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In this post: Whether you want a stand-alone slow cooker or a multi-cooker, here are 18 of the top-rated slow cookers of the year!
I can barely recall a time in our adult lives when Dean and I haven’t owned a slow cooker. Sometimes we’ve even had more than one at a time. They’re a handy meal prepping device that helps save time and clean up in the kitchen, which I love.
Sadly our last one just died last month so it was time to get a new one. Which led me to research a bunch of slow cookers.
Keep reading to find out which ones I liked and which one I ended up choosing for our kitchen!
Table of Contents
How does a slow cooker work?
A slow cooker lets you cook foods at a low temperature for a long time. They’re perfect for soups, stews, and other one-pot meals.
Slow cookers also allow for a lot of hands-off time after the initial prep time, so they’re really great for busy moms or anyone who would rather do some prep in the morning instead of after a long day.
Traditionally a slow cooker has a high (as high as 300 degrees F) and a low setting (about 190-210 degrees F). Some have a keep warm setting as well (which is around 165 degrees F). However, temperatures will vary with the brand and type of slow cooker.
Some newer models also have other functions like rice cooker and sous vide and the interior “crock” on others can even brown and be used in the oven. Which makes one less pot and less clean up!
The low and slow nature of slow cookers makes them the perfect device for cooking cheaper or larger cuts of meats because the process allows the meat to be tender.
What’s the difference between a slow cooker and a Crockpot?
Slow cooker is the device’s name like toaster, kettle, or microwave are device names. While Crockpot is a brand name used by Rival since the 1970s for its line of slow cookers. So calling a slow cooker a Crockpot is like calling a tissue a Kleenex (which is a brand name of tissues).
Of course, many other brands make slow cookers now too, which you will see below.
Can you leave food in a slow cooker overnight?
Yes, you can cook food in a slow cooker overnight and switch to warm in the morning. This is a great option for cooking breakfast or even lunch ahead of time. You probably shouldn’t leave food on warm overnight though. Nor should you really put food in overnight and leave the slow cooker off.
Slow cooker care and maintenance
Always read the manual that comes with your slow cooker.
Ceramic slow cooker inserts are prone to breakage with wild temperature fluctuations. So don’t run cold water into the insert when it’s hot.
Most stoneware or ceramic inserts and their glass lids are dishwasher-safe. Otherwise, clean them with hot soapy water and a dishcloth, rather than abrasive cleaners and scrubbers. If extra scrubbing is needed, try using a little baking soda instead.
Also a note about slow cookers with a locking lid. The locks are meant to make transporting cooked dishes easier to a potluck or family event. They aren’t meant to be locked while the foods are cooking. Locking the lid while cooking could result in a broken lid.
Do you want a slow cooker or multicooker?
There are so many types of cooking appliances out there. From pressure cookers to multicookers, it can be hard to figure out which slow cooking appliance is the right fit for you.
The slow cooker that died was literally the $25 cheapy version from Walmart. There’s nothing wrong with that of course and when I bought it I wanted it super inexpensive and simple to use, which it was.
We also have the Ninja Foodi, which I love because it’s a 4-in-1 air fryer, pressure cooker, slow cooker, and a mini oven that can bake, roast, and broil too.
Technically, we could have gotten away with just using the Foodi as our only slow cooker. But I do find it takes up a lot of counter space and I often use it for other things. Or we need two slow cookers (one for lunch and one for dinner) going at the same time. (Our oven has also been acting up and is now out of warranty, so I sort of want to keep the Foodi as a backup in case the oven breaks entirely.)
So, it was time for a new slow cooker.
What to look for when shopping for a slow cooker
Capacity & Shape
The first thing to think about when shopping for a slow cooker is the size. How much will it hold? Slow cookers come in various sizes anywhere from 11/2 quarts to 8 quarts.
Also, do you mostly cook soups and stews? If so, you could use a round slow cooker. Or do you often cook whole cuts of meat like pot roast beef or roast chicken? If this is the case, you will want an oval slow cooker to accommodate that.
So be sure to get one that suits the size of your household and the types and volume of foods you want to be cooking in it.
Footprint
Keep in mind how much counter space this appliance will take up. Consider your kitchen storage space too. Can you store more than one device? Or do you have only room for one multi-cooker? Will the new slow cooker fit in a cabinet under the counter? Or is it too tall? Keep both the counter space and cabinet space in mind before you buy a new slow cooker.
