The Best Slow Cookers in 2021 (Analyzed & Reviewed)

To help you pick one of the best slow cookers available on the market, we carefully analyzed dozens of different models and read through hundreds of reviews. Check out our top 10 list, which we compiled based on a strict set of criteria, including the following:

• Material quality
• Performance
• Ease of use
• Ease of cleaning
• Buying perks
• Value for money

Affiliate Disclosure

Crock-Pot has been in the market for over forty years, and during this time, it’s won the trust of many satisfied customers by selling high-quality cookers. It has become so popular that people often use its brand name for all slow cookers.

Thanks to the brand’s vast experience, excellent products, and superior quality, Crock-Pot has earned the highest place on our top-10 list of the best slow cookers to buy. Let’s see what’s so special about Crock-Pot’s 6.0-Quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker.

Capacity – The capacity of this cooker’s oval stoneware is six quarts. In other words, it can prepare a meal for at least seven people.

Programmable features – This Crock-Pot cooker allows you to set the cooking time, which can range from 30 minutes to 20 hours. Plus, you can choose between low and high temperature settings. So once you put all the ingredients in and set the timer, you’re free to go. No wonder it’s often the best-rated slow cooker.

Keep warm setting – When the cooking time is up, the cooker automatically switches to a “keep warm” setting, which will keep your meal at the perfect temperature.

Easy to transport – This Crock-Pot is designed for easy transport, so it’s an amazing option if you plan to take it to family gatherings, potlucks, or picnics. First, it features an easy-grip handle, which allows you to carry it in one hand. Second, thanks to its secure-fit locking lid, you can be sure your food will stay inside. So if you’re looking for a great portable slow cooker, you won’t have to worry about any spills with this one.

Ease of cleaning – Both the lid and removable stoneware are dishwasher safe, which makes the cleanup quick and easy.

Pros:

• Portable
• Secure-fit locking lid
• Programmable timer
• Keep warm setting

Cons:

• The low setting might cook too hot

Capacity – The cooking bowl’s capacity is six quarts.

Cooking options – The greatest advantage of this cooker is that it offers six different cooking options. You can choose one of the following: pressure cook, slow cook, saute, sear, steam, or reduce. Also, you can choose between high and low settings for slow cooking, ranging from two to twelve hours.

Programmable features – There are a number of pre-set cooking programs: 8 for slow and 11 for pressure cooking. Plus, you can opt for custom settings. With so many choices, this is definitely one of the best programmable slow cookers you can find.

Keep warm setting – The Fast Slow Pro automatically turns to this setting to keep your food at the ideal serving temperature.

Ease of cleaning – The lid and ceramic-coated cooking bowl are both removable and dishwasher safe.

Pros:

• Six cooking options
• A multitude of pre-set cooking settings
• Automatic keep warm
• Dishwasher safe

Cons:

• Expensive

Capacity – The cooking insert measures 6.5 quarts, which is enough for a large family meal. Even better, this ceramic insert also doubles as a serving dish.

Programmable features – Like with most quality slow cookers, the temperature can be set to high or low. Plus, you can set the timer and leave the cooker to prepare your meal for you. So you just need to find the best slow cooker recipes and prepare the ingredients. 

However, keep in mind that the cooking time is different for the two temperature settings. If you opt for a high setting, the cooking time ranges from two to eight hours. On the other hand, with a low setting, it can be set for 4–20 hours.

Keep warm setting – The All-Clad cooker can keep your food warm after cooking for up to six hours. It automatically turns to this setting.

Ease of cleaning – The cleanup is really easy since you can wash the lid and cooking insert in your dishwasher. According to many reviews, the best slow cookers on the market need to be dishwasher safe.

Pros:

• High-quality ceramic insert
• Programmable timer
• Automatic keep warm
• Dishwasher safe

Cons:

• A higher price tag

Capacity – The removable cooking pot has a capacity of 5.3 quarts, which is typically enough for a nice family meal.

