If you were looking for the best slow cooker reviews you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put in the legwork to bring you everything you need to know via reviews and guides!
If you start to search you could realize that the amount of slow cookers on the market is as big as the slow cooker recipes. How do you know which slow cooker is the best to buy? There are so many to choose from!
You could take a chance with an Amazon bestseller, or you could do what we did and research all the forums, review blogs and home appliances websites to gather the best information,
Then we picked seven of the best slow cookers we’ve tested for conjuring up quick and easy casseroles, stews, curries and more so you can choose wisely which slow cooker is the one that fits all your needs and kitchen
Contents
Best Slow Cooker Comparison Table
| Model | Capacity | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Crock-Pot
|
6-Quart | BEST OVERALL |
| Cuisinart 3-in-1
|
4,6,8 Quarts | Temperature Control |
| Hamilton Beach
|
6-Quart | Best for Cooking Meat |
| Crock-Pot Wemo
|
6-Quart | Best for Smart Homes |
| Cuisinart PSC-350
|
3.5 Quart |
Small Families |
Best Slow Cooker Reviews
1. Crock-Pot 6-Quart Programmable Cook and Carry – Best Overall
The Crock-Pot name is synonymous with slow cookers and for a good reason, they give the most features and the attention to detail that only a renown brand can bring to the table and for an incredible price!
Some amazing features that come along are the brushed stainless-steel that comes with a real advance timer settings that you can program and will do all the work for you. Another great addition is that this model is created for the go! you can unplug the Crockpot and take it with you, once you arrived you plug it back in and the food would be still warm. You can take it with you as well on the road and get your self a quality meal.
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By using the locking gasket lid is how this is possible, the lid will not only preserve your food for up to 6 hours, but it will prevent any type of mess that you can get with a regular slow cooker on a long trip.
With the preferred for most people 6-quart capacity meant to allow you to proudly serve your entire family.
Convenience is where this slow cooker excels in. This machine can cook in just 3 simple steps to follow and your food will be ready to be served. The presence of a stoneware cooking pot, heating base, and a digital timer ensure that anybody can cook using this pot!
On your end, you only need to simply put the stoneware on the heating base, add all the desired ingredients, carefully cover the lid, and plug your slow cooker to the power source. Then you pick the temperature and time from the menu, and your recipe cooks itself. No need to follow up or hover because as the cooker switches to warm mode as soon as the cooking process is complete.
The cooker features a tempered glass lid and stoneware interior bowl that both are easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Have in mind that the housing can’t be inside water, to clean it just use detergent and water.
The Cook & Carry is affordable and powerful with a 240 watt DC motor that operates at 120. Plus it comes with a 1-year limited warranty. So at the end of the day, you will be getting one amazing slow cooker at an incredibly affordable price, and that why this is our first recommendation.
Features:
- 6-quart serves 7+ people.
- Dimensions: L:16.5 inches x H: 10.4 inches x W: 11.4 inches
- Digital countdown control that allows you program cook times anywhere from 30 minutes up to 20 hours
- Warm setting automatically once cook time completes
- Easy-to-use locking lid featuring lid gasket provides an extra seal for less mess on-the-go
- Removable oval stoneware that is also stylish for any table.
- Works on 240 Watts at 120V A.C. and 60Hz
Video
2. Cuisinart 3-in-1 Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker – Best for Temperature Control
Featuring 3 different programmable functions this not only a great slow cooker but is also the best companion for sautéing vegetables and browning your favorite meats, as well steaming veggies or fish. You can even switch between any of these functions, so you have the ability to brown meat before slow-cooking as simple as touching a button.
The Cuisinart 3-in-1 comes in different sizes to fit any family size, you can choose between 4-, 6-, and 7-quart sizes. It comes with a lot of features including a steam rack and a nonsticking inner pot is nonsticking that is also easy to clean and dishwasher safe just like the lid and steaming rack.
