10 Best Slow Cookers 2026 in the United States

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 is a versatile kitchen appliance that excels in the slow-cooking category while also offering additional functionalities like pressure cooking and rice cooking. With a generous 6-quart capacity, it's suitable for families or individuals looking to meal prep. One of its standout features is the ability to switch between quick pressure cooking and traditional slow cooking, allowing you to prepare meals in a time-efficient manner or embrace slower recipes that develop deeper flavors.

The user-friendly interface includes 13 Smart Programs, making it easy to cook various dishes at the touch of a button, which is great for those who may not be comfortable with complex cooking techniques. The stainless-steel insert is not only durable but also ensures even heat distribution, enhancing the cooking process.

On the practical side, this model is designed for easy cleaning, with dishwasher-safe components and a fingerprint-resistant exterior, which is a welcomed convenience for busy cooks. Safety is also a priority, with over 10 built-in safety features, including overheat protection and a secure locking lid, so you can cook without worry. The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 is an excellent choice for those seeking a multi-functional slow cooker that can also pressure cook, providing flexibility in meal preparation. It is perfect for busy families and anyone interested in experimenting with various cooking styles.

The Instant Pot Pro (8 QT) is a versatile kitchen appliance offering multiple functionalities including slow cooking, pressure cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, sous vide, yogurt making, sterilizing, and warming. Given its 8-quart capacity, it is well-suited for larger families or for those who enjoy meal prepping and batch cooking. The inner pot is made from high-quality cookware-grade stainless steel with an extra-thick aluminum layer, ensuring efficient heating and durability. The stay-cool silicone handles are a thoughtful addition, making it easy to transfer from the Instant Pot to the stove top if needed.

Its programmable settings and pre-set options for essential meals add convenience for users who like custom or quick cooking options. Safety features such as overheat protection, a safe locking lid, and a gentle steam release switch enhance user safety and reduce kitchen mess. Users can also benefit from the Instant Brands Connect App that offers over 800 recipes, providing endless cooking inspiration.

However, the unit is relatively heavy at 15.83 pounds, which may be cumbersome for some users. Additionally, while it excels in versatility, those looking specifically for a traditional slow cooker might find the multitude of features unnecessary. The touch control and programmable nature make it easy to use, yet might require a learning curve for some. The Instant Pot Pro is an excellent multi-cooker that performs well as a slow cooker and offers a range of other cooking methods, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.

The Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 is a versatile kitchen appliance that doubles as a slow cooker among many other cooking functions. With a 6-quart capacity, it’s well suited for families of up to eight people or those who like to meal prep. The shape is a standard rounded pot, which works well for even heat distribution during slow cooking. It offers 28 preset programs and 5 customizable ones, allowing you to set precise cooking times and temperatures, which is great if you want convenience and control over different slow-cooked dishes. The built-in timer helps manage cooking durations easily, so your meals come out right without constant monitoring. The inner pot is made of stainless steel, a material prized for durability, easy cleaning, and safe cooking without chemicals. The lid system includes an outer locking lid with safety features and a gentle steam release with a diffusing cover, which reduces noise and prevents messy splashes, a nice touch for slow cooking when steam control matters.

The Instant Pot is heavier and bulkier than many traditional slow cookers, so it requires more counter space and may not be as portable. Also, because it has multiple functions, it might be more complex to use for someone who only wants a simple slow cooker. While it excels in safety and versatility, some users might find learning all its settings a bit overwhelming at first. This Instant Pot is ideal if you want a slow cooker that can do much more—pressure cooking, sous vide, steaming, and beyond—making it a great multi-use tool for busy kitchens. But if you just want a straightforward slow cooker without fuss, a simpler model might serve better.