Nothing beats sitting down to a hot, home-cooked meal after a busy day. But who really has the time to cook anymore as people scramble to keep hectic schedules at work, school, and elsewhere? Rather than give up the comfort, flavor, and nutritional benefits that come with home cooking, you can make meals anytime with a slow cooker, which will let you create delicious meats, side dishes, desserts, and more without the hassle, energy or time spent in the kitchen. Toss in your favorite ingredients on your way out the door and come home later to a meal that is ready to serve and eat.
After extensively analyzing and comparing 35 different slow cookers, we narrowed the field down to just the five best units. Using what we learned from our research, we also created a general buying guide as well as this comparison chart.
Best Overall: Cuisinart MSC-600 3-In-1 Programmable Slow Cooker
If we could only pick one unit to give the title of best slow cooker, we’d have to give it to the Cuisinart MSC-600. Although it’s close between this and the Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget, we think the Cuisinart’s multi-functionality gives it a slight edge over the latter. Another thing that this 6 quart slow cooker has going for it is its bright LCD display which allows for easy time and temperature programming, making meal preparation simple and convenient. In addition, it lets you switch cooking functions with the simple press of a button. The unit also has a clear lid so that you can see the food as it cooks and an automatic shut-off function which prevents overcooking.
The Cuisinart MSC-600 comes with a removable teflon-coated cooking bowl, making it easy to store leftovers after dinner. Cleaning up after meals is also simple because you can put this slow cooker in the dishwasher. The Teflon coating of the cooking bowl does not require that you soak or scrub it to remove stuck on food. Owners will also like the fact that this multi-cooker is backed by a three year limited warranty, one of the longest of any model.
The biggest drawback of the Cuisinart MSC-600, however, is that it’s one of the most expensive slow cookers on the market, with a price that is more than twice that of the #2 slow cooker on our list.
Pros
- Bright programmable LCD display
- Switchable cooking functions
- Dishwasher safe
- 3 year warranty is one of the longest on the market
Cons
- Prone to damages due to overheating or prolonged use
- Warranty only covers manufacturing damages
Best Value: Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S Oval Slow Cooker
A limited budget does not necessarily mean you have to sacrifice quality or convenience when shopping for a slow cooker, as the Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S shows. Priced at under $50, this affordable yet well built and designed slow cooker with its six quart cooking capacity can easily cook meals large enough for an entire family.
It can be programmed to cook from two to 20 hours, and even has a setting that lets you keep food warm while you serve and dine. The Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S also has an easy-lock clear lid so you can see the food as it cooks, and its cooking bowl can be removed, allowing you to serve it at your table if desired.
The main drawback of this slow cooker is that it is not dishwasher safe and must be cleaned by hand. Moreover, it only has a 1 year warranty, and cannot be used for other food preparation functions like thawing or yogurt making.
Pros
- Affordably priced
- Programmable for up to 20 hours
- Clear lid and removable bowl
Cons
- Cannot be washed in dishwasher
- Few food preparation functions
Best Budget Model: Hamilton Beach 33473 Programmable Slow Cooker
Hamilton Beach has long been a brand associated with high-quality small kitchen appliances, and they certainly don’t disappoint with the Hamilton Beach 33473, which can hold up to seven quarts of food and can be programmed in two-hour intervals (up to 10 hours).
Housed in sturdy stainless steel, this slow cooker heats evenly, is dishwasher safe, and comes with a solid stoneware cooking bowl. It also comes with a clear lid for your convenience, as well as an automatic shut-off function that switches to warm when it is done cooking.
With its generous cooking capacity and safety shut-off function that avoids burning food, this slow cooker can be a huge boon for days when you have little time to devote to cooking. You can work an eight hour shift and come home to a hot cooker full of chili, pot roast, soup, or even desserts like cobbler. In addition, the Hamilton Beach 33473 will not only allow you to store leftovers by simply removing the cooking bowl, you’ll also be able to enjoy easy cleanup by being able to place the entire unit in the dishwasher.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Programmable for up to 10 hours
- Automatic shut-off safety feature
Cons
- Limited warranty
- Basic cooking functions
- Cooking bowl has tendency to peel and crack from prolonged use
- Inflexible 2-hour increment cooking times
4 Best “2-in-1” Pressure and Slow Cooker: Breville Fast Slow Pro
The Breville Fast Slow Pro is quite possibly the world’s most technologically advanced combination slow and pressure cooker. This modern marvel takes all of the guesswork out of cooking and makes it simple for you to cook meals of any size and variety without devoting hours in the kitchen.