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You can use the 3 preset modes that come with this appliance so you can slow cook sauté and steam. The 24-hour slow cooking function will automatically go to the ‘keep warm’ mode after your slow one-pot cooking time has completed for tasty hot meals. It has a low beep tone when the cycle is complete. There is no ‘delay start’ feature because there is no clock.
The inner aluminum cooking bowl goes directly to the table to serve from. The inner pot is a scratch and chip-resistant diamond coating that is both PTFE- and PFOA-free. The slow cooker also comes with a tempered glass lid that has a stainless-steel rim, as well it comes with a black plastic handle that is cool to touch.
Another good point for us it that the MSC-600 is quite durable and resistant so you can have it for years without any problem. All the parts are BPA free, so there no worries about toxins or chemicals.
Featuring a digital control and great functionality this model is a great buy and that why is making the top 2 on our list. With the advantage of having 3 appliances in one and an amazing 3-year limited warranty is one of the best slow cookers on the market in 2018
Features:
- One touch switches modes when the recipe calls for combination cooking
- Glass lid with cool-touch handle for clear view and comfortable handling
- Dishwasher-safe removable parts for effortless cleanup, Steaming rack included,
- Limited 3-year warranty
- 3 fully programmable cooking functions Slow Cook on high, low, simmer and automatic warm for up to 24 hours
- Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging
- Brown/Saute with temperatures up to 400°
- Steam for up to 90 minutes
- Removable 6-quart nonstick aluminum cooking pot
- Extra-large blue back-lit LCD display with easy-to-read time and temperature settings
Video
3. Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget Programmable Slow Cooker With Temperature Probe – Best for Cooking Meat
The Hamilton Beach is an amazing programmable slow cooker that comes with a temperature probe that makes cooking meat as easy as it can be. You don’t even have to open the lid to take the temperature, and your meet will ever be perfectly cooked.
When you think of modern programmable cookers the big deal is that you can set and forget and the Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget 6-Quart Slow Cooker is one of the best examples for this. Featuring 3 different modes for automatic cooking:
The “Program” option allows you to easily set the desired cooking time for your meal. Once the cooking time is finished cooker automatically get into the “Keep Warm” mode to preserve the taste and temperature of the food.
“Probe” mode is great when you need make large cuts of meat such as roast, chicken, or lamb. You only need to insert the probe and adjust the meat temperature to the desired level. The appliance will make sure that the meat gets into the right temperature, and then will start the keep warm mode automatically. The slow cooker keeps you updated throughout its cook process with the current temperature, through the LED display, on the control panel.
For traditional cooking, the Slow Cooker comes with easy to use manual controls. This feature gives you the power to cook your food at high, moderate, or low temperatures for as long as you want. The great thing about it is that you don’t need to adjust the cooking time in this mode.
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Other than the temperature controls and overall convenience, the Hamilton Beach 33969A comes with a lot of additional features as well. Like for example the thermometer that we mention at the beginning will updates you with the internal temperature throughout the LED display on the control panel. The cooker is also great for on the go meals you can take it and carry the appliance with you as its clip-tight gasket lid prevents the food from messing up, spilling, or shifting position drastically.
Serving your family and loved ones is not going to be a problem with this model you can cook for up to 7 adults at a time. When you combine overall capacity with the cooking time variance (30 minutes – 20 hours), it is simple to understand why this slow cooker is our 3 choice and make a big part of our list.
This slow cooker weighs 13.9 pounds, although comes with full-grip handles on both sides helping you when you want to pick up and carrying the cooker easily. Featuring a powerful motor, spacious design, durable construction, and a 1-year warranty, the Hamilton Beach Set & Forget Slow Cooker is a great buy and the best in its price range.
Features:
- Smart technology that gives you the ability to cook either on a specific cooking time or a desired temperature, before automatically switching to Warm when it’s done.
- Place the temperature probe into large cuts of meat to cook to a precise temperature. The control panel will display the food’s exact temperature as it cooks.
- The lid clips securely in place, perfect for taking the slow cooker to a party, potluck or tailgate. The tight seal helps prevent messy spills along the way.
