The Best Slow Cookers for Every Budget, According to Our Test Kitchen

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Simmer your way to an easier weeknight meal.

In the age of soccer games and packed schedules, name an appliance more user-friendly than the beloved slow cooker—we’ll wait. This “set it and forget it” appliance, which can stew, simmer and, in some cases, even sear, is a worthy investment for anyone looking to streamline the cooking process. Slow cooker recipes are also a great way to lean into protein-rich beans, iron-rich leafy greens and seasonal root vegetables.

These cookers come in various sizes, with the “standard” size being 6 quarts. However, if you do a lot of cooking for one, or if you simply have a small kitchen with limited storage space, you may want to consider a miniature slow cooker instead of a full-size model. While only a fraction of the size of a standard slow cooker, these tiny but mighty appliances can do all the work of a larger model—just in smaller batches. Plus, the petite size of these mini cookers means they’re much more compact and easier to transport than the bulky 6-quart versions. (Solo glamping trip with slow cooker chili on a cool evening? Yes, please.)

To that end, the EatingWell Test Kitchen rounded up a total of 16 full-size and mini slow cookers that ranged in price from $10 on the low end to $700 on the high end. Through extensive testing, we found the ones that came out on top.

Our Slow Cooker Recommendations

• Best Overall: Cuisinart Cook Central 3-in-1 6-Quart Multi-Cooker

• Best with Locking Lid: Hamilton Beach Set & Forget Digital Programmable 6-Quart Slow Cooker

• Best Ceramic: GreenLife Cook Duo 6-Quart Nonstick Slow Cooker

• Best Multipurpose: Wolf Gourmet Multi-Function Cooker, 7 Quart

• Best Value: Crock-Pot 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with MyTime Technology

• Best for Casseroles: Crock-Pot Small 3.5-Quart Manual Casserole Slow Cooker and Food Warmer

• Best Medium-Capacity: Calphalon 5.3-Quart Digital Sauté Slow Cooker

• Best Overall Mini Slow Cooker: Brentwood 1.5-Quart Slow Cooker

• Best Mini Slow Cooker for Entertaining: Elite Gourmet Triple Slow Cooker, 3 x 2.5-Quart

Best Overall: Cuisinart Cook Central 3-in-1 6-Quart Multi-Cooker

$160 at Amazon

$160 at Crate & Barrel

What we like: A large-capacity cooker with lots of bells and whistles.

What to know: Can take up a good bit of counter space.

It’s hard to find a slow cooker that can also function as a roaster, but this Cuisinart model is a true multifunctional machine. Along with slow cooking, this machine has steaming, roasting and even sautéing capabilities, and when we put this appliance to the test, we found that it performed well in all of its functions (yes, really). It even comes with a steaming and roasting rack so you don’t have to hunt one down yourself.

The slow cooking function has four distinct settings—high, low, simmer and warm—which can be controlled for up to 24 hours at a time. Additionally, the cooker comes with a removable, nonstick interior cooking vessel that’s dishwasher-safe, as is the lid, so cleaning is as easy as cooking with this multifaceted machine.

During our testing, we cooked four dishes in this Cuisinart cooker: a bison stew, a small pork butt, a tri-tip steak with vegetables and some chicken for tacos. The oblong shape of the cooker made it perfect for all four dishes, giving us ample room to lay out all of our ingredients without any overcrowding. The lid was nice and secure throughout the entire cooking process, and even when cooking on high, the outside of the cooker didn’t get hot at all. While this machine is a bit bulky and heavy, we think it deserves a spot in any kitchen with the space to store it.

Capacity: 6-quart | Dimensions: 11"D x 18"W x 10.5"H | Dishwasher-safe: Yes

Best with Locking Lid: Hamilton Beach Set & Forget Digital Programmable 6-Quart Slow Cooker

$75 at Amazon

What we like: An affordable model with a locking lid to prevent spills when transporting.

What to know: No brown or sauté setting.

This Hamilton Beach Set & Forget slow cooker is ideal for the potlucking crowd. The lid features latches that lock on both sides for easy transport if you happen to be cooking for a moveable feast, and a spoon attaches to the exterior for easy access once you get to your destination. The comfortably designed handles allow you to grip and carry this cooker with ease and finesse. Additionally, the removable interior and lid are both dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup after the party is over.

