Comparison: Multicooker Best Slow Cooker (Updated | Dec 9th)
Enter the multicooker-slow cooker hybrid, your kitchen’s new best friend! We’ve tested top models to find the perfect blend of versatility and performance. From tender pulled pork to hearty stews, these powerhouses do it all. But which one truly excels at slow cooking while offering the convenience of pressure cooking, sautéing, and more? Join us as we uncover the multicooker that will revolutionize your meal prep and satisfy your inner chef without breaking a sweat.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for ultimate versatility: Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS | 8.5-qt – Sous Vide & Proof Multi-Cooker | Slow Cooker
- Best for smart cooking pro: Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker
- Best for triple function master: Cuisinart 3-In-1 Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker: Slow Cooker
- Best for lightweight champion: Instant Pot Superior Cooker 7.5QT Slow Cooker and Multicooker
- Best for dual meal genius: Crock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cooker with Bake Function Oat Milk
- Best for classic capacity king: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for stylish countertop choice: Our Place Dream Cooker | 6-quart Multicooker | 4 Versatile Modes | Pressure Cook
- Best for compact multi-tasker: Cuisinart MSC-400 3-In-1 Cook Central 4-Quart Multi-Cooker: Slow Cooker
- Best for design-forward cooker: Our Place Dream Cooker | 6-quart Multicooker | 4 Versatile Modes | Pressure Cook
- Best for programmable searing pro: Hamilton Beach 6 Quart 9-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker with Sear
Product Comparison: Multicooker Best Slow Cooker
Ultimate Versatility
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
Ninja
- 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.
Smart Cooking Pro
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cook, Rice Maker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quarts
Instant Pot
- 9 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, sous vide, steam, steralize, keep warm, make rice and yogurt—all in one appliance.
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 15 one-touch options, from hearty soups to decadent cakes.
- Intuitive and Convenient Design: An easy-to-read display with dedicated cooking time, temperature, and pressure indicators keeps you updated in real time. And when it’s time to tuck it away, the detachable power cord makes storage easy.
- Safe and Easy Steam Release: The Easy-Release steam switch ensures fast, safe, and simple steam release every time.
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster
- Pro-Grade Cooking Pot: Crafted from durable 18/8 stainless steel with an anti-spin, tri-ply bottom—perfect for searing and sautéing like a pro.
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 6-quart capacity is perfect for up to 6 servings—ideal for families, meal prep, and batch cooking.
- Quick Cleanup and A Little Extra: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot make clean up a breeze. Includes 2 extra sealing rings and a stainless steel steam rack to keep you ready for anything. :
- Power-Packed Performance and Proven Peace of Mind: 1000 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL and ULC Listed. Features over 10 safety mechanisms, including overheat protection, an easy seal safety lid lock, and more for worry-free cooking.
- Source Notes: Compared to slow cooking methods
Triple Function Master
Cuisinart 3-In-1 Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker: Slow Cooker, Brown/Saute, Steamer, MSC-600 NAS, Silver
Cuisinart
- One touch switches modes when recipe calls for combination cooking
- Extra-large blue backlit LCD display with easy-to-read time and temperature settings
- Removable 6-quart nonstick aluminum cooking pot
- Glass lid with cool-touch handle for clear view and comfortable handling
- Dishwasher-safe removable parts for effortless cleanup, Steaming rack included, Limited 3-year warranty.Steam for up to 90 minutes
- Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging
Lightweight Champion
Instant Pot Superior Cooker 7.5QT Slow Cooker and Multicooker, 4-in-1 Functions, Sears/Sauté, Slow Cooks/Roast, Steams and Warms, From The Makers of Instant Pot
Instant Pot
- 4 Cooking Functions: Slow cook, sauté, steam, and warm all in one compact appliance. Sear using the sauté function to lock in flavor before slow cooking, then reduce sauces afterward for rich, delicious results—all without switching pots
- Versatile & Lightweight: The aluminum inner pot is 80% lighter than ceramic pots of comparable size, making it easy to handle from prep to cleanup
- Family-Sized Capacity: With a 7.5-quart capacity and a deep skillet design, it offers more cooking area than a 12″ skillet—ideal for families, gatherings, meal prep, and batch cooking
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The non-stick ceramic-coated aluminum pot, dishwasher-safe glass lid and silicone accessories make washing up effortless
- Power-Packed Performance: 800 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
- Proven Peace of Mind: Includes overheat protection and stay-cool knobs and handles on the cooker base for worry-free cooking and carrying.