- Removable and easy to clean, dishwasher safe crock and glass lid make cleanup simple and power interrupt protection keeps slow cooker on during a brief power outage
- Spacious 6 quarts capacity perfect for a 6 lb. chicken or 4 lb. roast.
- 3 choices for easy, automatic cooking: probe, program, and manual
- Thermometer probe for meat
- Clip-on spoon and clip-tight gasket lid
- Full-grip handles
- Power interrupt protection
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4. Crock-Pot Wemo Smart Wifi-Enabled Slow Cooker – Best for Smart Homes
This is a great cooker for when you don’t like to leave something on when you are not home with the WeMo cooker you can now check on your slow-cooker meal even when you are far away but that’s not it! you can easily and quickly adjust the cook time and temperature using the WeMo smartphone app, or turn it on or off from a distance!
You can also program it to send you a notification when the cook-time is up, so in case you cooked for your kids you can let them know that the food is ready without the need to be at home.
Another cool factor for us is that the oval stoneware is removable and really easy to clean as well dishwasher-safe!
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You can use both Android and iOS devices to use the free WeMo app and have total control over the slow cooker. In addition to adjusting temperature and heat settings, you can set and modify timers and receive alerts when the timer is done. In case you would like you can extend the timer so the warm mode doesn’t turn off and get cold before you do get home.
But get no confused here the App is only to use if you want, and remotely, the cooker comes with cooking controls just like a regular cooker so you can turn on and off all the features and settings from the display.
The slow cooker comes in a nice polished stainless steel finish which can match great with any kitchen decor and a comfortable 6-Quart Capacity making it the best partner for families or parties of seven or more. The pot comes with an oval shape that is great for roasts and large cuts of meat. And is cover with the glass lid that will trap the heat and moisture.
Features:
- Remote access to every cooking settings you can adjust the temperature, cooking time, shift to warm or turn off from your smart device
- Quickly and easily connect from anywhere with 3G/4G/WiFi
- Easy setup and easy to use.
- Free WeMo App available for Android and Apple devices
- Kitchen slow cooker has handy cord storage and Cool-touch handles
- Can be used with or without the app.
- Dishwasher-safe stoneware and glass lid
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5. Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1/2-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker – Best for Small Families
Our 5th pick is the great PSC-350 Slow Cooker is the best choice for small families and for people under a budget as well.
With a lot of positive reviews and feedbacks, this small but reliable machine might is the most value-friendly choice form our list.
Featuring a ceramic inner pot that is easy to clean and dishwasher safe while is also able to withstand oven heat. The oval build of the stainless steel material forming the cooker’s housing further ensures durability and a long life.
The slow cooker comes with a glass lid that is surrounded by cool handles that are able to resist even the highest levels of heat, so you can carry the appliance at any time, There is also the chrome-plated knob that covers the top and is also dishwasher friendly.
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Another cool factor is the non-slip rubber feet that is on the bottom of the cooker keeping it in place without damaging the surface where you place it.
There is also an easy to use touchpad control panel that gives you access to all the setting and the 4 different modes. From it you can choose the internal temperature going from low, high, or simmer as well you can select the keep warm feature that is automatically activated as soon as your food is cooked. There is also a timer that gives you 24-hours of cooking time
Features:
- Longer slow-cooking time: With a zero minute to 24 hour cooking time, you get a broader time slot for cooking a wide variety of recipes. (Other, similar models can only offer a 20-hour cooking time)
- Clean, safe food: This slow cooker complies with all your hygiene requirements as all the components that come in contact with the food are BPA-free.
- Add-ons: The slow cooker comes with a recipe booklet included. Additionally, It also contains hints and tips from pro-chefs around the world. Throw in the user manual that is included with the slow cooker and before you know it the world and all its recipes will be at your fingertips.
- Oval-shaped programmable slow cooker with 3-1/2-quart ceramic pot
- Touchpad control panel; 24-hour LCD countdown timer; 4 cooking modes
- Automatic keep-warm; glass lid; nonslip rubber feet; stay-cool handles for safety
- Dishwasher-safe pot and lid; instruction manual with recipes included
- Product Built to North American Electrical Standards and BPA free
- Warranty: The Cuisinart PSC-350 offers a 3-year warranty—on par with the best on the market.
