Crock pot ratings
12 Best Slow Cookers of 2023
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why Trust Us?
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
1
Best Overall Slow Cooker
All-Clad Deluxe Slow Cooker with Cast-Aluminum Insert
1
Best Overall Slow Cooker
All-Clad Deluxe Slow Cooker with Cast-Aluminum Insert
$250 at Williams Sonoma
Credit: All-CladPros
- Browning, steaming and rice cooking settings
- Removable aluminum insert
Cons
- Cooking insert is not dishwasher safe
In our tests, this 7-quart slow cooker with a removable aluminum insert made a rich and tender beef stew and cooked chicken soup and pot roast to safe internal temperatures. Though, we did find that, unlike other models in our test, it boiled the broth for chicken soup, which made the meat and vegetables a little overcooked.
The digital controls offer settings for slow cooking on low, high/low and high, plus a programmable 20-hour timer. The five-hour automatic “keep warm” setting will hold your dish at the ideal serving temperature when cooking is complete. Both the insert and unit have riveted handles making it easy to carry them together or separately. Bonus: You can also use this model for browning, steaming and cooking rice. Take note that the insert isn’t dishwasher safe.
• Capacity: 7 quarts
• Weight: 18 lbs
• Dimensions: 18" x 11.5" x 10.5"
2
Best Value Slow Cooker
BLACK+DECKER 7-Quart Digital Slow Cooker
2
Best Value Slow Cooker
BLACK+DECKER 7-Quart Digital Slow Cooker
$74 at Amazon$74 at Home Depot$81 at Wayfair
Credit: black + deckerPros
- Sous vide setting
- Comes with a temperature probe
Cons
- Beef stew meat was drier than from other models we tested
In our tests, the Black + Decker 7-Quart Digital Slow Cooker nicely slow-cooked a beef roast on low and high, as well as a chicken soup on low. Beef stew had a rich, uniform broth, but the meat was a bit drier compared with other models.
This updated model offers the same standout features as previous versions, like an easy-to-program control panel, large side handles and locking lid; plus, the brand has added extras like sous vide and an included temperature probe to help prevent overcooking. If you’re new to slow cooking (or even sous vide!), the price point makes it a nice way to give it a try.
• Capacity: 7 quarts
• Weight: 17.8 lbs
• Dimensions: 18" x 15.25" x 11.5"
3
Best Large-Capacity Slow Cooker
Hamilton Beach 8-Quart Slow Cooker
3
Best Large-Capacity Slow Cooker
Hamilton Beach 8-Quart Slow Cooker
Now 25% Off
$49 at hamiltonbeach.com
Credit: Hamilton BeachPros
- Great value
Cons
- Very basic features
This Hamilton Beach slow cooker is the largest slow cooker on our list with an 8-quart capacity. It's especially great for big families or hosting since it can fit an 8-pound whole chicken or a 6-pound roast. If you're looking to feed an even bigger crowd, Hamilton Beach also offers a 10-quart model (though we have not yet tested that version).
It’s affordable, straightforward to use and easy to clean up. We especially love the “keep warm” feature to ensure that your food remains at your desired temperature until you’re ready to eat. The insert and lid are dishwasher safe. Take note that it does not include a probe, so you'll have to use a meat thermometer to know the temperature of your food.
• Capacity: 8 quarts
• Weight: Not provided
• Dimensions: 16.54" x 17" x 10.50"
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
Best Slow Cooker for Entertaining
Cuisinart Programmable Slow Cooker
4
Best Slow Cooker for Entertaining
Cuisinart Programmable Slow Cooker
$185 at Amazon
Pros
- 24-hour programmable cook time
- Sleek design is suitable for buffets
Cons
- Heavier than others on our list
This Cuisinart Programmable Slow Cooker automatically switches to the “keep warm” setting after cooking and remains there for up to eight hours. It also looks great on your holiday buffet table with a sleek stainless steel exterior. It includes a "simmer" setting that's great for hearty cuts of meats like brisket that need to cook all day. The glass lid makes it easy to check on progress. A 24-hour programmable cook time and three-year warranty help make this one of our top picks. Take note that only the lid is dishwasher safe.
- Capacity: 6.5 quarts
- Weight: 20.85 lbs
- Dimensions: 11.6" x 16.3" x 12"
5
Best Programmable Slow Cooker
Calphalon Digital Sauté Slow Cooker
5
Best Programmable Slow Cooker
Calphalon Digital Sauté Slow Cooker
Now 35% Off
$110 at Amazon$130 at Home Depot$193 at Walmart
Credit: CalphalonPros
- Great beef stew results in our testing
- Cooking insert is oven and cooktop safe
Cons
- You can sauté only on the stovetop with the removable insert
The Calphalon Digital Sauté turned out some of the most tender beef in our lab's test; the stew broth was rich and the vegetables held their shape. Our experts were equally impressed with the performance of the nonstick cooking insert, which doubles as a sauté pan: When we used it to brown meat on the stove, it earned top ratings for even heating. Take note that you cannot sauté in the slow cooker like other multi-cookers on the market, you have to sauté on your stovetop with the nonstick cooking insert first. The 5.3-quart cooking pot insert is also oven safe. The dial features settings for low, high and warm.
• Capacity: 5.3 quarts
• Weight: 9.83 lbs
• Dimensions: 17.78" x 14.37" x 23.19"
6
Best Nonstick Slow Cooker
GreenPan Premiere Stainless-Steel Slow Cooker
6
Best Nonstick Slow Cooker
GreenPan Premiere Stainless-Steel Slow Cooker
$250 at Williams Sonoma
Credit: GreenPanPros
- Easy-to-clean ceramic nonstick pot
- Includes a steam function and steaming rack
Cons
- Pricey
GreenPan makes our pick for best ceramic nonstick pan, so we were excited to see that the brand has released a slow cooker. The pot has the same nonstick coating, and we felt it was very easy to hand wash — and it's also dishwasher safe. We also like that the base has handles, as does the pot insert.
The pot's handles have silicone covers to help keep things cool when transporting. The simple interface offers settings for slow cook, brown/sauté and steam, which is a less-common setting (and the cooker comes with a steaming rack). The browning function was not the strongest in our tests, but we did note that — as with nonstick cookware — only a little oil was required.
• Capacity: 6 quarts
• Weight: 13.75 lbs
• Dimensions: 19" x 13.5" x 11"
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Best Slow Cooker for Browning
Instant Pot Electric Precision Dutch Oven
7
Best Slow Cooker for Browning
Instant Pot Electric Precision Dutch Oven
Now 28% Off
$180 at Amazon$180 at Home Depot$180 at Walmart
Credit: Instant BrandsPros
- Excellent test results for browning
- Pot is also stovetop and oven safe
Cons
- Liquids don't reduce as much as they might in an oven
Instant Brands — maker of the Instant Pot, our best overall pressure cooker — has really rethought the slow cooker. The Instant Electric Precision Dutch Oven uses an enamel cast iron Dutch oven as the cooking vessel. The company states that, when paired with the electric base, the pot delivers five functions: braise, slow cook, sear/sauté, manual and food warmer.