It comes with a vibrant LCD display that alerts you to its various cooking abilities, which range from steaming to pressurizing and baking. It also features an innovative three-way safety locking lid that protects you against exploding food, steam burns, and other dangers that may arise when using other types of slow cookers.
After the food inside the cooker is ready to serve, you can keep it warm by using the cooker’s Keep Warm function. Storing leftovers is also simple with the cooker’s removable ceramic cooking bowl.
Pros
- Bright LCD display that alerts you to cooking functions
- Safety locking lid to prevent injuries like burns
- Removable ceramic cooking bowl for easy cleanup and leftover storage
Cons
- Pricey
- Ceramic surface of bowl scratches easily
5 Best Value Pressure Slow Cooker: Instant Pot IP-DUO80 7-in-1
The Instant Pot IP-DUO80 7-in-1 is an 8 quart slow cooker that offers seven different cooking functions. Along with baking, stewing, or pressurizing, this slow cooker can also be used as a yogurt maker and to thaw out frozen food like vegetables and meats. Encased in easy-to-clean stainless steel, the Instant Pot runs on 1200 watts of power and can be left on for up to 99 hours straight without overheating. This long-term cooking capability lets you carry out your busy schedule without worrying about the cooker getting too hot or burning the food you are preparing.
The Instant Pot IP-DUO80 is also very energy efficient and uses approximately 70 percent less power than other slow cookers. Despite leaving it on for hours at a time, one thing you won’t have to worry about is it sending your electric bill through the roof.
It should be noted, however, that this slow cooker cannot be filled up all the way with ingredients or liquids. Depending on for what purpose you plan to use it, you can only fill it 2/3 of the way full. If you overfill it, the cooker will not be able to cook the food all they way through. The contents may also spill out during the cooking process.
Pros
- Offers seven different food preparation functions
- Can be left on for up to 99 hours
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Can only be filled 2/3 of the way full without spilling, burning, or otherwise malfunctioning
- Heavier than other models at 19 pounds
- Can be difficult to clean if food sticks to the side of the cooking bowl
Black & Decker SC2007D Slow Cooker
The Black & Decker SC2007D is designed for making quick and easy meals for the whole family. The constant heat of the cooker allows users to simply throw all of the ingredients to a recipe into the pot, turn it on and then go about their day.
This stoneware pot easily retains heat while the plastic side and lid handles always stay cool to the touch even while cooking. The unit comes with a tempered glass lid that allows users to check on their meal without having to take off the lid. This particular model comes in a sleek, geometrical design that adds an attractive touch to your kitchen and weighs only five pounds on its own. A recipe book is included with purchase.
With three heat settings-low, warm and high, users will be able to adjust the Black & Decker SC2007D to their specific recipe. Recommended times are eight to nine hours on the low setting and three to four hours on the high setting. The warm setting allows you to keep your meal warm after it is done without burning or overcooking it. Cleaning up is also very simple with the Black & Decker SC2007D, as the pot and lid are both dishwasher-safe and can be removed easily.
Pros
- Inside crock portion is easily removable
- Plenty of room for large recipes, such as pot roasts and vegetables
- Basic crockpot for beginners
- Low price
Cons
- Thin plastic sides
- No automatic off switch
- No timer
- Lower quality
Buying Guide: How To Select The Best Slow Cooker
By identifying what your precise budget and cooking needs are, you can shop for a slow cooker that you can get years of use out of without spending too much money on technology that you may not need or want. Some of the key factors you may keep in mind while shopping for a slow cooker include:
- Size
- Food Preparation Needs
- Cooking Time
- Price
- Other Features & Considerations
Size
Slow cookers come in a variety of sizes and can prepare as much as eight to 10 quarts of food. The larger slow cookers are great for preparing large meals or cooking for large family dinners or gatherings. You could possibly feed as many as a dozen people with an eight quart slow cooker.
