In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsChoosing a Slow CookerOur TestsWe Also ConsideredCommon QuestionsOur Trusted Expertise
In This ArticleView All
In This Article
View All
Our Top Picks
Reviews
Choosing a Slow Cooker
Our Tests
We Also Considered
Common Questions
Our Trusted Expertise
Photo:EatingWell / Russell Kilgore
EatingWell / Russell Kilgore
I learned to appreciate the value of a slow cooker from an early age. My mother was a full-time nurse with excellent cooking skills but no time to cook, so the slow cooker in our home was used multiple times a week to ensure a healthy dinner was ready when we all got home. From amazing goulash and tender roasts to scratch-made soups, the slow cooker sustained our family year-round.I am an early riser with a robust morning routine, so a slow cooker is a natural fit for my lifestyle. As a working parent, I frequently use a slow cooker to make pork carnitas for tacos, cheese dip for parties, and, of course, those same scratch soups. Putting all the ingredients together before I leave in the morning takes the anxiety out of dinnertime when I am bustling about with homework, sports or just dying to put up my feet. It also makes more time for me to get to the gym because dinner is done. As a resident of the deep South, my slow cooker also lets me lay off the hot oven when the outside temps are high (which is most of the year!).Testing slow cookers is a patience game, offering me lots of time to evaluate each cooker’s design, settings and features. I read through each manual and played with all the controls. I prepared large cuts of meat, stews with a slurry, curry dishes and simple soups to evaluate slow cooking functions, how hot they ran and how well they retained the flavors. For specialty cookers, like the mini-and casserole cookers, I prepared dishes that worked with their strengths and tried a more evergreen recipe to evaluate their flexibility. In the end, I cleaned each cooker, inside and out, to ensure it was easy. After over 190 hours of slow cooking in 21 cookers, 6 models rose to the top; here are my picks.Our Top PicksBest Overall:Cuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker at Amazon$160Jump to ReviewMost Versatile:Crock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cooker at Amazon$210Jump to ReviewBest Large:Instant Superior Cooker 7.5QT Slow Cooker at Amazon$80Jump to ReviewBest Mini:SALEBrentwood Slow Cooker at Amazon$43$25Jump to ReviewBest Nontoxic:GreenLife Cook Duo Slow Cooker at Amazon$60Jump to ReviewBest Splurge:Wolf Gourmet Multi-Function Cooker at Amazon$700Jump to Review
I learned to appreciate the value of a slow cooker from an early age. My mother was a full-time nurse with excellent cooking skills but no time to cook, so the slow cooker in our home was used multiple times a week to ensure a healthy dinner was ready when we all got home. From amazing goulash and tender roasts to scratch-made soups, the slow cooker sustained our family year-round.
I am an early riser with a robust morning routine, so a slow cooker is a natural fit for my lifestyle. As a working parent, I frequently use a slow cooker to make pork carnitas for tacos, cheese dip for parties, and, of course, those same scratch soups. Putting all the ingredients together before I leave in the morning takes the anxiety out of dinnertime when I am bustling about with homework, sports or just dying to put up my feet. It also makes more time for me to get to the gym because dinner is done. As a resident of the deep South, my slow cooker also lets me lay off the hot oven when the outside temps are high (which is most of the year!).
Testing slow cookers is a patience game, offering me lots of time to evaluate each cooker’s design, settings and features. I read through each manual and played with all the controls. I prepared large cuts of meat, stews with a slurry, curry dishes and simple soups to evaluate slow cooking functions, how hot they ran and how well they retained the flavors. For specialty cookers, like the mini-and casserole cookers, I prepared dishes that worked with their strengths and tried a more evergreen recipe to evaluate their flexibility. In the end, I cleaned each cooker, inside and out, to ensure it was easy. After over 190 hours of slow cooking in 21 cookers, 6 models rose to the top; here are my picks.
