Comparison: Very Best Slow Cooker Pot Roast (Updated | Dec 9th)
Imagine coming home to the tantalizing aroma of a perfectly tender pot roast, its rich gravy bubbling away, ready to melt in your mouth. That’s the magic of a slow cooker, but not all pot roasts are created equal. Whether you’re a busy parent or a comfort food enthusiast, get ready to elevate your dinner game with these foolproof, mouthwatering recipes that’ll have everyone begging for seconds.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for flavorful seasoning mix: McCormick Slow Cooker Savory Pot Roast Seasoning Mix
- Best for versatile 4-in-1 cooker: Instant Pot Superior Cooker 7.5QT Slow Cooker and Multicooker
- Best for large capacity classic: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for tender roast seasoning: Orrington Farms Slow Cookers Seasoning Mix
- Best for extra large gathering: 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 effortless cleanup liner: Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners
- Best for 7-in-1 pressure cooker: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
- Best for beginner’s cookbook: The Ultimate Crock Pot Cookbook for Beginners: Easy and Flavorful Crock Pot Recipes for Breakfast
- Best for advanced 9-in-1 multicooker: Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker
Product Comparison: Very Best Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Flavorful Seasoning Mix
McCormick Slow Cooker Savory Pot Roast Seasoning Mix, 1.3 oz
McCormick
- HOMEMADE FLAVOR: Make homestyle pot roast with McCormick Slow Cooker Savory Pot Roast Seasoning Mix in your slow cooker or electric pressure cooker.
- OLD-FASHIONED FLAVOR: Satisfy your craving for old-fashioned comfort food with rich, flavorful pot roast. Made with onion, garlic, herbs, and spices.
- 10 MINUTES PREP: Trim a boneless chuck roast and chop up your choice of veggies like carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes. Combine with seasoning mix and water in a slow cooker or electric pressure cooker and simmer until tender.
- MAKES 10 SERVINGS: Perfect for a weeknight dinner with leftovers for casseroles, sandwiches, pasta, and soup. Also great for weekend meal prep and for cozy fall and winter get-togethers.
- PANTRY CONVENIENCE: Add convenience and variety to dinnertime with McCormick Seasoning Mixes. Try other tasty flavors such as Mississippi Roast and Hearty Beef Stew in your slow cooker or electric pressure cooker.
- No MSG
Versatile 4-in-1 Cooker
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
Large Capacity Classic
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
Tender Roast Seasoning
Orrington Farms Slow Cookers Seasoning Mix, 2.5 Oz, Tender Pot Roast, 30 Oz (Pack of 12)
ORRINGTON FARMS
- Value Pack of 12; each pouch makes approx. 8 servings
- Made with premium ingredients including sea salt, onion, beef stock, pepper and garlic
- Make dinner easy with our slow cooker seasonings, perfect for any family meal
- Gluten Free; No Artificial Flavors; No Artificial Colors
- For Tender Pot Roast 1 1/2 cups water 1 pouch Orrington Farms Tender Pot Roast Seasoning 3-4 lbs chuck roast** 1 medium onion, chopped 2 medium celery stalks, chopped 2 cups baby carrots 3 large potatoes, chopped MIX water with 1 pouch Tender Pot Roast Seasoning in a small bowl until completely combined. PLACE meat and vegetables in slowcooker; pour sauce over. COVER and COOK on low 8 hours or on high 4 hours until beef is tender. Remove beef and slice. **Follow safe handling practices and cook meat thoroughly.
Extra Large Gathering
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.
Ultimate Multi-Cooker
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.
Effortless Cleanup Liner
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Reynolds
- SLOW COOKER LINERS: This package contains six Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, each measuring 13 x 21 inches to fit 3- to 8-quart round and oval slow cookers
- EASY CLEANUP: These strong, reliable slow cooker bags shorten your slow cooker cleanup to eight seconds or less, guaranteed
- NO SOAKING OR SCRUBBING: Line your slow cooker with these slow cooker bags to prevent stubborn, stuck-on messes
- BPA-FREE & SAFE FOR HIGH TEMPS: Each slow cooker bag is made with a BPA-free nylon-blend construction that’s safe for low, medium & high settings
- MAKE MEALS EASY: Use a Reynolds slow cooker liner next time you make chili, pulled pork, pot roasts, soups & more to spend less time scrubbing & more time with your loved ones
7-in-1 Pressure Cooker
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quart
Instant Pot
- 7 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make rice, yogurt, or simply keep your meal warm—all in one appliance
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 13 one-touch options, from hearty soups to decadent cakes
- Safe & 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 compared to slow cooking methods
- Pro-Grade Cooking Pot: Crafted from stainless steel (18/8) with a 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: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot make clean-up a breeze
- Power-Packed Performance: 1000 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features over 10 safety mechanisms, including overheat protection, an easy seal safety lid lock, and more to keep cooking worry-free
- A Little Extra: Includes a stainless steel steamer rack to keep you ready for anything
Beginner’s Cookbook
The Ultimate Crock Pot Cookbook for Beginners: Easy and Flavorful Crock Pot Recipes for Breakfast, Vegetables, Snacks, Beef, Pork, Fish, Seafood, Desserts, Soups & Stews | Perfect for Families
Independently published
Advanced 9-in-1 Multicooker
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
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 makes a slow cooker ideal for pot roast?
Look for a slow cooker with a capacity of at least 6 quarts to accommodate a large roast. Even heating and a programmable timer are essential for tender, flavorful results. A removable, dishwasher-safe insert makes cleanup easier.
How do oval and round slow cookers compare for pot roast?
Oval slow cookers are better suited for pot roast as they fit larger cuts of meat more evenly. Round models work well for smaller roasts or other dishes but may require trimming the meat. Oval designs also promote more uniform cooking.
What features should I prioritize for the best pot roast?
A programmable timer with auto-warm function prevents overcooking. A locking lid is useful for transport, and a meat probe ensures perfect doneness. Multiple heat settings give you more control over cooking times.
Are expensive slow cookers worth the investment?
Higher-end models often offer better temperature consistency and durability, which are crucial for pot roast. They may also include advanced features like searing functions or app connectivity. Budget options can still deliver great results if they meet basic needs.
How do I choose between manual and programmable slow cookers?
Programmable slow cookers are ideal for busy schedules, as they switch to warm automatically. Manual models require monitoring but are simpler and often more affordable. For pot roast, programmable options reduce the risk of overcooking.
What’s the best way to test a slow cooker’s performance?
Check for even heating by filling the insert with water and ensuring it simmers consistently. Look for a tight-fitting lid to retain moisture during long cooking times. Reading user reviews can also reveal real-world performance insights.
How do slow cookers with searing functions compare?
Searing functions allow you to brown the meat directly in the pot, enhancing flavor. This eliminates the need for a separate pan, saving time and effort. While convenient, these models are often pricier and bulkier.
What’s the ideal material for a slow cooker insert?
Ceramic inserts distribute heat evenly and are non-reactive, making them great for pot roast. Some models offer non-stick coatings for easier cleaning, but they may wear over time. Stainless steel inserts are durable but less common.
How do I ensure my pot roast stays tender in a slow cooker?
Choose a slow cooker with consistent low-heat settings to avoid drying out the meat. Adding enough liquid, like broth or wine, helps maintain moisture. Using the right cut of meat, like chuck roast, also ensures tenderness.
Are there any slow cooker accessories worth buying?
A meat thermometer is essential for checking doneness without lifting the lid. Liners can simplify cleanup, especially for greasy pot roasts. Insulated carrying bags are useful if you plan to transport the dish.