We were very impressed with the browning capabilities when making beef stew in our tests. Not needing to use a separate pan for searing is a time-saver and helps you capture more flavor right in the slow cooker. That additional flavor helped the overall stew, because while the meat was tender, we did note that the liquid didn't reduce (and therefore concentrate in flavor) very much. While we tested the Dutch oven only in the base, Instant does say that you can also use it on the stovetop and in the oven. And the classic look makes it easy to bring to the table for serving.
• Capacity: 6 quarts
• Weight: 21 lbs
• Dimensions: 14" x 13" x 10"
8
BEST MULTI-COOKER FOR SLOW COOKING
Crockpot Express 6-Quart Easy Release Multi-Cooker
8
BEST MULTI-COOKER FOR SLOW COOKING
Crockpot Express 6-Quart Easy Release Multi-Cooker
$90 at Best Buy
Credit: Crock-PotPros
- Cooking pot is dishwasher safe
- Pressure cook, brown, sauté and steam features
Cons
- May be too large for small kitchens
Crockpot's 6-quart multi-cooker is a master at slow cooking, but it also pressure cooks, browns, sautés and steams. So if you don't have time to add ingredients in the morning but still want an effortless, no-stress meal, you can make chili, soup or stew when you get home using the pressure cook setting instead. It has “delay start” and “keep warm” features so you can hold your food at the ideal serving temperature until everyone in the family is ready to eat. After you're done, place the non-stick cooking pot into your dishwasher for easy cleanup.
• Capacity: 6 quarts
• Weight: 12.8 lbs
• Dimensions: 13.4" x 13.2" x 14.8"
9
Most Innovative Slow Cooker
Wolf Gourmet Multi-Function Cooker
9
Most Innovative Slow Cooker
Wolf Gourmet Multi-Function Cooker
$700 at Amazon$700 at Sur la Table$700 at Wayfair
Credit: WolfPros
- Five-year warranty
- Unique stainless steel insert
Cons
- Pricey
With six easy-to-use modes including slow cook, sous vide and saute/sear, you'll be ready to take on any recipe with the Wolf Gourmet 7-Quart Multi-Function Cooker. A removable stainless steel cookware insert can also be used on your gas, electric or induction cooktop, making this cooker a winner in terms of versatility. You can keep track of internal temperature with the convenient temperature probe.
This model produced the most tender roast in our test. Don't worry about cleaning up because the insert and lid are both dishwasher safe — and with a five-year warranty, Wolf is standing behind its product.
• Capacity: 7 quarts
• Weight: 27.56 lbs
• Dimensions: 14.5" x 19.75" x 17.88"
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
Most Customizable Slow Cooker
Breville Fast Slow Pro Multi Function Cooker
10
Most Customizable Slow Cooker
Breville Fast Slow Pro Multi Function Cooker
$300 at Amazon$300 at Sur la Table$300 at Wayfair
Credit: BrevillePros
- 11 pressure cook settings
- Cooking insert is dishwasher safe
Cons
- Ceramic-coated cooking insert requires extra care
If you want a cooker that offers tons of flexibility and unique bells and whistles, you'll love Breville's Fast Slow Pro. The sleek 6-quart tool allows you to choose from 11 pressure cook options or high and low slow cooking settings. You can also precisely adjust the temperature and pressure level (from 1.5 to 12 PSI, one of the biggest ranges we've seen) or select pre-programmed settings for vegetables, rice, risotto, soup, stock, beans, poultry, meat, bone-in meat, chili and stew and dessert.
In our tests, it performed well both pressure-cooking and slow-cooking beef stew. We also found the LCD screen and knobs to be super intuitive and easy to use. The cooking insert is dishwasher-safe, but Breville does recommend hand washing to retain the ceramic coating.
• Capacity: 6.3 quarts
• Weight: 14 lbs
• Dimensions: 12.5" x 13.5" x 14"
11
Best Small Slow Cooker
Crockpot 3-Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker
11
Best Small Slow Cooker
Crockpot 3-Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker
$64 at Amazon$87 at Walmart
Credit: Crock-PotPros
- Easy to transport
- Perfect for cooking for two
Cons
- Minimal features
Crockpot’s 3-Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker is our top pick for a small slow cooker. It's perfect for bringing warm queso to a tailgate or making a small beef stew for two. This slow cooker requires minimal clean-up as the insert is dishwasher-safe. Handles on its slow cooker's exterior also allow easy transport. If you are looking for a larger version, the Crockpot Cook & Carry is 6 quarts and its lid features two secure locks and a large handle, making it ideal for taking on the go to potlucks or tailgates.
• Capacity: 3 quarts
• Weight: 6.7 pounds
• Dimensions: 9.84" x 11.41" x 10.4"
12
Most Versatile Slow Cooker
Zojirushi Multicooker
12
Most Versatile Slow Cooker
Zojirushi Multicooker
Now 25% Off
$197 at Amazon$262 at Walmart$246 at Wayfair
Credit: ZojirushiPros
- Unique yogurt feature
- Large diameter pot is perfect for large cuts of meat
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
Zojirushi's Multicooker is one of the most versatile slow cookers out there. In addition to slow cooking, it can also be used to sauté, simmer, steam, cook rice or quinoa and make yogurt. And even on the slow cook setting, you can select from four temperature options from 140°F to 200°F.
The 10-inch, 6-quart pot is also a great size for cooking large cuts of meat. It takes a bit of experimentation to figure out which setting is right for your recipe, but once you find the correct temperature, you'll be using this stainless steel cooker for every meal.
• Capacity: 6 quarts
• Weight: 22 lbs
• Dimensions: 14.88" x 16.88" x 10.88"
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
How we test slow cookers
During our side-by-side analysis, our culinary experts tested slow cookers by making beef stew and chicken soup. We made more than 100 servings of stew and cooked up 30 whole chickens.
We checked for good temperature control and consistency during cooking by measuring the temperature of the food and liquid throughout the cooking process. We inserted thermocouples (sensors that measure temperature) into the breasts and thighs of whole chickens, which then transmit data to temperature-tracking software on a laptop. We also put probe thermometers in the cooking liquid as well.
Not only that, but we tested each cooker's heat-distribution ability to see if there were hot spots (when parts of food cook faster than others). We do this by coating the pot with shortening and a thin layer of flour and then heating the slow cooker until the flour browns; the level of browning is then evaluated against a standardized chart.
Furthermore, we evaluate each slow cooker’s design, safety features and ease of use without the help of an instruction manual. We also assess the “keep warm” function, meat tenderness and flavor development of dishes. What we found out impressed us: Traditional slow cookers performed well and were consistent. Pressure cooker models that have slow cook features did well also, but with slightly lower scores.
Philip FriedmanWhat to consider when shopping for a slow cooker
✔️Capacity: The main thing to consider is the size of the pot and how large a batch you generally cook. Slow cooker pots can range from as small as 1½ quarts to as large as 10 quarts, so you can find the size that suits your household.