Our Top PicksBest Overall:Cuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker at Amazon$160Jump to ReviewMost Versatile:Crock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cooker at Amazon$210Jump to ReviewBest Large:Instant Superior Cooker 7.5QT Slow Cooker at Amazon$80Jump to ReviewBest Mini:SALEBrentwood Slow Cooker at Amazon$43$25Jump to ReviewBest Nontoxic:GreenLife Cook Duo Slow Cooker at Amazon$60Jump to ReviewBest Splurge:Wolf Gourmet Multi-Function Cooker at Amazon$700Jump to Review
Best Overall:Cuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker at Amazon$160Jump to ReviewMost Versatile:Crock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cooker at Amazon$210Jump to ReviewBest Large:Instant Superior Cooker 7.5QT Slow Cooker at Amazon$80Jump to ReviewBest Mini:SALEBrentwood Slow Cooker at Amazon$43$25Jump to ReviewBest Nontoxic:GreenLife Cook Duo Slow Cooker at Amazon$60Jump to ReviewBest Splurge:Wolf Gourmet Multi-Function Cooker at Amazon$700Jump to Review
Best Overall:Cuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker at Amazon$160Jump to Review
Best Overall:Cuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker at Amazon$160
Best Overall:
Most Versatile:Crock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cooker at Amazon$210Jump to Review
Most Versatile:Crock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cooker at Amazon$210
Most Versatile:
Best Large:Instant Superior Cooker 7.5QT Slow Cooker at Amazon$80Jump to Review
Best Large:Instant Superior Cooker 7.5QT Slow Cooker at Amazon$80
Best Large:
Best Mini:SALEBrentwood Slow Cooker at Amazon$43$25Jump to Review
Best Mini:SALEBrentwood Slow Cooker at Amazon$43$25
Best Mini:
SALE
Best Nontoxic:GreenLife Cook Duo Slow Cooker at Amazon$60Jump to Review
Best Nontoxic:GreenLife Cook Duo Slow Cooker at Amazon$60
Best Nontoxic:
Best Splurge:Wolf Gourmet Multi-Function Cooker at Amazon$700Jump to Review
Best Splurge:Wolf Gourmet Multi-Function Cooker at Amazon$700
Best Splurge:
Best OverallCuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-CookerPHOTO: Wayfair$160$144 at Amazon$160 at WayfairView on Boscovs.com
Best OverallCuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker
Best Overall
Cuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker
PHOTO: Wayfair
$160$144 at Amazon$160 at WayfairView on Boscovs.com
What we like:Our previous top pick still checks all the boxes for overall best.
What to know:The display is challenging to clean.
I want something to look great when it sits on my countertop for hours. This cooker, true to the Cuisinart brand, is sleek and has a brushed metal exterior. Popular functions like sautéing, browning and steaming are all offered with one-touch operations, and a perfect-fit stainless steamer and roasting insert comes in the box, making it easier when the stove is full on holidays and large gatherings. I was impressed that Cuisinart added a simmer function among the standard high, low and warm settings, all of which can be controlled for up to 24 hours.
The oblong shape of the cooker made it perfect for large cuts of meat, multiple pieces of chicken and large batches of chili. I appreciated the cool exterior, even at the height of cooking, making it less worrisome when curious small hands run wild. Priced in the middle of our overall range, this cooker deserves a spot in any kitchen.
