The 6 Best Slow Cookers We Tested for Entertaining and Easy Weeknight Meals

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOthers We TriedWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Others We Tried

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Dera Burreson

People / Dera Burreson

When the weather calls for soups, chilis, and braised meats, there’s a way to make them that doesn’t require hours bent over a stove constantly stirring a pot. The best slow cookers can create rich flavor with relatively little work, making them as great for Monday night meals as they are for entertaining on the weekends.Experts Say“What I love most is how incredibly tender the meats and vegetables become, along with the way flavors beautifully meld together during the slow cooking process.” —Sarah Olson, recipe developer and creator of The Magical Slow CookerTo find the best slow cookers, we tested eight different models over 64 hours to determine winning options for beginners, advanced cooks, and everyone in between. Each expert tester made the same pulled pork recipe, and the test concluded with a blind taste test to unveil those that produced the tastiest results. Give yourair fryera rest and keep reading for the best slow cookers for every budget and kitchen need.Our Top PicksBest Overall:SALECuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker at Amazon$160$130Jump to ReviewBest Budget:SALECrock-Pot MyTime Programmable Slow Cooker at Amazon$70$58Jump to ReviewBest Value:Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock at Amazon$75Jump to ReviewBest Multifunctional:SALENinja 6.5-Quart Foodi Cooker Pro at Amazon$120$100Jump to ReviewMost Versatile:Instant Pot Electric Precision Dutch Oven at Amazon$230Jump to ReviewBest Investment:GreenPan Elite Slow Cooker at Amazon$250Jump to Review

When the weather calls for soups, chilis, and braised meats, there’s a way to make them that doesn’t require hours bent over a stove constantly stirring a pot. The best slow cookers can create rich flavor with relatively little work, making them as great for Monday night meals as they are for entertaining on the weekends.

Experts Say“What I love most is how incredibly tender the meats and vegetables become, along with the way flavors beautifully meld together during the slow cooking process.” —Sarah Olson, recipe developer and creator of The Magical Slow Cooker

Experts Say

“What I love most is how incredibly tender the meats and vegetables become, along with the way flavors beautifully meld together during the slow cooking process.” —Sarah Olson, recipe developer and creator of The Magical Slow Cooker

To find the best slow cookers, we tested eight different models over 64 hours to determine winning options for beginners, advanced cooks, and everyone in between. Each expert tester made the same pulled pork recipe, and the test concluded with a blind taste test to unveil those that produced the tastiest results. Give yourair fryera rest and keep reading for the best slow cookers for every budget and kitchen need.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:SALECuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker at Amazon$160$130Jump to ReviewBest Budget:SALECrock-Pot MyTime Programmable Slow Cooker at Amazon$70$58Jump to ReviewBest Value:Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock at Amazon$75Jump to ReviewBest Multifunctional:SALENinja 6.5-Quart Foodi Cooker Pro at Amazon$120$100Jump to ReviewMost Versatile:Instant Pot Electric Precision Dutch Oven at Amazon$230Jump to ReviewBest Investment:GreenPan Elite Slow Cooker at Amazon$250Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALECuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker at Amazon$160$130Jump to ReviewBest Budget:SALECrock-Pot MyTime Programmable Slow Cooker at Amazon$70$58Jump to ReviewBest Value:Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock at Amazon$75Jump to ReviewBest Multifunctional:SALENinja 6.5-Quart Foodi Cooker Pro at Amazon$120$100Jump to ReviewMost Versatile:Instant Pot Electric Precision Dutch Oven at Amazon$230Jump to ReviewBest Investment:GreenPan Elite Slow Cooker at Amazon$250Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALECuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker at Amazon$160$130Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALECuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker at Amazon$160$130

Best Overall:

SALE

Best Budget:SALECrock-Pot MyTime Programmable Slow Cooker at Amazon$70$58Jump to Review

Best Budget:SALECrock-Pot MyTime Programmable Slow Cooker at Amazon$70$58

Best Budget:

Best Value:Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock at Amazon$75Jump to Review

Best Value:Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock at Amazon$75

Best Value:

