Comparison: Slow Cooker Are They Any Good (Updated | Dec 8th)
You’re not alone. These humble appliances promise effortless meals, but do they deliver? From tender, flavor-packed stews to disappointing mushy results, slow cookers can be hit or miss. We’ve spent weeks testing top models, experimenting with recipes, and chatting with home cooks to uncover the truth. Whether you’re a busy parent or a culinary enthusiast, join us as we separate the simmering stars from the lackluster laggards in the world of slow cooking.
- Best for family feast maker: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for compact cooking solution: Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black
- Best for holiday host essential: Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
- Best for portable party perfect: Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Best for smart meal timing: Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker
- Best for stylish vintage design: Crock-Pot® Manual Design Series 4.5 Quart Slow Cooker
- Best for vibrant large capacity: Crockpot Manual 7-Quart Slow Cooker Turquoise
- Best for programmed perfection: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer
- Best for precision sous vide: Crockpot Programmable 7-Quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker with Sous Vide Stainless Steel
- Best for travel-ready convenience: Crock-Pot SCCPVL600S Cook’ N Carry 6-Quart Oval Manual Portable Slow Cooker
Product Comparison: Slow Cooker Are They Any Good
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
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 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® Manual Design Series 4.5 Quart Slow Cooker, Macaroon Blue
- Elevated Design: Features a streamlined design, modern-vintage aesthetic, and light blue Macaroon color
- Manual Control: 3 manual cook settings—High, Low, and Warm—provide cooking flexibility
- Large Capacity: 4.5-quart size feeds 5+ people; perfect for chilis, soups, stews & more
- Warm Setting: Manual Warm setting keeps food at serving temperature until it’s time to eat, or can be used as a food warmer
- Dishwasher- and Oven-Safe: Removable stoneware and glass lid are both dishwasher-safe; the stoneware is also oven-safe
Crockpot Manual 7-Quart Slow Cooker Turquoise
- Spacious 7-quart manual slow cooker serves 8+ people or fits a 6-lb. roast
- Set cooking time to high and get a hot meal in no time or set it on low and tonight’s dinner can cook while you’re at work
- Keep food at an ideal serving temperature for as long as you need to with the convenient warm setting
- One-pot cooking means there are less dishes to clean, plus the lid and removable stoneware are dishwasher safe
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer, Food Warmer, Polished Platinum, Perfect for Everyday Meals and Entertaining
- Large Capacity: 7-Quart programmable slow cooker serves 8 or more people
- Digital Control: Countdown control allows for programmed cook times from 30 minutes up to 20 hours
- Polished and Practical Design: Platinum polished finish with soft grip chrome plated handles
- Easy to Clean: Dishwasher safe stoneware and glass lid for easy cleanup
- Automatic Warming Feature: Automatically shifts to warm setting after cooking to maintain ideal serving temperature
- Quality Materials: This product contains Aluminum, Stainless Steel (Iron, Chromium, Nickel, Manganese, Copper, Phosphorus)
- Convenience for Your Lifestyle: Ideal for preparing early and slow-cooking all day, promoting smart, healthy and convenient cooking
Crockpot Programmable 7-Quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker with Sous Vide Stainless Steel
- Sous Vide Function: Food cooks in a temperature controlled water bath, in air-tight bags, for unrivaled results. The removable probe ensures food reaches a precise internal temperature, so there’s no over- or under-cooking. Finish on the stove for a perfect, caramelized sear
- Removable Temperature Probe: Ensures food reaches a precise internal temperature, so there’s no over-cooking, under-cooking, or guesswork
- Cook & Carry Locking Lid: Travel-proof locking lid provides a tight seal to prevent leaks and spills, for no mess on-the-go
- Innovative Design: Updated 7-quart stoneware design has more usable cooking space*, with a generous base for larger cuts of meat and family-sized meals* *Compared with SCV700 Crock-Pot Slow Cooker
- Warm Setting: Keeps food at the ideal serving temperature until it’s time to eat
- Dishwasher- and Oven-Safe: Removable stoneware and glass lid are both dishwasher-safe; the stoneware is also oven-safe
- Modern Digital Display: Customize precise temperature controls, as well as cook times from 5 minutes to 30 hours
Crock-Pot SCCPVL600S Cook’ N Carry 6-Quart Oval Manual Portable Slow Cooker, Silver
- 1800-watt 3/5-cubic-foot 4-slice cooker with 8 preset functions and Element IQ technology. The lid should be left unlocked while cooking, as the additional pressure can result in the food being overcooked
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 are the main advantages of using a slow cooker?
Slow cookers offer incredible convenience by allowing you to prepare ingredients in advance and let them cook unattended for hours. This method is excellent for tenderizing tough cuts of meat and often deepens the flavor of stews and soups. They are also generally very energy-efficient compared to using a traditional oven.
What key features should I look for when buying a slow cooker?
First, consider the capacity, which typically ranges from 3 to 8 quarts; a 6-quart model is a versatile choice for most families. Look for a model with at least ‘Low’ and ‘High’ settings, and a ‘Keep Warm’ function is essential for serving. A removable, dishwasher-safe stoneware insert makes cleanup significantly easier.
How do I choose the right size slow cooker for my needs?
A smaller 3-4 quart slow cooker is ideal for couples or for making dips and small meals. For a family of four, a 5-6 quart model is the most popular and versatile size. If you cook large batches, meal prep, or entertain often, a 7-8 quart model will provide the necessary capacity.
Is a programmable slow cooker worth the extra cost?
A programmable model is highly recommended for its convenience and safety. It allows you to set a specific cook time, after which it will automatically switch to the ‘Keep Warm’ setting. This prevents overcooking and gives you peace of mind if you aren’t home right when the cooking cycle finishes.
What’s the difference between a basic slow cooker and a multi-cooker?
A basic slow cooker is designed primarily for one function: slow cooking food over a long period. A multi-cooker, like an Instant Pot, is a versatile appliance that can also pressure cook, sauté, steam, and more. If you only want to slow cook, a dedicated appliance is simpler and often cheaper, but a multi-cooker offers far greater functionality in one device.
Are there any downsides to using a slow cooker?
The primary downside is the lack of browning, as slow cookers don’t get hot enough to sear meat, which can limit flavor development. This can be remedied by searing meat in a separate pan before adding it to the slow cooker. Additionally, some recipes with delicate ingredients like dairy or certain vegetables may not perform well with long, slow cooking times.
Are budget-friendly slow cookers any good compared to expensive brands?
Yes, budget-friendly slow cookers can perform the core function of slow cooking just as well as their expensive counterparts. The main differences you’ll find in pricier models are more advanced features like precise programming, better build quality, and brand reputation. For basic, reliable slow cooking, a standard model is often excellent value.