10 Best Slow Cookers 2026 in the United States

The Crockpot Manual 8-Quart Slow Cooker is a solid choice for families or gatherings since it offers a large 8-quart capacity, comfortably serving 10 or more people. Its oval shape is practical for cooking whole chickens or larger cuts of meat evenly. Temperature options are simple with HIGH, LOW, and a handy WARM setting to keep food ready to eat without overcooking. The manual control is easy to use but lacks a built-in timer, so you’ll need to keep track of cooking times yourself.

The removable stoneware insert and glass lid are both dishwasher-safe, making cleanup straightforward. The stoneware material retains heat well, contributing to consistent cooking results. The black exterior with plastic handles looks classic and stays cool to the touch for safer handling. The manual controls might feel basic for those who want more precise programming or automatic shut-off features.

This slow cooker is a dependable, no-frills option that suits users who prefer simplicity and need a large capacity for slow cooking meals.

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 Crock-pot Express Crock Slow Cooker offers a large 8-quart capacity, making it a great choice for families or gatherings of 10 or more people. Its oval shape is practical for fitting different types of food, including larger cuts of meat or whole chickens. You get three cooking settings: HIGH, LOW, and a useful WARM option to keep meals ready to serve. While it does not have a digital timer, the manual touch controls are straightforward and easy to use.

The removable stoneware insert and glass lid are dishwasher safe, which simplifies cleanup after cooking. The materials are durable, with a stainless steel exterior that should hold up well over time. On the downside, the lack of a programmable timer means you need to monitor cooking times yourself, which might be less convenient if you want to set it and forget it. Also, the device is quite heavy at 8 pounds and fairly large, so it may require a good amount of kitchen space.

This slow cooker suits those who want a reliable, large-capacity cooker with basic controls and easy cleaning, but it may not be the best fit for users looking for more advanced features like digital timers or multiple cooking modes.