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The Best Slow Cooker | Reviews by Wirecutter

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  1. Kitchen
  2. Small Kitchen Appliances
Photo: Sarah Kobos

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.

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.

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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
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The research

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 Hession

Slow 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 Kobos

Since 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 Kobos
Our 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 Kobos

The 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 Kobos

On 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 Kobos

We 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 Kobos

Compared 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 Kobos

All 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 Kobos
Also 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 Kobos

The 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 Kobos

The 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

  1. Marye Audet, author of Mexican Slow Cooker Cookbook, phone interview, June 1, 2018

  2. Lisa Fain, author of QUESO!: Regional Recipes for the World's Favorite Chile-Cheese Dip, phone interview, June 1, 2018

  3. Hugh Acheson, chef and author of The Chef and the Slow Cooker, phone interview, June 1, 2018

  4. Marianne H. Gravely, senior technical information specialist, Food Safety Education staff, USDA, phone interview, November 21, 2018

  5. Editors of Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart's Slow Cooker, August 29, 2017

  6. The Best Slow Cookers, Reviews.com, October 5, 2018

  7. Betty Gold, The Top-Rated Slow Cookers for Easy Dinner Prep, Good Housekeeping, March 6, 2018

  8. Priya Krishna, How “This Is Us” Unwittingly Reinvented the Humble Crock-Pot, The New Yorker, February 21, 2018

  9. Phyllis Pellman Good, author of Fix-It and Forget-It cookbooks, phone interview

  10. 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

Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time).

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12 Best Slow Cookers of 2023

We updated this story in October 2022 to ensure all products were available and that pricing was accurate. We also added information on what to consider before purchasing a slow cooker as well as new picks from Instant Brands and GreenPan.

The tried-and-true slow cooker is a huge help in the kitchen. This freestanding cooking appliance allows food to be cooked at a low and steady temperature, similar to braising in a Dutch oven, and its set-it-and-forget-it style leaves you free to do other things — and use your stovetop or oven for other things. A good slow cooker produces such flavorful meals that our test kitchen loves using one to create recipes for lunch, dinner and everything in between, whether that’s slow cooker chicken recipes or a pot roast or BBQ jackfruit.

To choose these top-tested slow cookers, the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab cooked chicken soup and beef stew. We assessed the cookers’ ability to maintain temperatures on both high and low settings, checked the doneness and flavor of the recipes, considered how reduced liquids were over time and factored in whether or not you can brown foods right in the slow cooker’s pot. If the machine included an app or probe, we assessed that as well.

Our picks include both large and small models that allow you to brown foods right in the pot and some that can double as rice cookers. Some can serve as a steamer, and some will allow you to select a pressure cooking mode. You can read more about how we evaluate slow cookers and what to consider before buying one at the end of this guide.

1

Best Overall Slow Cooker

All-Clad

Deluxe Slow Cooker with Cast-Aluminum Insert

All-Clad

$250 AT WILLIAMS SONOMA

2

Best Value Slow Cooker

BLACK+DECKER

7-Quart Digital Slow Cooker

black + decker

$74 AT AMAZON $74 AT HOME DEPOT $81 AT WAYFAIR

3

Best Slow Cooker for Entertaining

Cuisinart

Programmable Slow Cooker

$110 AT AMAZON

4

Best Large-Capacity Slow Cooker

Hamilton Beach

8-Quart Slow Cooker

Hamilton Beach

$65 AT HAMILTONBEACH. COM

5

Best Programmable Slow Cooker

Calphalon

Digital Sauté Slow Cooker

Calphalon

$130 AT AMAZON $130 AT HOME DEPOT $193 AT WALMART

6

Best Slow Cooker for Browning

Instant Pot

Electric Precision Dutch Oven

Instant Brands

Now 20% off

$201 AT AMAZON $180 AT HOME DEPOT $180 AT WALMART

7

BEST MULTI-COOKER FOR SLOW COOKING

Crockpot

Express 6-Quart Easy Release Multi-Cooker

Crock-Pot

$90 AT BEST BUY

8

Best Nonstick Slow Cooker

GreenPan

Premiere Stainless-Steel Slow Cooker

GreenPan

$250 AT WILLIAMS SONOMA

9

Most Innovative Slow Cooker

Wolf Gourmet

Multi-Function Cooker

Wolf

Now 39% off

$500 AT AMAZON $700 AT SUR LA TABLE $700 AT WAYFAIR

10

Most Customizable Slow Cooker

Breville

Fast Slow Pro Multi Function Cooker

Breville

$280 AT AMAZON $300 AT SUR LA TABLE $300 AT WAYFAIR

11

Best Small Slow Cooker

Crockpot

3-Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker

Crock-Pot

$39 AT AMAZON $87 AT WALMART

12

Most Versatile Slow Cooker

Zojirushi

Multicooker

Zojirushi

$255 AT AMAZON $262 AT WALMART $246 AT WAYFAIR

How we test slow cookers

Philip Friedman

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.

