Top 15 Slow Cookers You Should Consider

The busy schedule makes cooking at home more challenging than ever. However, my bestie still manages to cook her delicious beef stew in the evening even though she works 9-to-5 like me. Her secret is to put the ingredients in the slow cooker, and enjoy the stew later.

Upon knowing her secret, I decided to spend extra penny on an efficient slow cooker and enjoy warm soup at home. After all, earning money is to enjoy life and make your life worth living. Treating myself with comfort food is always my top priority.

If you have the same work routine like me, let’s get on the trip to cook the hearty meals for cold weather. First thing first, find yourself an efficient slow cooker.

I’ve listed numerous features the best slow cooker should have in the buying guide below. Jump right to that part if you are a beginner in this journey.

Types Of Slow Cookers

The difference between the two types of slow cookers relates to how to set the timer. If you prefer the traditional slow cooker your grandma used, go with the second type. Otherwise, the digital cooker is more popular nowadays.

Programmable Slow Cooker

There are three main types of timer control: countdown, smart pad, and touch screen. The most popular one is countdown timer with back-lit LCD screen.

• Pros: Auto switch to the warming mode once the time is up, set specific time, large capacity.
• Cons: Higher price, complex control.

Manual Slow Cooker

• Pros: Easy to use, clean, durable, affordable price.
• Cons: Only two settings: high and low.

I prefer a programmable slow cooker because of a hectic life pace with little time for cooking and preparing. After all, buying a slow cooker is mainly for convenience.

Best Slow Cooker Comparison Chart

The best slow cooker machine list comprises mainly of programmable slow cooker. I classify these cookers into alphabetical order to help you find the right one more easily.

Which Are The Best Slow Cookers To Buy?

Every slow cooker consists of three parts: big housing with temperature control, removable insert and glass lids. However, slow cooker can be versatile with additional features. Look at the best slow cookers below to see what are some popular features.

• Best Overall – Hamilton Beach 33866 Temp Tracker
  “Integrated temperature probe, hold function, four locations for probe, auto-warm setting, tight-lid clips.”
• Best Budget – Crockpot Mini Casserole Crock Slow Cooker
  “Elegant housing design, lid clips for tailgates, cooks evenly, wise base.”
• Best Design – Disney Pixar Oval Slow Cooker
  “Decorative housing, dial and knob, good heat distribution, nice size pot, affordable price.”
• Best Manual – Black+Decker 7-quart Slow Cooker
  “Cooks well and easy, bright colored exterior, built-in lid holder.”
• Best Multifunction – Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Slow Cooker
  “7-in-1 cooker, delay start mode, non-stick stainless-steel pot, safety lock, accessories included, reasonable price.”
• Best Capacity – Crock-Pot SCV800-B Manual Slow Cooker
  “Easy to use with three temperature settings, no bells and whistles, large 8-quart oval ceramic pot.”
• Best High-Tech – Crock-Pot Digital Slow Cooker with iStir Stirring System
  “Automatic stirring mechanism, great locking lid, easy to use, better heat distribution, classic lid handle included.”
• Best for Tailgating – Crock-Pot Cook and Carry Programmable Slow Cooker
  “Easy to use, microwave friendly stoneware, locking gaskets for tailgating, great keep warm cycle, simple digital controls.”
• Best for Small Family – Calphalon Digital Sauté
  “Versatile slow cooker for searing and browning, cooktop and oven safe crock, digital controls with 15 minutes increments, led-lit screen, non-stick interior.”
• Best for Sous Vide – Hamilton Beach Sous Vide Water Oven & Slow Cooker
  “Good temperature control, easy to use and clean, sous vide water oven, small temperature increments, long programmable cooking time, Sous vide rack included.”

Reviews Of The Best Slow Cookers

Among the best slow cookers in this list, there are only four manual cookers with some best features you need. Other digital models are upgraded with more features.

1. All-Clad Programmable Slow Cooker

All-Clad slow cooker features removable aluminum insert which can go straight to the table. This programmable model has up to 20-hour timer in 30-minute increments. Then auto-warm mode lasts for six hours.

All-Clad slow cooker has the minimum cooking time for high mode and low mode is two hours and four hours, respectively. Therefore, you can’t set the cooking time less than two hours.

The 6.5-quart removable insert is made from ceramic with oval shape, which integrates handles through solid rivets. The glass lid has stainless steel handle, which gets hot during cooking. Moreover, the lid doesn’t seal tight to the pot and has no clips or locking gaskets.