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Advantages of Using a Slow Cooker
Slow cookers are just great with a lot of features and cooking methods and all of them have a really affordable price. There is a wide variety of designs and models that cost less than $100, and some really fully featured models for less than $50.
However, if you really want to understand what are the benefits of having a Slow cooker at your kitchen you need to get some knowledge on the advantages of having one and how they can help you to get the best meals for your loved ones. Below we name some of the best reasons why they can be a great addition to any kitchen
Trouble-free Cooking
The first thought that comes to mind when thinking of a slow cooker is the simplicity and ease of use that they represent. For starters, let’s say that only depends on you to simply avoid recipes that demand some hours of pre-preparation.
Meals like soups or stews will taste and feel much better when you make them on the slow cooker in comparison to the ways you were cooking them before. And the benefits are greater cause you only need to put all the ingredients in the pot, set the temperature, and you are done!
No Threats of Bursting
Slow cookers can get really hot with the high mods going as far as 400°F but they are really safe even in those conditions. There are no bells, no beeps, and definitely no chances of the lid bursting off during cooking. Slow cooking is entirely different from tricky forms of cooking and is closer to traditional cooking than anything else. The biggest difference is that the slow cookers are made so the steam doesn’t escape.
Easy Slow Cooker Dinners
You can make a lot of types of food using a slow cooker. You can adventure your self and make some raw onions or brown meats for better color and taste. you just need to set the timer and let your slow cooker handle the rest while you appreciate how much time your new slow cooker will save you.
Best Slow Cooker Saves Money
They are really budget friendly with prices going anywhere from $30 to $200 depending on features, size, and material it is made from. There are appliances that don’t get multi-functions and cost even more such as toaster ovens, broilers, and some blender as well. You can save up to 50% on groceries when you buy cheaper cuts of meat. As well it reduces your energy consumption. The best slow cookers consume just a tiny fraction compared with the amount of energy that a traditional electrical cooker will spend.
Cook all types of food
Like traditional pots or pressure cookers, slow cookers can also cook elaborated meals such as lamb shoulder, beef brisket, and pork. But what makes them exceptional is the flavor and taste that remains through the end—so much more rich and flavorful, as the slow cooking method allows juices to remain in your recipe adding that extra taste that makes a big difference.
Your Food Doesn’t Thicken
Unlike pressure cookers, the slow cooker maintains the liquid and it doesn’t thicken they just add extra natural flavors giving you more flavorful and juicy meats. Although if you would like a thicker result you can simply add a bit of flour to your recipe. You can also add a corn flour based paste to your recipe once is cooked and allow it to simmer.
Save is the Keyword
One of the greatest thing with this type of cooker is that you save not only money cause they are so budget friendly but also on electricity and ingredients!. Slow cookers require less oil as compared to traditional cooking pots while allowing the moisture to stay in the ingredients. This means you can rely more on a food’s natural flavor and less on added oils.
They also save on liquid consumption compared with regular cookers. The tightly sealed lid has no space for the vapor to escape, so there’s no need to keep adding water. Simply add enough water to cover vegetables and meats, not drown them, and you’re set!
No Need to Monitor
Finally, the best advantage of a slow cooker is that it doesn’t need constant monitoring. Programmable and digital slow cookers work on their own. The best slow cookers feature the“keep warm” mode that will automatically switch your meals into “warm” once they are done. By doing this your food will never lose its freshness, heat, or cooked in flavors, and most models with this feature can keep the food warm for up to 6 hours.
Less Maintenance
Slow cookers have strong and sturdy bodies with powerful DC motors. The outside can be clean easily with a cloth and the Interior components are often removable and dishwasher safe, so you won’t have to dread hand washing everything.
