High end crock pot
Best slow cookers in 2023: top crock pots reviewed
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Reviews
What's in this guide
- Best overall slow cooker: Cuisinart 3-in-1 Cook Central Multicooker
- Best luxury slow cooker: All-Clad 6.5-Quart Slow Cooker
- Best budget slow cooker: Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker
- Everything you need to know about slow cookers
- How we tested
- Other slow cookers we tested
A slow cooker — a set-and-forget device that lets you cook an entire meal safely while you work or go to school or otherwise get things done — is one of the most forgiving kitchen devices. With a great slow cooker even absolute beginners can cook a tasty and hearty meal for their entire family.
To find the best slow cookers we prepared 48 chicken breasts, 11 pounds of black-eyed peas and dozens of onions over a course of 100 hours. It truly was a slow — and delicious — process, and in the end we found three great models that’ll let you prepare great meals with a minimum of effort.
Cuisinart 3-in-1 Cook Central Multicooker
The best overall slow cooker
AmazonThe Cuisinart 3-in-1 Cook Central Multicooker gave us perfectly cooked meals, and while it’s very easy to use, it offers the best range of useful functions — browning, sautéing and steaming — of all the slow cookers we tested.
$160 at Amazon
All-Clad 6.5-Quart Slow Cooker
The best luxury slow cooker
AmazonIf you’re looking for the absolute best fit and finish in a slow cooker, the All-Clad lives up to the company’s reputation for quality, and offers long cook times and more control over temperature than the competition.
$280 at Amazon
Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker
The best budget slow cooker
AmazonFor not much more money than a basic manual slow cooker, the Hamilton Beach Set & Forget gives you a flexible timer and a built-in temperature probe, plus a latching gasketed lid makes it great for transporting meals anyplace.
$80 at Amazon
The Cuisinart 3-in-1 multicooker gave us great results and offers the best range of really usable features of the slow cookers we tested. We used the 4-quart pot, which easily feeds up to four people — the perfect amount for a breakfast, lunch or dinner for many families. It is also available in 6- and 7-quart versions if you have more mouths to feed.
Jen Yellin/CNN The Cuisinart is technically a multicooker since it allows you to brown, sauté and steam as well as slow cook. It isn’t as full-featured as an Instant Pot, however, and is optimized for slow cooking, with the secondary functions serving mainly to let you prepare all stages of a dish in the same pot, reducing the amount of pots, pans and bowls you need to wash.
The 3-in-1 even allows for combination cooking where you can switch between cooking modes in a single touch — without having to turn the slow cooker off and back on again. Once your meal is fully cooked, the slow cooker will automatically switch to the warm setting for up to eight hours.
Because of the multifunctionality, the pot is aluminum with a nonstick coating. This makes it extremely lightweight and dishwasher-friendly. While the coating used is PFOA-free — like all nonstick coatings produced for sale since 2015 — many other PFAS are still in use, and it’s unclear which compounds may be found in currently produced nonstick cookware (and in many other consumer products). If you’re concerned about that class of chemical it’s something you may want to keep in mind.
Aside from a perfectly delicious meal — during all of our cooking tests — we loved that the housing and all handles stayed cool to touch.
This helps with maneuvering the slow cooker and ensuring no little hands are burnt. The cord on this slow cooker was also one of the longer ones measured, which helps if your outlet socket is slightly farther away from your cooking space.
Since this slow cooker was one of our favorites, we went one step further to test the browning and sautéing functionality as well. We browned both chicken wings and onions — before slow cooking them — and while it doesn’t switch modes automatically, we found the process extremely easy. Using this feature, we ended up with crispy chicken wings falling off the bone and mouthwatering onions with that little extra flavor. Most other slow cookers we tested didn’t have this mode, so if you want to brown ingredients you would have to do so on the stovetop first before throwing them in the slow cooker.