Best Multifunctional:SALENinja 6.5-Quart Foodi Cooker Pro at Amazon$120$100Jump to Review

Best Multifunctional:SALENinja 6.5-Quart Foodi Cooker Pro at Amazon$120$100

Best Multifunctional:

Most Versatile:Instant Pot Electric Precision Dutch Oven at Amazon$230Jump to Review

Most Versatile:Instant Pot Electric Precision Dutch Oven at Amazon$230

Most Versatile:

Best Investment:GreenPan Elite Slow Cooker at Amazon$250Jump to Review

Best Investment:GreenPan Elite Slow Cooker at Amazon$250

Best Investment:

Best OverallCuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-CookerPHOTO: Wayfair$160$130 at Amazon$160 at Wayfair$160 at QVC

Best OverallCuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker

Best Overall

Cuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker

PHOTO: Wayfair

$160$130 at Amazon$160 at Wayfair$160 at QVC

Star QualitiesMade one of the best-tasting pork dishesHas a cool-to-the-touch glass lidBacklit screen with easy-to-use buttonsUnique pour spout featureRed FlagsHigher-priced optionNo rubber ring around the lid to seal steam in

Star QualitiesMade one of the best-tasting pork dishesHas a cool-to-the-touch glass lidBacklit screen with easy-to-use buttonsUnique pour spout feature

Made one of the best-tasting pork dishes

Has a cool-to-the-touch glass lid

Backlit screen with easy-to-use buttons

Unique pour spout feature

Red FlagsHigher-priced optionNo rubber ring around the lid to seal steam in

Higher-priced option

No rubber ring around the lid to seal steam in

We found that the backlit LCD screen was quick to master, with one-touch time adjustments and temperature settings. Its base also stayed cooler than most of the models we tested, and the handles stayed cool enough during testing to not require the use of pot holders. A corner pour spout made measuring out the pot’s liquid safer, too. Additionally, the nonstick aluminum insert of this six-quart cooker was easy to clean and dishwasher-safe.

However, for its higher price, we were disappointed it didn’t have a rubber seal on the lid to ensure steam wouldn’t escape — and while those handles didn’t retain heat, they also felt a bit flimsy.

Material:Stainless steel|Dimensions:18 x 11 x 10.5 inches |Capacity:6 quarts |Colors:Silver |Features:Clip-tight glass lid with cool-touch handle, steaming rack, backlit LCD screen

PHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best BudgetCrock-Pot MyTime Programmable Slow CookerPHOTO: Amazon$70$58 at Amazon$60 at WayfairView on Crock-pot.com

Best BudgetCrock-Pot MyTime Programmable Slow Cooker

Best Budget

Crock-Pot MyTime Programmable Slow Cooker

PHOTO: Amazon

$70$58 at Amazon$60 at WayfairView on Crock-pot.com

Star QualitiesEasy-to-use control panelReliably cooked food in allotted timesAutomatically switches to warm mode when done cookingRed FlagsNo locking lidWater collected in lid and handles during washing

Star QualitiesEasy-to-use control panelReliably cooked food in allotted timesAutomatically switches to warm mode when done cooking

Easy-to-use control panel

Reliably cooked food in allotted times

Automatically switches to warm mode when done cooking

Red FlagsNo locking lidWater collected in lid and handles during washing

No locking lid

Water collected in lid and handles during washing

This affordable Crock-Pot makes our list for its straightforward interface and reliable output: It’s simple to use and produces great results. The control panel offers one-touch options for things like food type and amount, and it’s easy to schedule a meal ahead of time (although users will have to set the clock upon starting).

