10 Best Crockpots 2025 in the United States

The Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO is a large 8.5-quart round cooker, ideal for big families or entertaining guests since it can prepare meals for up to 20 people. It stands out by combining eight cooking functions, including slow cooking, steaming, sautéing, baking, and even sous vide, which makes it much more versatile than a typical crockpot. The integrated glass lid and nonstick aluminum pot are practical, with the pot being oven safe up to 500°F—great if you want to finish dishes with a crispy top.

Temperature control is handled through a touch panel with 8 settings, giving you good flexibility for different recipes. A built-in timer and keep-warm function add convenience, so meals can be timed precisely or kept ready to serve. The included multi-purpose utensil that fits into the lid is a thoughtful addition for easy serving. On the downside, while the pot is nonstick and easy to clean, it’s recommended to hand wash it to keep it in good condition, which might be less convenient for some users.

The appliance is fairly heavy and takes up a decent amount of counter space, so it’s best suited for kitchens with room to spare. If you want a slow cooker that can replace many other kitchen tools and offer more cooking options, this product is a strong choice. For those seeking a simple, basic slow cooker solely for traditional slow cooking, this might be more than you need.

The Instant Pot Pro (8 QT) is a versatile kitchen appliance that stands out in the crockpot category due to its 10-in-1 functionality. It can serve as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more, making it suitable for busy families or anyone interested in meal prepping. One of its biggest strengths is its capacity, allowing you to cook for up to 8 people, which is perfect for larger families or batch cooking. Additionally, the inner pot is made from high-quality stainless steel, which enhances cooking performance and durability.

Another notable feature is the inclusion of 28 program settings alongside 5 programmable options, which makes it easy to prepare a wide range of recipes. The gentle steam release system is also a great touch, reducing noise and preventing splashes, while safety features like overheat protection and a safe locking lid add peace of mind during cooking.

While this Instant Pot excels in versatility, its size and complexity might be daunting for those who prefer a simpler, traditional crockpot. The multitude of settings can lead to a steeper learning curve for some users. Additionally, while it is designed for large meals, it may be considered bulky for smaller kitchens, taking up a significant amount of counter space.

The Instant Pot RIO Wide Plus is a versatile multi-cooker with a substantial 7.5-quart capacity, which is great for cooking large meals, making it an excellent choice for families or those who entertain often. Its wide shape offers more surface area for sautéing, comparable to a 12-inch skillet, which can be helpful for evenly browning larger cuts of meat or sautéing vegetables. The design is modern and the device is packed with features, including 9-in-1 functionality, allowing it to serve as a slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and more. This multipurpose nature can save you both space and money by reducing the need for multiple kitchen appliances.

Additionally, a guided assistant feature and preset recipes make it easier to use, which is a big plus for those new to cooking or who prefer a more hands-off approach. The WhisperQuiet steam release is a thoughtful touch, reducing noise during operation, which many users will appreciate. However, at 17.9 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which might be a drawback if you plan to move it around frequently.

The outer lid design and stainless steel finish add to its durability and ease of cleaning, and it is also dishwasher safe. It's worth noting that some users found the touch controls a bit less responsive than expected, and the price point might be higher compared to simpler crockpots. If you are looking for a highly functional, user-friendly multi-cooker with a large capacity and modern conveniences, the Instant Pot RIO Wide Plus is certainly worth considering.