The All-Clad 6.5-Quart Slow Cooker lives up to the brand’s reputation for quality, high-end cookware. With its stainless steel exterior, handles and rivets and ceramic insert, this slow cooker not only looks top-notch and elegant but will also give you a perfectly cooked dinner. It also offered the most programmability and one of the longest cooking times of the models we tested.
Jen Yellin/CNN We tested each cooker initially by filling it with water and measuring how quickly it came up to a safe cooking temperature and how well it maintained that temperature. The All-Clad heated up fast, reaching a safe target temperature of 185 degrees Fahrenheit in just two hours and then stayed at that exact same temperature for the remaining four hours.
Once switched over to the warm setting, the temperature dropped quickly, sitting around 155 degrees Fahrenheit to 160 degrees Fahrenheit for the duration of the test. This slow cooker also offers a continuous 26-hour runtime (up to 20 hours of cooking plus six hours of warming), which is longer than most others we tested.
This consistent — and predictable — temperature let us get great results. Our pulled BBQ chicken dish ended up perfectly cooked, and made for a delicious meal. The meat was tender and pulled apart quite easily. Our bean dish was also evenly heated and the perfect consistency.
Uniquely among the models we tested, the All-Clad lets you set two temperatures for a given cooking cycle.
If your recipe requires you to set your slow cooker on high for a certain number of hours and then switch to the low for the remaining time, you can set those two temperatures at the beginning of your program and walk away. With the other slow cookers we used, if you are cooking a meal that requires both the hot and low temperature to be used, you’ll have to manually change the settings — requiring you to be home to make the switch.
Of course, no slow cooker is perfect, and while the All-Clad 6.5-Quart Slow Cooker is a top-notch product for slow cooking, at such a high price point, we wish it offered a few more multicooker functions, like browning, sautéing or steaming settings. The buttons and labels on the base were also small, and the handle on the lid got incredibly hot during cooking. But if you have the budget to spare, you won’t be disappointed with this kitchen appliance.
The Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Slow Cooker is one of the best if you are looking to stay on a budget. This programmable slow cooker has three different settings — program, manual and probe — which gives you many options when using the appliance. While the Hamilton Beach took a little longer to get up to temperature than some of the more expensive models we tested, that didn’t impact our test meals, which were perfectly cooked.
Jen Yellin/CNN Program mode lets you select a time and temperature, while manual mode simply lets you cook on low, high or warm. In probe mode, you can program the slow cooker to cook until a desired temperature is reached — instead of a specific time — and then have the appliance switch to the warm setting.
The measurement is made with an attached thermometer, which you place through a small hole on the lid. The temperature is also displayed on the Hamilton Beach’s LCD screen as it cooks. Even if you don’t use the probe cooking mode, the port lets you test the temperature without removing the lid and thus allowing heat to escape.
The Hamilton Beach Portable also has latches that secure the lid, which is sealed with a gasket, making it fully spill-resistant. This makes it easy to transport, whether you’re going to a party or tailgating. The side handles are a bit small but stay cool during the cooking process, which allows you to easily move the slow cooker once you’re done cooking.
Other features include interrupt protection where the timer will continue to run so the slow cooker will continue to cook if there is a brief power outage, a one-year warranty and a dishwater-safe lid and pot.
The fit and finish isn’t as nice as on our overall pick, but at an extremely reasonable price — and not that much more than a manual slow cooker — the Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart is perfect for anyone on a budget who wants a fully functional slow cooker.
A slow cooker lets you cook at low temperatures for long periods of time, so it’s perfect for soups, stews and similar one-pot meals that don’t need a lot of attention once the initial prep is done. Because the temperatures are low, you can let them sit unattended safely, so they’re great for busy cooks or anybody who wants to get dinner started before they leave for work and have it ready once they get home. The slow cooker is often oval-shaped, with a heating element that surrounds a pot, typically made of a ceramic-like material.