Even if the food particles seem tough to get rid at the beginning you can just add some hot water, close the lid, and set your slow cooker on High temperature. After a few minutes, turn it off and open the lid. The remaining food particles should be much easier to remove at this point.
Slow cookers can be used year round.
A lot of folks related the slow cooked meals with autumn and winter, but they can be used any time of year. One of the biggest benefits of using them during the summertime is the fact that they eliminate the need to spend hours standing in front of a hot stove and making your hot home even hotter.
How To Choose The Best Slow Cooker For Your Kitchen
If you start to check for slow cooker you fast realized that there are a hundred of different choices. Featuring an array of different settings sizes and specs making the hunt for a cooker even more chaotic, so how to know which one is the right fit for you, your family, and your kitchen needs?
Here are a few slow cooker things to have in mind before choosing a new model:
1. Size and Capacity
The first variable that you need to have in mind before picking a new slow cooker is its size. Depending on your personal needs the choices are going to variate, you could be a single person or a small family of 2 in which case a 2 or 3 quart slow cooker will be enough.
However, if you normally will be cooking for three to four people, a 4 quart slow cooker is the right choice. Larger families of four to six will need a slow cooker with a minimum capacity of 6 quarts.
2. The Shape
Most Slow cookers will come in 2 different shapes round and oval. The Round shape is great for cooking soups, stews, and chili. Although, the oval shape comes with an extra surface area, that gives you more space for adding food. Since there is more surface area, the oval-shaped slow cookers tend to have slightly faster cooking times than their round counterparts.
3. Programmable or Manual?
From this 2 choices, the biggest difference at a glance is the price. Manual slow cookers are clearly more affordable. They normally come with a button or a knob with 3 to 4 different functions: Off, Low, High, and Keep Warm.
In the case of the programmable slow cooker, they come with extra setting giving you more control over the recipe. A specific cooking time can be set, and when the cooking time is complete, the slow cooker will automatically switch itself over to the “Keep Warm” mode which is a helpful feature to have if you are not going to be at home once the meal is ready.
4. The Bells and Whistles
Before getting a cooker, you need to choose which extra features you would like it to have. For example, see-through lids are best, because they allow you to view your food as it cooks without having to lift the lid.
You can also get one of the most modern cookers that feature a locking lid, that is great to carry your slow cooker or taking it to places like outdoors. Just keep in mind that additional features like these will raise the price of the model you choose.
5. Energy Savings Equals Dollars Saved
A good thing to have in mind is that if you get a 250-Watt slow cooker you will be saving money since you are not going to be using the electric oven that draws 4000-Watts of electrical power? You will save another potential 50%.
6. Cleaning
If you get one slow cooker that comes with an inner pot made of porcelain or glazed is going to be so much easier to wash by hand and in most cases, they are dishwasher safe as well.
7. Cost
The slow cooker price range variates between $30 to $200 depending on their features, size, and material. You could spend much more on toaster ovens, or an electric oven. So depending on your budget, you can get a good cooker having in mind always your need first.
Before you go on to choose the best slow cooker for your kitchen, you need to understand what are your specific needs as well your household needs, and which features and functionality you are going to need the most. Your decision depends on many factors, such as the number of people to be served, your daily activities, the time that you normally spent in the kitchen and the frequency that you will be using it as well the most important factor to consider your budget!
Conclusion
With all that the benefits that come along with a slow cooker, perhaps the most significant reason to get a new one besides that they are budget-friendly, is the time that you going to save having in mind that the cooker will do almost all the work while you can do your own things.
Once you add all the ingredients on your slow cooker, there is no need for you to hover monitoring and stirring it. Because you are no longer using an oven, there is no boiling or burning over to contend with. A lot of people don’t know how great time savers this slow cooker can be and if you are a busy Mom you are going to agree that having a slow cooker is a great helper to get on with your day.
When it comes to the best slow cooker, there are a few reasons to decide which one is the best to suit your needs so you have to consider your own factors. Since we have covered the appliance from all the angles and explained every technicality your the decision should be much simpler now.
For more information on slow cookers go to wiki
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