Comparison: Nyt Best Slow Cooker (Updated | Dec 9th)
We’ve done the delicious homework for you, testing the top contenders to find the ultimate kitchen workhorse. From tender meats to rich stews, we’ll reveal which slow cooker deserves a spot on your countertop. Let’s dive into the simmering showdown of NYT’s best slow cookers that’ll make your meals—and life—effortlessly delicious.
Editor’s Choice
Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS | 8.5-qt – Sous Vide & Proof Multi-Cooker | Slow Cooker
Ultimate Kitchen Multi-Tool
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for family feast favorite: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for ultimate kitchen multi-tool: Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS | 8.5-qt – Sous Vide & Proof Multi-Cooker | Slow Cooker
- Best for portable party perfection: Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Best for massive gathering master: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker
- Best for holiday hosting hero: Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
- Best for smart timing specialist: Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker
- Best for dual meal innovator: Crock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cooker with Bake Function Oat Milk
- Best for compact couple’s choice: Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black
- Best for precision temperature pro: Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock
- Best for glamorous gathering cooker: Paris Hilton 6-Quart Manual Slow Cooker
Product Comparison: Nyt Best Slow Cooker
Family Feast Favorite
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
Ultimate Kitchen Multi-Tool
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.
Portable Party Perfection
Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
Crock-Pot
- 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
Massive Gathering Master
Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195)
Hamilton Beach
- 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.
Holiday Hosting Hero
Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
Crock-Pot
- 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.
Smart Timing Specialist
Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel; an Essential Kitchen Appliance, Perfect for Families and Gatherings
Crock-Pot
- 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.
Dual Meal Innovator
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.
Compact Couple’s Choice
Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black
Crock-Pot
- 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
Precision Temperature Pro
Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock, Temperature Probe, Dishwasher Safe Crock & Lid, Stainless Steel (33969A)
Hamilton Beach
- 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.
Glamorous Gathering Cooker
Paris Hilton 6-Quart Manual Slow Cooker, Features Three Settings (Low, High, Warm), Naturally Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Insert, Family Sized Capacity, Pink
Paris Hilton
- 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!
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 basic and a programmable slow cooker?
A basic model typically offers only ‘Low,’ ‘High,’ and ‘Keep Warm’ settings, requiring manual operation. Programmable slow cookers feature digital timers and automatic switches to ‘Keep Warm,’ giving you much more flexibility for unattended cooking. This makes them ideal for busy individuals who want to come home to a perfectly cooked meal.
What size slow cooker is right for me?
The best size depends on how many people you typically cook for. A 3-4 quart model is great for couples or small families, while a 6-7 quart is better for larger households or for making big batches of soup or chili. Consider your recipes, as a cooker that is too full won’t cook properly, and one that is too large can dry out smaller meals.
Are more expensive slow cookers worth the extra money?
Often, yes. Higher-priced models usually offer better temperature control for more consistent results, more durable construction, and convenient features like a locking lid for transport. The added cost is often justified by the enhanced reliability and versatility, especially if you plan to use it frequently.
How important are features like a locking lid or probe thermometer?
These features significantly enhance convenience and precision. A locking lid is essential for safely transporting dishes to potlucks or parties without spills. An integrated probe thermometer is a game-changer, as it automatically switches the cooker to ‘Keep Warm’ once the meat reaches its target internal temperature, preventing overcooking.
Should I choose a model with a stoneware or a metal insert?
Most traditional slow cookers use a removable stoneware insert, which is excellent for heat retention and can often be used in the oven or microwave. Some newer models use a non-stick metal insert, which is lighter and easier to clean. For classic slow cooking and versatility, stoneware remains the most popular and recommended choice.
What does ‘Keep Warm’ mode do, and is it necessary?
The ‘Keep Warm’ function automatically switches on after the programmed cooking time ends, holding your food at a safe serving temperature. This is a crucial feature for preventing food from overcooking if you’re not home to turn it off manually. It provides peace of mind and ensures your meal is ready to eat when you are.
How much power does a slow cooker use?
Slow cookers are very energy-efficient, using far less electricity than a conventional oven. They typically draw between 70 and 250 watts, which is comparable to a standard light bulb. Their long, low-temperature cooking method is designed to be economical, making them a cost-effective appliance for daily use.