7 Best Slow Cookers of 2024: Your Ticket to Set It and Forget It Deliciousness!
Are you tired of spending all your time in the kitchen? Do you dream of delicious, hot meals appearing out of thin air with minimal effort or fuss? Well, as silly as it might sound, a slow cooker could be just the thing to turn those dreams into reality!
Slow cookers are incredibly versatile kitchen appliances that can transform even the most basic ingredients into mouthwatering flavors and textures. It allows ingredients to marinate over a long and gentle cooking period to produce deeply satisfying and soul warming dishes that will impress everyone at the table.
Here we’ll explore some of the best slow cookers currently available so that you can make family dinner time a breeze! Whether you’re looking for something with a low cost or a model with more advanced features, we have plenty of options to choose from.
Let’s dive in!
Quick Pick Section
| Product | Capacity | Material | Weight | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker |  | 7 Quarts | Stoneware | 12.3 lbs | Check Price On Amazon |
| Instant Pot Electric Pressure & Slow Cooker |  | 6 Quarts | Stainless steel | 12.35 lbs | Check Price On Amazon |
| Crock-Pot Manual Slow Cooker |  | 7 Quarts | Stoneware | 12.32 lbs | Check Price On Amazon |
| Elite Gourmet Electric Slow Cooker | 1.5 Quarts | Stoneware | 4.5 lbs | Check Price On Amazon | |
| Magic Mill 10 Quart Slow Cooke | 10 Quarts | Metal | 11.92 lbs | Check Price On Amazon | |
| Cuisinart MSC-600 Slow Cooker |  | 6 Quarts | Stainless Steel | 16 lbs | Check Price On Amazon |
| Ninja MC1001 Foodi Slow Cooker | 8.5 Quarts | Aluminum | 10.02 lbs | Check Price On Amazon |
List of the 7 Best Slow Cookers
1. Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker – Flexible Programming Options
Key Specs
- Capacity – 7 Quarts
- Material – Stoneware
- Weight – 12.3 lbs
The Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker is our KD4U Top Pick, and is an invaluable kitchen tool for anyone looking to make delicious meals with ease. Perfectly sized to fit a 7 lb chicken or roast, this versatile slow cooker is great for family dinners, potlucks, or even parties!
It has more flexible programming options than Crock-Pot slow cookers, allowing you to mix and match time and temperature settings, including 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 hours on high, low, or warm.
Plus, thereโs no need to worry about watching or stirring the food since once the cooking time is up, the slow cooker will automatically shift to a warm setting, keeping your meal safe until youโre ready to enjoy it!
2. Instant Pot Electric Pressure & Slow Cooker – Easy to Read Display
Key Specs
- Capacity – 6 Quarts
- Material – Stainless steel
- Weight – 12.35 lbs
The Instant Pot Electric Pressure & Slow Cooker offers practical convenience for your kitchen. This multi functional 9-in-1 appliance functions as a pressure and slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sautรฉ pan, yogurt maker, sterilizer, and food warmer. With all of its functionality, we were particularly impressed with its slow cooking settings, making it our KD4U Runner Up!
The intuitive and simple display includes a full cooking progress bar so you know what stage of the cooking program youโve reached. The food grade stainless steel pot with tri-ply bottom ensures more even cooking and an anti-spin design that secures the pot for perfect sautรฉing.
We appreciate that it has over 10 safety features, including overheat protection and a safe locking lid. It also comes with a convenient wide opening lid for easy refilling or cleaning. And above all, it’s capable of preparing favorite dishes 70% faster than conventional cookware, stylishly adding efficiency to any busy kitchen.
3. Crock-Pot Manual Slow Cooker – Classic
Key Specs
- Capacity – 7 Quarts
- Material – Stoneware
- Weight – 12.32 lbs
The Crock-Pot Manual Slow Cooker is the perfect choice for a hot meal with minimal effort. With its easy to use dial, and affordable price point, it is our KD4U Best Value award winner! This 7 quart slow cooker serves up to 9 people and fits a 7 lb roast, making it an ideal solution for families or large gatherings.
The simple dial allows for easy temperature selection, whether you need a hot meal ready in no time on high or something to be cooked while youโre at work on low. We appreciate its convenient warm setting allowing you to keep food at an ideal serving temperature for as long as you need.
One pot cooking not only reduces the number of dishes to clean afterward but also offers the convenience of a dishwasher safe lid and removable stoneware, allowing you to effortlessly restore their sparkling cleanliness in no time at all!
4. Elite Gourmet Electric Slow Cooker – Sleek Design
Key Specs
- Capacity – 1.5 Liters
- Material – Stoneware
- Weight – 4.5 lbs
The Elite Gourmet Electric Slow Cooker has a sleek and stylish design that brings function and style to your kitchen. It features cool touch handles and knobs that protect your hands while allowing you to safely transport it (a favorite aspect!).
You can also adjust the settings with its Low / High / Warm settings, giving you ultimate control of meal preparation. Its white finish adds a sense of sophistication to any kitchen decor. It is UL Listed for your safety and comes with a 1 Year Limited Warranty.
The 120 watts of power are made for optimal cooking performance so you can enjoy delicious meals time after time. Overall, with its attractive design and reliable performance, the Elite Gourmet Electric Slow Cooker is sure to be an essential part of any kitchen!
5. Magic Mill 10 Quart Slow Cooker – Simple Operation
Key Specs
- Capacity – 10 Quarts
- Material – Metal
- Weight – 11.92 lbs
The Magic Mill 10 Quart Slow Cooker is the perfect solution for making delicious, healthy meals without the hassle of traditional cooking. This lightweight cooker has a spacious 10 quart removable pot and is equipped with full grip plastic handles that remain cool to the touch so you can move it easily from the countertop to the table.