Alternatively, the six or seven quart cookers are perfect for small and medium sized families that have six or fewer people. Despite being smaller in size, these small cookers can easily bake up to four pound roasts or whole fryer chickens. You can also prepare generous servings of side dishes and desserts with small slow cookers.
Before you shop for a slow cooker for you and your family, you should think about for how many people you will cook. If you typically serve smaller meals, you may do well with a six or seven quart slow cooker. However, if you have a large family or like to host parties, you may find it better to invest in an eight or 10 quart cooker.
Food Preparation Needs
Another factor to keep in mind centers on for what purpose you will use your slow cooker. Will you use it primarily to bake or slow cook meats and side dishes? Will you use it for other food prep purposes like thawing out frozen vegetables, making yogurt, or canning fare like jam and preserves?
The answer to these questions should greatly impact what kind of slow cooker you choose. If you plan to use it for basic purposes like baking or stewing, you may choose a model like the one from Hamilton Beach that lets you easily and quickly prepare roasts, soups, chili, and more. However, if you want the flexibility of using the cooker for other prep needs like yogurt making, canning, and thawing, you may find it better to choose a model like the one from Breville or Instant Pot.
When you take into consideration your own food preparation needs, you can make a better choice in buying a slow cooker. You will select one that you will use and one that also will take care of all of the functions you need or want when making meals for your family.
Cooking Time
How slow do you want your slow cooker to actually be? This question should come into play as you shop for a model that will fit your food prep schedule. Some of the models available today can remain in use for up to 99 hours or as long as four days without overheating or malfunctioning. Alternatively, some slow cookers prepare food in a matter of hours, if not within a half hour to 45 minutes.
The slow cooker you choose should match the time frame that you expect to use it for whenever you want to make a hot meal without spending time in the kitchen. You can find models that cook slowly over the span of six to eight hours, letting you have a hot meal ready for your family after you get home from work. In contrast, you can find slow cookers that simmer and stew at low temperatures for days to make food like yogurt.
Before you make your selection, you should look at each slow cooker to find out for how long it can be programmed to cook. You can then select the one that best accommodates your precise needs and expectations.
Price
Of course price should be one of the factors you think about when you shop for a slow cooker. These countertop appliances come in a wide range of prices. While you may find plenty of higher priced models, you likewise should be able to discover lower priced and more affordable options available to you as well.
That being said, however, you should keep in mind that the price you pay does not necessarily negate or belie the cooker’s quality and overall performance. If you are on a budget, you should not worry about getting a lesser quality model that has a smaller price tag. Likewise, you should not assume that a higher price tag means that the cooker outperforms less expensive cookers on the market.
When it comes to shopping for a slow cooker that matches your price, you should look for those that closely align with your budget and still give you the performance and convenience you need or want. If you are looking at the slow cooker as a long-term investment, you may want to spend a bit more if the higher price means that you will get more function or a longer warranty. Likewise, if you are looking for a cooker with basic cooking functions, you may find it wise to spend less and instead choose one that gives you the performance you want without the expense.
Other Features & Considerations
While perhaps not foremost in your mind, these considerations should play a role in your overall slow cooker purchase. Some of the other factors that you may think about when selecting one of these cookers include:
- Is it dishwasher safe?
- From what material is it made?
- Does it have an LCD display?
- Is the cooking bowl removable for easy serving of food and storing of leftovers?
Making a hot, delicious, and healthy meal no longer has to be a hassle because of your busy schedule. You can make entrees, side dishes, desserts, and more by adding one of these high-quality and innovative slow cookers to your kitchen today.
Comparison Chart
Our Top Pick
$$$
6 qt.
No
Up to 24 Hours
24 hour Keep Warm
Yes
16 lbs.
Best Value
$
6 qt.
No
30 min. to 20 hours
6 hour Keep Warm
Yes
15 lbs.
Best Budget Model
$
7 qt.
No
2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 hours
4 hour Keep Warm
Yes
12 lbs.
Best Pressure Slow Cooker
$$$$$
6 qt.
Yes
2 to 12 Hours
4 hour Keep Warm
No
14 lbs.
Top Rated
$$$$
8 qt.
Yes
Up to 24 Hours
10 hour Keep Warm
No
19 lbs.
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