The bright lid screen indicates the countdown time. It also has bright red light to indicate whether it is in cook mode or warm mode near the screen.

Key Features:

• Red light indicator
• Aluminum insert
• Dishwasher safe stoneware, lid

Product Specifications:

Timer	Up to 20 hours, 30-minute increments
Keep warm feature	Automatically switch
Stoneware	Dishwasher safe
Lid	Dishwasher safe
Warranty	1 year

2. Black+Decker 7-quart Slow Cooker

(Best Manual)

Similar to Crock-Pot 8-quart manual slow cooker, this model from Black+Decker has three basic temperature settings. The bright colored exterior adds great accent to your kitchen area.

The built-in lid holder on two handles can hold the lid firmly thanks to the rubber seal. Moreover, the plastic handles on the lid and the housing are cool to touch during cooking time. However, high heat might burn the handles.

The 7-quart crock is made from ceramic, which cooks great on low or high setting. Four rubber feet on the base are quite small.

Key Features:

• Bright colored housing
• Rubber seal
• Rubber feet to stay on the counter

Product Specifications:

Timer	No
Keep warm feature	Manual
Stoneware	Dishwasher safe
Lid	Dishwasher safe
Warranty	2 years

3. Crock-Pot Cook and Carry Programmable Slow Cooker

(Best for Tailgating)

The Crock-Pot Cook and Carry slow cooker has a 6-quart removable crock which can go from directly from cooker to tabletop. Also, the locking lid makes tailgating easier.

The locking clamps and rubber seal on the lid make sure the lid is securely locked and no steam can escape from the cooker. The lost water on high or low setting for four to six hours is less than 10 percent.

The time increment is 30 minutes. The shortest cooking time and the longest cooking time are 30 minutes and 20 hours, respectively. Once the timer ends, it automatically switches to keep warm mode for four hours.

Set the cooker to high or low setting, add in the amount of time, and the cooker will start. The stoneware is dishwasher and microwave friendly. The lid can also be cleaned in the dishwasher, but the handle traps water.

Key Features:

• Locking lid for tailgating
• Rubber seal
• Microwave, and dishwasher safe pot

Product Specifications:

Timer	Up to 20 hours, 30-minute increments
Keep warm feature	Automatically switch
Stoneware	Microwave, dishwasher safe
Lid	Dishwasher safe
Warranty	1 year

4. Crock-Pot SCV800-B Manual Slow Cooker

(Best Capacity)

 

The manual 8-quart Crock-Pot slow cooker is easy to use with only three modes: high, low and warm.

The large oval ceramic insert can prepare meal for up to 10 people. The insert and lid are both dishwasher safe. Furthermore, the stoneware is compatible with microwave and oven (up to 400 degrees F).

The rubber feet hold firmly to the counter. Similar to other slow cookers, the low setting broils very fast. The warm setting fluctuates between 165° and 175° Fahrenheit.

Key Features:

• Large ceramic pot
• Microwave, oven safe crock
• Three settings: high, low, warm

Product Specifications:

Timer	No
Keep warm feature	Manual
Stoneware	Microwave, oven, dishwasher safe
Lid	Dishwasher safe
Warranty	1 year

5. Crockpot Mini Casserole Crock Slow Cooker

(Best Budget)

 

The mini slow cooker only has 2.5-quart capacity which is suitable for small size family.

The housing design is perfect for elegant entertaining. The lid-mounted clips seal the lid tightly when moving the cooker for tailgating. The vented hole in the lid doesn’t let the steam escape. The plastic side handles stay cool to touch.

The oval stoneware is oven-safe and cooks greatly with even heat. The low setting doesn’t boil the soup, which is great for braising. The low walls and wise base are designed to cook casseroles. The 24-inch cord is rather short.

Key Features:

• Appealing housing
• Lid-mounted clips
• Wise base

Product Specifications:

Timer	No
Keep warm feature	Manual
Stoneware	Oven, dishwasher safe
Lid	Dishwasher safe
Warranty	1 year

6. Crock-Pot Digital Slow Cooker with iStir Stirring System

(Best High-Tech)

This slow cooker from Crock-Pot stands out with the automatic stirring technology. The stirring paddle system consists of a wider paddle and thinner paddle for thick stews.

After two hours of cooking, iStir system will start stirring and repeats the stirring process every 30 minutes. Consistent stirring contributes to great heat distribution.

