10 Best Stainless Steel Slow Cookers 2025 in the United States

The Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance that goes beyond just a slow cooker. It offers 9 functions, including pressure cooking, making yogurt, steaming, and sautéing, which can save you space and money on additional appliances.

Its 6-quart capacity is suitable for medium to large families, while its stainless-steel insert ensures durability and even cooking. The tri-ply bottom prevents the pot from spinning, making sautéing easier. The lid type includes both an outer and inner lid, contributing to its secure and user-friendly design. The improved venting system is a notable feature, making steam release stress-free and safe.

The display is user-friendly and provides real-time feedback on the cooking process. Additionally, the 15 customizable Smart Programs allow for one-touch cooking of various dishes, which can simplify meal preparation. The product is also dishwasher-safe, making clean-up convenient. However, the appliance's multifunctionality might be daunting for users looking for a straightforward slow cooker. Its size and weight, at 12.35 pounds, might also be a consideration for those with limited kitchen space.

The Instant Pot RIO Wide Base is a versatile 7.5-quart multi-cooker that suits those looking for a large-capacity slow cooker with extra cooking options. Its stainless steel insert with a tri-ply bottom is excellent for even heat distribution and durability, which is a step up from non-stick pots that can wear out faster. The wide base provides more surface area, great for browning or sautéing directly in the pot, and it fits larger meals like whole chickens or multi-rack ribs comfortably.

You get multiple cooking modes beyond slow cooking, such as pressure cooking, steaming, and yogurt making, making this appliance quite flexible. The timer and temperature controls are smartly integrated with preset recipes and a guided assistant on the display, helping beginners cook with confidence. The whisper-quiet steam release is a thoughtful feature for safety and convenience. Cleanup is easier than some models since the pot and lid are dishwasher safe. However, it’s not suitable for stovetop or oven use, and its fairly large footprint means it requires decent counter space.

This Instant Pot is well suited for users who want a multi-functional stainless steel cooker with a large capacity and smart features, but its size and complexity might be more than necessary if slow cooking is your only goal.

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 is a versatile kitchen appliance, designed to serve multiple cooking functions including pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, yogurt making, and keeping food warm. With a 6-quart capacity, it's well-suited for families or individuals who like to batch cook or meal prep. The food-grade stainless steel inner pot with a tri-ply bottom ensures even cooking and is ideal for sautéing, adding to its versatility.

The appliance includes 13 customizable Smart Programs, which simplifies the cooking process with one-touch functionality, making it easy to prepare a variety of meals. The stainless-steel finish is finger-print resistant and all the removable parts are dishwasher-safe, which makes cleaning straightforward and quick. Safety is a significant focus, with over 10 safety features including overheat protection and a safe-locking lid, providing peace of mind during use.

While the appliance excels in versatility, it may be overwhelming for those looking for a dedicated slow cooker due to its multifunctional nature and the learning curve associated with mastering all its features. Additionally, its relatively heavy weight of 11.8 pounds might be cumbersome for some users to handle. For those who appreciate multifunctionality and convenience in the kitchen, this product offers a robust solution, but it might be more than what is necessary for someone solely interested in slow cooking.