- A Little Extra: Includes a silicone storage lid for leftovers and an easy-lift steam sling for veggies, eggs, and more
Dual Meal Genius
Crock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cooker with Bake Function Oat Milk
Crock-Pot
- Make Multiple Meals with Just One Appliance: Cook multiple recipes at one time, with dual-pot temperature and cook functions, including slow cook, sear/sauté, bake, rice/steam, and keep warm.
- Revolutionary Smart Timer: DualSync Technology ensures both dishes are ready at the same time.
- Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cooker Replaces 30+ Cooking Tools and Appliances: Create complete meals without needing to use separate stock pots, cooking pans, dutch ovens, slow cookers, steamers or food warmers.
- Flavorful Dual-Pot Meals: Seal in the rich taste and caramelization of every ingredient by searing first and then cooking in the same pot, to help build flavors.
- Includes Bake Function: Choose between 300 or 350 degrees F to bake desserts, breads, and more.
- Nonstick. Easy-to-Clean: Ceramic-coated pot wipes clean easily.
- Family-Size Meals: Two 3.7-quart nonstick pots feed 4+ people each
- Easy Cleanup: Dishwasher-safe lid, pots, and steam rack (hand washing recommended for pot).
- Oven Safe: The removable cooking pots are oven-safe up to 450 degrees F, to help add a crispy finish to any meal.
Classic Capacity King
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining
Crock-Pot
- 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
Stylish Countertop Choice
Our Place Dream Cooker | 6-quart Multicooker | 4 Versatile Modes | Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Sear & Saute, Keep Warm | Hands-Free Steam Release | Tailored Control Panel | Char
Our Place
- FAST & VERSATILE COOKING: The Dream Cooker brings your culinary fantasies to life with four easy modes: Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Sear and Saute, and Keep Warm. With pressure cooking mode, you can cook 80% faster than traditional methods, making dinnertime prep quick, easy, and convenient.
- TOXIN-FREE, EASY TO CLEAN: The 6-quart inner pot has a toxin-free nonstick coating for simpler cooking and cleaning. With the Dream Cooker, never worry about soaking and scrubbing again.
- HANDS-FREE CONVENIENCE: Experience hands-free steam release and automatic keep warm mode, plus 9 advanced safety features for worry-free cooking.
- TAILORED CONTROL PANEL: Say goodbye to confusing, cluttered presets. Set the time, temperature, and mode on the easy-to-use control panel for cooking pretty much anything you can imagine.
- STYLISH COUNTERTOP AESTHETIC: The first multicooker designed to live on your countertop, the Dream Cooker adds both function and style to your kitchen decor.
Compact Multi-Tasker
Cuisinart MSC-400 3-In-1 Cook Central 4-Quart Multi-Cooker: Slow Cooker, Brown/Saute, Steamer, Silver
Cuisinart
- Extra-large blue backlit LCD display with easy-to-read time and temperature settings
- Glass lid with cool-touch handle for clear view and comfortable handling
- Steaming rack included
- Instruction Book
- Limited 3-year Warranty
Design-Forward Cooker
Our Place Dream Cooker | 6-quart Multicooker | 4 Versatile Modes | Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Sear & Saute, Keep Warm | Hands-Free Steam Release | Tailored Control Panel | Blue Salt
Our Place
- FAST & VERSATILE COOKING: The Dream Cooker brings your culinary fantasies to life with four easy modes: Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Sear and Saute, and Keep Warm. With pressure cooking mode, you can cook 80% faster than traditional methods, making dinnertime prep quick, easy, and convenient.
- TOXIN-FREE, EASY TO CLEAN: The 6-quart inner pot has a toxin-free nonstick coating for simpler cooking and cleaning. With the Dream Cooker, never worry about soaking and scrubbing again.
- HANDS-FREE CONVENIENCE: Experience hands-free steam release and automatic keep warm mode, plus 9 advanced safety features for worry-free cooking.
- TAILORED CONTROL PANEL: Say goodbye to confusing, cluttered presets. Set the time, temperature, and mode on the easy-to-use control panel for cooking pretty much anything you can imagine.