Cooking options – One of the greatest advantages of this slow cooker is that you can use its ceramic pot on your electric, gas, or induction cooktop to sear, brown, or saute. Plus, it’s oven-safe. However, keep in mind that you can’t use the glass lid in the oven, which many slow cooker reviews mention as a drawback.

Programmable features – This Calphalon model comes with some basic programmable features, so you can choose between two heat settings: high and low.

Keep warm setting – When the cooking time is up, the slow cooker automatically switches to its keep warm mode.

Ease of cleaning: Unfortunately, this slow cooker isn’t dishwasher safe. Therefore, you’ll have to wash the cooking pot by hand. Still, it’s pretty easy to clean since the food doesn’t stick to its ceramic coating.

Pros:

• Automatic keep warm
• Oven-safe
• Compatible with electric, gas, and induction cooktops

Cons:

• Not dishwasher safe

Capacity – If you’re preparing a family meal, a 6-quart cooking pot should be more than enough. This one can fit a 4-pound roast or 6-pound chicken.

Programmable features – If you’re looking for a slow cooker with a probe, this Hamilton Beach model might be the best slow cooker in 2021. Depending on the type of food you’re preparing, you can choose between the probe and program options. You can use the thermometer probe when cooking meat since it allows you to set the desired meat temperature. For other types of dishes, such as soups or stews, you can simply set the cooking time.

Keep warm setting – Once the slow cooker reaches the set temperature or cooking time, it automatically switches to the keep warm mode. According to more than one slow cooker review, this feature has become a must.

Easy to transport – Thanks to its clip-tight gasket lid and full-grip handles, this Hamilton Beach cooker is ideal for potluck parties, tailgates, or other gatherings. You can be sure there will be no spills along the way.

Ease of cleaning – Cleaning this slow cooker is very simple since both the pot and glass lid are dishwasher safe.

Pros:

• Thermometer probe for meat
• Easily portable without any spills
• Dishwasher safe

Cons:

• Poor-quality control panel cover 

Capacity – If you want to cook for only one or two people, this slow cooker is the best option. Its capacity is 1.5 quarts, which is perfect for small meals or appetizers. Plus, it’s a good choice for smaller kitchens as it doesn’t take much space.

Temperature setting – You can choose between high and low temperature settings. However, you can’t set the cooking time, meaning that this mini slow cooker will cook until you turn it off or switch to the keep warm mode.

Keep warm setting – The Proctor Silex slow cooker comes with this handy feature, but it doesn’t switch to it automatically.

Easy to transport – Being very compact, this Proctor Silex model is very easy to transport. Plus, you don’t have to worry about spills since it comes with a gasket lid and a lid latch strap.

Ease of cleaning – It’s great that you can wash both the lid and the cooking pot in your dishwasher.

Considering all its features and the affordable price, we believe it’s one of the best small slow cookers on the market.

Pros:

• Great for small kitchens
• Easily portable without any spills
• Dishwasher safe

Cons:

• Can’t set the cooking time

Capacity – A 7-quart slow cooker allows you to prepare meals for 8+ people, so it’s great for family gatherings or small parties. Thus, if you need a large slow cooker, this Black and Decker model might be the best pick.

Programmable features – This programmable slow cooker is easy to use. All you need to do is set the cooking time and opt for a high or low cooking temperature. Alternatively, you can use a temperature probe when roasting meat. In addition, there’s a Sous-Vide function.

Keep warm setting – Once your meal is done, the cooker will automatically switch to this mode and keep your food warm till you come home.

Easy to transport – If you’re looking for portable slow cookers, many reviews recommend this one. The locking lid with the rubber gasket seals the pot tightly, so you can easily take it to tailgates or potlucks without any mess. Plus, it features oversized handles for easy portability.

Ease of cleaning – Both the stoneware pot and glass lid are dishwasher safe, making the cleaning process quick and simple.

Pros:

• Automatic keep warm 
• Sous-Vide function
• Locking lid with rubber gasket
• Dishwasher safe

Cons:

• Larger footprint

Capacity – Like most models on our list of the best-rated slow cookers, this KitchenAid model has a capacity of 6 quarts. We believe this size is usually ideal for most families.