During our tests, we liked that this affordable cooker offered three different settings, including “program,” “probe” and “manual.” The “program” setting allows you to set a specific cooking time, “probe” (fittingly) uses a temperature probe for meats to determine doneness, and “manual” allows you to select warm, low and high temperature settings. Out of all of these settings, we loved the probe the most, as we could easily monitor the progress of our meats as they cooked. Both the pork roast and the chicken we placed in this cooker turned out perfectly thanks to this feature, with no over- or undercooked pieces.

Capacity: 6-quart | Dimensions: 12"D x 17"W x 11.87"H | Dishwasher-safe: Yes

Best Ceramic: GreenLife Cook Duo 6-Quart Nonstick Slow Cooker

$60 at Amazon

$77 at Walmart

What we like: Offers the benefits of ceramic cooking in multiple colorways.

What to know: Very few bells and whistles.

Ceramic cookers are known for even heat distribution, and during our tests, we found that this GreenLife Cook Duo was no exception. The interior pot, which is dishwasher-safe, can be placed directly on the stove for reheating—a unique feature that we appreciated. The ceramic nonstick coating was easy to cook in, so troublesome foods did not stick to the interior, and it’s made with PFAS- and PFOA-free materials. The cooker also comes in four different colors—black, white, pink and turquoise—so you can pick one that fits with your kitchen aesthetic.

This economical model does come with fewer high-end features than some other cookers; a delay timer, “keep warm” setting, and heat variation dial are the extent of the machine’s modalities. However, given the wallet-friendly price point of this model, we didn’t mind the lack of flourishes.

Capacity: 6-quart | Dimensions: 15.28"L x 11.1"W x 10.04"H | Dishwasher safe: Yes

Best Multipurpose: Wolf Gourmet Multi-Function Cooker, 7 Quart

$700 at Williams-Sonoma

$700 at belk.com

What we like: A top-of-the-line appliance with tons of extra functions.

What to know: A lofty price point.

The Wolf was the biggest splurge we tested in terms of price, but it performed very well in every category. It also had the largest capacity of the bunch, at 7 quarts (as opposed to the standard 6 quarts). Similar to the Cuisinart model we tested, the Wolf boasts a variety of multi-cooking options, including “slow cook,” “program,” “rice,” “sauté/sear” and “meal timer.” Additionally, the Wolf gives home cooks the option to sous vide, setting it apart from the other cookers on our list.

Given its capacious size, we primarily used the Wolf cooker for large cuts of meat, including a 3-pound pork shoulder and a pot roast. Both of these came out tender and well-cooked, and the pork was perfectly shreddable after slow cooking for six hours. While the lid doesn’t lock into place, it does feature a thick silicone gasket, which creates a supertight seal. And even after the full six hours of cooking, the silicone-coated handles of this machine stayed cool to the touch.

The Wolf’s stainless steel insert can be used atop gas, electric and induction cooktops, and an included temperature probe makes it easy to monitor larger roasts as they cook. Both the insert and lid are dishwasher-safe, and the machine comes with a five-year warranty, which might make you feel a little better about the steep price of entry.

Capacity: 7-quart | Dimensions: 14 1/2"D x 17"W x 11"H | Dishwasher-safe: Yes

Best Value: Crock-Pot 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with MyTime Technology

$70 at Amazon

$80 at Walmart

What we like: A classic, no-frills cooker with an affordable price point.

What to know: Mostly low-temp settings.

For under $100, home cooks can invest in this classic Crock-Pot 6-Quart, a full-size slow cooker with a ton of built-in value. It features MyTime technology, which automatically adjusts the temperature settings and cooking cycle based on when you are ready to eat. Simply choose your food type, amount and when you plan to eat, and the machine does the work for you. There’s also a manual setting for those who’d rather forgo the fancy technology in favor of a more traditional method.

In our tests, we found this machine reliable and easy to use, particularly for the price. We made a variety of dishes in this cooker, including cannellini beans, pulled pork, rice and a whole chicken, all of which cooked evenly with no hot spots or scorching. The oval shape of the machine means there’s plenty of room for all of your ingredients. The stoneware insert and glass lid are both dishwasher-safe, and the stainless steel exterior wipes clean easily with a sponge or cloth.

