10 Best Programmable Slow Cookers 2025 in the United States

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.

The Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker stands out with its large capacity, making it a great option for families and those who frequently entertain guests. The programmable 'MyTime' feature is particularly noteworthy, allowing users to customize cooking times so that meals are ready when needed, which adds a layer of convenience for busy schedules.

Its leak-proof, travel-proof locking lid is a practical addition, ensuring no spills occur during transport, which is ideal for potlucks or gatherings. The auto-adjustment temperature control is designed to prevent overcooking, promising flavorful meals every time without the need for constant monitoring.

The appliance is constructed from stainless steel and other sustainable materials, offering durability and contributing to its relatively lightweight design at 5.9 kilograms. The oval shape and modern stainless steel finish make it an attractive addition to any kitchen. Ease of use is bolstered by the intuitive digital control screen, which simplifies scheduling and manual adjustments to cooking time and temperature. The 'Cook and Carry' handles add to its portability, allowing for easy movement from kitchen to table or car.

On the downside, while the device is dishwasher safe, the large size of the 7-quart pot may pose a challenge in smaller dishwashers. Additionally, at 1500 watts, its energy consumption is on the higher side, which may be a consideration for energy-conscious users.

In summary, this Crock-Pot model is well-suited for those needing a reliable, programmable slow cooker with a focus on convenience, capacity, and portability. It effectively meets the needs of its category, though its size and power usage are points to consider depending on your kitchen setup and energy use preferences.

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.