Capacity:6 quarts |Dimensions:11"D x 18"W x 10.5"H |Dishwasher-safe:Yes
PHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell Kilgore
Most VersatileCrock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow CookerPHOTO: Amazon$210 at AmazonView on Crock-pot.com$160 at Samsclub.comWhat we like:Multiple dishes can be cooked simultaneously in this large cooker.What to know:There isn’t an insert available for the full eight-quart capacity.If you want a big unit that can handle a couple of tasks at once, this is your slow cooker. The Crock-Pot MultiMeal is a genuinely versatile cooker with the unique double-pot design. I tested it with both sides cooking at different times: one side for cooking alone, and then used the DualSync feature to cook both sides on the same schedule without having to set both. I found it was nice to have a protein on one side and a side or soup on the other, both with over three-quart volume. I also liked that no corners were cut with other functions and this cooker also sears, steams, cooks rice and bakes.The clear lids are flat with stay-cool knob handles, great for any size of hand. The nonstick aluminum inserts are light, but take note that they do not have handles for removing them individually meaning, you will either serve from the whole cooker or transfer to another vessel. I was disappointed I couldn’t change out the two inserts for a large, eight-quart cooking pot. Wilting the spinach would have been easier, as navigating the smaller sides meant working in batches.A little steeper in price than many other models, this large cooker also has a generous footprint which can be challenging for storage, though the multiple cooking pots hold a lot of value for those that love slow cooked meals.Capacity:8 quarts |Dimensions:12.25"D x 18"W x 9.25"H |Dishwasher-safe:YesPHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell Kilgore
Most VersatileCrock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow CookerPHOTO: Amazon$210 at AmazonView on Crock-pot.com$160 at Samsclub.com
Most VersatileCrock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cooker
Most Versatile
Crock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cooker
PHOTO: Amazon
$210 at AmazonView on Crock-pot.com$160 at Samsclub.com
What we like:Multiple dishes can be cooked simultaneously in this large cooker.
What to know:There isn’t an insert available for the full eight-quart capacity.
If you want a big unit that can handle a couple of tasks at once, this is your slow cooker. The Crock-Pot MultiMeal is a genuinely versatile cooker with the unique double-pot design. I tested it with both sides cooking at different times: one side for cooking alone, and then used the DualSync feature to cook both sides on the same schedule without having to set both. I found it was nice to have a protein on one side and a side or soup on the other, both with over three-quart volume. I also liked that no corners were cut with other functions and this cooker also sears, steams, cooks rice and bakes.
The clear lids are flat with stay-cool knob handles, great for any size of hand. The nonstick aluminum inserts are light, but take note that they do not have handles for removing them individually meaning, you will either serve from the whole cooker or transfer to another vessel. I was disappointed I couldn’t change out the two inserts for a large, eight-quart cooking pot. Wilting the spinach would have been easier, as navigating the smaller sides meant working in batches.
A little steeper in price than many other models, this large cooker also has a generous footprint which can be challenging for storage, though the multiple cooking pots hold a lot of value for those that love slow cooked meals.
Capacity:8 quarts |Dimensions:12.25"D x 18"W x 9.25"H |Dishwasher-safe:Yes
PHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell Kilgore
Best LargeInstant Superior Cooker 7.5QT Slow CookerPHOTO: Amazon$80 at Amazon$53 at Walmart$80 at Kohls.comWhat we like:The cooker features a large pot with multiple functions and handy extras.What to know:The metal exterior comes across as cheaply made.I loved the functionality of this slow cooker from the Instant line. It is extra-large, with a 7.5-quart capacity, allowing for large cuts of meat and a whole 5-pound chicken. The sear function meant I could brown my meat in the pot without having to lose any precious fond to another pan on the stove, and a handy steam function would allow me to make sides or salmon without touching my stove, made even easier with a silicone steam basket included with the unit. This cooker’s lightweight and thinner metal materials gave me a poor first impression of “cheaply made” but won me over with how light the machine was full and empty.My pork was fork tender and shredded easily; the stew cooked beautifully, and wilting the spinach was no challenge. The nonstick ceramic-coated aluminum cooking pot has handles separate from the base for easily moving it to clean or serve. A handy silicone snap-on lid is included with the cooker, making it easier to transport or store in the refrigerator, so you do not have to soil another vessel. I liked the clear digital panel with many one-touch functions and the option to set my own time and temperature. Dishwasher safe, the lid and cooking pot virtually wiped clean, and the outer base shined up with a damp cloth.Capacity:7.5 quarts |Dimensions:15.16"D x 14.02"W x 10.24"H |Dishwasher-safe:YesPHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell KilgorePHOTO: EatingWell / Russell Kilgore
Best LargeInstant Superior Cooker 7.5QT Slow CookerPHOTO: Amazon$80 at Amazon$53 at Walmart$80 at Kohls.com
Best LargeInstant Superior Cooker 7.5QT Slow Cooker
Best Large
Instant Superior Cooker 7.5QT Slow Cooker
$80 at Amazon$53 at Walmart$80 at Kohls.com
What we like:The cooker features a large pot with multiple functions and handy extras.