✔️ Footprint: Consider how much space this appliance will take up on your countertop. Is it too tall to fit under your cabinets? Will it hog an entire shelf if you store it out of sight? These are all things to keep in mind before you buy.
✔️Functions: Time to consider bells and whistles: Will your slow cooker let you brown right in the pot? Can you use the appliance solely to slow cook, or will you be able to sear, cook rice, air fry, pressure cook or sous vide as well? We loved models that came with a temperature probe that allows you to monitor the internal temperature of foods without opening the lid. We also recommend an automatic “keep warm” setting that usually holds your cooked food at 165°F, which is above the food-safe temperature of 145°F but won't overcook the food.
✔️Apps and programmable slow cookers: Some slow cookers can be paired with smartphone apps that allow you to set the time and temperature; some will include recipes with ingredient lists and step-by-step instructions. Others have a “delay start” feature that allows you to start cooking without physically pressing any buttons. This is very handy, but we don’t recommend using this feature for longer than two hours, especially when cooking with meat; according to the FDA, when food sits out at room temperature for more than two hours, bacteria starts to increase exponentially, putting you at risk for illness.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
What’s the difference between a slow cooker and a Crockpot?
This is kind of a trick question! All Crockpots are slow cookers, but not all slow cookers are Crockpots. "Crockpot" is the brand name of a successful line of slow cookers from Sunbeam Products, Inc. Much in the way that "Kleenex" has become shorthand for facial tissue, people use the term "Crockpot" to refer broadly to slow cookers. As you'll see from our list, there are actually many manufacturers of slow cookers out there.
There is, however, one difference in cooking method: Crockpots and crockpot-style cookers generally have a ceramic pot inside a base with a heating element that wraps around the pot. Slow cookers that are not crockpot-style are more likely to have a metal pot and a heating element on the bottom only. These may be able to offer a browning function, whereas Crockpots and crockpot-style cookers usually do not.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Nicole Papantoniou has run the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab since 2019; she led the testing for slow cookers as well as air fryers, toaster ovens and stainless steel cookware. Previously she worked in product development for small kitchen appliances and tools since 2014 as well as in several test kitchens, where she tested and developed recipes and food content starting in 2012. She has a grand diplome in classic culinary arts from the former French Culinary Institute and a certificate in culinary nutrition from the former Natural Gourmet Institute, now both known as the Institute of Culinary Education.
Nicole Papantoniou
Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab Director
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
The Best Slow Cooker | Reviews by Wirecutter
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›
- Kitchen
- Small Kitchen Appliances
FYI
We’ve looked over this guide and stand by our picks.
We’ve been recommending the Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 6 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker since we first published this review in 2013. We’ve found that it still offers the best performance and features of any available slow cooker. The Set & Forget consistently cooked foods at a gentle simmer, making the most tender roast in our tests. It’s one of the few cookers we tested with a locking lid that seals tightly for easy transport, as well as a probe thermometer so you can cook to a target temperature.
Large capacity
We focused on 6- to 7-quart slow cookers, which are big enough to make a meal for a family of four with leftovers to spare.
Programmable timer
It’s easier to “set it and forget it” when your cooker has a timer that switches the machine to “keep warm” when it’s done cooking.
Locking lid
We prefer models with lids that lock tightly in place, for when you want to bring your slow cooker to a tailgate or potluck.
Even temperature
Some models struggle to maintain temperature, over- or undercooking dishes. Our picks reached and held just the right temperature.
Our pick
The Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 6 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker has been our top pick since 2013. A common complaint among owners of slow cookers is that they cook foods too hot, but in our tests the Set & Forget successfully simmered beans on a low setting without boiling them and turning them to mush. And even on a high setting, it was able to cook at moderate enough temperatures to produce a fall-apart tender roast. Its intuitive interface, probe thermometer, locking lid, and modest price make it the best cooker of the models we tested.
Advertisement
Also great
If you want a longer timer or a more precise probe thermometer, we recommend the Hamilton Beach Temp Tracker 6 Quart Slow Cooker. The Temp Tracker is similar to our top pick but has a 24-hour timer (instead of 14 hours), more built-in slots for a probe thermometer, and a medium setting as well as high, low, and warm. Unlike with the Set & Forget, the probe thermometer reads to the degree, and you can set it to a wider range of target cooking temperatures. But this model ran a little hotter in our tests, and we’re not convinced that everyone needs the extras, which go above and beyond the “set it and forget it” slow cooker mantra.
Everything we recommend
Our pick
Also great
The research
- Why you should trust us
- Who should get this
- How we picked
- How we tested
- Our pick: Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 6 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
- Flaws but not dealbreakers
- Long-term test notes
- Also great: Hamilton Beach Temp Tracker 6 Quart Slow Cooker
- Care and maintenance
- The competition
- Sources
Why you should trust us
To learn about slow cookers, we consulted the best experts we could find. In 2018, we interviewed Hugh Acheson, chef and author of The Chef and the Slow Cooker; Marye Audet, author of Mexican Slow Cooker Cookbook; and Lisa Fain, author of QUESO!: Regional Recipes for the World's Favorite Chile-Cheese Dip. For the 2013 version of this guide, we sought advice from other slow-cooker experts: Phyllis Pellman Good, author of the New York Times best-selling Fix-It and Forget-It cookbook series, and Stephanie O’Dea, author of the New York Times best-selling Make It Fast, Cook It Slow cookbook series and the blog A Year of Slow Cooking. Combined, these chefs and authors have logged countless hours making food in a wide range of cookers.
To supplement our interviews, we read every review of slow cookers we could find, as well as owner reviews, to determine our criteria. We also chatted with Marianne Gravely, a senior technical information specialist at the USDA, to learn about slow cooker food safety. Since 2013, we’ve examined more than 70 top-rated models and tested a short list of finalists to find the best.
Anna Perling, writer of the most recent update, covered kitchen equipment for Wirecutter for several years and cooks for herself most nights of the week. This guide also builds on research and testing by Wirecutter senior staff writer Lesley Stockton and deputy editor Christine Cyr Clisset, as well as writer Camille Chatterjee.
Who should get this
A slow cooker is a convenient, simple-to-use kitchen appliance—particularly if you’d like to cook food while you’re out of the house. With a slow cooker, you can prep your food before work and head to the office without worrying about your meal overcooking or cooling into the food temperature danger zone. Marianne Gravely, a senior technical information specialist for the USDA, assured us that cookers heat up to above 140 degrees Fahrenheit quickly enough to be food-safe. The USDA also has its own slow cooker safety guide.
Before you invest in a slow cooker, know that for not much more money, you can get other small appliances that can do more. Electric pressure cookers all come with a slow cooker setting but can also make rice or steam delicate fish and vegetables. We’ve read some complaints that slow cook settings on pressure cookers like Instant Pots can get dicey, but we didn’t notice any red flags in our tests. A slow cooker is still more affordable and easier to use, but if you have room for only one appliance, an electric pressure cooker is the way to go.