Simple manual slow cookers have minimal settings — generally just high and low temperature settings, enough to make simple dishes like chili a breeze. More complex slow cookers can be set to vary temperatures over time, and can brown and sauté, pressure cook, steam, crisp, air fry and more. The goal is still the same with all of these: put your food in, spice it up, set the timer and let the magic happen.
While most of the slow cookers you will find have a similar shape (oval), sizes can range from 1.5 quarts to 8 quarts. So if you’re a party of one or a party of 10, you have options. Additionally, if you’re more adventurous with your cooking, you may opt for the 3-in-1 functionality, with browning and sautéing, or take it one step further and look at the Instant Pot multicookers that steam, pressure cook, brown, sauté, sous vide and bake.
You also may be particular to the materials with inserts made out of ceramic (the most common), stainless steel or aluminum with nonstick coating.
Regardless of the materials or whether you choose a manual device or something digital and programmable, the goal with slow cookers is to cook your food while you’re away. Prep in the morning, come home from work and have a meal ready to go. The name of the appliance says it all; you are cooking the meal slowly.
While it’s always best to truly understand the functions of your particular slow cooker before tossing a bunch of food in and hoping for a delicious meal, there are some things to remember as you use any slow cooker. If you have one with a timer, use the suggested time for whatever it is you’re cooking and check to make sure it will automatically flip to a “keep warm” setting if you’re not home once it finishes the cooking program or cycle.
If it doesn’t have a timer, make sure to set an alarm for yourself so you know when to turn it off or to flip it manually to “keep warm.” And while you’re cooking, don’t open that lid too often to check on the food. Allowing the heat to escape could tack on another 15 to 20 minutes of cooking time.
What’s the difference between a slow cooker and a Crockpot? Well, calling any slow cooker a Crockpot is like calling a tissue a Kleenex. Crockpot (previously styled as “Crock-Pot”) is a brand name, used for the line of slow cookers sold since the 1970s by Rival, which had bought the device from the inventor Irving Naxon, who had patented the idea in 1940. These days you can find slow cookers from brands like Cuisinart, Instant Pot, Calphalon, Black+Decker, KitchenAid, Hamilton Beach, Breville and — of course — Crockpot.
To help find the best options for you, we picked out 11 of the most popular and well-reviewed slow cookers, ranging in price from $38 to $250. During our testing, we cooked two different meals — a pulled BBQ chicken dish and black-eyed peas — and performed a water test to get a read on the temperature accuracy of each slow cooker.
Water test: During our water test, we filled each slow cooker with 10 cups of water at 67 degrees Fahrenheit. We measured the temperature of the water every hour for a full six hours on the lowest cooking setting. We wanted to make sure that each slow cooker reached an ideal cooking temperature of between 185 degrees Fahrenheit and 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
A too low temperature reading would indicate that the food would be undercooked, while too high of a temperature would overcook the food.
After six hours of cooking, we then adjusted each slow cooker (either automatically or manually, depending on the device) to its warm setting for another four hours. We took the temperature at the one-hour, two-hour and four-hour mark. This shows us whether or not a dish continues to cook on a high temperature — which would lead to overcooked food — or if it truly just keeps the food warm. We also wanted to ensure that the temperature didn’t get below 140 degrees Fahrenheit, since according to the FDA, food left at temperatures lower than 140 degrees Fahrenheit can foster bacterial growth.
Pulled BBQ chicken: In each slow cooker we prepped and cooked the same pulled BBQ chicken dish.
We selected chicken for the test since chicken breast can easily dry out if overcooked. We evaluated if the chicken was undercooked, overcooked or just right, and whether or not it pulled apart easily.
Black-eyed peas: We prepared a black-eyed pea dish to see whether the beans would stay fully intact (keep their shape) when cooked until tender, or end up as a bowl full of mush.
After all that cooking, we used the following criteria to assess each model:
- Construction: What materials were the lid, pot and base made out of? Was there a gasket to keep the lid in place, or did it slide around?
