10 Best Programmable Slow Cookers 2026 in the United States

The Crock-Pot 6 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker is a solid choice for families or groups, with enough space to cook meals for 7 or more people. Its 6-quart capacity fits large cuts of meat like a 6 lb. roast comfortably. You can program cooking times easily with options for high heat (4 or 6 hours) and low heat (8 or 10 hours), which covers a wide range of slow cooking recipes. Once cooking is done, it automatically switches to a warm setting, keeping your food ready to serve without drying out.

The simple touch controls make it user-friendly even if you're not tech-savvy. The cooker features a stainless steel exterior giving it a modern look and durable feel. Inside, the non-stick ceramic-coated pot means you’ll spend less time scrubbing compared to traditional stoneware, plus the glass lid is dishwasher safe, making cleanup easier.

While it offers basic temperature settings (high, low, warm), it doesn’t have more advanced temperature control or custom programming features some higher-end models might have. At about 12 pounds, it’s a bit heavy to move around frequently. This Crock-Pot model is a reliable, easy-to-use slow cooker with a good-sized capacity and straightforward programmable options, especially suitable for home cooks who want convenience without complicated controls or extra bells and whistles.

The Cuisinart MSC-800 is a versatile 7-quart programmable slow cooker that fits well for families or anyone who likes to prepare meals in advance. Its large capacity can handle meals for 6 or more people, making it ideal for batch cooking or gatherings. This multicooker offers multiple cooking modes—slow cook, roast, brown/saute, and steam—all controlled via a user-friendly touch panel with a clear blue backlit display. This makes it easy to set precise cooking times and temperatures, ranging from gentle warming up to high roasting temperatures.

The included removable cast aluminum pot features a nonstick coating, which helps prevent food from sticking and makes it easier to clean. Both the pot and the glass lid are dishwasher safe, reducing the cleanup hassle. The design includes practical touches like a glass lid for monitoring food without lifting it and a retractable cord to keep your counter tidy. The build combines stainless steel and plastic, providing a solid feel but adding some weight at nearly 19 pounds.

The cooker is BPA free and backed by a 3-year warranty, though it is on the heavier side for countertop appliances, which might affect portability. Additionally, while the cooker supports many functions, it may feel a bit complex for absolute beginners due to the number of settings. The Cuisinart MSC-800 provides flexibility and convenience for those who want more than a basic slow cooker, with a reliable build and thoughtful features that simplify cooking and cleaning.

The Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker is designed to cater to large gatherings, capable of preparing food for over 10 people. This makes it ideal for hosting holiday dinners or large family meals. It boasts several programmable features, including a digital timer that counts down cooking time up to 20 hours, allowing for easy monitoring and precise cooking. Additionally, its Auto Warm setting ensures food remains at optimal serving temperature after cooking is complete, adding convenience for busy hosts.

The slow cooker’s memory function is a thoughtful addition, restoring previous settings after a power outage, ensuring uninterrupted cooking. The black stainless steel finish provides an elegant look that fits well with most kitchen decors and is easy to clean. The removable, dishwasher-safe lid and stoneware pot enhance the ease of cleaning, reducing post-cooking hassle.

However, at 6.5 kilograms in weight, it might be heavy for some users to handle comfortably. With an 8-quart capacity, it’s quite large and might take up considerable counter space. The 1500-watt power ensures efficient cooking, but this high wattage might lead to increased energy consumption. This slow cooker is well-suited for users who frequently cook for large groups and appreciate programmable features and ease of cleaning.