How we picked
We cooked cannellini beans (pictured here with a ham hock and aromatics) for eight hours on the low setting, and measured the temperature every hour to check for fluctuations over time. Photo: Michael HessionSlow cookers are often pretty simple machines, with basic technology that has been around for hundreds of years. They were invented by Irving Naxton, whose mother grew up in Lithuania, where she would cook foods like the stewy meat-and-bean dish cholent for the Sabbath using residual heat from the village oven. Naxton electrified the process, patenting the first slow cooker in 1936, and not much has changed since then—aside from the crucial addition of a programmable timer and a few additional cooking settings. Here’s how to prioritize these, as well as other more recent bells and whistles:
Six-quart (or greater) capacity: We focused our research on 6- to 7-quart models because they’re big enough to make a meal for a family of four with leftovers to spare. Bigger ones take up too much space and smaller ones aren’t good for more than one or two people.
Programmable timers: For only slightly more money than you’d spend on a basic manual cooker, you can get one with a programmable timer that automatically transitions to a warming function when finished. Marye Audet, author of Mexican Slow Cooker Cookbook, said, “I don’t think there’s a reason to get a manual except for price.” We agree, although you can check out manual models in the Competition section. Phyllis Pellman Good, author of the New York Times best-selling Fix-It and Forget-It cookbook series, pointed out that the longest slow cooker recipes last about eight to 10 hours, so a 12- to 15-hour timer should be sufficient. Foods can dry out if they sit at the warm setting for too long. That said, some people (such as those cooking for the Sabbath) might appreciate a longer timer.
Ceramic crocks: Ceramic crocks retain heat better than metal ones, and they distribute that heat more evenly during cooking. We tested a few metal options, but their nonstick coatings weren’t ideal for high-heat searing. Extreme temperatures can also cause that coating to break down faster, diminishing its effectiveness.
Probe thermometers: A built-in thermometer lets you check the temperature of roasts and other meats. You can always use your own probe thermometer, but we think it’s convenient to have one right on the cooker. We initially discounted this feature as a gimmick, but as Pellman Good explained: “I hate overcooked meat. I always encourage people to use a meat thermometer to test a roast to see if it’s done. If you don’t need to lift the lid, it’s really helpful because lifting the lid lets heat out.”
Locking lids: Both Phyllis Pellman Good and Stephanie O’Dea recommended models with locking lids and a silicone gasket to prevent spills while you’re transporting your cooker to a party for serving or reheating. (Note that you should never cook foods with a locked lid.)
Warranty: In our research, we found that almost every model had at least a few reviews complaining of dramatic failures like shattered lids, peeling coatings, or melting handles. As such, we think it’s important to get a slow cooker with a good warranty. We found warranties ranging from one to three years.
Armed with these criteria, we scoured every editorial review we could find, including ones from Food & Wine, Good Housekeeping, and The Kitchn. We read up on more than 65 top-rated models, poring over owner reviews. We previously consulted reviews of slow cookers from America’s Test Kitchen (subscription required).
In our research, we found that prices for slow cookers varied from $20 to $250 depending on the size and features. We think you can get a great cooker in the $50 to $80 range. Spending more buys you a brand-name model with a sleeker design but not much beyond that. Based on our research and criteria, we chose nine slow cookers to try in our test kitchen for our latest round of testing in 2018.
How we tested
We tested three finalist slow cookers by making a 3-pound pot roast over five hours on the high setting. Photo: Sarah KobosSince owner reviews often claim that slow cookers either cook too hot on low settings or don’t heat up fast enough, we tested how well the cookers could reach and maintain temperatures. Ideally, the cooking liquid should simmer below the boiling point of 212 °F. This low, moist heat helps dissolve connective tissues in tougher cuts of meat and breaks down fibrous vegetables and beans. Boiling leads to stringy roasts and dried-out sauces.
To test, we filled each cooker with a pound of cannellini beans and aromatics covered in several inches of water, and cooked them for eight hours on a low setting. Using a probe thermometer, we recorded the cooking temperature every hour.
When cooking, we took note of each model’s design and interface. We considered how easy the cookers were to set up and use, how well their lids locked and whether they sealed, how accurate their probe thermometers were, how stable the cookers were on the counter, what kind of cord storage they had, and whether they beeped or lit up when they started and finished cooking.
This low, moist heat helps dissolve connective tissues in tougher cuts of meat and breaks down fibrous vegetables and beans.
We eliminated six models based on their poor cooking performance and lack of features. For the final three models, we cooked a classic pot roast with a 3-pound chuck roast and vegetables on the high setting for five hours. Again, we checked the meat’s internal temperature every hour. We sliced and tasted the roasts to see how tender they were (we had to, for science).
Our pick: Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 6 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Photo: Sarah KobosOur pick
The Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 6 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker cooked the best meals in our tests. It made the most succulent pot roast, and unlike other cookers, which got too hot, it didn’t overcook beans. The Set & Forget also has some of the best features of any cooker we’ve tested, with an easy-to-use push-button display, a lid that locks and seals to prevent spills, and a timer that alerts you when the cooking cycle is either starting or complete. The addition of a probe thermometer allows you to cook meat to a target temperature on the Set & Forget. As a bonus, this model is one of the most affordable slow cookers we’ve tested.
In our tests, the Set & Forget made the best foods because it consistently held the right temperatures over time. The Set & Forget cooked at or just below a modest simmer—perfect for braising meats and vegetables. After eight hours on the low setting, our cannellini beans were cooked just right. Other cookers weren’t able to adjust their temperatures to cooking cycles: Either they didn’t heat up enough or they boiled too quickly, finishing foods before the cycle was complete. The All-Clad SD700450 Slow Cooker and the Cuisinart PSC-650 Programmable Slow Cooker didn’t get hot enough to cook beans thoroughly over an eight-hour cooking cycle. On the other end of the spectrum, the Crock-Pot 6-Quart Lift & Serve Slow Cooker boiled in just five hours, turning our beans into mush.
The succulent pot roast from our top pick, the Hamilton Beach Set & Forget, was noticeably more tender than meat from other cookers. Photo: Sarah KobosThe Set & Forget also made the most tender roast, heating it slowly over time (the final internal temperature measured at 212 °F after five hours). In comparison, the Crock-Pot ThermoShield Cook and Carry Slow Cooker made a roast that didn’t fall apart as easily and looked and tasted dry.
With a 6-quart capacity, the Set & Forget is an ideal size for cooking for a family or making extra food for leftovers. It has a 12-hour timer on high and low settings, and it switches to a warm setting after these cycles finish (the cooker turns off after 14 hours total). A few words of caution: We don’t recommend leaving food on the warm setting for too long, for food safety and taste reasons, and cooking for prolonged times on higher settings may disintegrate food. As Phyllis Pellman Good told us: “Most recipes I work with I would say have a maximum cooking time of about eight hours. There are food safety issues to letting food sit at warm all day.” If you’re looking for longer cook times (for cooking for the Sabbath, for example), our also-great pick, the Hamilton Beach Temp Tracker, has a 24-hour timer.
