Buying guide for best slow cookers
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There are few things I value in the kitchen more than convenience, but I still resisted buying a slow cooker for years. That's because I was convinced that the only thing they were really good for was turning cheap, tough cuts of meat into something worth eating. Besides chicken, I don't eat much meat, so a slow cooker didn't seem like an appliance I needed taking up space on my counter.
It turns out I couldn't have been more wrong.
Since I got my slow cooker as a holiday gift one year (mothers really do know best!), I've made everything in it from delicious weeknight chicken pasta dishes, to hearty soups for winter evenings, to creamy dips for game day. I even make the richest, most decadent hot chocolate in it every Christmas with sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, milk, vanilla and a bag of chocolate chips that the entire family raves about.
Versatility isn't a slow cooker's only benefit, though. It's the pinnacle of low-maintenance cooking because you only have to place the ingredients inside, turn it on and let it cook. No stovetop or oven required. That means you can set it up before you leave the house in the morning and come home to a delicious home-cooked meal.
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 accommodates your family's needs, a removable inner pot that’s easy to clean, and durable construction that will provide many years of use. Some slow cookers have programmable features that might be of interest, too. 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.
At BestReviews, we've researched and evaluated dozens of slow cookers to find the best models. Our top pick, the Bella Savor 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker, stands out for its programmable presets and other easy-to-use features.
Editors’ picks
Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker
Editors’ Favorite
Dimensions: 17" D x 11.8" W x 9.8" H | Capacity: 6 qt | Weight: 11.9 lb | Settings: High, low, warm, timer
With features, capacity and settings that impress, it’s easy to see why the Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker is one of the best slow cookers available. Designed with groups in mind, it holds 6 quarts of food, which can feed more than seven people. If you are traveling with your favorite dish, that’s no problem for this slow cooker. It boasts a durable rubber lid gasket and secure locks so you can take food to a friend's house without worrying about spills.
Cooking is easy with this slow cooker, even when you have limited time in the kitchen. In addition to high, low and warm settings, you can set the timer for up to 20 hours so it does the work for you. Powered by 240 watts, it cooks efficiently and evenly for delicious results.
This slow cooker is also simple to clean because the lid and removable stoneware insert are dishwasher-safe for fuss-free maintenance. A sleek, stainless steel design, strong handles and lightweight 11.9-pound build are additional reasons that this model caught our attention and earned it the top place on our short list.
Crock-Pot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
Great Value
Dimensions: 16.9" D x 11.8" W x 10.4" H | Capacity: 7 qt | Weight: 7.7 lb | Settings: High, low, warm
The Crock-Pot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker may not have a lot of extra features, but you may not mind. Made by Crock-Pot, it’s a spacious model with controls that are necessary for preparing foods to perfection. Not only is it easy to use and clean, but it’s also easy to afford thanks to the budget-friendly price.
You can cook up to 7 quarts of food in this Crock-Pot slow cooker. The capacity makes it ideal for preparing food for large households. High and low settings allow you to cook most dishes perfectly, while the warm function heats your food for an extended period of time. The simple dial control is almost effortless to operate, which appeals to those who like basic, functional small appliances.
The oval design of this slow cooker allows it to fit nicely on a countertop or in a cabinet. It only weighs 7.7 pounds so you can easily move it from place to place. Another reason to consider this value-priced slow cooker is the removable stoneware insert. In addition to being oven-safe to 400 degrees, it’s also dishwasher-safe for quick cleanup after meals are served. A combination of features and value make it one of the best slow cookers available.
Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Best for Large Families
Dimensions: 9.5" D x 15.4" W x 15.3" H | Capacity: 8 qt | Weight: 14.02 lb | Settings: High, low, warm, select, power, timer
Whether preparing a big meal for a large family or for a holiday gathering, the Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker offers the capacity to fit your needs. Also another top seller by Crock-Pot, it has an 8-quart capacity that can fit enough food for as many as 10 people. It cooks thoroughly and evenly thanks to useful controls and a timer that can be set up to 20 hours.
One of the best slow cookers on the market, this model also has a removable stoneware insert to simplify serving and cleaning. It’s also dishwasher-safe. Additionally, the lid can be placed in the dishwasher so cleanup is hassle-free.
This slow cooker stands out in terms of appearance. It has an attractive stainless steel finish with black trim and oval design. It looks good, plus it fits nicely in most cabinets for space-saving storage. A top brand, cook-approved features and extra-spacious interior make this model a top pick for preparing large portions of food.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
EXPERT CONSULTANT
Currently Executive Chef at Bon Appétit Management Company, Steve began his tenure with Bon Appétit as Chef de Partie. He has over 10 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.
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.
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.
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.
Our expertise
Jennifer Blair, a writer and product tester, has covered kitchen, home and lifestyle products for BestReviews since 2017. She has written over 100 articles on household appliances, such as toasters, vacuum sealers, air fryers, vacuum cleaners and more.
Jennifer Manfrin has been writing for BestReviews for nearly a decade. She specializes in pets, fitness, home and gardening. She has written shopping guides on everything from blenders, to infrared saunas, to treadmills.