What to know:The metal exterior comes across as cheaply made.
I loved the functionality of this slow cooker from the Instant line. It is extra-large, with a 7.5-quart capacity, allowing for large cuts of meat and a whole 5-pound chicken. The sear function meant I could brown my meat in the pot without having to lose any precious fond to another pan on the stove, and a handy steam function would allow me to make sides or salmon without touching my stove, made even easier with a silicone steam basket included with the unit. This cooker’s lightweight and thinner metal materials gave me a poor first impression of “cheaply made” but won me over with how light the machine was full and empty.
My pork was fork tender and shredded easily; the stew cooked beautifully, and wilting the spinach was no challenge. The nonstick ceramic-coated aluminum cooking pot has handles separate from the base for easily moving it to clean or serve. A handy silicone snap-on lid is included with the cooker, making it easier to transport or store in the refrigerator, so you do not have to soil another vessel. I liked the clear digital panel with many one-touch functions and the option to set my own time and temperature. Dishwasher safe, the lid and cooking pot virtually wiped clean, and the outer base shined up with a damp cloth.
Capacity:7.5 quarts |Dimensions:15.16"D x 14.02"W x 10.24"H |Dishwasher-safe:Yes
Best MiniBrentwood Slow CookerPHOTO: Amazon$43$25 at Amazon$45 at Target$25 at WalmartWhat we like:This small slow cooker performs as well as larger ones.What to know:The outside of the machine gets hot while cooking.Though slow cookers evoke visions of big roasts and pots of soup, the smaller ones bring tremendous value for singles, couples or frequent entertainers. The Brentwood certainly represents the small cookers well, impressing me with its sturdy construction, lightweight, and consistently high performance.When making warm dips and sauces, I found this cooker held the temperature for over a two-hour period. Making meals for one to two people, smaller portions of rice, and even a personal stew was easy and kinda fun in this little machine. The dishwasher-safe lid and ceramic insert made cleaning up a breeze, and with such a small footprint, the Brentwood stores easily in any home, apartment or dorm.If gifting this cooker, be sure to include an oven mitt or towels to handle the hot exterior while cooking. Although not ideal, we think having to use a towel is well worth the modest $22 you will spend.Capacity:1.5 quarts |Dimensions:9”D x 9”W x 6.8”H inches |Dishwasher-safe:YesPHOTO: EatingWell / Jaclyn MastropasquaPHOTO: EatingWell
Best MiniBrentwood Slow CookerPHOTO: Amazon$43$25 at Amazon$45 at Target$25 at Walmart
Best MiniBrentwood Slow Cooker
Best Mini
Brentwood Slow Cooker
$43$25 at Amazon$45 at Target$25 at Walmart
What we like:This small slow cooker performs as well as larger ones.
What to know:The outside of the machine gets hot while cooking.
Though slow cookers evoke visions of big roasts and pots of soup, the smaller ones bring tremendous value for singles, couples or frequent entertainers. The Brentwood certainly represents the small cookers well, impressing me with its sturdy construction, lightweight, and consistently high performance.
When making warm dips and sauces, I found this cooker held the temperature for over a two-hour period. Making meals for one to two people, smaller portions of rice, and even a personal stew was easy and kinda fun in this little machine. The dishwasher-safe lid and ceramic insert made cleaning up a breeze, and with such a small footprint, the Brentwood stores easily in any home, apartment or dorm.
If gifting this cooker, be sure to include an oven mitt or towels to handle the hot exterior while cooking. Although not ideal, we think having to use a towel is well worth the modest $22 you will spend.