Features
Manual or digital? A manual slow cooker will require a little more babysitting to ensure that food doesn’t overcook if the slow cooker is left on for too long. But a manual version will cost much less than one with digital controls.
Just slow cooking? Do you want your slow cooker to JUST function as a traditional slow cooker? Or do you want to be able to pressure cook or air fry in one device? What about searing or heating in the oven? Choose a slow cooker that does exactly what you want it to.
Is it programmable? Do you need the ability to schedule when your slow cooker turns on? After you leave for work perhaps. Or do you need it to switch to warming mode after the meal is cooked?
How easy is it to clean?
Of course, having a slow cooker to make one-pot meals in simplifies things. But it’s not very helpful if that one pot is a beast to clean! So be sure to choose one that is easy to clean.
For example, we’ve always had slow cookers with heavy ceramic inserts and nubby handles – that are very hard to grip while wet which has resulted in more than one dropped insert!
The top 18 slow cookers for 2022
In my slow cooker searching, I found several great options, made by several different brands.
Ultimately, I personally wanted a white one that would look nice sitting on the counter while it was doing the work of cooking our dinner.
Not too much to ask right?
Well, it was a tall order. But I’m happy with the one we got so far. (It’s number 18 on the list, FYI. Save the best for last, right?)
*Please note that I did my best to find in-stock slow cookers. But due to supply and demand, not all of the slow cookers below may be in stock by the time you read this. I’ve given plenty of options though, so you should still be able to find one that works for you!
01| Instant Pot Aura 10-in-1 Multicooker Slow Cooker
This multi-use slow cooker is one of the first Instant Pots that doesn’t pressure cook. With ten smart programs, this one can really do it all!
Capacity & Shape
- 6-quart oval
Features
- 10 programs: roast, stew, bake, steam, slow cook, sear/sauté, rice, yogurt, ferment, and warm (NO pressure cooker option)
- 24-hour delay start
- Light aluminum removable cooking pot
Where to Find It:
02| Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S-A 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker
This crockpot serves 7+ people and gives you a digital countdown to let you program the perfect cook time for your meal.
Capacity & Shape
- 6-quart oval
Features
- Locking lid and gasket for those on the go
- Programmable, shifts to warming mode once the cooking time is complete
- Stone cooking pot
Where to Find It:
03| Wolf Gourmet Programmable 6-in-1 Multi-Cooker with Temperature Probe
With so many different options, you can do everything from sautéing and searing to sous vide in one appliance. This is one serious splurge though!
Capacity & Shape
- 7-quart oval
Features
- 6-in-1 multi-cooker including manual, meal timer, program, rice, sauté/sear, and sous vide
- Removable stainless steel cooking pot can be used on any cooktop
Where to Find It:
04| Crock-Pot 3-Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker
At under $40, you can’t go wrong with this small Crock-Pot! Perfect for single dwellers or couples, this small crockpot is a great fit.
Capacity & Shape
- 3-quart, round
Features
- Manual dial with high, low, and warm
- Removable stoneware insert
Where to Find It:
05| Cuisinart PSC-650 Stainless Steel 6-1/2-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
This programmable slow cooker is perfect for a family. It includes a 24 hour programmable cook time and will auto keep warm to make sure your food doesn’t get cold.
Capacity & Shape
- 6.5-quart rectangular with oval insert
Features
- Simmer, low and high modes, 24-hour programmable cook time, auto keep-warm; cord storage
- Removable ceramic pot
Where to Find It:
06| Crock-Pot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
This spacious slow cooker serves over 9 people and can even fit a whole roast inside! Plus, it’s less than $50.
Capacity & Shape
- 7-quart, oval
Features
- Easy to use manual controal dial
- Removable stoneware pot
Where to Find It:
07| Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart
This large crockpot is perfect for cooking a full Thanksgiving turkey or feeding a large family.
Capacity & Shape
- 10-quart oval
Features
- Extra-large capacity fits a 10-pound turkey or 12-pound roast!
- Clip tight sealed lid for less mess on the way to potlucks or tailgate parties
Where to Find It:
08| Crock-Pot 2100467 Express Easy Release
This can pressure cook, slow cook, statute, or steam all in one easy-to-use appliance.
Capacity & Shape
- 6-quart, round
Features
- Pressure cook, slow cook, brown/sauté
- Can feed up to 7+ people
Where to Find It:
09| Zojirushi EL-CAC60XZ Multicooker
With 9 menu settings to help you do everything from slow cook to keep warm, this unique slow cooker has the right temperature for anything you cook.