- User interface: Are the controls intuitive and easy to use? Were there too many controls, or were they so confusing you’d have to refer back to the manual whenever you cooked?
- Build quality: Overall, was the base, pot and lid solidly constructed? Did the lid or any of the handles get too hot, or did they stay cool to touch, allowing for easy transport?
- Cooking functions: Were there other cooking functions aside from just slow cooking?
- Recipe tastiness: What were the end results of the recipes? Was there any issue with taste or consistency?
- Temperature accuracy: Did the slow cooker hit the desired temperatures on both low and high settings?
- Temperature stability: Did the food stay at the ideal temperature? Or did it get too hot or too cold?
- Additional functions: Do the slow cookers offer any other functions in addition to slow cooking?
Care and maintenance
- Ease of cleaning: How easy was it to clean both the pot and the lid?
- Dishwasher-safe: Is the pot and/or lid dishwasher-safe?
- Did the cost of the cooker seem reasonable given the features offered and overall performance of the cooker?
The Calphalon Digital Sauté Slow Cooker offers a bit more than just slow cooking capability. While you can’t sear, brown and sauté your meat and vegetables directly in the slow cooker — like you can with the Cuisinart 3-in-1 option — the pot is designed to be removed and used on the stovetop, a unique option amongst the slow cookers we tested, and helps you get maximum flavor while providing ease of use.
Unlike many other slow cookers we tested, the pot has a nonstick ceramic coating, which might be a concern for those who prefer to avoid nonstick material (like all nonstick cookware currently on the market, it’s PTFE- and PFOA-free, though there is no way to guarantee that no other PFAS may be present). The pot is lightweight and easy to clean but isn’t dishwasher-safe, and the handles got incredibly hot over the course of the cooking process.
The pot is also circular in shape — whereas the rest are oval — which doesn’t work well if you want to cook a roast or a full chicken. But at a 5.3-quart size with tall sides, this slow cooker will take up the least amount of space on your countertop.
Our main concern with this slow cooker was that during our water test, at the four-hour mark on the low setting, the water started to simmer, and by the five-hour mark was fully boiling at a 212-degree Fahrenheit temperature reading. Most slow cookers don’t hit boiling temperature until the seven- to eight-hour mark, which means your dish might be simmering for longer than you’d want with this slow cooker. While this didn’t impact our bean dish, we did find that our chicken dish was dry and not as tender as we would have liked.
The KitchenAid 6-Quart is an incredibly easy-to-use slow cooker. With minimal buttons, it’s very clear how to turn your slow cooker on and off and how to set the cooking levels and timer.
This slow cooker also includes a “medium” setting in addition to a “low” and “high” setting, which is a unique feature. The plug storage under the base also allows the cord to be wrapped underneath for easy storage.
We did find that this slow cooker didn’t get as hot as the rest, which means you might find yourself needing to add slightly more time to your recipes. We did this, adding about 30 minutes to the cooking time for our chicken dish and 15 minutes for our bean dish to get similar perfectly cooked results as we got with the other cookers.
With this slow cooker you can cook on the low setting for 24 hours — which is the longest time we saw. The warm setting will only automatically stay on for four hours, but during our water test, it did get down to 145 degrees Fahrenheit at the four-hour mark, and while that’s above the food safety temperature for bacteria growth, we wouldn’t recommend having it stay on the warm setting for any longer.
The programmable Crockpot comes with a locking lid — making it perfect to transport out of the house. There’s also a plastic gasket around the lid, which means that the top stays in place and keeps liquid from leaking while on the go.
While programming the slow cooker was easy to use, the screen is small and not very clear. The outside also got incredibly hot — one of the hottest ones we tested (along with the manual Crockpot appliance). There are also no handles on the pot, which makes handling the ceramic piece more difficult.
The Cuisinart 6.
5-Quart Programmable offers an additional simmer option, aside from the basic high, low and warm temperature settings. The interface is easy to use and will keep your food warm for up to eight hours. This is perfect if you’re cooking in the evening and hoping to wake up to a warm-cooked meal for breakfast.
