Best Slow Cookers 2024

When it comes to convenient and delicious meal preparation, a slow cooker is a kitchen essential. The ability to set and forget it while your meal cooks perfectly makes it a favorite among busy individuals and families. Slow cookers come in various models and price ranges, offering different features and sizes to suit every need. This comprehensive guide will explore the top slow cookers available on the market and provide the information you need to choose the best one for your kitchen.

Why Choose a Slow Cooker?

Slow cookers are designed to simplify the cooking process and save you time and effort. Here are some of the key benefits of using a slow cooker:

1. Convenience: Once you’ve prepared your ingredients and set the cooking time and temperature, you can go about your day without worrying about monitoring the cooking process. The slow cooker will do all the work for you.
2. Versatility: Slow cookers are for more than soups and stews. Many models offer additional cooking functions such as browning, sautéing, and steaming, allowing you to prepare various dishes in one pot.
3. Tender and Flavorful Results: Slow cooking allows flavors to develop and meats to become tender and juicy. The low and slow cooking process ensures your meals are perfectly cooked.
4. Time-Saving: By preparing your meals in a slow cooker, you can save time on meal prep and have a delicious home-cooked meal waiting for you at the end of the day.

Now that we understand the benefits of using a slow cooker let’s dive into the top models available.

Ceramic Insert

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All slow cookers come with a removable inner crock. Some are made of metals like aluminum and stainless steel, but most are ceramic or porcelain.

Here are some advantages of ceramic inserts:

• Easy cleaning: You can remove the pot from the base, wipe down the interior, and pop it in the dishwasher. It’s dishwasher-safe!
• Even food heating: Ceramic crocks distribute the heat better than other materials.
• Healthier to use: A ceramic insert won’t leak harmful toxins when heated to high temperatures.
• Safe to use in the oven, microwave, or on the stove: You can quickly reheat leftovers or cook other oven and stovetop recipes.

These advantages make ceramic pots worthwhile. However, metal pots have other benefits, such as letting your brown food.

Programmable Timers

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Slow cookers that come with a programmable timer can be a lifesaver. A programmable timer makes cooking more flexible because you won’t need to worry about burning a pot roast or setting the kitchen on fire.

Programmable timers let you set the perfect cooking time and automatically switch to a food-warming function when the time’s up.

You’ll find the programmable timer on the control settings in front of most slow cookers. Some controls are manual, and others are digital. All are easy to use.

WiFi Programmable Slow Cookers

Some slow cookers even have WiFi-enabled functions. This allows you to set the cooking time and control temperature settings from an app on your phone.

If the slow cooker is on low-medium heat and you need to move it to warm heat, you can do so from wherever you are.

Sealing and Locking Lid

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A good lid is essential if you use a slow cooker to bring cooked foods to potlucks, barbeques, or other gatherings.

Slow cooker manufacturers introduced sealing and locking lids when customers complained about frequent spills. The tops needed to be in place while transporting meals, making cooking and carrying slow meals hard.

A sealing and locking lid ensures you can take your slow cooker anywhere. Some tops even come with latches and gaskets to keep covers on tight for easy transport.

However, one of the most essential cooking tips is not using fasteners. Gaskets seal the lids in place to prevent spills, but the latches can prevent steam from escaping and ruin your meal if you cook with them attached. All the moisture trapped inside puts your slow cooker recipes and excellent cuts of meat at risk of becoming a mushy mess.

If you plan on transporting the food you make in your slow cooker, a sealing and locking lid is ideal. This is optional if you only use your slow cooker at home.

Cleaning and Maintenance

To keep your slow cooker running for years, could you take the time to clean it?

While a slow cooker is convenient, cleaning can often be a drag. Long cook times can leave food stains and crusty bits on the interior and exterior of your slow cooker. Could you clean it regularly to keep your machine in good condition?

The Best Way to Clean a Slow Cooker 

Luckily, the inner ceramic crock pots are removable. The easiest way to clean them is to take them out, wipe them down, and put them in the dishwasher after every use.

You would like to clean your slow cooker as soon as possible. Waiting to wash the ceramic crock can make it harder to scrub leftover food off. However, always turn off your slow cooker, unplug it, and let it cool before you clean it.

After removing the inner pot, wipe down the base to avoid food buildup and prevent stains.

“Self-Clean” Hack

While most slow cookers don’t come with self-cleaning functions, there is a way to get your slow cooker to clean itself. Here’s how:

1. Fill your crock pot with water.
2. Add 1/4 cup of baking soda and a splash of dish soap.
3. Turn the crock pot high and let it soak for 2-4 hours.

Now that we understand the benefits of using a slow cooker let’s dive into the top models available on the market.

1. Cuisinart 3-in-1 Cook Central Multicooker

The Cuisinart 3-in-1 Cook Central Multicooker is our top pick for the best overall slow cooker. It offers a range of valuable functions, including browning, sautéing, steaming, and slow cooking. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced cooks alike.