Capacity: 6-quart | Dimensions: 16.2"L x 11.5"W x 10"H | Dishwasher-safe: Yes

Best for Casseroles: Crock-Pot Small 3.5-Quart Manual Casserole Slow Cooker and Food Warmer

$70 at Amazon

What we like: A machine specifically shaped for casserole lovers.

What to know: Its shape may not work for all types of cooking.

With its uniquely shallow, rectangular shape and lockable lid, this Crock-Pot slow cooker is ideal for those who use their machines for casseroles, lasagnas and other similar one-pan meals. The stoneware insert doubles as a baking dish and can be removed and placed directly in the oven. The cook-and-carry lid locking system is ideal for bringing to parties and holiday gatherings, and the oversize handles on the sides allow for easy transport.

This machine includes heat settings of low, high and warm, and we found that it performed well at all three settings. When testing this cooker, we made a casserole-like breakfast potato hash that turned out perfectly. However, due to its shape, this cooker may not be the most versatile. For instance, when we tried making spinach artichoke dip in this cooker, it ended up burning on the sides—and since the stoneware isn’t dishwasher-safe, it took some time to clean the burnt bits off. If you intend to use your slow cooker to make dips or stews, we recommend sticking to a classic round or oval-shaped model.

Capacity: 3.5-quart | Dimensions: 9"D x 13"W x 1"H | Dishwasher-safe: No

Best Medium-Capacity: Calphalon 5.3-Quart Digital Sauté Slow Cooker

$170 at Amazon

$220 at Bed Bath & Beyond

What we like: A sleek, lightweight and user-friendly machine that performs well.

What to know: The sauté function takes place on the stovetop and not in the cooker.

This round, 5.3-quart Calphalon slow cooker was one of our highest scorers in testing, particularly in design and ease of cleaning. The nonstick ceramic insert is dishwasher-safe, and you can use it on electric, gas and induction cooktops. This machine features a digital LCD display with dial settings for “low,” “high” and “warm” temperatures, and it allows you to set the cooking time in 15-minute increments.

When testing this Calphalon model, we found that it was surprisingly roomy on the inside. Even at just over 5 quarts, we were able to fit an entire pot roast inside with some extra room left at the top. The shape and size of the cooker made it easy to store, and it was so lightweight that we could pick it up with just one hand when it was empty. This machine cooked our food evenly, with no noticeable hot spots, and when it was done cooking, the machine played a little jingle to let us know it was ready—a helpful (and adorable) bonus feature that we loved.

One thing to note: While the machine advertises itself as a “digital sauté slow cooker,” it’s a bit of a misnomer. This cooker doesn’t have a built-in sauté function like some of the other models we tested; rather, that sauté function refers to sautéing food on the stovetop with the removable insert.

Capacity: 5.3-quart | Dimensions: 14.37"D x 17.78"W x 23.19"H | Dishwasher-safe: Yes

Best Overall Mini Slow Cooker: Brentwood 1.5-Quart Slow Cooker

$35 at Amazon

$35 at belk.com

What we like: A small but mighty slow cooker that performs just as well as the larger ones.

What to know: The outside of the machine can get quite hot while cooking.

Don’t let the size of this Brentwood 1.5-Quart Slow Cooker fool you—this diminutive device packs a powerful punch. Weighing roughly five pounds, this lightweight cooker is extremely sturdy. It features three temperature settings, warm, low and high, and during our testing, we noticed that the outside of this thing gets hot, so make sure you have pot holders handy when touching it.

When making our dips, we found that this cooker kept them perfectly warm throughout the entire two-hour holding period. The machine’s ceramic insert and tempered glass lid are both dishwasher-safe, and they’re also easy to wipe clean if you don’t have a dishwasher.

We found that this model was small enough to store with ease, making it perfect for small apartments and dorm rooms. We think this petite slow cooker makes a great gift for college students or young adults living on their own for the first time—and with a price tag of $30, we think it’s definitely worth trying.