Capacity:1.5 quarts |Dimensions:9”D x 9”W x 6.8”H inches |Dishwasher-safe:Yes
PHOTO: EatingWell / Jaclyn MastropasquaPHOTO: EatingWell
Best NontoxicGreenLife Cook Duo Slow CookerPHOTO: Amazon$60$56 at Amazon$70 at Wayfair$70 at WalmartWhat we like:The coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead and cadmium for safer and healthier nonstick cooking.What to know:This cooker is low on extra functions.The GreenLife Cook Duo featuring a ceramic insert made from sand, had impressive heat distribution during each of my tests and the large interior is ready to cook for a crowd. The insert worked well on the stovetop for searing or browning meats and it is oven safe as well. GreenLife’s brand features whimsical color options and this cooker is no exception, available in standard black and white, in addition to six bright colors from lavender to sunshine yellow.With all the standard features, “high,” “low” and “warm,” the GreenLife also has a delay timer option, which I liked when preparing meals with shorter cook times, even when my time away was long. For fans of environmentally friendly options, the GreenLife is a terrific cooker with a wallet-friendly price point.Capacity:6 quarts |Dimensions:15.28"D x 11.1"W x 10.04"H |Dishwasher-safe:YesEatingWell / Sona Charaipotra
Best NontoxicGreenLife Cook Duo Slow CookerPHOTO: Amazon$60$56 at Amazon$70 at Wayfair$70 at Walmart
Best NontoxicGreenLife Cook Duo Slow Cooker
Best Nontoxic
GreenLife Cook Duo Slow Cooker
$60$56 at Amazon$70 at Wayfair$70 at Walmart
What we like:The coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead and cadmium for safer and healthier nonstick cooking.
What to know:This cooker is low on extra functions.
The GreenLife Cook Duo featuring a ceramic insert made from sand, had impressive heat distribution during each of my tests and the large interior is ready to cook for a crowd. The insert worked well on the stovetop for searing or browning meats and it is oven safe as well. GreenLife’s brand features whimsical color options and this cooker is no exception, available in standard black and white, in addition to six bright colors from lavender to sunshine yellow.
With all the standard features, “high,” “low” and “warm,” the GreenLife also has a delay timer option, which I liked when preparing meals with shorter cook times, even when my time away was long. For fans of environmentally friendly options, the GreenLife is a terrific cooker with a wallet-friendly price point.
Capacity:6 quarts |Dimensions:15.28"D x 11.1"W x 10.04"H |Dishwasher-safe:Yes
EatingWell / Sona Charaipotra
Best SplurgeWolf Gourmet Multi-Function CookerPHOTO: Bloomingdale’s$700 at Amazon$700 at Williams Sonoma$700 at Sur La TableWhat we like:A top-of-the-line appliance, it features all the bells and whistles.What to know:This cooker has a steep price tag.The Wolf is a serious multifunctional appliance with the most additional features among the cookers I tested. The brushed stainless exterior resembles the Wolf large appliance line with a sturdy, well-made, professional look. In addition to the standard “high” and “low” slow cooking, an included probe could be used to cook to a precise internal temperature. The same probe can be employed for sous vide cooking, a real value-add for serious home cooks, and an excellent way to reduce excessive oils in your meals. Additionally, the Wolf can make up to 18 cups of rice, sear and saute meats and vegetables directly in the cooker. The meal timer allowed me to delay cooking to my needs, and the stainless steel insert can be used with gas, electric, and induction cooktops.Large cuts of meat are a sweet spot for the Wolf. I found it made perfectly shreddable pork and a deliciously tender pot roast. I liked the thick silicone gasket that allowed the lid a tight seal on the insert to lock in flavors and juices. The handles stayed cool, even at the end of a six-hour slow cook, and the stainless steel insert and lid were dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Though the price is high, the Wolf brings tremendous value with its multitude of functions and a generous five-year warranty.Capacity:7 quarts |Dimensions:14 1/2"D x 17"W x 11"H |Dishwasher-safe:YesEatingWell / Riddley Schirm
Best SplurgeWolf Gourmet Multi-Function CookerPHOTO: Bloomingdale’s$700 at Amazon$700 at Williams Sonoma$700 at Sur La Table
Best SplurgeWolf Gourmet Multi-Function Cooker
Best Splurge
Wolf Gourmet Multi-Function Cooker
PHOTO: Bloomingdale’s
$700 at Amazon$700 at Williams Sonoma$700 at Sur La Table
What we like:A top-of-the-line appliance, it features all the bells and whistles.