Material:Stainless steel|Dimensions:14.6 x 9.7 x 14.3 inches |Capacity:6 quarts |Colors:Silver |Features:Customized settings, MyTime technology, manual cook option, digital control screen, dishwasher-safe stoneware

Experts Say“Using a slow cooker during the workweek means you can enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal effort when you return home. I love choosing meals that need no major side dish, like a hearty pot roast dinner or a comforting bowl of Zuppa Toscana. When you walk in the door, you only need to dish it up and pair it with some warm dinner rolls!” —Sarah Olson

“Using a slow cooker during the workweek means you can enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal effort when you return home. I love choosing meals that need no major side dish, like a hearty pot roast dinner or a comforting bowl of Zuppa Toscana. When you walk in the door, you only need to dish it up and pair it with some warm dinner rolls!” —Sarah Olson

Best ValueHamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid LockPHOTO: Amazon$75 at Amazon$75 at Target$75 at WayfairStar QualitiesMeat came out tenderHas handy pour spoutHas large handles that tightly clip shutAutomatically turns to warm setting when done cookingRed FlagsSome wear and tear after useRubber seal makes it hard to cleanThis slow cooker is neither the cheapest nor the most expensive option on our list, but its added features, like a locking lid and a temperature probe, make it the best value. The digital screen and the turn dial simplify its interface, and the probe allows users to easily check on food’s doneness. It also has a pour spout and a keep-warm option.During our tests, we found that the pulled pork had an “excellent flavor” that one tester found “so good, that I ate the entire sandwich.” It’s a nice model for a potluck, too, thanks to the locking lid and the glass top for guests to peek inside.Cleaning this cooker takes some elbow grease due to a rubber seal that needed extra attention. Its biggest disappointment was found after cooking: There was a small crack inside the base and some chipped paint on the handle.Material:Stoneware |Dimensions:12 x 17 x 11.87 inches |Capacity:6 quarts |Colors:3 |Features:Integrated temperature probe, clip-tight glass lid, multiple cooking settingsPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best ValueHamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid LockPHOTO: Amazon$75 at Amazon$75 at Target$75 at Wayfair

Best ValueHamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock

Best Value

Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock

$75 at Amazon$75 at Target$75 at Wayfair

Star QualitiesMeat came out tenderHas handy pour spoutHas large handles that tightly clip shutAutomatically turns to warm setting when done cookingRed FlagsSome wear and tear after useRubber seal makes it hard to clean

Star QualitiesMeat came out tenderHas handy pour spoutHas large handles that tightly clip shutAutomatically turns to warm setting when done cooking

Meat came out tender

Has handy pour spout

Has large handles that tightly clip shut

Automatically turns to warm setting when done cooking

Red FlagsSome wear and tear after useRubber seal makes it hard to clean

Some wear and tear after use

Rubber seal makes it hard to clean

This slow cooker is neither the cheapest nor the most expensive option on our list, but its added features, like a locking lid and a temperature probe, make it the best value. The digital screen and the turn dial simplify its interface, and the probe allows users to easily check on food’s doneness. It also has a pour spout and a keep-warm option.

During our tests, we found that the pulled pork had an “excellent flavor” that one tester found “so good, that I ate the entire sandwich.” It’s a nice model for a potluck, too, thanks to the locking lid and the glass top for guests to peek inside.

Cleaning this cooker takes some elbow grease due to a rubber seal that needed extra attention. Its biggest disappointment was found after cooking: There was a small crack inside the base and some chipped paint on the handle.

Material:Stoneware |Dimensions:12 x 17 x 11.87 inches |Capacity:6 quarts |Colors:3 |Features:Integrated temperature probe, clip-tight glass lid, multiple cooking settings

PHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best MultifunctionalNinja 6.5-Quart Foodi Cooker ProPHOTO: Amazon$120$100 at Amazon$120 at Target$100 at WayfairStar QualitiesSmall countertop footprint, but deeper vertical pot will benefit larger familiesEasiest unit to clean during testingHas eight unique settingsIntuitive control panelRed FlagsBase and handles get extremely hotNo pour spoutThe pulled pork made in the Ninja Foodi had complex flavors that were a hit with testers — the meat tasted braised and the onions were caramelized. But for those who want to think beyond slow cooking, there are several additional settings, including the ability to cook both pasta and rice. It even has a cast iron insert that’s oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.We really liked the design of this cooker, with a deep pot, soft-touch buttons that don’t show fingerprint marks, and a compact square base. It was also easy to clean with warm water and light scrubbing.Its biggest drawback is that some of the inner lining is exposed from the base, so there’s a small area that will get incredibly hot during cooking. Its handles also got very hot. But the design, price, and versatility make this a solid pick.Material:Stainless steel, cast iron|Dimensions:12.8 x 8.19 x 14.06 inches |Capacity:6.5 quarts |Color:Midnight blue |Features:Removable oven-safe cast iron insert, rice and pasta cooking settings, included rice spoon, oven-safe glass lidPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best MultifunctionalNinja 6.5-Quart Foodi Cooker ProPHOTO: Amazon$120$100 at Amazon$120 at Target$100 at Wayfair