Capacity: 1.5-quart | Dimensions: 9”D x 9”W x 6.8”H inches | Dishwasher safe: Yes

Best Mini Slow Cooker for Entertaining: Elite Gourmet Triple Slow Cooker, 3 x 2.5-Quart

$70 at Amazon

What we like: Can heat three different foods at a time.

What to know: May not be super useful outside of entertaining.

Whether you entertain throughout the year or for just a couple of key events, this Elite Gourmet Triple Slow Cooker will upgrade your hosting skills. Featuring three individual cookers all nestled together in a rectangular base, this triple-cooker is similar to a chafing dish at a buffet. Each cooker can hold 2.5 quarts of food, and all three can operate at different temperatures at the same time. This means you can effectively whip up an appetizer in one cooker, an entree in the second, and a dessert in the third, knocking out three courses in one fell swoop.

When we put this trio to the test, we all agreed that this machine was a winner for small-space or small-crowd entertaining—both easy to use and easy to clean. We loved the simple and user-friendly dial settings for temperature, and the lids and the oval-shaped stoneware pots are all safe to toss in the dishwasher after use. While this three-in-one cooker does take up a bit of counter space, it’s lightweight, sturdy and easy to carry.

Capacity: 3 x 2.5-quart | Dimensions: 25.6"D x 26.5"W x 8.75"H | Dishwasher-safe: Yes

The Bottom Line

Our top overall pick, the Cuisinart Cook Central 3-in-1 6-Quart Multi-Cooker (view at Amazon), is more than just a slow cooker. This machine can also roast, sear, steam and sauté, making it our top recommendation for both performance and versatility. For a more value-driven option, however, we loved the Crock-Pot 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker (view at Amazon), which comes in at under $100. This full-size cooker offers plenty of extras for a great price, including MyTime technology, which automatically adjusts cooking cycles and temperature settings so your food is ready whenever you are. Looking for a smaller-scale model that fits into tight kitchen spaces? The Brentwood 1.5-Quart Mini Cooker (view at Amazon) makes a great addition to any dorm or studio apartment.

Choosing a Slow Cooker

Check the Capacity

This primarily depends on your own personal needs. If you have a large family or entertain frequently, you will likely need a 6-quart machine, which is the standard size for a slow cooker, to accommodate your needs. If you cook smaller amounts of food, consider sizing down—slow cookers perform at their best when they are at least half-full.

Take Note of the Footprint

The larger the capacity of your slow cooker, the more space it will take up in your kitchen, so you’ll want to account for this when choosing your machine. If you intend to keep your cooker out on the countertop, it’s worth noting that standard size machines do take up an ample amount of space. For those with small kitchens, a mini cooker may be a better option than a full-size one.

Pick the Right Shape

Slow cookers traditionally come in two shapes, round and oval, although there are some models that are shaped differently. For instance, we have two rectangular slow cookers on our list—the Elite Platinum model that’s shaped like a chafing dish and the Crock-Pot Manual Casserole Slow Cooker that’s specifically geared toward casserole-making. Oval-shaped slow cookers are well-suited for cooking whole birds and roasts, but if you plan to use your cooker for soups or stews, a round basin may be better (and easier to store).

Consider the Features and Value

In addition to the classic low and high heat settings, many modern slow cookers also come with additional features, including settings for searing, steaming and programming your machine in advance. However, these settings often increase the price of the machine. Whether or not these extra settings matter to you will depend on how you intend to use your slow cooker. If you only plan to cook stews and soups or to braise meats and beans, you may not need a fancy model with various settings. But if you’re a tech-savvy cook who prefers having options, a more expensive model that offers more bells and whistles is probably what you’ll want.

Our Slow Cooker Tests

To find the best slow cookers, we conducted several rounds of testing in our kitchens, assessing 16 slow cookers in both mini and full sizes. We tested the standard-size machines on both high and low settings, and we cooked at least one large cut of meat, such as a pork butt or beef roast. We also made a variety of other dishes in them, from ribs to whole chicken to cauliflower curry to various soups and stews. When testing the mini cookers, smaller-format dishes were prioritized, like cheese and spinach dip. After digesting the results of these tests, we chose the top-scoring slow cookers across a range of categories, including price, size and features.