The tempered glass lid is transparent, so you can easily keep an eye on your food without having to lift it. Plus, it seals tightly and is totally leakproof, so no worries about spills when things start boiling over.
The Magic Mill Slow Cooker offers you a simplified approach with its high, low, and warm settings. So, no matter what dish you’re making, you can always achieve that perfect texture and flavor. Plus, when you’re finished cooking, we like that you can use the removable pot as serve ware โ or even on your stove!
6. Cuisinart MSC-600 Slow Cooker – Dishwasher Safe
Key Specs
- Capacity – 6 Quarts
- Material – Stainless Steel
- Weight – 16 lbs
The Cuisinart MSC-600 Slow Cooker emerges as a true ally in any kitchen, offering impressive functionality and ease of use. With its one-touch switch, you can switch modes whenever you want, making recipe preparation a breeze. And let’s not forget about the extra large blue backlit LCD display that makes it super easy to read time and temperature settings. It’s like having your own personal cooking assistant! These great features along with its tremendous countertop appeal make it our KD4U Great Design award winner!
The removable 6 quart nonstick aluminum cooking pot also makes it simple to serve up family favorites. In addition, the Cuisinart MSC-600 also includes a cool-touch handle glass lid for a clear view and comfortable handling, making it easy to check your food is cooking correctly in this slow cooker.
All the dishwasher safe removable parts make for effortless cleanup, and a steaming rack is also included, so you can use this device in multiple ways. Finally, you have the added peace of mind of a limited 3-year warranty with your purchase.
7. Ninja MC1001 Foodi Slow Cooker – Good Value
Key Specs
- Capacity – 8.5 Quarts
- Material – Aluminum
- Weight – 10.02 lbs
The Ninja MC1001 Foodi Slow Cooker is the perfect kitchen device for busy cooks who appreciate value for their money. This cooker replaces the need for nine other devices, including a slow cooker, steam oven, food warmer, nonstick pot, sautรฉ pan, cast iron skillet, saucier, steamer, saucepan, stock pot, and Dutch oven.
It is also great for making larger sized batches of your favorite meals. The bottom heating element allows you to sear proteins and sautรฉ vegetables right in the cooking pot. We were pleasantly surprised that the removable cooking pot is oven safe up to 500 degrees F, so you can finish your meal off with a crispy topping if desired.
With an 8.5 quart capacity, it is able to make large serving sizes such as chili for up to 20 people or 9 lbs of spaghetti and meatballs. In short, youโll be able to keep everyone happy at dinner time with this amazing appliance!
How Did We Choose the Best Slow Cookers
We focused generally on slow cookers with mid size capacity, making it ideal to prepare a meal for a family of four with leftovers to spare, but wanted to include larger and smaller models as well for diverse preparation options. Another key component we focused on were settings. In reviewing different models, we found having a programmable timer allows you to simply “set it and forget it,” as the cooker automatically switches to “keep warm” mode once cooking is complete.
To ensure convenience when transporting your slow cooker to a potluck, we recommend models with securely locking lids. Unlike some models that struggle to maintain temperature, resulting in over or undercooked dishes, our top picks consistently reach and maintain the perfect temperature for your culinary creations.
Buying Guide – What to Look for Before Choosing the Best Slow Cookers
Selecting the perfect slow cooker can enhance your culinary adventure, transforming basic ingredients into mouthwatering dishes. Before beginning your search, consider the following factors to ensure that you choose a slow cooker that suits your specific needs and preferences.
1. Capacity
When it comes to slow cooking, the size of your slow cooker truly makes a difference. Consider the capacity that aligns with your family’s needs or the number of servings you typically prepare. For a small family or couple, a 3-4 quart slow cooker would suffice, while a larger group would benefit from a 6-8 quart slow cooker.
2. Functions
Slow cookers vary significantly in their features. Some models offer a simple manual slow cook option with low, medium, and high heat settings. However, more advanced models come with programmable settings, timers, and even searing options. These added features allow more versatility in your cooking but can come with a higher price tag.
3. Material
The material of the slow cooker directly affects the cooking results and longevity of the appliance. Many slow cookers feature ceramic or porcelain inserts, known for their excellent heat distribution and retention. Others use metal pots, ideal for stove top browning before slow cooking. Consider your cooking habits and cleaning preferences when deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
1. What are slow cookers used for in cooking?
Generally, slow cookers are used for simmering food at a low temperature over several hours. They are great for preparing dishes like pot roasts, soups, stews, and more. The slow cooking process tenderizes the meat and allows flavors to meld together.
2. How does a slow cooker differ from a pressure cooking appliance?
While both are used for cooking, a slow cooker cooks food gradually over a long period, whereas a pressure cook appliance uses steam pressure to cook food quickly. Slow cookers maintain a low, steady temperature, while pressure cookers reach higher temperatures.
3. What’s the ideal temperature to keep food warm in most slow cookers?
Most slow cookers have a “keep warm” setting, typically maintaining a temperature of around 145ยฐF to 165ยฐF. This is perfect for keeping food warm without continuing to cook it.
4. Can I cook a pot roast in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Pot roast is a classic dish often prepared in a slow cooker. Cooking it slowly tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor, making for a delicious and hearty meal.
Conclusion – A Few Final Thoughts!
Slow cookers have become an essential kitchen appliance for many home cooks, offering the convenience of preparing meals with minimal effort. The best slow cookers allow for versatile cooking options, from tender roasts to flavorful stews, all with the simple press of a button.
We hope this guide has provided an overview of what to look for in a slow cooker and helps in selecting the perfect model for your home!
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