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.

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.

0003

Advantages:

Not a bad canning pot

Drawbacks:

Not

Comment:

Excellent price, quality. Large Volume 19liters, for harvesting for the winter.

Advantages:

Visually and tactilely well done

Drawbacks:

The manufacturer declares not the real volume nine0003

Comment:

I'll tell you briefly for those who may need this thing. The actual volume is 17 liters. If you pour on board it will be 18.5. Wall thickness 0.7 – 0.8 according to micrometer. It was not possible to measure the bottom (there is no suitable measuring device). On the box it says that the bottom is triple. It looks reliable, but it's too early to say before the battle test. nine0003

S

Advantages:

Doesn't leak, doesn't rust

Drawbacks:

Volume does not correspond to that indicated in the catalogs

Comment:

Lost vigilance, forgot that the manufacturer and the seller often seeks to deceive the buyer. In all catalogs, the volume of the pan is 14 liters. I chose it in such a way that 2 liters will be an unused volume, you can’t pour it over the rim. I ordered it via the Internet, came to pick it up, examined it for damage, saw 14 L on the box, picked it up and left. I unpacked it at home, the last displacement mark in the pan is 12 liters, somehow very close to the rim. I would estimate the useful volume at 11 liters. Only then did I notice that on the box in front of 14L there is a ~ sign (approximately). I measured the pan, counted, the total volume is about 13.5 liters. The manufacturer rounded "a little", of course, in his favor, adding about 3 - 3.7% of the real volume nine0003

Advantages:

SizeNumber of tiersMaterial

Drawbacks:

Thin metal

Comment:

In principle, not everything is so bad for such a price! :) Quite a good thing. The only "but", the thickness of the metal of the pans could be more, at least in the first tier or at least in the bottom. And it turns out that the metal deforms a little when heated and the pan starts to "jump" (twitch) a little, especially if moisture has got under the bottom. Then, after boiling, everything is in order. nine0003

I

Advantages:

Except the size.

Drawbacks:

Bad smell

Comment:

Horror. Smells like rusty metal when cooking. In addition, the food then gives the metal. Money down the drain... nine0003

R

Advantages:

Quality, volume - what you need. The color of these pens is simply amazing.

Drawbacks:

All pots have a loose lid. Doesn't lie tight. Perhaps - a thermal gap to compensate for expansion when heated. Didn't check. nine0003

Comment:

The pot is just amazing. Before that, there was a set of pots from Poland - all already with a crooked bottom, they don’t stand exactly on the stove, they heat up for a long time, everything burns, it’s just terrible quality, but the truth and the price are pennies. We decided to somehow try to buy a set of two Rondell pans with a capacity of 5.2 liters. and 3.3 liters. In terms of quality, I liked it very much, we have been using it for more than a year. The bottom is in place, it didn’t exfoliate, it didn’t swell, it didn’t bend (the stove is induction). Finally, the pasta was cooked and I didn’t have to scratch the bottom with a metal sponge in order to tear off the stuck food from the bottom. Therefore, it was decided to buy a 1.7-liter Rondell bucket as well. Now you can cook half a pack of pasta and not heat up excess water and a large pot in vain. Draining is also convenient: you hold the ladle with one hand, the lid with the other, the weight is small, it is easy to hold, and you won’t need a towel or potholders. Mom is happy, which means healthy nerves, and, consequently, healthy children :). has two secure fasteners, and not one in the middle, like many covers. Over time, you won’t have to screw a wine cork instead of a handle onto a self-tapping screw. The only minus of all pots is the fit of the lid to the pan around the circumference: they all have a slight backlash. That is, they lie well in their place, they sink in as they should, but if you take the lid and move it left and right, then it walks a little. I would like them to lie like a glove and not move anywhere, but perhaps when heated, they should expand and become as they should (I just thought about it myself, but I have never checked this). I just have one frying pan with a lid, so everything is tight in it, and everything is fine when heated. But, in spite of everything, the ladle is magnificent, I paid attention to the backlash of the lid only when I bought it, it never bothered me again (to my wife and immediately it was "purple"). Food cooks quickly, heating is even, nothing has yet to be scraped off the bottom. It’s not a shame to give such a pan, you don’t have to blush for it. nine0003

Advantages:

Excellent juicer, bought for parents at the dacha. The quality is on top, with her duties she ...