Best MultifunctionalNinja 6.5-Quart Foodi Cooker Pro

Best Multifunctional

Ninja 6.5-Quart Foodi Cooker Pro

$120$100 at Amazon$120 at Target$100 at Wayfair

Star QualitiesSmall countertop footprint, but deeper vertical pot will benefit larger familiesEasiest unit to clean during testingHas eight unique settingsIntuitive control panelRed FlagsBase and handles get extremely hotNo pour spout

Star QualitiesSmall countertop footprint, but deeper vertical pot will benefit larger familiesEasiest unit to clean during testingHas eight unique settingsIntuitive control panel

Small countertop footprint, but deeper vertical pot will benefit larger families

Easiest unit to clean during testing

Has eight unique settings

Intuitive control panel

Red FlagsBase and handles get extremely hotNo pour spout

Base and handles get extremely hot

No pour spout

The pulled pork made in the Ninja Foodi had complex flavors that were a hit with testers — the meat tasted braised and the onions were caramelized. But for those who want to think beyond slow cooking, there are several additional settings, including the ability to cook both pasta and rice. It even has a cast iron insert that’s oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

We really liked the design of this cooker, with a deep pot, soft-touch buttons that don’t show fingerprint marks, and a compact square base. It was also easy to clean with warm water and light scrubbing.

Its biggest drawback is that some of the inner lining is exposed from the base, so there’s a small area that will get incredibly hot during cooking. Its handles also got very hot. But the design, price, and versatility make this a solid pick.

Material:Stainless steel, cast iron|Dimensions:12.8 x 8.19 x 14.06 inches |Capacity:6.5 quarts |Color:Midnight blue |Features:Removable oven-safe cast iron insert, rice and pasta cooking settings, included rice spoon, oven-safe glass lid

Most VersatileInstant Pot Electric Precision Dutch OvenPHOTO: Amazon$230$206 at Amazon$230 at Target$230 at Wayfair

Most VersatileInstant Pot Electric Precision Dutch Oven

Most Versatile

Instant Pot Electric Precision Dutch Oven

$230$206 at Amazon$230 at Target$230 at Wayfair

Star QualitiesCast iron insert is oven-safe and easy to cleanIncluded silicone accessories are convenient for servingCustomizable temperature settingsRed FlagsVery heavyControl panel takes some time to master

Star QualitiesCast iron insert is oven-safe and easy to cleanIncluded silicone accessories are convenient for servingCustomizable temperature settings

Cast iron insert is oven-safe and easy to clean

Included silicone accessories are convenient for serving

Customizable temperature settings

Red FlagsVery heavyControl panel takes some time to master

Very heavy

Control panel takes some time to master

The touch panel took some time to master, but it does have some nice features like temperature control to help cook food more precisely. We found that it was also easy to clean, with some parts being dishwasher-safe, although it can be cleaned just as well in the sink.

Its biggest drawback is its weight. At 21 pounds, it’s the heaviest option on our list, and that weight makes it hard to transport, pour out liquid, or move around. It also gets incredibly hot, but it does come with included silicone pads and handles.