You can choose to stir the soup manually by pulsing the button on top of the lid. The stirring lasts for one minute. When not in use, remove the paddle and use the lid normally. The locking lids is very convenient for travelling. The package also includes removable classic lid handle.

Key Features:

• Automatic stirring technology
• Two stirring paddles included
• Locking lid

Product Specifications:

Timer	Up to 20 hours, 30 minutes increments
Keep warm feature	Automatically switch
Stoneware	Microwave, oven, dishwasher safe
Lid	Dishwasher safe
Warranty	1 year

7. Calphalon Digital Sauté

(Best for Small Family)

Calphalon Digital Saute slow cooker is a versatile machine which can sear, brown, saute, and slow cook with just one pot. Moreover, the non-stick ceramic coating crock is compatible with electric, gas and induction stovetop because of its metal material.

However, you shouldn’t use the metal utensils to prevent scratching and losing the non-stick interior. The round 5.3-quart stoneware is the perfect for one-pot cooking dish which is also oven friendly.

On both low and high setting, the digital control can adjust the cooking time from 15 minutes to 20 hours, in 15 minutes increments. Once completed, the cooker reverts automatically to warm setting.

The glass lid has built-in vent. The silicone rubber edge around the lid to prevent steam from leaking and seals the lid. Use the pad to hold the handle when you take the stoneware out of the oven.

Key Features:

• Multipurpose: sear, brown, sauté, and slow cook
• Stovetop safe pot
• Silicone rubber seal

Product Specifications:

Timer	Up to 20 hours, 15 minutes increments
Keep warm feature	Automatically switch
Stoneware	Electric, gas, induction, oven safe
Lid	Dishwasher safe
Warranty	3 years

8. Cuisinart PSC-350 Slow Cooker

Cuisinart PSC-350 slow cooker has four different settings: low, high, simmer and warm. You can either set the warm mode before or after the cooker finishes cooking.

The programmable time increases by 30 minutes up to 24 hours. The auto-warm mode will keep your food hot enough for up to 8 hours. After that, the unit will beep for five seconds before automatically turning off. The simmer setting is actually low boiling, which is suitable for bone broth.

The 3.5-quart oval pot can only handle half of the recipe, but it cooks enough food for a family. The stainless-steel side handles are cool to touch. The glass lid doesn’t seal well enough without any gaskets or clips for sealing.

The touch pad on the front makes adjusting time a little bit difficult than the normal buttons. The blue display screens indicate the remaining cook time, and your current choice of setting.

Key Features:

• Four settings: low, high, simmer, and warm
• Alarming beep before turning off
• 24-hour timer

Product Specifications:

Timer	Up to 24 hours, 30 minutes increments
Keep warm feature	Automatically switch
Stoneware	Dishwasher safe
Lid	Dishwasher safe
Warranty	3 years

9. Cuisinart MSC-600 3-In-1 Multi-Cooker

Cuisinart MSC-600 3-in-1 Multi-cooker has three functions: slow cooking, browning, and steaming. The shallow and wide cooking base distributes heat evenly.

The 6-quart removable crock is made from aluminum with non-stick coating. However, the coating is likely to bubble and flake, especially when you use metal utensils. The glass lid with steel rim fits into the crock.

The slow cooking function has four modes: low, high, simmer and keep warm. The programmable timer for cooking time lasts up to 24 hours in 30-minute increments.

The brown or saute temperature can go from 150 to 400 degrees F in 25-degree increments. When it reaches the target temperature, the cooker releases loud noise. The steaming mode can steam for up to 90 minutes with the steaming rack included in the package.

The large blue backlit display time and temperature settings, which is easy to use and adjust.

Key Features:

• Multipurpose: brown, steam, and slow cook
• Four settings: low, high, simmer, and warm
• Large blue screen

Product Specifications:

Timer	Up to 24 hours, 30 minutes increments
Keep warm feature	Automatically switch
Stoneware	Dishwasher safe
Lid	Dishwasher safe
Warranty	3 years

10. Disney Pixar Oval Slow Cooker

(Best Design)

If you are a Disney Pixar peep, the design of this slow cooker won’t let you down. Apart from the decorative housing with 29 Disney characters, the red rocket dial and imprinted star in the knob are great bonuses.

The 7-quart insert is big enough for a big family with more than four members. The pot works great with high and low setting and distributes heat evenly. The lid doesn’t have the best fit but it is dishwasher safe. The round knob stays cool to touch after cooking for hours.

