10 Best Slow Cookers 2025 in the United States

The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance that excels in the slow-cooking category, among its many functions. With a generous 6-quart capacity, it’s great for cooking meals for families or batch cooking for yourself. Its nine cooking functions, including not just slow cooking but also pressure cooking, rice cooking, and yogurt making, add significant versatility to your kitchen, allowing for a wide range of recipes. The improved venting system simplifies steam release, which can be a common concern for new users, making cooking less stressful.

The product features a stainless steel insert that ensures even cooking, and it's dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup a breeze. The easy-to-read display with cooking progress feedback is another plus, helping you monitor your meal as it cooks. With a variety of 15 Smart Programs, it caters to different cooking needs with just a touch, making it user-friendly.

For those specifically looking for just a traditional slow cooker, the multitude of functions might feel overwhelming at first. It has numerous safety features, but some users may find the complexity of the settings a bit daunting. Additionally, while it can cook meals quickly, those who prefer the deep flavors of a long, slow cook might need to adjust their cooking times and techniques to suit this appliance.

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 RIO Wide Base is a versatile 7-in-1 multi-cooker with a substantial 7.5-quart capacity, making it ideal for large families or meal prepping. Its wide shape is excellent for fitting larger ingredients like a whole chicken or multiple racks of ribs. The stainless steel insert with a tri-ply bottom ensures even cooking and is durable. The pot and lid are dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup.

This multi-cooker offers multiple cooking functions including slow cooking, pressure cooking, steaming, sautéing, and more, making it a jack-of-all-trades in the kitchen. The WhisperQuiet steam release feature is a thoughtful addition for quieter operation. A guided assistant and cooking progress indicator make it user-friendly, even for those not familiar with advanced kitchen gadgets.

On the downside, the device is heavy, weighing 17.86 pounds, and its glossy finish might require regular cleaning to maintain its appearance. Additionally, it does not support stovetop or oven use. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Instant Pot RIO Wide Base stands out for its wide searing base and modern design, promising efficiency and convenience for a variety of cooking needs.