Comparison: Good Housekeeping Best Slow Cooker (Updated | Dec 9th)
When it comes to convenient, flavorful meals that practically cook themselves, a quality slow cooker is a kitchen essential. Good Housekeeping’s team of experts has rigorously tested the top models to help you find the perfect match for your culinary needs. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, we’ve compared capacity, features, and performance to bring you the most reliable options.
- Best for recipe companion: Good Housekeeping Instant Pot® Cookbook: 60 Delicious Foolproof Recipes (Good Food Guaranteed
- Best for family favorite: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for party perfect: Hamilton Beach 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: Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Best for smart timing: Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker
- Best for holiday helper: Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
- Best for glam cooking: Paris Hilton 6-Quart Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for space saver: Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Slow Cooker with Space-Saving Folding Handles
- Best for compact convenience: Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black
Product Comparison: Good Housekeeping Best Slow Cooker
Good Housekeeping Instant Pot® Cookbook: 60 Delicious Foolproof Recipes (Good Food Guaranteed, 15)
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
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.
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 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.
Paris Hilton 6-Quart Manual Slow Cooker, Features Three Settings (Low, High, Warm), Naturally Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Insert, Family Sized Capacity, Pink
- EASY TO USE: Simple manual controls to save you time. Plug it in, pick your settings and let it do the rest. Choose from Low, High, and Warm settings for perfectly cooked meals every time, whether it’s slow-simmered stews or quick-cooked dinners.
- NATURALLY NONSTICK: The stoneware insert provides a long-lasting naturally nonstick surface made without PFAS, PFOA, PTFE and PFOS.
- FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: With a 6-quart capacity, this slow cooker can feed 7+ people, making it ideal for large family meals, holiday gatherings, and meal prepping.
- ICONIC DESIGN: Featuring chic gold accents, this slow cooker is the perfect blend of style and functionality #ThatsHot! Add a touch of glam to your kitchen while creating epic meals for your loved ones.
- DISHWASHER-SAFE PARTS: Cleaning up is a breeze! The removable stoneware pot and tempered glass lid are dishwasher-safe for easy maintenance. Loves it!
Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Slow Cooker with Space-Saving Folding Handles, 3 Heat Settings, Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Crock and Glass Lid, Black (33664)
- UNIQUE FOLDING HANDLES: The full-grip handles lift up for carrying and down when storing the slow cooker or when you need to make more space on the countertop. The handles are easy to grasp when carrying food to the table or to gatherings.
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY MEALS AND ENTERTAINING: The large slow cooker has a 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
- 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.
- TAKES THE STRESS OUT OF FAMILY MEALS: The 6 quart slow cooker does the cooking for you, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the ones you love.
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
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 buy?
The ideal capacity depends on your household size and cooking needs. For individuals or couples, the 2-quart Crockpot Classic is perfect for small meals and dips, while families should consider 6-8 quart models like the Crock-Pot Programmable or Hamilton Beach options that serve 7+ people. If you frequently host large gatherings or meal prep, the Hamilton Beach 10-quart model can accommodate 12+ people or even a 10-pound turkey.
What are the advantages of programmable slow cookers versus manual models?
Programmable models like the Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry or the 7-Quart with MyTime technology offer precise control with digital timers that can be set for up to 20 hours, allowing you to start cooking before leaving for work. These models typically switch to a warm setting automatically when cooking is complete, preventing overcooking and ensuring your meal is ready when you are. Manual models like the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval or Paris Hilton 6-Quart offer simpler operation with just low, high, and warm settings, which some users prefer for straightforward cooking.
Which slow cooker is best for taking food to parties and potlucks?
For transportable cooking, models with secure locking lids are your best bet. The Crock-Pot Cook & Carry series features a lid gasket that provides an extra seal to prevent spills during transport, while the Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Portable has lid clips that attach tightly to the handles. The Ninja PossibleCooker PLUS also offers excellent portability with its 8.5-quart capacity perfect for entertaining, allowing you to make enough chili for 20 people or pulled pork for 30 sliders.
Are multi-cookers like the Ninja PossibleCooker PLUS worth the extra investment?
Multi-cookers like the Ninja 12-in-1 PossibleCooker PLUS offer exceptional versatility by replacing 12 different cooking tools and appliances, from slow cookers to Dutch ovens and bread makers. This model features unique Triple Fusion Heat Technology that combines bottom, side, and steam heat to cook up to 30% faster than conventional ovens, plus the ability to sear and sauté directly in the pot. While traditional slow cookers excel at set-and-forget convenience, multi-cookers provide greater functionality for those who want to expand their cooking capabilities beyond just slow cooking.
What features make cleaning easier?
Most modern slow cookers feature removable stoneware inserts and lids that are dishwasher safe, making cleanup simple. The Paris Hilton 6-Quart model stands out with its naturally nonstick stoneware surface made without PFAS, PFOA, PTFE and PFOS, which requires less scrubbing. One-pot cooking designs that eliminate the need for multiple pans, like those found in all Crock-Pot models, also significantly reduce cleanup time after meals.
How do the different slow cookers compare in terms of temperature control?
Basic models like the Crockpot 2-Quart Classic and Paris Hilton 6-Quart offer three simple settings: low, high, and warm, providing straightforward temperature control. More advanced models like the Crock-Pot 7-Quart with MyTime technology feature auto-adjustment cooking cycles that ensure meals are never overcooked, while the Ninja PossibleCooker PLUS offers the most sophisticated temperature control with its Triple Fusion Heat Technology that combines multiple heating elements for faster, more even cooking.
Which slow cooker offers the best value for families?
For families looking for the best value, the Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Slow Cooker with Space-Saving Folding Handles offers an excellent balance of capacity, convenience, and price. It serves 7+ people, has three heat settings, and features unique folding handles that make storage easier in crowded kitchens. The Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable model also provides great value with its digital timer, locking lid for transport, and oven-safe stoneware up to 400°F, giving families flexibility in how they prepare and serve meals.
Are there any safety features I should look for in a slow cooker?
Many modern slow cookers include important safety features that provide peace of mind during extended cooking times. The Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable model includes a memory function that resets to previous settings in case of a power outage, preventing food safety concerns. Models with secure locking lids like the Crock-Pot Cook & Carry series not only prevent spills during transport but also provide a more secure seal during cooking, while all models with automatic warm settings prevent food from sitting at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.