This slow cooker has a sleek design with a stainless steel housing, chrome-plated handles and easy push-button controls. This is also the only slow cooker we tested that offers a retractable cord — ideal for both aesthetics and safety. But if you’re looking to save some counter space, the full rectangular base made this option much bulkier than the other slow cookers we tested.
We really wanted to love the Instant Pot Pro, but despite its wide range of cooking modes, the well-known pressure cooker unfortunately fell short as a slow cooker in our testing.
All of the bells and whistles didn’t make for as tasty a meal as we got with other simpler cookers.
When we cooked our chicken dish at a low setting, it had a chewy texture. And even though the chicken had an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, we felt like it needed more time to cook. We then prepared the same dish again and cooked it on a high setting, but the chicken was then a little too tough for our liking.
Similar results happened with our bean dish, and after cooking for three hours on high — the setting we used with all of the other slow cookers — it didn’t have the same consistency as the rest. It took another full hour to cook properly.
However, if you are a family that avoids PFAS chemicals, the stainless steel pot might make it a good choice over a slow cooker that includes a nonstick coated or ceramic insert.
Another pressure cooker we tested was the Breville Fast Slow Pro. With many capabilities — and even 14 preset shortcut programs — you can also use the appliance for many cooking options, including slow cooking. But if slow cooking is all you’re looking for, there might be too many buttons for your liking.
This is actually one of the only slow cookers we tested where we truly had to read the manual before starting.
It was not nearly as intuitive as the others, but we were eventually able to get it to cook our prepped food.
Unlike the Instant Pot, however, our chicken came out perfectly cooked on a low setting after the properly allocated time. The chicken pulled apart easily, and the beans were cooked just right.
And similar to the Instant Pot, the Breville Pot is also stainless steel, if that’s preferable.
This was the first manual slow cooker we tested, and we instantly realized the benefits of a programmable cooker. The Black+Decker 7-Quart Slow Cooker lacks a timer, which takes away some of the appeal of using a slow cooker to start a dish in the morning and come home to a perfectly cooked dinner.
This slow cooker will not automatically shut off — or switch over to a warming setting — once the time is over. Instead, you need to use your own external timer and then make sure you’re home once the timer goes off, or you’ll have to live with the results of cooking continuously on your selected setting until you get home.
Additionally, this slow cooker heated up fast and simmered for the majority of the cooking period during our water test. During all of our tests, the lid was extremely shaky during cooking and loud. The ceramic pot of this slow cooker was also the hardest one of the bunch to wash. The sauce from the chicken we cooked was left on the side and required a lot of soaking and elbow grease for the pot to become fully clean.
Crockpot makes many slow cooker products, including a very basic manual version.
Similar to the Black+Decker slow cooker we tested, the Crockpot 7-Quart Slow Cooker offers a simple dial with three settings: low, high and warm.
With this slow cooker, you have to manually turn the slow cooker off or onto the warm setting if you aren’t eating your meal right away. Like the other manual cooker we tested, it isn’t a “set and forget” device — the cook has to pay attention to get predictable results.
Unless you want the simplest possible device — at an extremely reasonable price point — that you’ll generally use when you’re around, we recommend spending a little more for a programmable slow cooker. You can get the manual Crockpot in a variety of sizes (there are 3-quart, 4-quart, 6-quart, 7-quart and 8-quart versions) and colors.
