Best Slow Cookers 2023 – Reviews and Buying Guide

Introduction

If you love coming home to a warm and hearty meal after a long day, or if you want to save time and energy in the kitchen, a slow cooker is a must-have. A slow cooker is a simple device that consists of a heating base, a removable pot, and a lid. You simply add your ingredients to the pot, set the desired cooking time and temperature, and let the slow cooker do the rest. Slow cookers can cook a variety of dishes, from classic comfort food to exotic cuisine, and they are easy to clean and store. However, not all slow cookers are created equal. Some have more features and functions than others, some have different shapes and sizes, and some have better performance and durability. To help you find the best slow cooker for your kitchen, we have tested and reviewed the top models on the market based on their quality, functionality, design, and value. Here are our top picks for the best slow cookers of 2023.

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Cuisinart 3-in-1 Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker. This versatile multi-cooker can slow cook, brown/sauté, steam, roast, and bake with ease. It has a 6-quart nonstick aluminum pot that can be used on the stovetop or in the oven, a glass lid with a cool-touch handle, and a digital display with programmable settings. It also has an automatic keep-warm function and a 24-hour timer for added convenience.
2. Best Runner-Up: Hamilton Beach Set & Forget Programmable Slow Cooker. This smart slow cooker has a built-in thermometer probe that monitors the temperature of your food and switches to keep-warm mode when it’s done. It also has a clip-tight lid that prevents spills and leaks during transport, and a large 6-quart capacity that can fit a whole chicken or roast. It has three cooking modes: manual, program, and probe.
3. Best Multi-Cooker for Slow Cooking: Ninja Foodi 8-Quart 9-in-1 Deluxe XL. This powerful multi-cooker can pressure cook, air fry, steam, slow cook, sear/sauté, bake/roast, broil, dehydrate, and make yogurt with one appliance. It has an 8-quart ceramic-coated pot that can hold up to 7 pounds of chicken or 8 quarts of liquid, a 5-quart crisp basket that can fit up to 4 pounds of fries or wings, and a stainless steel reversible rack that can hold up to 8 skewers or ribs. It also has a digital display with 14 pre-set programs and an easy-to-clean design.
4. Best Budget: Crock-Pot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker. This simple and affordable slow cooker has a large 7-quart capacity that can serve up to 8 people or fit a 6-pound roast. It has a removable stoneware pot that is dishwasher-safe and oven-safe (without the lid), and a glass lid that lets you monitor the cooking process. It has three manual settings: low, high, and warm.
5. Best Portable: Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker. This travel-friendly slow cooker has a locking lid with gaskets that seal the food inside and prevent spills during transport. It also has an easy-to-use digital panel that lets you program the cooking time from 30 minutes to 20 hours and automatically switches to warm mode when it’s done. It has a 6-quart capacity that can fit a 6-pound roast or serve up to 7 people.

Buying Guide

If you love to cook delicious meals with minimal effort, you might want to invest in one of the best slow cookers on the market. Slow cookers are versatile appliances that can make soups, stews, casseroles, roasts, and more. They are also energy-efficient and easy to use. You just need to add the ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do the rest.

But how do you choose the best slow cooker for your needs? There are a few things to consider before buying one. Here are some of them:

• Size: Slow cookers come in different sizes, from 1.5 quarts to 8 quarts or more. The size you need depends on how many people you are cooking for and how much food you want to make at once. A smaller slow cooker is ideal for one or two people, while a larger one can feed a crowd or make leftovers.
• Shape: Slow cookers can be round or oval in shape. The shape affects how well the food cooks and how much space it takes on your countertop. A round slow cooker is better for soups and liquids, while an oval one can fit larger cuts of meat or whole chickens.
• Features: Some slow cookers have more features than others, such as programmable settings, digital displays, keep-warm functions, locking lids, and more. These features can make your cooking experience more convenient and enjoyable, but they also add to the cost and complexity of the appliance. You should decide which features are important to you and which ones you can live without.

FAQs

Q: How do I clean my slow cooker?

A: Most slow cookers have removable ceramic or metal pots that are dishwasher-safe. You can also wash them by hand with warm water and soap. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that can scratch the surface. The lids are usually dishwasher-safe as well, but check the manufacturer’s instructions first. The base of the slow cooker should not be submerged in water or put in the dishwasher. You can wipe it with a damp cloth and dry it thoroughly.

Q: What are some tips for using my slow cooker safely?

A: Slow cookers are generally safe to use, but you should follow some basic guidelines to avoid food poisoning or burns. Some of them are:

• Always thaw frozen meat or poultry before putting it in the slow cooker.
• Cut large pieces of meat or vegetables into smaller chunks to ensure even cooking.
• Do not overfill or underfill the slow cooker. The food should cover at least half of the pot and not more than three-quarters.
• Do not lift the lid too often or stir the food while it is cooking. This can release heat and moisture and extend the cooking time.
• Use oven mitts or potholders when handling the hot pot or lid.

Q: How do I adapt recipes for my slow cooker?

A: You can use almost any recipe in your slow cooker, but you may need to make some adjustments to get the best results. Some of them are:

• Reduce the amount of liquid by about a third, since slow cookers produce less evaporation than conventional cooking methods.
• Increase the amount of spices and herbs by about a quarter, since slow cookers tend to dilute the flavors of seasonings.
• Add dairy products, pasta, rice, or beans in the last hour of cooking to prevent them from curdling or becoming mushy.
• Adjust the cooking time according to the size and power of your slow cooker. A general rule is that one hour on high equals two hours on low.

Conclusion

Slow cookers are great appliances that can make your life easier and your meals tastier. They can cook a variety of dishes with minimal effort and supervision. However, not all slow cookers are created equal. You should consider the size, shape, and features of different models before buying one. You should also follow some tips and tricks to use your slow cooker safely and effectively. By doing so, you can enjoy the best slow cooker experience possible.