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Top 10 pot manufacturers

What 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 pots (judging by the range of stores) - stainless steel . And this is not surprising:

  • stainless steel is easy to care for,
  • you can use any spoons and spatulas, including metal ones, in the cooking process - unlike the non-stick coating,
  • you can cook dishes with vinegar and other acids (which cannot be done in aluminum saucepan),
  • stainless steel saucepan 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 multi-layer thick bottoms and walls, food does not burn (if the bottom of the pan is thin, it can even burn).

Stainless steel pans are offered to us by almost all major manufacturers of cookware: foreign - Rondell, TalleR, Regent Inox, Gipfel, Tefal, Nadoba, Vitesse, Mayer & Boch, Tescoma, domestic - Amet, Kukmara, Gurman (from VSMPO-Dishes ). 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. nine0003

The second most popular material that was once number one 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. nine0003

Only the thick-walled, heavy pot 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. nine0003

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! nine0003

nine0221 1 nine0221 Vari nine0221 1
Category Place Description Rank
The best stainless steel pans Gourmet (VSMPO-Dishes) 10 / 10
2 TalleR nine0220 9. 9 / 10
3 pans AMET 9.8 / 10 nine0220
The best pans made of aluminum 1 Kukmara 10 / 10 nine0220
2 Tefal 9. 8 / 10
3 9.8 / 10
The best cast iron pans Rondell 10 / 10
2 Vitesse nine0220 9. 9 / 10
The best glass pans 1 Simax nine0220 9.8 / 10
The best ceramic pots 1 frybest nine0220 9. 9 / 10

Best Stainless Steel Pots

Gourmet (VSMPO-Dishes) nine0317

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. nine0003

Main pluses:

  • cooking without water is acceptable (vegetables in their own juice),
  • thick bottom ensures uniform heating,
  • handles are welded (not riveted), hold tight, do not heat up and are easy to clean,
  • inside - completely molded, smooth surface,
  • suitable for all stovetops,
  • no plastic parts, can be used in the oven,
  • produce large pots (8 l),
  • user manual included.

Cons:

  • there are no significant ones.
nine0002 10 / 10

Rating

Reviews

Fine tableware. There is nothing better than Gourmet! Does not rust, easy to clean. I've been using it for 5 months now and it looks like new. I am very pleased.

TalleR nine0317

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. This cookware will last a long time. In addition to the famous stainless steel pans, TalleR produces high quality aluminum and cast iron cookware, bakeware and accessories made from bamboo and silicone. nine0003

Highlights:

  • pot bottoms distribute heat evenly,
  • heats up quickly,
  • easy to clean,
  • comfortable handles, all steel or with insulating inserts,
  • lids have holes on the sides for draining water,
    • suitable for all stoves, including induction,
  • has a measuring scale inside. nine0176

Cons:

  • handles are fastened with rivets, which makes washing a little difficult.

9. 9 / 10

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.

nine0220

pans AMET

Ashinsky Metallurgical Plant is one of the oldest manufacturers of metal utensils in our country. It was they who were the first in Russia to start producing pans with a two- and three-layer bottom, which distribute heat better than traditional single-layer ones. The quality of AMET pots has been time-tested. Yes, for some, the appearance of the dishes seems outdated, too simple. But simplicity can also be a plus. nine0003

Main advantages:

  • durable cookware,
  • strong handles,
  • easy to clean,
  • internal and external surface is scratch resistant,
  • there are large pots (up to 50 liters).
nine0002 Cons:

  • handles and lid get hot,
  • not suitable for induction hobs,
  • mirror surface loses shine over time, but this does not affect cooking.

9. 8 / 10

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.

nine0220

Aluminum best pots

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). Buyers only respond positively to this dish. It is very good to cook porridge in such pans. nine0003

Main pluses:

  • affordable price,
  • products do not stick, do not stick to the walls,
  • is easy to clean,
  • is a stable coating.

Cons:

  • there are no significant ones.
nine0220

10 / 10

Rating

Reviews

My best pan is Kukmara. Everything can be cooked in it. Boil soup, make a roast or pilaf, even fry meat and potatoes. And you don't have to worry about something burning. Unpretentious, perfectly washes. nine0003

nine0002 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. For some, the coating lasts for years, while for others it peels off in the first week. And most of the problems are related to fakes for Tefal. Therefore, the purchase should be taken very carefully and not chase the low price. nine0003

Main advantages:

  • beautiful and light,
  • large selection of pots,
  • scratch-resistant coating,
  • dishwasher safe.

