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Best Slow Cookers

Updated November 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Crock-Pot Programmable Cook & Carry Oval Slow Cooker
Crock-Pot
Programmable Cook & Carry Oval Slow Cooker
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

Although not the cheapest unit, this 6-quart programmable slow cooker renders very good results.

Pros

Digital controls for timer and temperature. Can cook for up to seven people. Tasty results. Equipped with a few intuitive settings that most entry-level slow cookers lack. Stoneware liner is dishwasher and microwave safe.

Cons

"Keep warm" setting is high enough to continue cooking food. Lid clips can be awkward.

Best Bang for the Buck
Instant Pot DUO 7-in-1
Instant Pot
DUO 7-in-1
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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

A popular 7-in-1 multi-cooker that works as a slow cooker and offers other functions that make meal prep a breeze.

Pros

In addition to serving as a slow cooker, is a multipurpose appliance that steams, sautés, warms, works as a pressure cooker and rice cooker, and more. Programmable with delay capacity up to 24 hours. Buyers can choose a 6-quart or 8-quart capacity.

Cons

Some faulty models that quit working shortly after the warranty expired have been noted. Reports of quality control issues.

Cuisinart 3-In-1 Cook Central
Cuisinart
3-In-1 Cook Central
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Best for Everyday Use
Bottom Line

A versatile cooker many users love for its flexibility and practicality.

Pros

Can slow cook, sauté, and steam. You can switch modes with a single touch. Buyers have their choice of different pot sizes. Cooking pot is dishwasher safe. The backlit display is easy to read.

Cons

No delay timer. Cooking surface may bubble and flake over time.

Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker
Hamilton Beach
Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker
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Feature-packed
Bottom Line

This 6-quart slow cooker comes with several helpful features, such as a built-in temperature probe and digital programmable controls.

Pros

Cooking functions include slow cooker, sous vide, braise, and simmer. Holds up to 6 quarts. Attached temperature probe and inserts in the lid allow for checking meat doneness without having to interrupt the cooking process. Temperature and timer controls are easy to use.

Cons

A few reviews reported that this product felt cheaply made and flimsy.

GreenLife Healthy Cook Duo Slow Cooker
GreenLife
Healthy Cook Duo Slow Cooker
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Free from Chemicals
Bottom Line

Prepare meals ahead of time with added peace of mind in this 6-quart slow cooker made with a healthy ceramic that can be easily cleaned.

Pros

The inner pot can be removed and used on the stovetop for searing or sautéing. Made with nonstick ceramic that is free from chemicals such as lead and PFAS. Dishwasher safe and comes in fun color options. Includes delayed start and a keep-warm function.

Cons

Some of the reviews said they had issues with the outer surface paint flaking off.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

After going through an intensive research process to narrow down our short list of top products in this space, we tested Crock-Pot Programmable Cook & Carry Oval Slow Cooker to be sure that it’s worthy of our recommendation. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter and test to verify manufacturer claims.

30
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for Best slow cookers

A slow cooker is the pinnacle of low-maintenance cooking. Place the ingredients inside, turn it on, and let it cook. No stovetop required. Your only thought is how delicious that meal is going to taste. But some slow cookers have features that make them better suited to your specific needs than other models. To be happy with your purchase, you'll want those needs met.

The best slow cookers offer a consistent temperature through many hours of cooking. The warm setting must keep your food warm without letting it continue to cook. You'll want a capacity that can accommodate your family's needs, a removable inner pot that’s easy to clean, and durable construction that will allow many long years of use.

Some slow cookers have programmable features that might be of interest, as well. Before buying a slow cooker, it helps to take an in-depth look at your choices so you’re sure to get the right one.

slow cookers
Slow cookers were originally invented to cook dried beans. In fact, the first slow cooker was known as the Electric Bean Pot.

How we tested slow cookers

In the BestReviews test kitchen, we put our slow cookers through a 12-hour test regimen.

Each model was loaded with the ingredients for a savory pot roast with orange.

As the meat cooked, we assessed four performance categories: temperature, finished dish, “keep warm” function, and mobility. We then chose the top five cookers.

“Keep Warm” function

A slow cooker must be able to keep finished food warm without overcooking it.

The ideal temperature range for keeping foods warm is between 135°F and 155°F.

We tested each unit's temperature at the one- and two-hour mark after the machine switched (automatically or manually) to “Keep Warm" to see if it adhered to our ideal.

Temperature: accuracy and constancy

Slow cookers prepare foods by braising them. Braising is the slow, low-temp method of applying heat to break down tough meat fibers and weaken vegetable cell structures.

The ideal result: moist meat and soft vegetables.

A slow cooker’s temperature shouldn’t rise above approximately 180°F. Otherwise, the outside layer of meat will overcook to the point of stringy, tasteless dryness, and the inner portion will not have cooked long enough to attain its ideal creamy softness.

Slow cooker wattage

In the BestReviews lab, we obtained temperature readings at the following intervals: one hour, two hours, four hours, six hours, and nine hours from the start.

We noted the pace at which each product heated up and what temperature it stayed at during the cooking portion of the test.

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Testing slow cookers
We spent 184 hours researching 41 different slow cookers before choosing the best. We then hands-on tested our top model in the BestReviews lab.
STAFF
BestReviews

Finished dish: taste and appearance

After the test period, we checked the meat and other ingredients for the desired fork tenderness.

