Comparison: What Is The Best Slow Cooker To Buy (Updated | Dec 9th)
Ever found yourself torn between a mountain of slow cookers, each promising to transform your meals into culinary masterpieces? You’re not alone. As your kitchen companion, I’ve simmered down the options to help you choose the perfect pot for your lifestyle. Whether you’re a busy parent craving set-it-and-forget-it convenience or a food enthusiast seeking precise temperature control, we’ll explore the top contenders that blend reliability, performance, and value.
- Best for family gathering essential: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for compact meal prep: Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black
- Best for holiday hosting champion: Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
- Best for travel-ready cooking: Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Best for casserole convenience: Crock-Pot Small 2.5 Quart Casserole Slow Cooker in White/Blue
- Best for smart scheduling solution: Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker
- Best for multi-cooking powerhouse: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
- Best for extra large capacity: Magic Mill Slow Cooker 10 Quart | Extra Large Non-Stick Metal Searing Pot & Transparent Tempered Glass Lid Multipurpose Lightweight Slow Cookers
- Best for versatile cooking center: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
- Best for effortless digital control: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer
Product Comparison: What Is The Best Slow Cooker To Buy
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 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.
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
- 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
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.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 8 Quart
- 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 8-quart capacity is perfect for up to 8 servings—ideal for larger families, gatherings, 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: 1200 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.
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
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 needs when selecting capacity. Small 2-2.5 quart models like the Crockpot 2-Quart Classic are perfect for couples or making dips, while 6-7 quart models serve families of 4-6 people. For large gatherings or batch cooking, consider 8-10 quart options like the Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart or Magic Mill 10 Quart models.
What’s the difference between manual and programmable slow cookers?
Manual slow cookers like the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval offer basic high, low, and warm settings with simple dial controls. Programmable models like the Crock-Pot 7-Quart Programmable feature digital timers that automatically switch to warm when cooking is complete, giving you more control and convenience for busy schedules.
Are multi-cookers like Instant Pot better than traditional slow cookers?
Multi-cookers offer versatility with multiple cooking functions in one appliance, making them space-efficient and capable of pressure cooking, steaming, and more. However, traditional slow cookers often provide larger capacities and simpler operation specifically designed for slow cooking, which may be preferable if that’s your primary cooking method.
Which slow cooker is best for taking meals to potlucks or parties?
Look for models with locking lids and secure handles designed for transport. The Crock-Pot Cook & Carry series features a lid gasket that provides an extra seal to prevent spills during travel, while the Crock-Pot Small 2.5 Quart Casserole Slow Cooker offers both portability and an attractive serving dish.
What features make cleanup easier?
Dishwasher-safe components are essential for easy cleanup, with most quality models offering removable stoneware and lids that can go in the dishwasher. Some models like the Magic Mill Slow Cooker feature non-stick interiors, while others have one-pot cooking designs that minimize the number of dishes you need to wash.
Is it worth paying more for premium features?
Premium features like digital timers, auto-warm functions, and specialized cooking programs add convenience but aren’t essential for basic slow cooking. If you frequently cook while away from home or want precise temperature control, investing in a programmable model like the Crock-Pot with MyTime technology may be worth the extra cost.
Can I use my slow cooker for more than just making soups and stews?
Modern slow cookers are surprisingly versatile, with many featuring oven-safe stoneware that can be used for baking casseroles or desserts. Some models like the Magic Mill Slow Cooker even offer stovetop-safe searing pots that allow you to brown meats directly in the vessel before slow cooking, enhancing flavor development.
How do traditional slow cookers compare to pressure cookers for cooking time?
Traditional slow cookers cook food gradually over several hours, typically 4-8 hours on low or 2-4 hours on high, developing deep flavors and tenderizing tough cuts of meat. Pressure cookers like the Instant Pot can cook the same dishes up to 70% faster, though some argue the flavor profile differs from traditional slow cooking methods.