The rubber feet are skid resistant which holds the slow cooker firmly.

Key Features:

• Decorative housing, dial and knob
• Even heat distribution
• Cool-to-touch round knob

Product Specifications:

Timer	No
Keep warm feature	Manual
Stoneware	Microwave, oven, dishwasher safe
Lid	Dishwasher safe
Warranty	1 year

11. Hamilton Beach 33866 Temp Tracker

(Best Overall)

This 6-quart crock from Hamilton Beach 33866 is large enough for a 6 lb. chicken. The integrated temperature probe sets this slow cooker from others.

You can cook on low, medium or high with the probe to easily monitor the cooking temperature in the food. The clips seal the lid to prevent rattle for traveling.

After inserting the probe through four possible locations on the lid, select the temperature setting, and wait until it finishes. With the hold temperature button, the food is kept at the selected temperature. Otherwise, once the cooker finishes with a loud beeping sound, it will switch to keep warm mode.

The LED-lit LCD screen displays the current temperature and your target one. The auto-warm setting lasts for 24 hours, just like the timer. The removable crock is easy to use for microwave and oven and easy to clean.

This cooker might not simmer well because the low setting is hotter than normal low temperature.

Key Features:

• Temperature probe included
• Lid clips
• Four places for inserting probe
• Smart LCD screen displays current temperature

Product Specifications:

Timer	Up to 24 hours, 30 minutes increments
Keep warm feature	Automatically switch
Stoneware	Microwave, oven, dishwasher safe
Lid	Dishwasher safe
Warranty	1 year

12. Hamilton Beach Sous Vide Water Oven & Slow Cooker

(Best for Sous Vide)

The 2-in-1 Hamilton Beach slow cooker also functions as sous vide water oven. The dual function requires for temperature and time control.

This model can program cooking time up to three days, with small increments – 10 minutes. The slow cooker can’t automatically switch from high to low setting, but it can revert to warm mode.

Sous vide mode can control temperature from 104°F to 210°F and then switch to slow cooker mode with programmable time. Put the rack included into the pot and pour water. Place the ingredients into water bath only when the water reaches target temperature. however, this model doesn’t come with water circulation jet.

The non-stick insert is 6-quart-metal pot. The transparent lid will get foggy during cooking time. Furthermore, it just sits on top of the pot without fitting into the insert like traditional slow cooker.

Key Features:

• Sous vide water oven
• 72-hour timer
• Small 10-minute increments

Product Specifications:

Timer	Up to 72 hours, 10 minutes increments
Keep warm feature	Automatically switch
Stoneware	Dishwasher safe
Lid	Dishwasher safe
Warranty	5 years

13. Hamilton Beach Set & Forget Slow Cooker

This 33969A model bears some similarities with the previous Hamilton Beach 33866. The 5.5-inch integrated probe measures the current temperature inside the crock and comes with the probe mode. Also, the clip-tight gasket lid seals tightly to the pot.

However, there are some differences. The lid only has one location for inserting the probe. The programmable high/low setting can’t be set on both high and low modes at the same time. Then, it will turn to auto-warm mode for up to 24 hours.

The manual mode doesn’t switch to the warm mode, which is just like the manual cooker. You just set the heat settings to low, high or warm. With the probe, you can set a desired temperature. Once the cooker reaches the target temperature, it also automatically switches to warm mode.

The glass lid is very fragile, which is not dishwasher safe. Wash the lid carefully by hand as replacing the broken lid costs extra bucks.

Key Features:

• Temperature probe
• Gasket lid
• Three different modes: programmable, manual, and thermometer probe

Product Specifications:

Timer	Up to 12 hours, 30 minutes increments
Keep warm feature	Automatically switch
Stoneware	Microwave, oven, dishwasher safe
Lid	NOT dishwasher safe
Warranty	1 year

14. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Slow Cooker

(Best Multifunction)

This multifunctional cooker from Instant Pot has seven functions: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker and warmer. Additional steam rack, spoons and measuring cups are included in the package.

The delay start mode is programmable up to 24 hours. You can adjust the cooking time up to 20 hours with 30-minute increments.

The stainless steel 6-quart pot has three-ply bottom for even cooking and nonstick interior. However, the food at bottom are more likely to burn with high heat. With rice cooker function, there is no internal markings on the walls of the pot.