What to know:This cooker has a steep price tag.
The Wolf is a serious multifunctional appliance with the most additional features among the cookers I tested. The brushed stainless exterior resembles the Wolf large appliance line with a sturdy, well-made, professional look. In addition to the standard “high” and “low” slow cooking, an included probe could be used to cook to a precise internal temperature. The same probe can be employed for sous vide cooking, a real value-add for serious home cooks, and an excellent way to reduce excessive oils in your meals. Additionally, the Wolf can make up to 18 cups of rice, sear and saute meats and vegetables directly in the cooker. The meal timer allowed me to delay cooking to my needs, and the stainless steel insert can be used with gas, electric, and induction cooktops.
Large cuts of meat are a sweet spot for the Wolf. I found it made perfectly shreddable pork and a deliciously tender pot roast. I liked the thick silicone gasket that allowed the lid a tight seal on the insert to lock in flavors and juices. The handles stayed cool, even at the end of a six-hour slow cook, and the stainless steel insert and lid were dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Though the price is high, the Wolf brings tremendous value with its multitude of functions and a generous five-year warranty.
Capacity:7 quarts |Dimensions:14 1/2"D x 17"W x 11"H |Dishwasher-safe:Yes
EatingWell / Riddley Schirm
Check the Capacity
A slow cooker works optimally when filled between one-half and three-quarters full, making the most important question, “How much do you want to cook?” The standard six-quart slow cooker can accommodate a whole chicken, a large roast and big batches of soups and stews, comfortably feeding at least six people. For smaller servings or for making warm dips and spreads for gatherings, look for smaller or mini slow cookers. If you typically cook for a big group or attend potlucks or tailgates with your cooker, there are eight-quart options on the market that can feed a crowd.
Note the Footprint
Similar to knowing how much you want to cook, you also want to note how much space you have for cooking and storage. If you are short of space but need a larger capacity, consider purchasing a multifunctional cooker that can centralize the function of multiple appliances and, therefore, free up space in your kitchen or cupboard.
Pick the Right Shape
Most slow cookers are round or oval. Though I tested a couple with rectangular footprints, I found those were specific to a particular function. Oval cookers are touted to handle large cuts of meat, as birds and roasts are most often longer than wide. Round cookers are therefore best for soups, stews, baking and side dishes. Round cookers are also often smaller in capacity than their oval counterparts.
Though these distinctions are very general, both round and oval cookers will do well if the cooker itself is a strong machine. If you truly want to put the whole cut in the cooker, buy an oval cooker. However, a round cooker can easily perform well on cubed pieces of larger cuts of meat or chicken pieces instead of the whole.
Features, Features, Features!
To find the best slow cookers, I conducted several rounds of testing on each model to evaluate their design, features, ease of use and ease of cleaning. I first made a dish using a large cut of meat to evaluate the tenderness of the cut after cooking. Fork-tender was the goal, as was shreddable in some cases.
When testing the mini cookers, smaller-format dishes were prioritized, like warm dips and sauces, while the casserole cooker was tested with a hash brown dish. Both specialty-type cookers were also tested with a more evergreen recipe to evaluate their flexibility.
In addition to our winning slow cookers, we tested other models. Some of these included:
Crock-Pot Programmable 6-Quart Slow Cooker with Sous Vide, Oat Milk($120 at Amazon):I loved the clean aesthetic and the sous vide option this Crock-Pot model offered, and it performed well on my tests, but I felt the price was higher than other models that worked just as well.
Elite Gourmet Maxi-Matic Triple Slow Cooker($80 at Amazon):With three 2.5-quart vessels in one rectangular base, the Elite is an entertaining workhorse, but I didn’t have much use for its large size outside of parties.
GreenPan Elite 8-in-1 Programmable 6-Quart Slow Cooker($200 at Amazon):While I liked the design, ease of use, and quick cleanup, the GreenPan didn’t deliver on performance, especially at the relatively steep price.
