Comparison: Is Crock Pot The Best Slow Cooker (Updated | Dec 9th)
When it comes to slow cooking, the name “Crock-Pot” often rolls off the tongue as if it’s the only option. But is this iconic brand truly the king of low-and-slow cooking, or has it been resting on its laurels while competitors innovate? In a world where your next meal simmers away for hours, choosing the right appliance matters more than you think. We’ve put the original to the test against modern contenders to see if your trusty Crock-Pot is still the best bet for tender, flavorful results with minimal effort.
- Best for classic crowd-feeder: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for perfect for dips: Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black
- Best for extra large gathering: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker
- Best for programmable & portable: Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Best for holiday hosting essential: Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
- Best for casserole shape saver: Crock-Pot Small 2.5 Quart Casserole Slow Cooker in White/Blue
- Best for smart time adjusting: Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker
- Best for effortless family meals: Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings
- Best for sear then slow cook: Magic Mill Slow Cooker 10 Quart | Extra Large Non-Stick Metal Searing Pot & Transparent Tempered Glass Lid Multipurpose Lightweight Slow Cookers
- Best for ultimate all-in-one: Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS | 8.5-qt – Sous Vide & Proof Multi-Cooker | Slow Cooker
Product Comparison: Is Crock Pot The Best Slow Cooker
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
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
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.
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 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.
Crock-Pot Small 2.5 Quart Casserole Slow Cooker in White/Blue, Enjoy Eye-Catching Quick Meals, Durable and Compact
- Compact 2.5 Quart Capacity: Perfect for dinners, potlucks and parties
- Oven-Safe Stoneware: Removable and casserole-shaped for easy serving
- High, Low and Warm Settings: Precision cooking and keeping food warm
- Cook & Carry locking lid system: For hassle-free and neat transportation
- Dishwasher Safe: Stoneware and lid for easy clean-up
- Robust Material: Contains Aluminum, Stainless Steel for durability
- Versatility: Great for make-ahead meals, entertaining, and when conventional oven space is limited.
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.
Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware Crock & Glass Lid, Silver (33665G)
- 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
Magic Mill Slow Cooker 10 Quart | Extra Large Non-Stick Metal Searing Pot & Transparent Tempered Glass Lid Multipurpose Lightweight Slow Cookers, Pot is Safe to Put the On the Flame, Dishwasher Safe
- EXTRA LARGE CAPACITY SLOW COOKER: Step up your culinary game with Magic Mill’s 10-Quart Slow Cooker, the ultimate solution for large family gatherings, capable of accommodating a 10 lb. turkey or a 12 lb. roast with ease.
- STOVETOP-SAFE SEARING: Transform your meats with our stovetop-safe pot, allowing you to sear succulently and then slow cook to perfection, marrying convenience with flavor in one dynamic cooker.
- LEAKPROOF TRANSPARENT LID: Monitor your meal’s progress without spills or splatters; our leakproof, tempered glass lid ensures that your slow-cooked creations are cooked to perfection and ready to impress.
- BEAUTIFUL AND FUNCTIONAL DESIGN: Not only is this a beautiful slow cooker that will grace your countertop with its presence, but it’s also designed for effortless operation with intuitive settings for any cooking scenario.
- DEDICATED TO QUALITY AND SERVICE: Trust in the Magic Mill legacy of over 50 years—each slow cooker is a testament to our commitment to your cooking excellence and ultimate satisfaction, backed by a dedicated customer service team.
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.
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 should I buy?
Consider your household size and cooking habits. For couples or small meals, a 2-2.5 quart model like the Crock-Pot 2-Quart Classic or 2.5 Quart Casserole is ideal. Families of 4-6 should look at 6-7 quart options, while large gatherings or batch cooking benefit from 8-10 quart models like the Hamilton Beach 10 Quart or Crock-Pot 8-Quart.
Are programmable slow cookers worth the extra cost?
Programmable models offer significant convenience for busy lifestyles. They allow you to set cooking times in advance and automatically switch to a warm setting, preventing overcooking. Models like the Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry or the Crock-Pot 7-Quart with MyTime technology provide precise control that basic manual models don’t offer.
What features are important for transporting slow cooker meals?
For potlucks and gatherings, look for models with secure locking lids and gaskets to prevent spills. The Crock-Pot Cook & Carry series and Hamilton Beach Stay or Go models feature lid-clamping systems specifically designed for transport. Full-grip handles also make carrying heavy, full cookers much safer and more comfortable.
Can I brown meat in my slow cooker?
Most traditional slow cookers aren’t designed for searing, but some newer models offer this capability. The Magic Mill Slow Cooker features a stovetop-safe metal pot for searing before slow cooking, while the Ninja PossibleCooker PLUS allows you to sear and sauté directly in the pot using bottom heating elements, eliminating the need for a separate pan.
Is Crock-Pot really the best brand of slow cooker?
Crock-Pot pioneered slow cooking and offers reliable models across all price points, but other brands provide competitive features. Hamilton Beach offers excellent value with large capacity options and portability features. For maximum versatility, the Ninja PossibleCooker PLUS functions as 12 different appliances in one, making it more of a multi-cooker than a traditional slow cooker.
How do I clean my slow cooker properly?
Most modern slow cookers feature dishwasher-safe removable stoneware and glass lids for easy cleanup. Models with non-stick interiors like the Magic Mill offer the easiest cleaning experience. For stubborn residues, fill the cooker with warm, soapy water and let it soak before cleaning, or use a paste of baking soda and water for tough stains.
What’s the difference between basic and premium slow cookers?
Basic models like the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Manual offer simple dial controls and essential functions, while premium models include digital timers, programmable settings, and specialized features. High-end options like the Ninja PossibleCooker PLUS incorporate advanced heating technology and multiple cooking functions, essentially serving as multi-cookers rather than just slow cookers.
Are multi-cookers better than dedicated slow cookers?
Multi-cookers like the Ninja PossibleCooker PLUS offer incredible versatility, replacing 12 different appliances with one unit. However, dedicated slow cookers often provide more consistent results for traditional slow cooking recipes and are typically more budget-friendly. Consider your cooking needs – if you primarily want to slow cook, a dedicated model might be preferable, but if you want maximum functionality, a multi-cooker offers better value.