Material:Cast iron|Dimensions:11.4 x 10 x 11.2 inches |Colors:3 |Capacity:6 quarts |Features:Lid with self-braising grid underside, included silicone pad and handles, removable oven-safe cast iron insert, precise temperature control

Pro Tip“The slow cooker is an excellent choice for entertaining! Not only does it keep appetizers warm throughout the party, but it also produces delicious, comforting dishes that guests love. —Sarah Olson

Pro Tip

“The slow cooker is an excellent choice for entertaining! Not only does it keep appetizers warm throughout the party, but it also produces delicious, comforting dishes that guests love. —Sarah Olson

Best InvestmentGreenPan Elite Slow CookerPHOTO: Amazon$250 at Amazon$250 at Nordstrom$250 at Target

Best InvestmentGreenPan Elite Slow Cooker

Best Investment

GreenPan Elite Slow Cooker

$250 at Amazon$250 at Nordstrom$250 at Target

Star QualitiesProduced delicious food that notably retained flavorBase and handles stayed cool during cook timeVarious cooking features like steam and sauteSleek retro designRed FlagsExpensiveShort power cordInternal silicone handles got very hot while cooking

Star QualitiesProduced delicious food that notably retained flavorBase and handles stayed cool during cook timeVarious cooking features like steam and sauteSleek retro design

Produced delicious food that notably retained flavor

Base and handles stayed cool during cook time

Various cooking features like steam and saute

Sleek retro design

Red FlagsExpensiveShort power cordInternal silicone handles got very hot while cooking

Expensive

Short power cord

Internal silicone handles got very hot while cooking

The extra-large LCD screen and one-touch buttons are convenient, with unique presets like steam, simmer, reheat, and saute. But perhaps most importantly, it produced delicious pulled pork that showcased the flavors of the Dr. Pepper and barbecue sauce we added during testing.

We did find that the silicone handles got extremely hot during cooking, even though the base and its handles stayed cool. And while this gripe may be small, we want to note it has a surprisingly short power cord.

Material:Ceramic, stainless steel|Dimensions:12 x 12 x 12 inches |Capacity:6 quarts |Colors:6 |Features:Backlit LCD screen, one-touch presets, in-pot browning, metal utensil safe

Other Slow Cookers We Tried

What to Know About Slow Cookers

Material

When selecting a slow cooker, the most important factor is the material used to construct the cooking pot.

Settings

Even the most affordable slow cookers will have a few basic settings. These can include temperature modes like low, medium, and high that determine how quickly a protein will cook (ie: low and slow or at a faster rate). Another basic setting is a timer, which will usually be programmable in increments of 15 or 30 minutes. And a keep-warm option will ensure food stays hot without cooking it more.

For the more advanced models, there is an abundance of settings that will satisfy more advanced cooks or those looking for an easy one-pot meal. For instance, one-touch settings will have preset temperatures for different proteins like pork or beef. Cooking settings can vary, especially if you’re buying a multifunctional option like theNinja Foodi Everyday Possible Cooker Pro. This can be something like a simple saute function, which allows you to brown or sear proteins or vegetables for an added depth of flavor, but it can also include things like braising or reheating.

Ease of Cleaning

All slow cookers have an electric component to them, so the base will need to be wiped down with a damp cloth to get rid of stains. The insert, however, can be cleaned depending on its material. Cast iron is traditionally wiped down or scraped clean rather than submerged in water, while ceramic or aluminum can often be cleaned in a dishwasher. Lids made of glass are also likely dishwasher-safe, too. Depending on what you’re cooking, more elbow grease might be required, like if you’re using the insert to sear meat, for instance.

Our experienced team of testers tried out eight slow cookers for a total of 64 hours of cooking and cleaning. Each tester made the same pulled pork recipe in their slow cooker, and at the end, we conducted a blind taste test to ensure the most accurate testimonials. Our testers also graded each slow cooker on the following attributes:

After calculating our scores for each criteria, our top pick was theCuisinart Cook Central 3-in-1 Multi-Cooker— it made delicious pork, was easy to transport, and had some nice features, too.

Our Expert PanelSarah Olsonis an Oregon-based recipe developer and creator ofThe Magical Slow Cookerwhere she shares her favorite slow cooker recipes.

Our Expert Panel

Sarah Olsonis an Oregon-based recipe developer and creator ofThe Magical Slow Cookerwhere she shares her favorite slow cooker recipes.

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source: people.com