The Best Slow Cookers

The best way to simplify your cooking routine is with a slow cooker. Designed so you can throw in all the ingredients and go, a slow cooker enables you to make delicious meals without all the effort. Whether you like soups, desserts, casseroles, or other entrees, the slow cooker can do it all. Explore this list of our favorite models on the market to find one that best fits your needs. With one of these, you can transform how you think about your time spent in the kitchen.

Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

7-in-1 and One For All

A pressure cooker, slow cooker, a steamer, and more in one unit, this multipurpose device will become your new kitchen go-to.
Best Overall

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Designed to replace up to seven different appliances, you’ll use this tool for almost everything. With 14 one-touch settings for faster cooking, you can make delicious soup, stew, chili, poultry, beans, and much more. This fan-favorite model allows you to monitor the pressure, temperature, time, and heat level so you can adjust everything to get the perfect results for every recipe. Plus, the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel looks new even with frequent use because it wipes clean in an instant.

Pros:

  • The Instant Pot takes the place of seven appliances: a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute, yogurt maker, and warmer
  • All of the settings are one-touch so you can use the presets to make cooking faster and simpler
  • The monitor lets you keep track of all the settings so you can ensure the recipe turns out just as you’d imagined

Cons:

  • It can take a while for the Instant Pot to pressurize, so some recipes take longer than expected
  • When depressurizing the Instant Pot, the steam can be very hot and potentially dangerous if not handled carefully

Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S-A 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker

Makes Feasts Fit for Vikings

This 6-quart design serves at least seven people.
Best Large Capacity

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The Crock-Pot makes it easier to throw in meals and go about your business. Set cook times anywhere from 30 minutes up to 20 hours, and set it to keep things warm even after the cooking time is complete. That way, you can put a meal in the night before or early in the morning so it’s ready for you at dinnertime. From soups and stews to casseroles and desserts, you can make any delicious meal in the Crock-Pot to eat at home, and thanks to the lockable lid, you can also take it with you on-the-go to parties, dinners, or potlucks. You can even take the stone insert out and set it up in the oven or microwave for the ultimate versatility.

Pros:

  • The 6-quart design has enough capacity to make food for up to seven people, so you don’t have to worry about making multiple batches
  • The lid locks onto the top so you can transport the Crock-Pot without any spills or messes
  • The interior stone can also be heated up in the microwave or oven, so you can warm up your food quickly and efficiently

Cons:

  • It’s more challenging to make small portions because of the large size
  • The packaging could be more secure to protect the Crock-Pot during shipping

Ninja Foodi 7-in-1 Pressure, Slow Cooker, Air Fryer, and More

A Small But Mighty Slow Cooker

This compact design saves counter space while still delivering delicious recipes.
Best Compact

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At five quarts, this design cooks things up to 70% faster than traditional appliances. Whether you want to use it as a pressure cooker, air fryer, or slow cooker, this Ninja design can do it all. The non-stick, PTFE/PFOA-free, and dishwasher-safe 3-quart basket is coated in ceramic for the ultimate durability. It also has 14 safety features to keep you and your family safe, and it has even passed rigorous safety testing to ensure it’s a trusted kitchen product. Whether you use it for slow cooking stews or crisping up french fries, this multipurpose tool will quickly become your new go-to in the kitchen for all of your favorite recipes.

Pros:

  • The compact tool has seven different functions, including pressure cook, air fry, steam, bake, slow cook, yogurt, and saute
  • The product is designed to be compact to help save counter space, making it perfect for apartments or smaller kitchens
  • It also has 14 built-in safety features to ensure you’re safe and have the peace of mind you need

Cons:

  • At only 3 quarts, the basket is smaller, which means you must make smaller portions
  • The settings can be hard to navigate, making this a challenging tool for beginners

Crock-Pot 2.5-Quart Mini Casserole Crock Slow Cooker

A Mini Slow Cooker Perfect for Parties

Make dips, casseroles, and more to take on-the-go.
Best Small-Capacity

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Whether you use this Crock-Pot to make a single-serving dinner or to make dips and recipes to take with you to parties, it’s a versatile appliance you’ll love instantly. The oven-safe stoneware is perfect for creating a range of recipes from appetizers and soups to desserts. Choose from high, low, and warm settings when starting your recipes to ensure the food is not just done cooking when you need it, but also that it stays warm until it’s ready to be served. With clips to secure the lid and cord wraps for easy transportation, this is a must-have for parties, potlucks, and get-togethers to keep food warm for a few hours and ensure that everyone can enjoy your recipe exactly how it’s meant to be eaten.

Pros:

  • The stoneware is removable and oven-safe for added versatility
  • The Crock-Pot has high, low, and warm settings so that you can adjust it as needed depending on the recipe
  • Both the stoneware and the lid are dishwasher safe for easy clean-up

Cons:

  • The small capacity makes it challenging to make dinner for an entire family or larger  group
  • Because of the smaller size, it may not get as hot as larger versions of the Crock-Pot

Cuisinart PSC-650 Stainless Steel 6-1/2-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

Sleek & Sophisticated

This modern design is equal parts form and function.
Most Stylish

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This sleek stainless steel slow cooker looks beautiful and works great for the best of both worlds. The programmable design touts a round, ceramic cooking pot with a brushed stainless-steel exterior to create a stylish design so it can sit on your counter without worry. You can program the slow cooker for up to 24 hours of cooking time and use the keep-warm setting to ensure that your food stays warm until you get home. Cool-touch, chrome-plated handles are the final design detail that gives the slow cooker a modern look you’ll love. It’s even dishwasher safe so that you don’t have to worry about extensive clean-up.

Pros:

  • The slow cooker has three different modes plus a keep-warm setting, so you can customize it for every recipe
  • The slow cooker includes a cooking rack, recipe book, and instruction booklet, so you have all the tools you need to use it to the fullest
  • Both the ceramic pot and lid are dishwasher-safe to simplify the entire clean-up process

Cons:

  • The 6.5-quart size is larger than more compact options on the market

Frequently Asked Questions

Are slow cookers energy efficient?

The amount of energy used by your slow cooker depends on the brand. Some, like the Crock-Pot brand, are designed to be energy efficient and not use any more energy than a lightbulb.

Are slow cookers safe to use overnight?

Yes. Slow cookers are specially designed to be left on for several hours, so it is safe to leave them on overnight or during the day—even while you are away at work.

Do slow cookers boil?

Most slow cookers will not boil the contents. Because they are meant to cook things slowly over a long period of time, most slow cooker products max out at just below boiling to ensure your food doesn’t get overcooked. Check the specific details of your slow cooker for the temperature settings.