The metal lid with vents is for releasing the steam in the pressure cooker. The safety feature requires turning the lid to lock it in place before cooking, which is great for locking the heat.

Key Features:

• Seven functions
• Three-ply bottom
• Non-stick interior
• Built-in vent on lid

Product Specifications:

Timer	Up to 12 hours, 30 minutes increments
Keep warm feature	Automatically switch
Stoneware	Dishwasher safe
Lid	Not detachable
Warranty	1 year

15. KitchenAid 6-Quart Slow Cooker

KitchenAid slow cooker features 6-quart ceramic crock with LED-lit displays. The removable insert is easy to clean but the gasket around the lid needs special attention.

There are three different settings: low, medium and high but the temperature difference between each setting doesn’t fluctuate much. The cooker cooks really slow, which needs more time than normal slow cooker because of the thick and heavy ceramic crock.

The slow heat cooking system can be due to the not tight-fit lid. The glass lid doesn’t fit the crock perfectly with the gap in between. Don’t put the lid and the crock into microwave as the lid handle can melt.

Although the ceramic crock is oven safe to 300 degrees F, it is not recommended for using in oven. Both the glass lid and oval-shape stoneware are dishwasher safe. While the programmable cooking time can be set up to 24 hours with 30-minute increments, the auto-warm mode can only last for four hours and then the cooker automatically shuts off.

Key Features:

• 24-hour timer
• Oven-safe crock
• LED-lit display

Product Specifications:

Timer	Up to 24 hours, 30 minutes increments
Keep warm feature	Automatically switch
Stoneware	Oven, dishwasher safe
Lid	Dishwasher safe
Warranty	1 year

What Features To Consider When Buying Slow Cooker?

This buying guide will help you figure out some important features and maintenance tips for a durable slow cooker. Slow cookers cook food in a low temperature over a long period of time, usually four to eight hours depending on the low or high setting.

Slow cookers are popular with soup, stew and casserole recipes. Interestingly, the caramelized onions or bread pudding taste better with the slow cooker.

Capacity

Depend on the size of your meal and your family members, the capacity varies. You shouldn’t fill the slow cooker full, just one-half or three-third of the cooker. It needs space for simmering and cooking.

The capacity ranges from 2 to 9 quart, with the most popular 6 or 7-quart size, which provides enough food for up to seven or more people. Furthermore, some recipes require enough space for a whole 6 lbs. chicken and vegetables.

Temperature Control

There are two temperature settings: high and low. The warm mode is just for keeping the food hot without cooking. While the programmable models will revert to keep warm mode, manual slow cookers require adjusting manually.

Insert

Removable insert makes cleaning much easier. Oval inserts are more useful than the round counterparts because roasts, casseroles, and braised vegetable dishes fit into the oval shape better.

The thick ceramic crocks accumulate heat slowly, retain it and slowly radiate. The thin lightweight metal crock heats faster but also cool down quickly, which is usually placed above a metal plate for browning.

Lids

The transparent glass lid allows you to monitor how the food is cooked. Check if the lid fits well with the crock to prevent steam loss. Otherwise, you should opt for the clips or gaskets to securely lock the lid.

Tips For Slow Cooker Maintenance

It takes time and knowledge to maintain the best slow cooker, even when you are good at cooking or not. The first tip is crucial to all kitchen ware including the slow cooker pot.

• Make sure the temperature of the liquid is near that of the insert. At the beginning, pour the cold water into the cold pot with other ingredients. However, if you want add water while it is cooking, pour the hot water. After finished cooking, let the pot cool down before putting it into the fridge or for washing with cold water.
• The expanding materials because of heat shrink down when they meet cold water. The sudden shrinkage or expansion can affect the lifespan of the cooker.
• Don’t use abrasive pads to clean the tough residue in the stoneware. The non-stick coating needs more special care with the wooden or silicone utensils only.

FAQs

If you have bought the slow cooker before, read common mistakes with slow cooker mentioned in the second question. After watching the video clip, I am rather surprised with how I use the slow cooker. Read to see if you commit silly mistakes like me.

My Top Pick

After consider all the features, my top pick is the Hamilton Beach 33866 Temp Tracker. To make it more convenient for cooking food, the programmable feature is a must for me. The integrated temperature probe can easily monitor how the food is cooked inside. The hold functions keep food at the target feature. Finally, the lid clips secure the lid in place for travelling.

Comment right below what is your choice and why. If you have any questions regarding slow cooker features, let me know.