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10 Best Slow Cooker 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,457
Capacity
Shape
Temperature Settings

Most important from
130969 reviews

Capacity
The 3-quart size is ideal for singles or couples, perfectly matching smaller meal prep needs without requiring timing adjustments.
Shape
The compact, square-ish shape fits well in small kitchens and is great for limited counter space.
Temperature Settings
Low pressure cooking options add valuable flexibility not found on many other Instant Pot models.
Timer
One-touch smart programs simplify cooking, making it convenient for those who want to set it and forget it.
Lid Material
Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the dishwasher-safe stainless steel lid and pot.
Insert Material
The stainless steel inner pot is preferred over coated ones for durability and even heating.

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.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,457
Capacity
Shape
Temperature Settings

Most important from
130969 reviews

Capacity
The 3-quart size is ideal for singles or couples, perfectly matching smaller meal prep needs without requiring timing adjustments.
Shape
The compact, square-ish shape fits well in small kitchens and is great for limited counter space.
Temperature Settings
Low pressure cooking options add valuable flexibility not found on many other Instant Pot models.
Timer
One-touch smart programs simplify cooking, making it convenient for those who want to set it and forget it.
Lid Material
Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the dishwasher-safe stainless steel lid and pot.
Insert Material
The stainless steel inner pot is preferred over coated ones for durability and even heating.
#2

Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel Includes Cookbook (Pack of 1)

Rating
9.6
Capacity
Temperature Settings
Timer

Most important from
14699 reviews

Capacity
The 8-quart capacity is perfect for large meals or feeding a crowd, eliminating the need for multiple slow cookers.
Temperature Settings
Programming is straightforward and the automatic switch to warm mode after cooking time is reassuring.
Timer
The digital timer and the auto-warm feature make it easy to manage cooking schedules, ensuring meals are always at the right temperature.
Lid Material
Cleanup is hassle-free with the dishwasher-safe pot and lid, though the ceramic insert can be quite heavy.
Insert Material
Cleanup is hassle-free with the dishwasher-safe pot and lid, though the ceramic insert can be quite heavy.

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.

Rating
9.6
Capacity
Temperature Settings
Timer

Most important from
14699 reviews

Capacity
The 8-quart capacity is perfect for large meals or feeding a crowd, eliminating the need for multiple slow cookers.
Temperature Settings
Programming is straightforward and the automatic switch to warm mode after cooking time is reassuring.
Timer
The digital timer and the auto-warm feature make it easy to manage cooking schedules, ensuring meals are always at the right temperature.
Lid Material
Cleanup is hassle-free with the dishwasher-safe pot and lid, though the ceramic insert can be quite heavy.
Insert Material
Cleanup is hassle-free with the dishwasher-safe pot and lid, though the ceramic insert can be quite heavy.
#3

Instant Pot Pro (8 QT) 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice/Grain Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Sous Vide, Yogurt Maker, Sterilizer, and Warmer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Black

Rating
9.4
Insert Material

Most important from
11842 reviews

Insert Material
The upgraded inner pot with stay-cool handles makes it easy to handle, and the multiple cooking presets save time and guesswork.

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.

Rating
9.4
Insert Material

Most important from
11842 reviews

Insert Material
The upgraded inner pot with stay-cool handles makes it easy to handle, and the multiple cooking presets save time and guesswork.

Buying Guide for the Best Slow Cooker

Choosing the right slow cooker can make a big difference in your cooking experience. Slow cookers are great for making delicious, home-cooked meals with minimal effort. They are perfect for busy individuals or families who want to enjoy a hot meal without spending hours in the kitchen. When selecting a slow cooker, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of food a slow cooker can hold, usually measured in quarts or liters. This is important because it determines how much food you can cook at once. Slow cookers typically range from 1.5 to 8 quarts. For singles or couples, a 1.5 to 3-quart slow cooker is usually sufficient. For families of four or more, a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker is ideal. If you often entertain guests or cook in large batches, consider a 7 to 8-quart model. Choose a capacity that matches your typical cooking needs to avoid under or overfilling the cooker.
ShapeSlow cookers come in different shapes, primarily oval and round. The shape is important because it affects the types of food you can cook. Oval slow cookers are more versatile and can accommodate larger cuts of meat, such as roasts or whole chickens. Round slow cookers are better suited for soups, stews, and casseroles. If you plan to cook a variety of dishes, an oval slow cooker might be the better choice. However, if you mostly make soups and stews, a round slow cooker will work just fine.
Temperature SettingsTemperature settings control how hot the slow cooker gets and how long it cooks your food. Most slow cookers have at least three settings: low, high, and warm. Some models offer additional settings or programmable options. The low setting is ideal for cooking food slowly over several hours, while the high setting cooks food faster. The warm setting keeps food at a safe temperature until you're ready to eat. If you need more control over your cooking, look for a slow cooker with programmable settings that allow you to set specific cooking times and temperatures.
TimerA timer is a useful feature that allows you to set the cooking time for your slow cooker. Once the time is up, the slow cooker will automatically switch to the warm setting to keep your food at a safe temperature. This is important for convenience and safety, especially if you plan to leave the slow cooker unattended while you're at work or running errands. If you have a busy schedule, a slow cooker with a built-in timer can help ensure your meals are cooked perfectly without the risk of overcooking.
Lid MaterialThe lid material can affect the cooking process and ease of use. Most slow cookers come with either a glass or plastic lid. Glass lids are more durable and allow you to see the food as it cooks without lifting the lid, which helps retain heat and moisture. Plastic lids are lighter and less prone to breaking but may not provide the same level of visibility. If you prefer to monitor your food without disturbing the cooking process, a slow cooker with a glass lid is a better choice.
Insert MaterialThe insert, or cooking pot, is the part of the slow cooker where you place your food. Inserts are typically made of ceramic, metal, or non-stick materials. Ceramic inserts are popular because they retain heat well and are easy to clean. Metal inserts, often made of aluminum, heat up quickly and are lightweight but may not retain heat as well as ceramic. Non-stick inserts are easy to clean but can be prone to scratching. Consider your cooking and cleaning preferences when choosing the insert material. If you want even cooking and easy maintenance, a ceramic insert is a good option.

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