10 Best Lightweight Slow Cookers 2025 in the United States

The Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker is a substantial kitchen appliance ideal for large families or those who love to entertain. With a generous 7-quart capacity, it can comfortably serve over nine people or accommodate a 7-pound roast, making it perfect for big meals. Its oval shape is practical for fitting various types of meats and other ingredients.

The stainless steel exterior gives it a stylish look, and the plastic handles add a touch of practicality for easy handling. This model features manual controls with three settings: high, low, and a convenient warm function to keep the food at the ideal serving temperature. It's designed for set-and-forget cooking, allowing you to leave it unattended while you go about your day.

The removable stoneware insert is versatile, safe for use in the microwave or oven up to 400°F, and both the insert and the lid are dishwasher safe, making clean-up a breeze. However, the 12.55-pound weight might be a bit cumbersome for some users when moving it or storing it. Additionally, the manual control may lack the precision and programmability that some advanced digital models offer. Despite these small drawbacks, the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker is an economical and healthy way to prepare home-cooked meals, making it a valuable addition to any busy household or anyone who enjoys hosting gatherings.

The Instant Pot Pro (8 QT) 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker is a multifunctional kitchen appliance that goes beyond a simple slow cooker. It offers a variety of cooking options, including pressure cooking, sautéing, steaming, and even yogurt making. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer having one versatile tool instead of multiple gadgets.

With an 8-quart capacity, it is ideal for larger families or for those who like to meal prep in bulk. The material quality is also a highlight, featuring a cookware-grade stainless steel inner pot with a thick aluminum layer for efficient heating. The silicone handles on the inner pot make it easy to transfer from the cooker to the stove or table.

The Instant Pot Pro scores high on convenience, with 5 programmable settings and 28 pre-set programs, making it user-friendly even for those who may not be adept in the kitchen. Safety features like overheat protection and a safe locking lid offer peace of mind. It also includes an app with over 800 recipes, which can be quite handy for meal planning. It weighs 15.83 pounds, which may be cumbersome for some users to handle or store. The touch control method is straightforward, but might take a bit of getting used to for those who prefer traditional knob settings. While it's dishwasher-safe, the numerous features and settings could be overwhelming for those who prefer a simpler slow cooker. The Instant Pot Pro is a versatile, high-capacity appliance best suited for users looking for more than just slow cooking capabilities.