We Also Considered

In addition to the slow cookers that we included in this list, we also considered other models in testing. Some of these included:

Ninja 8.5-Quart Foodi PossibleCooker Pro ($150 at Amazon): Although the Ninja was roomy and easy to clean, we were less impressed with its performance, as the temperature settings were not as precise as we would have liked them to be.

Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker ($69 at Walmart): While we liked the oval shape of the Beautiful cooker, it was harder to clean than some of the other models we tested, and we found that it ran a little too hot.

GreenPan Elite 8-in-1 Programmable 6-Quart Slow Cooker ($250 at Amazon): Scoring high in design, ease-of-cleaning, and ease-of-use, the GreenPan didn’t quite hit the mark for us when it came to performance—especially at the relatively steep price point.

KitchenAid 6-Quart Slow Cooker ($130 at Amazon): With its sleek shape and brushed stainless steel exterior, we thought this KitchenAid model was very visually appealing. However, we found the heat to be too inconsistent for us to include this cooker in our list.

Common Questions

What is the best way to clean a slow cooker?

Most slow cookers have a removable interior cooking vessel, which can either be placed in the dishwasher or cleaned by hand, depending on the model. Before cleaning the vessel, wait until it has cooled completely. Then, rinse it thoroughly and wash it with a sponge and dishwashing soap. If you’re using the dishwasher, place the vessel on the bottom rack. To clean the exterior of the slow cooker, you’ll need to unplug it from the wall first. Then, once the machine is cooled, you can wash it with soap and water—but don’t put it in the dishwasher.

What is best to cook in a slow cooker?

Slow cookers are good for coaxing flavors out of food over the course of a long period of time, and foods that are receptive to long, slow cooking processes do well in a slow cooker. Tougher cuts of meat that can be braised, like pork shoulder, brisket and leg of lamb, are ideal choices, as are beans, long-cooking soups and stews.

What should you not cook in a slow cooker?

Lean meats do not fare well in the slow cooker, as they tend to get tough and dry. Pasta will overcook in a slow cooker unless you add it at the end of cooking. Additionally, anything that tastes better crispy is unlikely to yield a delicious result in a slow cooker. That said, our top pick, the Cuisinart Cook Central, offers multi-cooking capabilities like roasting and sautéing, which may help retain crispness.

Are slow cookers the same thing as Crock-Pots?

Crock-Pot is a brand name for a type of slow cooker. So, while all Crock-Pots are slow cookers, not all slow cookers are Crock-Pots.

Slow cookers vs. Instant Pots: What’s the difference?

Instant Pots are actually branded multi-cookers, but the cooking is largely executed through pressure rather than time—although some Instant Pots (and other brands of multi-cookers) do have slow cooking functions within them, depending on the model. The primary use of the Instant Pot is the pressure function, in which tougher foods are broken down through the pressure created within the vessel of the Instant Pot. On the other hand, slow cookers break down tougher foods through time and heat. While the end result of the food is similar, the process is different in each appliance. Additionally, slow cookers can take much longer to cook the food than pressure cookers.

Can you cook rice in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! In fact, we have numerous slow cooker recipes in our EatingWell repertoire that include rice as an ingredient. However, since rice is prone to overcooking (similar to pasta), you'll want to add it near the end of the cooking cycle. If you're looking to cook a batch of plain rice, there are some slow cookers out there (like the Wolf model on our list) that include a specific setting for rice. But if your slow cooker doesn't have this feature, you'll likely need to play around with proportions and cooking times to achieve your desired result. If you eat rice frequently, we recommend investing in a good rice cooker, as these appliances are specifically designed to control the cooking time and temp to achieve the perfect texture every time.

Our Trusted Expertise

Our writer, Hannah Selinger, is a James Beard Award-nominated writer who has written about food and drinks for local and national publications since 2015. A former sommelier and a graduate of the French Culinary Institute, Hannah has worked for some of New York’s top restaurant groups.

This article was edited and updated by Kayleigh Drake, a former full-time baker and current EatingWell commerce editor and contributor to publications such as Food & Wine, Simply Recipes and The Spruce Eats.

Read the original article on Eating Well.