Read more from CNN Underscored’s hands-on testing:
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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12 Best Slow Cookers of 2023
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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 Slow Cooker for Entertaining
Cuisinart Programmable Slow Cooker
3
Best Slow Cooker for Entertaining
Cuisinart Programmable Slow Cooker
$100 at Walmart
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"
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4
Best Programmable Slow Cooker
Calphalon Digital Sauté Slow Cooker
4
Best Programmable Slow Cooker
Calphalon Digital Sauté Slow Cooker
Now 24% Off
$130 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"
5
BEST MULTI-COOKER FOR SLOW COOKING
Crockpot Express 6-Quart Easy Release Multi-Cooker
5
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"
6
Most Customizable Slow Cooker
Breville Fast Slow Pro Multi Function Cooker
6
Most Customizable Slow Cooker
Breville Fast Slow Pro Multi Function Cooker
$299 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"
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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 41% Off
$146 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
Most Innovative Slow Cooker
Wolf Gourmet Multi-Function Cooker
8
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"
9
Best Nonstick Slow Cooker
GreenPan Premiere Stainless-Steel Slow Cooker
9
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"
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10
Most Versatile Slow Cooker
Zojirushi Multicooker
10
Most Versatile Slow Cooker
Zojirushi Multicooker
Now 24% Off
$200 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"
11
Best Large-Capacity Slow Cooker
Hamilton Beach 8-Quart Slow Cooker
11
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"
12
Best Small Slow Cooker
Crockpot 3-Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker
12
Best Small Slow Cooker
Crockpot 3-Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker
Now 13% Off
$30 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"
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How we test slow cookers
Philip FriedmanDuring 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.
What 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.
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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.
Top 10 pot manufacturers
What would you say is a good pot? It should be not only beautiful, but also comfortable and durable. And, preferably, universal. In this article, we have collected ten manufacturers of pots that we consider the best for home use in Russia in 2019.
What material is a good pot made of?
Perhaps the most popular material for pans (judging by the range of stores) is stainless steel . And this is not surprising:
- stainless steel is easy to care for,
- any spoons and spatulas, including metal ones, can be used in the cooking process - unlike non-stick coating,
- you can cook dishes with vinegar and other acids (which cannot be done in an aluminum pan),
- a stainless steel pan looks beautiful, and this beauty lasts for a long time - the pieces do not break off, it is not afraid of temperature changes,
- in modern pans with a multi-layer thick bottom and walls, food does not burn (if the bottom of the pan is thin, it can even burn).
Stainless steel pots are offered to us by almost all major cookware manufacturers: foreign - Rondell, TalleR, Regent Inox, Gipfel, Tefal, Nadoba, Vitesse, Mayer & Boch, Tescoma, domestic - Amet, Kukmara, Gurman (from VSMPO-Poware ). In stores you will also find a large selection of cheap thin-walled pans (Indian, Chinese, etc.) that also say Stainless steel 18/10... A good steel pan can't be cheap! The low price should immediately sow doubt.
The second most popular material, which was once the first, is aluminum . Aluminum pots are light, inexpensive (extruded aluminum is lighter and cheaper, cast aluminum is heavier, stronger and more expensive). Absolutely safe when used correctly! Water boils quickly in them. Boiling eggs or jacket potatoes in such a saucepan is a sweet thing. Especially for those who grew up in the USSR. In a modern aluminum pan with a non-stick coating, you can stew sauerkraut and cook some compote, because there is no direct contact between acid and aluminum here. Aluminum pans are produced by TalleR, Rondell, Vitesse, Tefal and our Kukmara, Jarko, Vari, Kalitva.
Only the thick-walled, heavy casserole made of cast iron is suitable for some dishes. Good cast iron pots can be found at Vitesse, TalleR, Rondell, Fissman.
Pans made of fire-resistant, impact-resistant glass stand apart. In such a saucepan, you can cook a dish, put it in the refrigerator, beautifully serve it on the table. The only thing you can't do is use it on the stove. Only oven or microwave. Glass pans are produced by Unit, Simax, Pyrex, Supra.
Ceramic is the oldest potting material. Ceramic pan does not interact with food, keeps heat for a long time. It can be used on the stovetop. Dishes cooked in ceramic dishes have a special taste. Ceramic pots are expensive. And very fragile, this must be taken into account. Ceramic pots are produced by Bekker, Delimano, Frybest.
