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 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.

The Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 offers a 6-quart capacity, making it suitable for larger families or those who enjoy meal prepping and batch cooking. Its multifunctionality extends beyond slow cooking, covering pressure cooking, sous vide, sautéing, steaming, and more—ideal for those who appreciate versatility in their kitchen appliances.

The temperature settings are customizable with 28 program settings, along with 5 programmable settings for your favorite recipes, which adds a level of convenience and personalization to your cooking experience. The timer feature supports both fast and traditional slow cooking methods, accommodating various recipes and cooking styles.

The lid is designed with safety in mind, including features like overheat protection and a steam release switch that minimizes noise and prevents messes on your countertop. The insert material is stainless steel, which is durable, easy to clean, and dishwasher safe. The slow cooker is equipped with an automatic operation mode and touch controls, making it user-friendly. If you're seeking a reliable, versatile appliance with innovative safety features and robust functionality, this Instant Pot model stands out.