Hamilton Beach Defrost & Go™ Programmable Slow Cooker($50 at Walmart):The lid clips are handy for taking finished foods to a gathering, but they get in the way during cooking. Without any silicone on the feet, this unit slides very easily on the countertop.
Ninja 8.5-Quart Foodi PossibleCooker Pro($150 at Amazon):I liked its roomy size and ease of cleaning, but its unreliable temperature settings led to overcooked food.
Ninja 6.5-Quart Foodi PossibleCooker Pro($120 at Amazon):This cooker is loaded with functions and a touch smaller than the 8.5-quart model. However, it operated at a hard boil, evaporating the liquid and drying out my recipe.
Our Place Dream Cooker, 6 Quart Multi Cooker($175 at Our Place):This combination cooker was simple to operate. However, the pressure cooker design made it clunky for slow cooking, and I found temperature regulation challenging.
Are slow cookers dishwasher-safe?
All of the models I tested had removable crock or inserts, andallof our winners featured dishwasher-safe lids and inserts. As with all cookware, to properly clean anything you heat, it must cool completely before hitting the water. This ensures the piece will not warp or crack from the drastic shift in temperature and applies equally to dishwashers as with hand washing. The base of all slow cookers contains electrical components and therefore should not be submerged in water but wiped clean with a damp cloth instead.
Are slow cookers toxic?
Taking an eye to your crockpot cooking vessel regularly to ensure the surface hasn’t been cut, nicked or chipped will ensure any harmful compounds or particles inside the pan don’t make it into your food. Furthermore, replacing your pot immediately if imperfections are discovered is a final step to keeping any potentially toxic elements out of your food.
What is best to cook in a slow cooker?
Slow cookers are extremely versatile as long and slow cooking works well with so many proteins and vegetables. At the same time, the ability to cook for shorter times and keep the dish warm extends the overall value of this appliance. Braising tougher cuts of meat or slow-cooking fattier cuts to fork-tender both take time. Soups, chilis and stews are easy to combine and benefit from the long cook to marry and concentrate the flavors. While it cooks in less time than longer cuts, chicken is very easy to cook on the delay setting to perfect shredability when you are ready to eat.
The list can go on asside dishes, casseroles, lasagnaand some baked goods are easy and better when made in the slow cooker. With the sky beingmostlythe limit, checking out great recipes for your sized slow cooker will generate lots of delicious options.
What should you not cook in a slow cooker?
Lean meats generally require some fat to cook properly in a slow cooker but do better with other methods. If you are making a dish that includes pasta, cooking the noodles separately and stirring them in at the end will ensure they aren’t overcooked. Additionally, slow cookers are not made for crispy dishes, so those items are best cooked in the oven—unless your cooker is ovenable, in which case you can pop it in for a short time (at the end, usually) to crisp the top.
Are slow cookers the same thing as Crock-Pots?
Crock-Pot is a brand name for a type of slow cooker. All Crock-Pots are slow cookers; not all slow cookers are Crock-Pots.
Slow cookers vs. Instant Pots: What’s the difference?
Instant Pots are actually branded multi-cookers but work mostly as pressure cookers, building pressure inside the pot to break down meats and beans quickly and beautifully. Slow cookers utilize time and temperature, creating a steady heat over a long period of time to bring foods to the right texture.
Can you cook rice in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Many of the models I tested have specific presets for cooking rice, and instructions for other models can likely be found on their respective sites. A slow cooker’s slow and steady cooking style is great for preparing rice. If, however, you are adding rice to a dish or soup in the slow cooker, it is recommended to cook the rice separately so it doesn’t overcook with the other ingredients.
Tiffany Vickers Davistested the slow cookers featured in this article. She is a chef, writer and food entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience. She started in high-profile commercial kitchens and spent 14 years in the test kitchen atCooking Lightmagazine, ending her tenure as the Director. She now operates a fresh-prepared meal company that ships nationally. She has a six-quart, old-school Crock-Pot brand slow cooker that she received as a wedding gift in the early aughts, and it still works great!
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