To compare prices, we have chosen a 2-2.5 liter pot. Meet the top ten (according to customer and expert reviews) pot manufacturers!
| Category | Location | Designation | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| The best stainless steel pans | 1 | Gourmet (VSMPO-Dishes) | 10 / 10 |
| 2 | TalleR | 9. | |
| 3 | pans AMET | 9.8 / 10 | |
| The best pans made of aluminum | 1 | Kukmara | 10 / 10 |
| 2 | Tefal | 9. | |
| 3 | Vari | 9.8 / 10 | |
| The best cast iron pans | 1 | Rondell | 10 / 10 |
| 2 | Vitesse | 9. | |
| The best glass pans | 1 | Simax | 9.8 / 10 |
| The best ceramic pots | 1 | frybest | 9. |
Top Stainless Steel Pots
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Gourmet (VSMPO-Dishes) Domestic premium pots. The company has existed since 1991, but for many it still becomes a discovery. Buyers compare these dishes in quality with Zepter products. Restrained European design, high quality fasteners, absolutely smooth inner surface, multi-layered bottom, tight fit of the lid - these pans have one advantage. Thanks to the design of the bottom and walls, the dishes keep the temperature up to 6 hours. The dishes are perfect for those who adhere to the principles of a healthy diet. Main advantages:
Cons:
| 10 / 10 Rating Reviews Fine tableware. |
|
TalleR TalleR presents its products as "Traditional English style crockery". Discreet design, well-thought-out details (such as a drain screen in the lid and Bakelite handles) help to maintain comfort in the house and preserve family values. Highlights:
Cons:
| 9. Rank Reviews Very good pots from TalleR. They look nice and neat. Food doesn't burn. The handles don't get hot. The dishwasher does an excellent job. Washable even on the lowest setting. |
|
pans AMET Ashinsky Metallurgical Plant is one of the oldest manufacturers of metal utensils in our country. Main advantages:
Cons:
| 9. Rank Reviews I don't know why, but milk does not escape from this dish. On a small fire, it boils quietly to itself. In my kitchen, almost all the dishes are Amet. |
Best aluminum pans
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Kukmara Kukmor Metalware Plant (Kukmara brand) specializes in the production of aluminum cookware with ceramic and classic non-stick coatings, as well as without coating (grey aluminum saucepans we are used to). Main pluses:
Cons:
| 10 / 10 Rating Reviews My best pan is Kukmara. |
| Tefal is the first company in the world to produce non-stick coated aluminum cookware. Perhaps now it is the most famous manufacturer of such dishes for every taste - from cast and stamped aluminum, with Teflon and ceramic coating, for every day. However, customer reviews are conflicting. Some praise, others scold. Main advantages:
Cons:
| 9.8 / 10 Rating Reviews The non-stick coating of the pan is scratch resistant. |
| The Vari brand belongs to the St. Petersburg industrial company Landskrona. In the assortment of the company you can find utensils made of cast and stamped aluminum with non-stick coating, as well as glass lids for them. The dishes are produced according to Italian technology (accessories and coated blanks are brought from Italy) and the quality is strictly controlled. Main advantages:
Cons:
| 9.8 / 10 Rating Reviews What I noticed right away is that the non-stick coating is quite stable. |
Best cast iron pans
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Rondell The German company Rondell has been collaborating with scientific laboratories since its foundation and used the latest developments in the manufacture of dishes. Main advantages:
Cons:
| 10 / 10 Rating Reviews Most often I cook pilaf in this pan. No dishes stick to it, it is washed with a bang. The lid fits tightly. Definitely recommend to everyone. |
|
Vitesse Vitesse began its work with the production of stainless steel cookware. Main advantages:
Cons:
| 9.9 / 10 Rating Reviews I love to cook, and I have high requirements for dishes. This is just a miracle pot! Keeps food hot for a very long time. Wash easily and quickly. Food does not burn in it. |
Best glass pans
| Simax is a Czech company, and very good glass is made in the Czech Republic. Main advantages:
Cons:
| 9.8 / 10 Rank Reviews Very handy glass saucepan. I not only cook in it, but also bake chicken, store boiled meat, and make jelly. Food does not accept any foreign odors. The lid can be used as a cutting board. |
Best ceramic pots
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frybest Frybest is a South Korean manufacturer of tableware and kitchen accessories. Main advantages:
Cons:
| 9. Rating Reviews Thick walls, the meat is well baked. The lid is also made of ceramics, you can put it in the oven. |
Which pan is better to buy?