The Set & Forget was one of the most versatile cookers we tested, with multiple cooking options. On the Set & Forget’s programmable setting, you simply enter a cooking time and temperature (low or high), and at the end of the cooking cycle the machine kicks over to the warm setting. The manual mode allows you to use the machine as you would an old-school cooker: Just turn it on, and it stays on until you shut it off.
Accompanying the Set & Forget is a built-in probe thermometer that allows you to cook foods to a target temperature. At the time of testing, Hamilton Beach made the only cookers we’d found with this feature, which is one that Pellman Good touted. One end of the probe plugs into the cooker and the other sticks through a single hole in the lid so that you can insert it into a roast. In our tests, the probe slid easily into our 3-pound chuck roast, but it may be too short to reach smaller pieces of meat.
The Set & Forget probe thermometer connects to a jack, and the internal temperature of your roast pops up on the digital interface, alternating with the target temperature. Photo: Sarah KobosOn the probe mode, the Set & Forget cooks until foods reach a specified temperature—you can set it between 140 °F and 180 °F in 5-degree increments—then switches to the warm setting. The digital interface alternates between the internal temperature of the roast and the target temperature, so you don’t need to continually lift the lid to take the temperature with a regular meat thermometer. We also measured temperatures with a separate probe thermometer, and the Set & Forget’s thermometer was within 9 degrees of our separate probe. Since temperatures aren’t totally consistent throughout a large piece of meat, the difference is understandable.
We wish the Set & Forget’s probe were longer, but it should be long enough to reach most large pieces of meat. Photo: Sarah KobosWe appreciate that the Set & Forget’s push-button digital interface is easy to program and read, with large illuminated letters and numbers telling you what temperature the machine is set to and how much cooking time is left. Some people may prefer the simple, no-frills program options on a slow cooker over those on a more complicated electric pressure cooker.
With the Set & Forget’s probe mode, you can cook foods to a set internal temperature between 140 °F and 180 °F in 5-degree increments. Video: Sarah KobosCompared with other cookers we tested, the Set & Forget has some of the best extra features. With a sturdy locking lid and a sealing gasket, the Set & Forget won’t spill foods during transport, or even when you’re moving the full crock from one part of the kitchen to another (you shouldn’t lock the lid when cooking, however). Although the locks seem narrow next to the larger mechanisms on Crock-Pot’s machines, they still feel sturdy and are easy to open and close. We preferred the lid style on the Set & Forget over the hinged lid on the Crock-Pot 6-Quart Lift & Serve Slow Cooker; when we raised the latter model’s hinged lid, we were hit with hot steam and condensation since we couldn’t angle it away from us. Hamilton Beach and Crock-Pot are the only brands we tested that offer cookers with locking lids, and we don’t recommend getting a cooker without this feature.
We appreciate that an alarm sounds when the Set & Forget starts and ends cooking. The alarm made it easy for us to program the machine and know that the cooking cycle had actually started. With other cookers, we didn’t know whether the machines had begun cooking until the first minute had counted down on the timer, and we also didn’t know when they had switched to the warm setting. A small green light indicates which setting you’re using on the Set & Forget.
The Set & Forget has a ceramic crock, which we prefer for even heat distribution. That said, you will need to use a separate pan if you want to sear meat or sauté aromatics before placing them in any slow cooker.
For all of its additional features, the Set & Forget was still one of the most affordable models we tested, and it beat out more expensive cookers in performance. Hamilton Beach offers a standard warranty, at one year.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
We wish the probe thermometer on the Set & Forget were longer so that it could reach smaller pieces of meat. We’d also like the power cord to be a few inches longer, which would make the appliance easier to use on a crowded counter, but we understand that this is a safety feature common to most slow cookers.
The handles on the Set & Forget’s crock are small, and they aren’t as easy to grab as the Temp Tracker’s (our also-great pick) because of their position at the long end of the oval crock. This design also makes it difficult to pour foods or liquid out of the crock. In addition, Hamilton Beach’s locking mechanisms aren’t as hefty as Crock-Pot’s, with a smaller plastic latch. If you have a defective lock, however, Hamilton Beach’s warranty covers the machine for a year.
The locks on the Hamilton Beach Set & Forget keep the lid tightly in place for spillproof transport, but they aren’t as large as the Crock-Pot’s. Photo: Sarah KobosAll of the slow-cooker models we looked at receive a certain number of owner complaints about defective electronics and cracking crocks (although we think some of these instances are due to user error). The majority of the Set & Forget’s reviews on the Amazon and Walmart sites are five stars, and we’ve used it over several years with no complaints.
Long-term test notes
After using the Set & Forget for more than three years, we’re still totally satisfied with this cooker’s programmable timer settings and the locking lid that makes it easy to move the machine from one counter to the next. One Wirecutter staff member commented that after using this slow cooker for a few years, he upgraded to an electric pressure cooker for added cooking options—but missed the simplicity of the Set & Forget. Another staff member noted that the pot can be a little big if you’re only cooking for a small number of people. We think this size is the most versatile, but if you’re most often cooking for one or two, you could consider a smaller machine.
Also great: Hamilton Beach Temp Tracker 6 Quart Slow Cooker
Photo: Sarah KobosAlso great
For a longer timer and a wider range of temperature options, we recommend the Hamilton Beach Temp Tracker 6 Quart Slow Cooker. Although it didn’t perform as well as our top pick, we think some people might prefer the Temp Tracker for its extra features: It has a 24-hour cook timer, four preset heat settings, three slots in the lid for a probe thermometer, and the ability to set an exact target cooking temperature anywhere between 100 °F and 200 °F. But if you’re just looking for a basic slow cooker or an additional serving vessel, these extras might be unnecessary.
Aside from our top pick, all the slow cookers performed poorly in our bean-making test, and the Temp Tracker overcooked our beans. But of the other models, we think the Temp Tracker offers the most additional features to help you make better food—including more cooking modes and a probe thermometer—and it’s also more affordable than cookers, such as those from All-Clad, Calphalon, and Cuisinart, that performed even worse in our tests.
The Temp Tracker cooked beans too hot on the low setting, finishing them within five hours during an eight-hour cooking program; of the nine cookers we tested, three didn’t get hot enough to cook beans, and five finished cooking before their cycle completed. Pot roast from the Temp Tracker, however, was tasty: It was better than the one from the Crock-Pot ThermoShield but not quite as fall-apart tender as the meat from the Hamilton Beach Set & Forget.
The Temp Tracker has a 24-hour timer, twice as long as that of our pick. Photo: Sarah KobosThe Temp Tracker has a 6-quart capacity, just like our top pick. In contrast to the 12-hour timer on the Set & Forget, the Temp Tracker offers a 24-hour timer, which you can set in 10-minute increments. It also has more preset cooking options: You can choose to cook on a low, medium, high, or warm setting. Additionally, you can use the probe thermometer on any setting except warm to cook meat to a target temperature between 100 °F and 200 °F in 1-degree increments. We’re not convinced everyone will use this expanded temperature range, but Hamilton Beach told us that some people may want the extra flexibility for holding temperatures for sous vide cooking or foods like fondue (we did not sous vide foods in the cooker in our tests, and in general we’ve found that immersion circulators are much more precise for that task). With the Temp Tracker, you can also choose whether the cooker switches to the warm mode or whether it should hold a temperature at the end of cooking.