Cons:

  • many fakes.

9.8 / 10

Rating

Reviews

The non-stick coating of the pan is scratch resistant. Still, sometimes it pulls to interfere with something in the pan with a metal spoon, out of habit. Doesn't scratch. The dishes are very high quality, beautiful and stylish. nine0003

nine0002 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. Vari aluminum pans are massive and durable. The bottom of the pots has an external heat-resistant coating and is also suitable for glass-ceramic hobs. nine0003

Main advantages:

  • scratch resistant coating,
  • suitable for gas, electric stoves and glass ceramics,
  • dishwasher safe.

Cons:

  • is not suitable for induction cookers. nine0176

9.8 / 10

Rating

Reviews

What I noticed right away is that the non-stick coating is quite stable. If you accidentally scratch it, it leaves no trace. And easy to wash. nine0003

Best cast iron pans

Rondell

The German company Rondell has been collaborating with scientific laboratories since its foundation and used the latest developments in the manufacture of dishes. Initially, they produced only professional-grade dishes, and only since 2005 have included dishes for the home in their assortment. The quality of Rondell's home line is just as good! The company offers stylish, beautiful, reliable pans and other items made of cast iron, stainless steel, anodized aluminum. If you buy dishes on the official website of the company, it is given a big guarantee (3 years for cast iron pans, and as much as 25 years for stainless steel dishes). nine0003

Main advantages:

  • outer and inner coating - high quality enamel,
  • the walls and bottom heat up evenly,
  • suitable for any stoves and oven,
  • can be washed in a dishwasher,
  • good detailed instruction and recipe book .
nine0002 Cons:

  • high price.

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. nine0003

Vitesse nine0317

Vitesse began its work with the production of stainless steel cookware. Now under this brand steel, aluminum, cast iron utensils, accessories and small household appliances are produced. Vitesse cast iron pans are distinguished by their bright unusual design. Thanks to their smooth finish, they are easy to clean. Buyers note the tight fit of the lid to the body - this allows you to stew dishes in a minimum amount of water, which means saving energy for heating and preserving useful substances in the product. Pans are heavy - but this is a characteristic feature of any cast-iron cookware, and it cannot be attributed to disadvantages. Vitesse cast-iron cookware is enameled, so you need to carefully mix food during cooking and wash the pan. nine0003

Main advantages:

  • bright design,
  • easy to clean,
  • lids close tightly,
  • food rarely burns,
  • suitable for cooking on the stove, on induction hobs and in the oven,
  • keeps heat for a long time.
nine0002 Cons:

  • no significant ones.

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.

nine0220

Best glass pots

Simax is a Czech company, and very good glass is made in the Czech Republic. The company produces glass pans, baking dishes, teapots, vases, salad bowls, etc. Simax even makes laboratory glassware, which must be especially durable, which confirms the quality of their products. Housewives love glassware for its versatility - they can be used for cooking in the oven and in the microwave, you can bake dishes, use them for serving and store in the refrigerator. Simax pans are sold singly or in sets. They easily fold into one another and store compactly. The only significant drawback is the fragility of the glass. Although it is shockproof, you should not drop the dishes. nine0003

Main advantages:

  • multifunctional,
  • environmentally friendly,
  • dishwasher safe,
  • dishes can be prepared and stored in it,
  • food does not stick to the bottom and walls,
  • flat lid can be used cymbal,
  • impact resistant,
  • reasonable price.
nine0002 Cons:

  • cannot be cooked on the stove;

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

frybest nine0317

Frybest is a South Korean manufacturer of tableware and kitchen accessories. Frybest pans always attract attention with their unusual shape and bright color. Pale blue and pink, red, blue, green, with butterflies - they will make you smile and create an atmosphere of comfort and joy in your kitchen. In such a saucepan, you can cook a delicious soup or stew meat, and then serve the dish on the table right in it. The surface of the pan is difficult to scratch, so it is easy to care for such dishes. nine0003

Main advantages:

  • very beautiful tableware,
  • environmentally friendly, natural material,
  • easy to care for,
  • conducts heat well and retains it for a long time.

Cons:

  • high price,
  • Thick food may burn.

9. 9 / 10

Rating

Reviews

Thick walls, the meat is well baked. The lid is also made of ceramics, you can put it in the oven. nine0003

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.

Learn more