Not all brands mentioned in the article are equally well known to all buyers. Who is on the hearing of the majority? It's probably Tefal, maybe Rondell, Vitesse...
And now you know that the list of worthy companies that make comfortable, durable, beautiful pans is much longer. Of course, it is best to buy several pots and try everything yourself. But if this is not possible, we advise you to decide what material suits you, how much pot you need and how much you are willing to spend on it. And let our ranking of the best pans help you make the right choice.
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Updated on 02/09/2019 is subjective and not an advertisement
Tips on how to choose a stainless steel pan
Stainless steel cookware is found in almost every kitchen today. It is unpretentious in care, has a beautiful appearance and allows you to cook delicious organic food.
You can buy it in almost any cookware store. But here's how to choose a stainless steel pan so that it serves for a long time and pleases with cooked food - a task that requires knowledge of certain nuances.
Stainless steel pans: pros and cons
Despite the large number of advantages of this cookware, it has a number of disadvantages that can be avoided by choosing high-quality and expensive items.
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Stainless steel is a poor conductor of heat
This causes the pan to heat unevenly and burn. Therefore, manufacturers make the bottom of the dishes multi-layered - 3, 5 and even 7-layer, where a heat-distributing aluminum or steel disk is located between the stainless steel levels. This contributes to the even heating of the dishes, thereby preventing burning. The thick bottom of the pot will also keep the cooked dish hot for much longer. Therefore, when buying dishes, special attention is paid to this fact.
Understanding what type of cookware you have in front of you (with or without a layered bottom) is quite simple. To do this, you just need to pick it up - a pan with a triple or more bottom will be noticeably heavier than a single-layer one. But at the same time, in the second case, the price is several times lower. And under no circumstances should you be tempted by an attractive price. Since such an acquisition will disappoint you after the first use.
2. Pot wall thickness
In high quality cookware, the wall thickness should be at least 0.5 mm. The thicker the walls, the better.
Stainless pans are produced in two ways: stamping and casting. Cast cookware has higher performance than stamped cookware. It has a greater wall thickness - up to 0.8 mm. The latter method is used to make premium class dishes, for example, the German Silit pans are produced in this way. In addition, the stainless steel cookware of this brand is equipped with a SiliTherm encapsulated base, which allows it to be used on all types of stoves, including induction.
Good quality cookware has a steel marking on the surface, a multi-layer bottom and is easy to clean.
3. Stainless steel utensils must be carefully sanded and polished.
No dents, scratches. Any flaw will lead to the formation of soot, and will also release heavy metals. Which will not have the best effect on the food cooked in this pan and the human body.
Stainless steel pot lids are made of heat-resistant clear glass and have a steam outlet. Some models have clamping devices for safe draining. And other little things that make the work of the hostess easier.
Which brand of pots is better? Therefore, you should not save here. It is necessary to carefully consider the selected item for visible defects, the thickness of the bottom and walls. High class pots, from reputable brands, are versatile, suitable for any type of hob. They are also suitable for washing in the dishwasher, which is important.
You can decide which company to choose a stainless steel pan using the following criteria:
- give preference to dishes made of real steel marked 18/10, it is the most durable;
- choose models with heat-resistant glass lids with small holes for steam to escape;
- the bottom of the pan should be made of several layers of metal, and the handles, ideally, should be hollow.