Capacity & Shape
- 6-quart, oval
Features
- 9 modes: Sauté/Sear, Simmer, Low/Slow Cook, Steam, White Rice, Brown Rice, Quinoa, Yogurt and Keep Warm
- 4 temperature settings from 140°F to 200°F for slow cooking, tofu making, and other low-temperature cooking
- Stainless Steel cooking pot with convenient resin handles
Where to Find It:
10| Calphalon Digital Sauté Slow Cooker
This modern slow cooker is perfect for cooking everything you need in a more durable design.
Capacity & Shape
- 5.3-quart, round
Features
- Sear, brown, sauté, & slow cook all in one pot
- The cooking pot can be removed to brown and sear food on electric, gas, or induction cooktops before slow cooking
Where to Find It:
11| Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock
Using smart technology to help you do everything you need, this isn’t your mom’s regular old slow cooker.
Capacity & Shape
- 6-quart, oval
Features
- Cook a recipe to either a desired cooking time or a specific temperature, before automatically switching to warm when it’s done
- Temperature probe
- Clip-tight gasket lid for easy transport
Where to Find It:
12| All-Clad SD700350 Slow Cooker, 7 Quart
With four cooking modes to help you prepare a home-cooked meal on any schedule, this is a great slow cooking option.
Capacity & Shape
- 7-quart, squared oval
Features
- Programmable with automatic switch to warm when cooking time is finished
- Stainless steel lid (not see-through)
Where to Find It:
13| BLACK+DECKER SCD7007SSD 7-Quart Digital Slow Cooker
This well-known brand has so many different modes, a temperature probe to make sure your food is done and takes all the stress out of mealtimes.
Capacity & Shape
- 7-quart oval
Features
- Temperature probe
- Sous-vide function
- Removable ceramic crock
Where to Find It:
14| KitchenAid KSC6223SS 6-Qt. Slow Cooker
With four temperature settings to ensure your food comes out perfect, this is the perfect failproof slow cooker.
Capacity & Shape
- 6-quart, oval
Features
- 4 temperatures: low, medium, high, and keep warm
- Removable ceramic vessel
Where to Find It:
15| Hamilton Beach 33866 Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker
This portable slow cooker has everything you need to cook up the perfect dish without a lot of hands-on effort.
Capacity & Shape
- 6-quart oval
Features
- Integrated temperature probe
- Hold temperature function lets you sous vide, prepare yogurt, poach, simmer, braise, make fondue & more
- Countdown timer displays remaining cooking time and toggles between the selected food temperature and a current internal temperature when the probe is in use
Where to Find It:
16| Crock-Pot Slow Cooker|8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
With enough room to feed 10 plus people, you can’t go wrong with this easy-to-use crockpot.
Capacity & Shape
- 8-quart, oval
Features
- Digital timer counts down cooking time up to 20 hours
- Automatically keeps food warm after cooking is done
- Removable, dishwasher-safe lid and stoneware pot
Where to Find It:
17| Crock-Pot 2137020 MyTime Technology
Using MyTime Technology, your slow cooker can adjust the cooking cycle so your meals are ready when YOU want them done.
Capacity & Shape
- 6-quart oval
Features
- MyTime adjusts its settings to your schedule for perfect results every time
- Dishwasher-safe stoneware and glass lid
Where to Find It:
And the slow cooker we chose:
18| GreenLife Cook Duo Healthy Ceramic Nonstick 6QT Slow Cooker
Beautiful to look at and extra large and deep, this slow cooker easily offers plenty of room for family meals.
Capacity & Shape
- 6-quart, oval
Features
- Extra-large and deep
- The pot is lightweight and removable for stovetop and oven use, so you can start with a sear, finish slow, and get more flavor
- Healthy ceramic nonstick coating isn’t just easy-to-clean—it’s derived from sand and free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium for effortless release and worry-free cooking
- Easy-to-Use Control Panel: Delay Timer, Mode, Keep Warm, On/Off
- 3 Modes: Low/Medium/High
- Delay Start Timer (From 30 mins. to 20 hrs.)
- Programmable up to 10 hours
- Lid and pot are easy to clean and dishwasher safe
Where to find it:
Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love
Slow cookers have come a long way since their debut in the ’70s, but now you can make everything from a batch of overnight oats to even an entire cake! Here are just a few of our own slow cooker recipes.
Whether you are just looking to make the basics, or make your slow cooker really work for you, there is the perfect device for everyone here. Hopefully, this list will help you find the best slow cooker for you!