Programmable features – This slow cooker is very easy to use. You just have to choose the right temperature (low, medium, or high) and set the cooking time (up to 24 hours).

Keep warm setting – Once your meal is done, the KitchenAid cooker will automatically turn to the keep warm mode. In our opinion, the best slow cookers with timers need to have this option since it will keep your meal at the ideal serving temperature.

Ease of cleaning – The removable ceramic pot is dishwasher safe, so you won’t waste time washing it by hand.

Pros:

• Three temperature settings
• Automatic keep warm mode
• Dishwasher safe

Cons:

• Cooks at lower temperatures

Capacity – A 7-quart cooking pot is enough for a large family meal.

Programmable features – This Wolf Gourmet model is one of the best slow cookers, numerous reviews show, thanks to its versatility. In addition to the manual setting, there are five more cooking options, including rice cooking, saute/sear, and sous vide. 

If you choose a meal timer, all you need to do is set the cooking time, and the cooker will automatically adjust the heat. Finally, with the program mode, you have two options. You can either set the temperature level and the cooking time, or use a probe and set the desired food temperature.

Other cooking options – The removable stainless steel insert is oven safe. You can also use it on any type of cooktop. With so many options, no wonder it’s often among the best-reviewed slow cookers.

Ease of cleaning – Both the stainless steel pot and the lid are dishwasher safe.

Pros:

• Six cooking options
• Cooktop and oven safe
• Dishwasher safe

Cons:

• Expensive
• No keep warm mode

Capacity – The Elite Gourmet’s capacity of 2 quarts is ideal for one or two people. It’s also very compact, so it won’t take up much space on your countertop.

Temperature setting – There are two temperature settings: low and high. However, as you’ll see in other reviews of slow cookers, one of the major drawbacks of this slow cooker is that you can’t program the cooking time. Instead, you need to turn it off manually.

Keep warm setting – When your meal is done, you can turn on the keep warm mode. Unfortunately, this cooker won’t do this automatically.

Ease of cleaning – You can easily wash both the stoneware pot and tempered-glass lid in your dishwasher.

Pros:

• Two temperature settings
• Keep warm mode
• Small footprint
• Dishwasher safe

Cons:

• Can’t set the cooking time

We ranked the top 10 slow cookers on the market to help you pick the best one for your needs. Here are the key criteria we considered while analyzing and comparing dozens of models.

Material Quality

It’s crucial to get a slow cooker made of high-quality materials. First, safe materials mean healthy food, and second, you’ll be able to use the cooker for years to come. Thus, when we were looking for the best slow cooker on the market, we favored stoneware or ceramic inserts, as well as cooking pots made of stainless steel.

Ease of Use

With most slow cookers, all you need to do is prepare your ingredients, put them all in the cooking pot, and click a few buttons, and you’ll have a delicious meal in a few hours’ time. Or at least, it should be that simple with the best-rated slow cooker in 2021.

That’s why we looked for slow cookers with an intuitive control panel and simple display, which allow you to easily use the temperature settings and timer.

Performance

A high-quality slow cooker should maintain a stable temperature for at least five to six hours to allow you to prepare some of the best slow cooker meals. In addition, it should cook food evenly and without any hot spots, which can burn your food.

Ease of Cleaning

Today, most slow cookers feature removable inserts, which are dishwasher safe. We believe that using a slow cooker should allow you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family and friends. Therefore, the models that don’t have to be washed by hand ranked high on our list of the best-rated slow cookers.

Warranty

Typically, slow cookers don’t come with long warranties. Most manufacturers offer only a 1-year limited warranty. However, in our experience, most defects show up in the first year of use, so we believe it’s important to be covered during this period.

Value for Money

A high price tag doesn’t necessarily mean supreme quality. Therefore, we always try to analyze what you get for the money you invest. In other words, depending on your budget, you can get a more affordable cooker with some basic features or a high-end model with advanced cooking modes. It all depends on what you need and how much money you want to spend.