The Temp Tracker’s lid has three slots for a probe thermometer, so you can check the temperature of a large piece of meat in multiple places. Video: Sarah Kobos
Like our top pick, the Temp Tracker has a locking lid. Photo: Sarah Kobos
The Temp Tracker’s lid has three slots for a probe thermometer, so you can check the temperature of a large piece of meat in multiple places. Video: Sarah Kobos
The Temp Tracker has a lid with the same style of lock and gasket for spill-proof transportation as our pick. But the Temp Tracker has three holes, instead of one, for its included probe thermometer, which will let you check for doneness throughout a large piece of meat without lifting the lid and letting heat escape. Although you can achieve the same with a regular probe thermometer slipped under the lid, we appreciate that the probe can work in conjunction with the machine to fine-tune cooking times.
In our tests, the Temp Tracker’s probe came within 1 degree of our favorite probe thermometer in our bean tests, and readings fluctuated between 1 and 9 degrees in our roast test. Because the temperature isn’t exactly consistent throughout a large piece of meat, some variation is expected. During cooking, the probe reading clearly displays on the Temp Tracker’s interface so you can check on your meal.
The Temp Tracker offers a dial to program heat settings and cooking times, as well as buttons for the cancel, keep-warm, and hold-temp functions. The display lights up as you program the cooker, and darkens during cooking. Video: Sarah KobosThe Temp Tracker also has a ceramic crock, just like our top pick. This model offers a dial to select heat settings, temperatures, and program times, plus buttons to cancel a cycle and to select either the keep-warm or hold-temp option. The backlit digital panel brightens when you’re programming the machine, and it displays remaining cooking times and temperatures throughout the cooking cycle. The keep-warm and hold-temp buttons light up accordingly when the machine kicks over to either setting. The cooker also beeps when cycles begin and end. Like our pick, the Temp Tracker comes with a one-year warranty.
Care and maintenance
Despite what you may have seen on This Is Us, your slow cooker will likely not explode during cooking. Still, you should read the manual before using any slow cooker. Here are a few general tips for cooking and cleaning:
Ceramic can crack in sudden temperature changes, so don’t fill your crock with cold water while it’s still hot. Crocks made out of stoneware (like those of both of our picks) and their lids can tolerate the dishwasher. Otherwise, clean them in hot, soapy water, using a cloth or sponge rather than abrasive scouring pads. To bust through stubborn messes, soak the pot in a sink full of hot, soapy water before cleaning; the bloggers at Crock-Pot Ladies also suggest applying baking soda before you scrub.
Don’t lock the lids of slow cookers when cooking, which can cause the glass to break.
Note that all of the cookers we tested emitted a rubbery, burning-like smell when we first used them. This is normal; Crock-Pot manuals even mention it. The odor is typical of appliances with heating elements and comes from a coating applied to protect the elements from corrosion while the machine is shipped and stored. The smell should dissipate over a few uses.
The competition
The All-Clad SD700450 Slow Cooker 6.5 Quart was one of the most expensive cookers we tested, but it doesn’t have a locking lid or probe, and it didn’t heat up adequately to cook beans even after eight hours. We were also unpleasantly surprised to see that its ceramic crock was scuffed and scratched on the bottom.
We like the Crock-Pot 6-Quart Programmable Cook & Carry Slow Cooker just fine—it’s a basic cooker with a locking lid and a ceramic insert. But for just a bit more money ($10 at this writing), you can get a temperature probe with our pick from Hamilton Beach. All of the Crock-Pot models we tested also cooked hot on the low settings, finishing foods before their programmed end time.
Although the hinged lid on the Crock-Pot 6-Quart Lift & Serve Slow Cooker may seem convenient, we didn’t like it. Because we couldn’t lift the lid and angle it away from us, we were hit with a wall of hot steam and condensation when we opened the cooker.
The 6.5-quart Cuisinart PSC-650 Programmable Slow Cooker has a few nice features, such as a retractable cord and the ability to set a timer for the warm setting (most other cookers won’t let you set a time on the warm setting yourself; they just automatically kick over to warming when a cooking cycle finishes). But it doesn’t have a locking lid or a probe thermometer, and costs more than our pick.
We were intrigued by the Calphalon Precision Control Slow Cooker, the only cooker we tested with a stovetop-safe and oven-safe insert. In theory, you could brown meat and then slow cook it in the insert, saving yourself a dish to clean. But this insert has a nonstick coating, which means it isn’t great for searing. With a 5.3-quart capacity and a round shape, this Calphalon model seemed too small for making big-batch meals or large pieces of meat. It also lacks a locking lid and a probe.
For a smaller, manual model, we like the Crock-Pot 4-Quart Manual Slow Cooker. It’s small, with no extra features, but it’s inexpensive and well-reviewed.
If you want a cooker with manual controls, the Hamilton Beach Stay or Go 6-Quart Slow Cooker may be a good option. Like our pick, the Set & Forget, it has a locking lid with a tight-fitting seal and a ceramic crock, and we’ve been consistently happy with Hamilton Beach’s cookers. But as we lay out in our How we picked section, we prefer the convenience of a programmable cooker.
This review builds on reporting by Christine Cyr Clisset, Camille Chatterjee, and Michelle Ma.
Sources
Marye Audet, author of Mexican Slow Cooker Cookbook, phone interview, June 1, 2018
Lisa Fain, author of QUESO!: Regional Recipes for the World's Favorite Chile-Cheese Dip, phone interview, June 1, 2018
Hugh Acheson, chef and author of The Chef and the Slow Cooker, phone interview, June 1, 2018
Marianne H. Gravely, senior technical information specialist, Food Safety Education staff, USDA, phone interview, November 21, 2018
Editors of Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart's Slow Cooker, August 29, 2017
The Best Slow Cookers, Reviews.com, October 5, 2018
Betty Gold, The Top-Rated Slow Cookers for Easy Dinner Prep, Good Housekeeping, March 6, 2018
Priya Krishna, How “This Is Us” Unwittingly Reinvented the Humble Crock-Pot, The New Yorker, February 21, 2018
Phyllis Pellman Good, author of Fix-It and Forget-It cookbooks, phone interview
Stephanie O'Dea, author of Make It Fast: Cook It Slow, phone interview
About your guide
Anna Perling
Anna Perling is a former staff writer covering kitchen gear at Wirecutter. During her time at Wirecutter, she reported on various topics including sports bras, board games, and light bulbs. Previously she wrote food and lifestyle pieces for Saveur and Kinfolk magazines. Anna is a mentor at Girls Write Now and a member of the Online News Association.
Further reading
The Best Rice Cooker
by Sabrina Imbler and Tammie Teclemariam
After cooking more than 275 pounds of white and brown rice, we think the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy NS-ZCC10 works best for the widest variety of grains.