- STYLISH COUNTERTOP AESTHETIC: The first multicooker designed to live on your countertop, the Dream Cooker adds both function and style to your kitchen decor.
Programmable Searing Pro
Hamilton Beach 6 Quart 9-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker with Sear, Browning, Rice, Steam, Sauté, Roast Delay Start & Keep Warm Functions, Nonstick PFAS-Free Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33604)
Hamilton Beach
- 9 COOKING OPTIONS: Cook multiple ways with one versatile appliance. As a slow cooker, choose high or low heat, or select white rice or whole grain to use as a rice cooker. You can also sear, brown, sauté, roast, steam or keep food warm.
- SEAR OR BROWN RIGHT IN THE POT: Sear or brown right in the ceramic nonstick pot — no stovetop necessary. Improve the color and flavor of every dish you make in this searing slow cooker by searing or browning before you roast or slow cook foods.
- SLOW COOK ONE-POT MEALS, SIDE DISHES, APPETIZERS AND DESSERTS: With our versatile slow cooker, you can make and serve everything from lasagna, meatballs and macaroni and cheese, to fruit cobblers and cakes. Choose low or high heat settings .
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY GATHERINGS AND ENTERTAINING: The Hamilton Beach slow cooker has a removable, 6 quart rectangular pot that fits a variety of foods. It will hold a 6 lb. chicken, 4 lb. roast or enough barbecue to make up to 25 sliders. Serves 7+ people.
- DELAY START FUNCTION FOR RICE, WHOLE GRAINS and STEAM: Delay start adds to this multi-cooker’s convenience and makes meal planning easier. You can set the delay cooking time from 1 to 15 hours to begin cooking rice or grains or steaming food while you are away from home or busy with other tasks.
- Thoughtfully Designed with Easy-Touch Controls The easy touch controls are intuitive to use. You can set your own time and temperature for most programs.
- The time counts down on the screen, so you can track the remaining cook time and know when food is ready. When food is ready, the slow cooker automatically switches to warm. Simply wipe the control panel to keep clean.
- Easy to Carry This slow cooker has full-grip handles that make it easy to lift and carry.
- Easy to Clean The removable, ceramic nonstick pot is PFAS free. The pot, roasting/steaming rack and glass lid and are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
- Great for roasting meat to the perfect tenderness every time. Place meat on top of the rack in the pot and set roasting time up to 3 hours. The timer countdown begins when the cooking temperature reaches 375°F (190°C), and when food is ready, the searing slow cooker automatically switches to warm.
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’s the difference between a multicooker and a traditional slow cooker?
A multicooker offers multiple functions like pressure cooking, searing, and steaming, while a traditional slow cooker focuses solely on low-and-slow cooking. Multicookers provide greater versatility and can significantly reduce cooking times for many recipes.
How do I choose the right capacity for my needs?
Consider your household size and whether you plan to meal prep. A 4-quart model suits 2-3 people, while 6-8 quart models are ideal for families or batch cooking.
Is a pressure cooking function important if I want a slow cooker?
Yes, a pressure function adds incredible value by allowing you to cook the same dishes up to 70-80% faster. You still get the tender results of slow cooking but with the convenience of speed when needed.
What features make cleanup easier?
Look for models with nonstick or ceramic-coated inner pots that are dishwasher-safe. Removable lids and included accessories like steam racks that are also dishwasher-safe simplify the cleaning process.
Can I brown meat directly in these multicookers?
Many top models, like the Ninja PossibleCooker and Instant Pot Duo Plus, have a sauté or sear function. This allows you to brown meat and sauté vegetables in the same pot, building deeper flavor without extra pans.
Are multicookers with more functions always better?
Not necessarily. Focus on the functions you’ll actually use, such as slow cooking, pressure cooking, and searing. Extra features like sous vide or baking can be great but may increase the cost and complexity.
How do the Crock-Pot MultiMeal and other dual-pot cookers work?
Dual-pot models like the Crock-Pot MultiMeal feature two separate cooking pots with independent temperature and timer controls. This allows you to cook two different dishes simultaneously, with technology to sync them to finish at the same time.
What safety features should I look for?
Key safety features include secure locking lids, automatic pressure release valves, and overheat protection. Brands like Instant Pot and Our Place often include over 10 safety mechanisms for worry-free cooking.