Each cut of beef was considered done at an internal temperature between 155°F and 170°F.

Where different parts of the cut registered at different temps, we tested for doneness by pulling apart meat fibers with a fork.

Slow cooker weights: unfilled

We assessed the appearance of each pot roast by looking at the color of the beef, outside and in, and the condition of the accompanying ingredients.

Perfectly braised beef is dark on the outside and pink on the inside.

The taste of each finished dish was rated based on mouthfeel, texture, and whether the dish presented a pleasing combination of flavors.

Mobility

Once a dish is prepared in a slow cooker, the unit is often moved to another location for serving, such as a table or buffet.

We tested each unit for handle sturdiness, housing temperature, lid integrity, and whether liquids were prone to leak from the insert when moved.

Other features

We also considered other features and functions.

For example, some models include the ability to brown, sear, or sauté food before slow cooking.

What to look for when buying a slow cooker

Capacity

Slow cookers range in size from 1 1/2 to 8 1/2 quarts. Choose the right size to fit your household.

  • In general, if you’re cooking for one to three people, a 4-quart model works well.
  • For a household of four, opt for a 4- or 5-quart slow cooker.
  • If you routinely cook for larger groups, look for a slow cooker with at least a 6-quart capacity.

Shape

Most slow cookers are round or oval in shape. Both shapes work well, but the best option for your kitchen depends on what meals you like to prepare most often.

If you usually cook stews, soups, or beans, both round and oval slow cookers would suit your recipes. However, if you mainly use your slow cooker to prepare whole chickens, ribs, brisket, or other large cuts of meat, an oval shape would likely be the better option.

Lid

It’s important to keep the lid on a slow cooker when you’re preparing a meal. A clear glass lid is best because it allows you to check the progress of your food without actually removing it.

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EXPERT CONSULTANT
Currently Executive Chef at Bon Appétit Management Company, Steve began his tenure with Bon Apetit as Chef de Partie. He has over ten years of experience, including tenures at two- and three-Michelin star restaurants. Steve is passionate about all things cooking – products, supply chain, management, menu design, and budgeting.
Steve
Executive Chef

Insert material

A slow cooker’s insert is the removable pot that you mix your ingredients in.

Most inserts are made of ceramic or porcelain, but some slow cookers have a metal cooking pot.

These materials all conduct heat well, though ceramic and porcelain are usually easier to clean.

Handles

The exterior of a slow cooker often gets hot while in use, but you want to make sure that the handles never do.

Look for a model with large handles that stay cool and are sturdy so you can easily move the slow cooker to serve dinner.

Controls

Some slow cookers feature only a manual dial or knob control that allows you to set the appliance to low, medium, or high. Manual slow cookers aren’t equipped with timers, so you must keep an eye on your meal and turn the cooker off when necessary.

Other slow cookers are equipped with programmable controls. Not only can you set a digital slow cooker to low, medium, or high heat settings, you can also set a digital timer so the slow cooker turns off at a specific time. These slow cookers usually have a keep warm setting as well, so your food won’t be cold if you get home after it has stopped cooking.

Extra settings

Depending on how you plan to use your slow cooker, you may want to choose a model equipped with other cooking settings, such as those for browning, sautéing, roasting, or steaming.

Slow cookers with these extra settings are usually more costly, but if you’re making a more involved dish, they can save you from having to clean multiple pots and pans at the end of the night.

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Expert Tip
Look for an insert with a nonstick coating for the easiest cleaning.
STAFF
BestReviews

How much should you spend on a slow cooker?

Slow cookers are available at a variety of price points.

In general, you can expect to pay anywhere between $15 and $150, depending on the size of the cooker and its features.

  • For a basic, mechanical slow cooker, expect to pay $15 to $40.
  • For a higher-end, programmable slow cooker, you’ll likely pay between $50 and $150.
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Did you know?
You shouldn’t use frozen ingredients in your slow cooker. They can bring the cooking temperature down low enough for bacteria to grow.
STAFF
BestReviews

Tips and tricks for using your slow cooker

  • Preheat your slow cooker before adding ingredients. Giving it 20 minutes or so to warm up before you toss in your ingredients can make a big difference in the finished product.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pot. Fill it half or two-thirds full.
  • Don’t lift the lid off your slow cooker to check on your meal. The heat will escape and slow down the cooking time. Only check on your meal in the last half-hour or so of cooking.
slow cookers
Browning meat and sautéing vegetables prior to slow cooking helps bring out deeper flavor and color in the finished results. For even richer flavor, consider deglazing the pan you use to brown your meat with a little stock, water, or wine.

FAQ

Q. Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on while I’m out of the house?

A. Most slow cookers are designed to be safe when left on  and unattended on the counter. To be cautious, though, check that nothing is touching your slow cooker before you leave.

Q. What features make a slow cooker easier to clean?

A. Most slow cooker inserts are removable to make cleaning easy. However, for the easiest cleaning, opt for a model with a dishwasher-safe insert.

Q. Can I take a slow cooker on the go?

A. You can prepare a meal in a slow cooker and then bring it with you to a potluck dinner so it stays warm. Look for a model with a locking lid so you can be sure it’s sealed completely. A retractable cord can also make a slow cooker more portable.

 

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