10 Best Slow Cooker 2025 in the United States

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini is a versatile kitchen gadget that works well as a slow cooker, among other functions like pressure cooking, steaming, and yogurt making. Its 3-quart capacity is ideal for singles or small families, making it a good choice if you're cooking for one to three people or want to prep meals ahead. The stainless-steel inner pot with a tri-ply bottom ensures even heating, which is a plus for slow cooking. The lid is made of stainless steel and dishwasher safe, simplifying cleanup.

You get a variety of temperature and time settings through 13 smart programs, allowing you to customize slow cooking to your liking, though it may not offer as simple manual controls as some dedicated slow cookers. The timer and automatic features make it easy to set and forget your meal. However, since it’s a multi-cooker rather than a dedicated slow cooker, it’s somewhat bulkier and heavier than regular slow cookers. Also, the shape is more compact and square-ish, which might limit the size or shape of some dishes compared to larger oval slow cookers.

If you want a slow cooker mainly for traditional slow simmered meals and value versatility, this Instant Pot is a solid pick. For those who prefer a large capacity or simpler, specialized controls, a standalone slow cooker might suit you better.

The Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker is designed to cater to large gatherings or holiday dinners, with its impressive 8-quart capacity, allowing you to prepare food for over 10 people. The oval shape is versatile for cooking different types of dishes, fitting larger cuts of meat or multiple ingredients comfortably.

It comes equipped with a digital timer that can count down cooking time up to 20 hours, which is great for long, slow cooking processes. The auto warm setting is a handy feature, ensuring your food stays at the optimal serving temperature after cooking is complete. Additionally, the slow cooker has a memory function that resets to previous settings in case of a power outage, maintaining your cooking schedule and consistency.

The lid and stoneware pot are removable and dishwasher safe, making cleanup hassle-free. The black stainless steel finish not only provides an elegant look suitable for any kitchen decor but is also easy to clean. However, the weight of the slow cooker at 6.5 kilograms might be considered heavy for some users, potentially making it cumbersome to move or store. Additionally, the high wattage of 1500 watts could be a concern for those looking to conserve energy.

The Instant Pot Pro (8 QT) 10-in-1 is a versatile kitchen appliance that offers a range of functions, including slow cooking, pressure cooking, and more. Its 8-quart capacity makes it suitable for larger families or for those who like to meal prep in bulk. The pot's inner material is a premium cookware-grade stainless steel, which ensures durability and efficient heat distribution. The stay-cool silicone handles make it easy to move the pot around, even when it's hot. However, its 15.83-pound weight might be a bit heavy for some users to handle comfortably.

It also includes several safety features such as overheat protection and a safe locking lid. The programmable settings, including 5 for custom recipes and 28 pre-set programs, add to its convenience, and the accompanying app with over 800 recipes is a nice bonus for those who want new meal ideas. The Instant Pot Pro is dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning up a breeze. However, the numerous functionalities and settings might be overwhelming for someone who prefers a simpler, straightforward slow cooker.

Additionally, while the ability to use the inner pot on the stove is convenient, it may require some getting used to for those unfamiliar with this feature. The Instant Pot Pro is an excellent choice for those who want a multi-functional, high-capacity cooker with a robust set of safety and convenience features.