With so many different models of slow cookers on the market, it’s not simple to make the right choice. But don’t worry! We’ll help you get all the important information you need when shopping for this useful kitchen appliance.

How Does a Slow Cooker Work?

The three basic parts of a slow cooker are the base or casing, the cooking pot, and the lid. The base contains a heating element, which transfers heat to the cooking insert. Almost any review of slow cookers will claim that they’re super easy to use.

Most models offer you a choice of two to three temperature settings, which you can easily set using the control panel. Once you turn the cooker on a high or low setting and set the cooking time, it will cook your meal at a steady temperature, and you’ll be able to enjoy healthy, tasty food when you get home.

Benefits of a Slow Cooker

• A slow cooker can save you time. You just need to put all the ingredients into the cooking insert and set the temperature and timer. With the best programmable slow cooker in 2021, there’s no need to spend time cooking once you get home from work.
• Even when working late, you can enjoy a healthy, homemade meal instead of resorting to fast food.
• Slow cooking on low temperatures can tenderize less expensive cuts of meat.
• You can prepare a variety of food, including soups, casseroles, stews, and roasts. Plus, many foods have more flavor when cooked slowly. This is one of the greatest advantages of slow cookers, more than one review shows.
• Slow cookers consume less energy than ovens. In addition, they don’t heat the kitchen as much as ovens do, which turns out to be a great advantage during hot summers.

Safety

While it’s safe to leave your slow cooker running when you’re not at home, it’s best to take some precautionary measures. To stay on the safe side, pay attention to the following, even if you have the best-rated slow cooker:

• Always make sure the base is clean. If some food has spilled onto the heating element, it may burn the next time you turn it on, and you want to prevent this from happening.
• Check if the electrical cord is in good condition. If it’s damaged in any way, it’s no longer safe for use.
• Put it on a heat-proof surface at least six inches away from other objects.
• The cooker should be filled one-half to three-quarters of its capacity.
• Before using a slow cooker for the first time, it’s a good idea to test whether it reaches the right temperature. It’s best to buy a slow cooker that cooks at a temperature between 170℉ and 280℉. While lower temperatures won’t cook food properly, higher temperatures might burn your meal. Therefore, you should fill your cooker with tepid water, set it to the low setting, and check the water temperature after eight hours.

What to Consider When Shopping for a Slow Cooker

Here are the things you need to consider before you start browsing through various models of slow cookers. Knowing what you need will help you narrow down the choice and ultimately, find the best cooker for your kitchen.

Capacity

Slow cooker sizes vary from 1.5 quarts to 8 quarts, so you have to think of the size of the pot you need. Your choice should depend on your household size and what types of meals you want to prepare. Typically, a 6-quart slow cooker is most useful for average-sized families, since it can prepare a meal for 4+ people.

Footprint

It’s important to think of how much space a slow cooker will take up on your kitchen counter. In addition, consider where you’ll store it when you’re not using it.

Programmability

Today, the best slow cooker to buy is the one that allows you to set the temperature and timer, and leave it to cook food for you. We believe that this is one of the greatest advantages of these appliances since a homemade meal will welcome you once you get home from work. In addition, there are many models that automatically switch to a keep warm mode, which is a great plus. You can also look for the best programmable slow cooker with a delay start option.

Additional Features

If you just want to slow cook, there’s no need to pay more for additional features. However, keep in mind that some slow cookers offer different cooking modes, such as searing, steaming, and air frying, which can come in handy according to many programmable slow cooker reviews. They allow you to prepare a wide variety of dishes using the same pot, so they make cleaning up much easier and quicker.

Other models come with a thermometer probe, so you can know the temperature of your food at any moment. They’re especially useful when roasting meat.

Wrapping Up

Investing in a slow cooker isn’t just about getting a new kitchen appliance—it’s about changing your dietary habits. Lack of time shouldn’t be your excuse for not eating healthy anymore. We hope our buyer’s guide and top-10 list of the best slow cookers will help you make a well-informed decision.