The 3-in-1 Cook Central Multicooker comes in different sizes, including 4-quart, 6-quart, and 7-quart versions, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your needs. The pot is lightweight aluminum with a nonstick coating, making it easy to clean. It also features cool-touch handles and a long cord for added convenience.

One of the standout features of the Cuisinart 3-in-1 Cook Central Multicooker is its ability to switch between cooking modes with a single touch. This means you can easily transition from browning to slow cooking without turning off the slow cooker. The automatic warm setting keeps your meal at the perfect serving temperature for up to eight hours.

While the Cuisinart 3-in-1 Cook Central Multicooker offers excellent performance and versatility, it’s important to note that the nonstick coating may contain PFAS compounds. If you have concerns about these chemicals, consider other options.

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2. All-Clad Gourmet Plus 7-Quart Slow Cooker

For those looking for a luxury slow cooker with exceptional fit and finish, the All-Clad Gourmet Plus 7-Quart Slow Cooker is the perfect choice. This model offers precise temperature control and a long cooking time, making it ideal for cooking large meals or entertaining.

The All-Clad Gourmet Plus 7-Quart Slow Cooker features a stainless steel exterior, handles, and rivets, giving it a sleek and elegant look. The ceramic insert ensures even and consistent cooking and can be used on gas and electric cooktops.

One of the standout features of the All-Clad Gourmet Plus 7-Quart Slow Cooker is its ability to set two temperatures for a given cooking cycle. This means you can start with high heat and then switch to low heat without manually adjusting the settings. This feature is handy for recipes that require different cooking temperatures.

While the All-Clad Gourmet Plus 7-Quart Slow Cooker offers excellent performance and temperature control, it’s important to note that the handle on the lid can get hot during cooking. Additionally, the cooking pot is not dishwasher safe, although it is easy to clean by hand.

3. Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker

If you’re on a budget but still want a reliable and functional slow cooker, the Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker is the best choice. This programmable slow cooker offers three different settings: program, manual, and probe, giving you plenty of options for cooking your meals.

The Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Slow Cooker performs well in our tests, perfectly cooking dishes. The program mode allows you to set a specific time and temperature, while the manual mode offers high, low, and warm settings. The probe mode is handy for cooking meat to a desired internal temperature.

One of the standout features of the Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Slow Cooker is its latched lid with a gasket, which makes it spill-resistant and easy to transport. The side handles stay cool during cooking, allowing you to move the slow cooker once your meal is ready. The dishwasher-safe lid and pot make cleanup a breeze.

While the Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Slow Cooker offers excellent value for the price, it’s important to note that the beef stew meat may be slightly drier compared to other models. However, this can be easily mitigated by adjusting the cooking time and temperature.

4. Calphalon Digital Sauté Slow Cooker

If you’re looking for a slow cooker with excellent browning and sautéing capabilities, the Calphalon Digital Sauté Slow Cooker is the best choice. This multi-function cooker allows you to sear, sauté, slow cook, and more, giving you endless possibilities in the kitchen.

The Calphalon Digital Sauté Slow Cooker features a nonstick ceramic cooking insert that is oven and cooktop-safe, allowing you to brown your ingredients directly in the pot. The large, easy-to-read digital display makes programming and adjusting the cooking settings a breeze.

One of the standout features of the Calphalon Digital Sauté Slow Cooker is its excellent performance in our tests. The beef stew results were flavorful and tender, and the cooking insert provided even heat distribution. The removable gasket ring is dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.

While the Calphalon Digital Sauté Slow Cooker offers excellent performance and versatility, it’s important to note that the lid is not removable, which may require proper clearance when using the cooker. Additionally, the nonstick coating may wear off over time with regular use.

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5. Wolf Gourmet Multi-Function Cooker

The Wolf Gourmet Multi-Function Cooker is the perfect choice for those looking for the most innovative slow cooker on the market. This multi-function cooker offers six easy-to-use modes, including slow cook, sous vide, and sauté/sear, allowing you to experiment with different cooking techniques.

The Wolf Gourmet Multi-Function Cooker features a unique stainless steel insert compatible with gas, electric, and induction cooktops, providing unmatched versatility in the kitchen. The included temperature probe allows you to monitor the internal temperature of your food, ensuring perfect results every time.

One of the standout features of the Wolf Gourmet Multi-Function Cooker is its ability to produce the most tender meat in our tests. The slow-cooked roast beef was incredibly tender, and the stew broth was rich and flavorful. The dishwasher-safe insert and lid make cleanup a breeze.

While the Wolf Gourmet Multi-Function Cooker offers exceptional performance and versatility, it’s important to note that the liquid may not reduce as much as it would in an oven, potentially affecting the concentration of flavors in your dishes. However, the overall cooking results are still impressive.

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Conclusion

Choosing the best slow cooker for your kitchen is an important decision that can significantly enhance your cooking experience. Whether you’re looking for versatility, budget-friendly options, or innovative features, there is a slow cooker on the market to suit your needs. By considering factors such as size, functions, and performance, you can find the perfect slow cooker to simplify your meal preparation and create delicious, tender, and flavorful dishes every time.