The Best Electric Pressure Cooker Is an Instant Pot
by Anna Perling and Lesley Stockton
We’ve tested 18 multi-cookers since 2016, and the Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart is still our favorite—it’s affordable and easy to use, and it has a tried-and-true design.
Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time).
- About Wirecutter
- Our team
- Staff demographics
- Jobs at Wirecutter
- Contact us
- How to pitch
- Deals
- Lists
- Blog
- Newsletters
Dismiss
top-24 rating according to KP
Editor's choice
Garlyn MR-Duo 5
GARLYN MR-Duo 5. Photo: garlyn.ru management. Their total volume is 3 liters, and in addition, the manufacturer has equipped the multicooker with two containers for steaming. Thus, using Garlyn MR-Duo 5 you can cook from 2 to 4 different dishes at the same time.The multicooker has 10 automatic programs, among which there is a GARLYN CHEF mode, in the settings of which you can independently choose the temperature to the nearest degree and the cooking time to the nearest minute. You can set the timer and set the temperature maintenance for each bowl separately.
Thanks to Daikin's Japanese non-stick coating, food does not stick to the sides of the bowl, making porridges, charlottes, roasts and other dishes equally good.
Editors' Choice
GARLYN MR-Duo 5
10 built-in programs and GARLYN CHEF function
Multiple dishes in one preparation, minimum time and maximum convenience
, cooking 2-4 dishes at the same time, 10 automatic programs, Daikin non-stick coating, timer up to 24 hours, keep warm up to 12 hours, removable lids and steam valve
Small volume of bowls - 1.5 liters each
Rating of the top 12 best multicookers according to KP
1. Polaris PMC 0526 IQ Home
Polaris PMC 0526 IQ Home. Photo: yandex.market.ruMulticooker with the function of adjusting the cooking time for pilaf, cereals, milk porridges, as well as steaming, frying and baking - a total of 21 programs. The device operates with a power of 860 W, is equipped with an electronically controlled display and functions: "3D heating", "Delayed start", "Keep warm", "Temperature control" and Sous-Vide (cooking in a vacuum). The maximum delay timer setting time is 24 hours. In addition, the device connects to the Yandex Smart Home system via Wi-Fi.
Plastic body with ceramic non-stick coating on five liter bowl. For faster cooking, an inner lid is provided. According to user reviews, a short power cord (1 m), as well as in the “Milk porridge” mode, milk quickly boils, splashes around the kitchen and gets inside the lid hinge and under the foil covering the temperature sensor.
Main features
Power | 860 W |
Pros and cons
Connects to the Yandex Smart Home ecosystem, timer, temperature control
Short power cord.
2. Scarlett SC- MC410S31
Scarlett SC- MC410S31. Photo: yandex.market.ruMulticooker with an extended set of cooking programs: Multicook, Baking, Pasta, Milk porridge, Frying, Steam cooking, Soup, Yoghurt, “Pilaf”, “Krupa”, “Stew”, “Jellied”, “Vegetables”, “Cooking”.
The device runs on 900 W and is equipped with the Delay Start option. The body is made of metal, the five-liter bowl has a non-stick coating. Electronic control, all indicators are visible on the display. According to user reviews, the bowl can hang out, and there is no recipe book in the package.
Main features
Power | 900 W | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Volume | 5 l | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of programs Lots of programs, powerful, cooks well Bowl can wobble, no recipe book 3. MARTA MT-4332MARTA MT-4332. Photo: yandex.market.ruThe pressure cooker-multicooker operates in the Multicook, Baking, Pasta, Milk porridge, Fondue, Frying, Yoghurt, Pilaf, Stewing modes , "Krupa", "Pasteurization". The power of the device is 900 W, the main options include: "Delayed start" and "Keep warm" and "Temperature adjustment". The timer can be set for a maximum of 24 hours. Body made of metal and plastic, five liter bowl made of thick aluminum with non-stick coating and inner lid. Electronic control, all values are shown on the display. According to user reviews, the multicooker works perfectly, there is a sound signal, only it is very loud, there is no grate for the steamer, as well as a very small font on the front panel indicating the functions. Key features
Pros and consPowerful, non-stick aluminum bowl Loud alarm (not adjustable), no steamer grid, very small font on front panel 4004 9007 9007 9007 Tefal Home Chef Smart Multicooker Tefal Home Chef Smart Multicooker. Photo: yandex.market.ru A 3-in-1 appliance that works as a multicooker, pressure cooker and slow cooker. You can quickly cook delicious and delicious dishes on the Multi-cook, Baking, Milk porridge, Soup, Cereals, Meat, Cooking, Frying and Steam cooking modes. A total of 12 automatic programs, there is a technology of accelerated cooking under pressure. Powered by 1000 W, the model is equipped with the following options: "Temperature control", "Delayed start", "Keep warm", Sous-Vide (modern cooking technology) and a timer. The body consists of metal and plastic, a bowl with a volume of six liters and a thickness of 1.5 mm, it has a non-stick coating. Electronic control, indicators are displayed. The set includes a steam basket, a measuring cup, a spatula, a recipe book and instructions. According to user reviews, the set temperature at the beginning of the cycle takes a long time (from 5 minutes), there are few automatic programs and recipes in the book. 9Ol000 | Body | metal/plastic | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bowl | non-stick coating | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Control | electronic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Timer | up to 24 h | Sizes | 35. 7 x 36.7 cm | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Piases and half a bless bowls, pressure cooker technology
Temperature rise at the beginning of the cycle takes longer, few automatic programs and recipes in the book
5. Pioneer MC401
Pioneer MC401. Photo: yandex.market.ruMulticooker with 16 programs: "Baking", "Pasta", "Milk porridge", "Pilaf", "Fondue", "Stew", "Pizza", "Steam", "Pasteurization" and 200 cooking modes.
The 860 W appliance has the options: "Temperature control", "Delayed start", "Keep warm", "Auto cleaning" and a timer that can be set for any period of time within 24 hours. The body is made of plastic, the five-liter bowl has a three-layer non-stick coating (it can be washed in a dishwasher). Touch control, values are displayed on the LED display.
Power of 920 W, housing made of impact-resistant plastic, five-liter bowl with non-stick coating. Electronic control, values are displayed on the LCD display. According to user reviews, the multicooker is excellent, it cooks well, the bowl is easy to clean, the menu is convenient and understandable, but it is better to use silicone spoons, since the bowl coating is easily scratched.
Main features
Power | 920 W | 9.0.
Pros and cons
Electronic control via app or manual, basic cooking programs, teflon coating of the bowl
No handles on the bowl (inconvenient to get food), short power cord
8. Hyundai HYMC-2401 Hyundai HYMC-2401. Photo: yandex.market.ru
A device for quick cooking and heating of various dishes. You can use the following programs: “Baking”, “Jam”, “Deep-frying”, “Milk porridge”, “Frying”, “Steaming”, “Soup”, “Pilaf”, “Groats”, “Yoghurt”, “ Stew, Jellied, Meat, Dumplings and Pizza, as well as 30 modes, including manual (customizable by the user) and Sous-Vide (translated as “under vacuum”, modern cooking technology in a plastic bag) .
