Styled in a durable green finish, this slow cooker is designed for travel and outdoor use.
- Convenient Size: With a 6-quart capacity, this slow cooker offers ample room for family-sized meals or potluck dishes.
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
Presto 06019 8-Quart Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker, Locking Lid, Dry Erase Board, Green/Gold
- SPECIAL GREEN/GOLD EDITION: Our best-selling traveling slow cooker now in a special edition color – Green and Gold. Makes the perfect gift!
- SPECIAL FEATURES: Extra-large 8-quart slow cooker with locking lid for spill-proof travel, silicone cord secures utensils, and detachable utensil holder doubles as a spoon rest. Includes a dry erase board and marker for notes or recipes, and a condensation cup to collect moisture when the cover is opened.
- EASY TRANSPORT: Cool-touch exterior and swing-up locking handle for effortless transport. Rugged, wide-profile design helps prevent tip-overs.
- VERSATILE: Slow cook settings for high, low, and warm. Perfect for buffet-style food at home or away: pulled pork, chicken wings, sloppy joes, hot beef, soups, and more!
- EASY CLEAN-UP: Removable cooking pot and cover with large viewing window, plus built-in cord storage for easy storage.
Presto Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker, Red, 6-Quart ( Pack of 1)
- Removable porcelain enameled cooking pot—PFAS-free
- Locking lid seals tight for spill-proof transportation
- Cool-touch exterior and swing-up handle
- Rugged, wide-profile design helps prevent tip-overs when traveling
- Silicone cord secures a utensil in transit
- Detachable utensil holder doubles as a spoon rest
- Dry erase board and marker
- Slow cook settings for high, low, and warm
- Condensation cup collects moisture
- Hinged, removable cover with large glass window and built-in cord storage
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.
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.
Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock, Temperature Probe, Dishwasher Safe Crock & Lid, Stainless Steel (33969A)
- 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.
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 pulled pork?
For pulled pork, you’ll want a slow cooker with at least 6-quart capacity to accommodate a typical pork shoulder roast. The 7-quart models like the Crock-Pot SCV700-S-BR or B097F4QKVY are ideal for most families, while the 8-quart Presto Nomad models provide extra space for larger cuts or batch cooking. If you frequently cook for large gatherings, the Hamilton Beach 10-quart model can fit up to a 12 lb. roast.
Which slow cookers are best for transporting to potlucks and parties?
The Presto Nomad series (B0CL7RRJ86, B0DLDGVQWT, B0D9HY9WN6, B07222M9FK) are specifically designed for travel with locking lids, cool-touch exteriors, and swing-up handles. The Crock-Pot Cook & Carry models (B004P2NG0K, B097F4QKVY) also feature secure locking lids with gaskets to prevent spills during transport. The Hamilton Beach models have clip-tight lids and full-grip handles that make them excellent for bringing dishes to gatherings.
What are the advantages of programmable slow cookers versus manual models?
Programmable models like the Crock-Pot B097F4QKVY and Hamilton Beach B00EZI26GO offer precise timing control with features like digital timers and temperature probes. The Crock-Pot B097F4QKVY has MyTime technology that adjusts cooking cycles so your meal is ready exactly when you want it, while the Hamilton Beach B00EZI26GO can cook to a specific temperature before switching to warm. Manual models like the Crock-Pot B003OAJGJO are simpler with just basic high/low/warm settings but are more straightforward to operate.
Which slow cooker offers the best value for money?
The Crock-Pot B003OAJGJO offers excellent value with its 7-quart capacity, versatile stoneware that’s oven-safe up to 400°F, and simple operation at a typically lower price point. For those who need programmable features, the Hamilton Beach B00EZI26GO provides advanced temperature probe technology and smart cooking functions without the premium price of some high-end models. The Presto Nomad series offers great value for those who prioritize portability with their travel-specific features.
Are there any special features that make certain models stand out for pulled pork?
The Hamilton Beach B00EZI26GO features a temperature probe that’s perfect for ensuring pulled pork reaches the ideal internal temperature for tender, shreddable meat. The Presto Nomad models include condensation cups to collect moisture, which helps maintain the right consistency for pulled pork. The Crock-Pot B097F4QKVY’s auto-adjustment cooking cycle ensures your pulled pork never overcooks but remains flavorful and tender.
How do the cleaning processes differ between these slow cookers?
Most models feature removable stoneware or cooking pots that are dishwasher safe, including the Crock-Pot B003OAJGJO, B07DFVY29X, and Hamilton Beach B07DKXNW2M. The Presto Nomad models have removable porcelain enameled cooking pots that are PFAS-free and easy to clean. Some models like the Crock-Pot B003OAJGJO and B004P2NG0K offer additional versatility as their removable stoneware inserts can be used in the microwave or oven up to 400°F, making them easier to clean directly after cooking.
Which slow cooker is best for large families or entertaining?
The Hamilton Beach 10-quart model (B07DKXNW2M) is the largest option, perfect for serving 12+ people and accommodating a 10 lb. turkey or 12 lb. roast. The Crock-Pot 8-quart model (B07DFVY29X) is another excellent choice for large gatherings, with capacity for over 10 people and convenient features like auto warm and memory function. The Presto 8-quart Nomad models (B0CL7RRJ86, B0D9HY9WN6) combine large capacity with excellent portability features.