The 900 W appliance heats up quickly and maintains it for the set time. In addition, the model is equipped with the "Delayed start" option, which allows you to program the timer up to 24 hours.
Body and 5 liter bowl made of metal, the latter has a non-stick coating. The electronic control panel (touch buttons and liquid crystal display) is placed on the front wall of the multicooker. There were no negative reviews from the owners, the only thing is that there is no recipe book in the kit.
No recipe book
9. MAUNFELD MF-1623WH
MAUNFELD MF-1623WH. Photo: yandex.market.ruA multi-cooker with eight programs: "Multi-cook", "Baking", "Frying", "Steaming", "Yogurt", "Pilaf", "Krupa" allows you to quickly cook your favorite dishes.
The 860 W model is equipped with the options "Delay start" up to 24 hours, "Temperature control", "3D heating from all sides" and "Cooking time adjustment". The body is made of high-quality plastic, the five-liter bowl has a ceramic non-stick coating 1.5 mm thick, due to which you can cook with a minimum amount of oil. Electronic control, by means of touch buttons, all values are displayed.
According to user reviews, the device is quiet, easy to use, but the controls are not intuitive, you need to get used to it, and the cord is short (0.8 m). After cooking is completed, the multicooker maintains the temperature of the food for a short period (up to 15 minutes).
Plus and minuses
supports the temperature of the dishes
Management is not intuitive, you need to get used to it, the cord is short, few programs
10. ARC QDL514С
ARC QDL514С. Photo: yandex.market.ruMulti-cooker-pressure cooker adapted to the Russian culinary menu and equipped with the programs "Frying", "Cooking", "Baking", "Stew", "Yoghurt". 9 power model00W has a reinforced 0.27mm thick stainless steel outer case and a plastic inner case. There is a five-liter bowl with a double non-stick Teflon coating. For the convenience of the user, the "Delayed start" and "Keep warm" functions are provided. Electronic control, indicators (program, cooking time) are displayed on the display.
According to the owners, the device cooks quickly, there is a recipe book and a removable top cover (it can be washed), but the smell of plastic disappears for a long time (the higher the temperature, the stronger the smell), but the food does not absorb it.
Plus and downside
66 The smell of plastic disappears for a long time, at high temperatures it is strongly audible. but this does not affect the quality of food
11. GOODHELPER MS-5200
GOODHELPER MS-5200. Photo: yandex.market. ruMulticooker with 32 automatic programs and the ability to independently set the cooking time and temperature. You can use the programs: "Multi-cook", "Pasta", "Milk porridge", "Pilaf", "Groats", "Stewing", "Steaming", "Frying" for quick cooking of your favorite dishes. The model is also suitable for baking pies, biscuits, bread, as well as sterilizing vegetables and fruits for preparations for the winter.
The 900 W appliance is equipped with the standard options "Delay start", "Keep warm". The body of the device consists of metal, the five-liter bowl has a non-stick coating, due to which you can add a small amount of oil. Electronic control, indicators are displayed on the LED display.
According to user reviews, the device is good, but the bowl is very thin, any products burn on all cooking modes, a model with a marriage (external defect) may also come across, upon receipt it is necessary to examine it well.
Main characteristics
Power | 900 W |
Volume | 5 L |
number | 32 |
Pros and cons
Large bowl, easy to operate
Airfryer mode cannot lift the lid without stopping the program, and multicooker - the maximum temperature is 150 degrees, which affects the quality of cooking some dishes
Leaders of past years
3 1. Cuckoo CMC-CHSS1004F
Cuckoo CMC-CHSS1004F. Photo: CuckooMulticooker with 28 automatic programs: Baking, Frying, Yoghurt, Multicooking, Pasta, Pilaf, Cereals, Stewing, Milk porridge, Cooking on steam" provides fast cooking of your favorite dishes.
The 740 W model is equipped with the functions "Delay start", "Keep warm", "3D heating", "Induction heating" and additional functions: "Cooking time adjustment", "Voice assistant". The body is made of metal, the five-liter bowl has handles for a comfortable grip. Electronic control, there is a large display. According to user reviews, the multicooker is excellent, there are no complaints, only the price did not suit.
Main features
Power | |
Weight | 8.3 kg |
Pros and cons
Lots of programs and features, large display
2. Philips HD2178
Philips HD2178. Philips HD2178. Photo: PhilipsMulti-cooker-pressure cooker with six cooking programs: Milk Porridge, Pilaf, Cereals, Stew, Steam and Bake. Due to the options "Delayed start", "Keep warm" and "Cooking time adjustment", you can independently set the start time for cooking (any period up to 24 hours).
The 1000 W model has a metal body and a 6 liter bowl with a Teflon non-stick coating. Electronic control, indicators are displayed on the display. According to user reviews, the quality is good, the multicooker is easy to clean, but the cooking time of the built-in program cannot be reduced, the instructions and the recipe book contradict each other (they write different cooking times), the latter can not even be watched, and there is no off button, you need to immediately pull it out plug from the socket.
Plus and teasylets 9000 9000 6 venarable good quality, Easy, Easy Antipharana Antiphable, Teapholon. Manual and recipe book contradict each other, no off button
3. BORK U802/U803
BORK U802/U803. Photo: BORKA multicooker that allows you to cook food according to 200 recipes on the programs: Multicook, Baking, Pasta, Milk porridge, Pilaf, Cereals, Stew, Steam cooking and "Fry". For the convenience of the user, the functions “Cooking time adjustment”, “Voice assistant”, “Delayed start”, “Keep warm”, “Induction heating”, “Self-cleaning” and “Cooking time adjustment” are provided. The timer can be set to a maximum of 13 hours. The device operates at a power of 1400 watts.
The body of the product is made of plastic, the bowl with a volume of five liters is complemented by handles for a comfortable grip. Electronic control, values (program and cooking time) are displayed on the display. For safe use, there is a child lock, overpressure and overheating protection.
According to user reviews, the multicooker is well-assembled, has a beautiful design, but inconvenient temperature and cooking time adjustment, voice guidance is played every time the buttons are pressed, which is very annoying (it can be turned off).
Inconvenient adjustment of temperature and cooking time, voice guidance is played every time you press the buttons, which is very annoying
4. Philips HD4731/03
Philips HD4731/03. Photo: PhilipsMulticooker supporting 19 cooking programs: Pilaf, Cereals, Milk porridge, Multicook, Pasta, Stewing, Steam cooking, Yoghurt, Baking and Frying.
The 980W model is equipped with Delay Start, 3D Heat, Keep Warm and Adjustable Cooking Time options to serve fresh food at any time. The body is made of metal, the bowl has handles for a comfortable grip and a ceramic non-stick coating. Electronic control. There is a display showing cooking time and programs.
According to user reviews, the device has a beautiful design, a delay timer and a recipe book, it is convenient to cook, but the cord heats up, the sound of each press, after eight months of use, it stopped turning on.