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20 best slow cookers passed our test 2024

To help you quickly compare and make an informed decision on the best slow cookers, we have rounded up a list of the best slow cookers available with some objective information about them. Learn more to choose the most suitable item for you.


Comparison Table

Showing  1 - 10  in  20 results
1
  • SCORE
    10.0
    AI Score

    The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites.

  • Brand
    AICOOK
2
  • SCORE
    9.6
    AI Score

    The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites.

  • Brand
    Hamilton Beach
3
  • SCORE
    9.4
    AI Score

    The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites.

  • Brand
    Crock-Pot
4
  • SCORE
    9.4
    AI Score

    The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites.

  • Brand
    Instant Pot
5
  • SCORE
    9.4
    AI Score

    The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites.

  • Brand
    Crock-Pot
6
  • SCORE
    9.4
    AI Score

    The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites.

  • Brand
    Hamilton Beach
7
  • SCORE
    9.4
    AI Score

    The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites.

  • Brand
    Crock-Pot
8
  • SCORE
    9.4
    AI Score

    The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites.

  • Brand
    Elite Gourmet
9
  • SCORE
    9.2
    AI Score

    The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites.

  • Brand
    KOOC
10
  • SCORE
    9.0
    AI Score

    The scores from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites.

  • Brand
    Instant Pot

Last update on 2024-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

4.2
6 ratings

Overviews

Slow cooking, or “Crock-pot”- a cooking method that uses an electrical kitchen appliance called a slow cooker- has been a trend not just among households but also among foodies. They see the great benefits of slow cooking such as more tender, melt-in-your-mouth meats, and more flavor to other dishes. The machines vary in price, you can pick one up for as cheap as chips, while some could cost a small fortune. Thus, different models meet different criteria and come with additional features. Luckily, we've gathered together the best slow cookers for every price range, so you could choose the most suitable pressure cookers based on your budget and need. For each price range of less than 100$, 100$ to 150$, 150$ to 200$, we have chosen a slow cooker that we think would fit your wallet, but also bring out the most efficiency.


Buying Guides

Less than 100$: Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S-A

For the price range from below 100$, our top pick would be the Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S-A. With the capacity of 6-quarts, it is perfect for 7+ people or a 6 lb. roast. Besides the Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S-A, it’s hard to find another pot within the price range to have a digital countdown control that lets you program time settings to accommodate varied cooking needs and time constraints. Also once cook time completes, it shifts to a Warm setting automatically, which means it is almost impossible to burn something with this beauty around.  And another selling point that won the heart of recent buyers is that how easy is it to clean the pot after finishing, as it features a lid gasket that provides an extra seal for less mess on the go, plus removable oval stoneware that can double as a serving dish. So if you hate spilling food as much as spilling money, this might be the pick for you.

100-150$: Instant Pot Aura PRO 6QT

Our next recommendation for the price range of 100-150$ would be the Instant Pot Aura PRO 6QT - a product of Instant Pot- one of the big names in the pressure cookers field. The pot is design with the capacity of  8 Quarts, suitable for 8 people or more. With a total of 11 smart programs - sear-sauté, bake, slow cook, steam, stew, sous vide, roast, yogurt, rice, multigrain, and keep warm, the Instant Pot Aura PRO 6QT has proved that the cost is worth every penny as it could do so many things. With this pot around, thinks of all the recipes that you can make: pasta, ribs, pot roast, whole chicken, dog food, bone broth, juicy chicken thighs, even oatmeal, and more. Also if you happen to be a skeptical or a professional cooker, who requires precision out of every step when making a dish, then the Instant Pot Aura PRO 6QT is definitely made for you, as the pot are able to customize the cooking time and temperature so accurate that a during cooking, a customer checked the actual water temperature against the set temperature with an instant-read thermometer and recorded that it was always within 1 degree. With versatility and preciseness like this, it no doubts that the Instant Pot Aura PRO 6QT would take your cooking skills to the next level.

150-200$: Cuisinart MSC-800

Last but not least, our nominee for the best slow cooker within the price range of 150-200$ would go to the Cuisinart MSC-800- a 7 quarts masterpiece made by Cuisinart. When it comes to heavy heat, there are not many pots with the same price tag that could come to the  Cuisinart MSC-800. With the 4 programmable functions: Slow Cook on high, low, simmer or warm for up to 24 hours; it could easily roast from 250 -450 Degrees for up to 6 hours. And the fact that it can brown is an outstanding feature, and essential for many recipes. Better yet, it does it well, allowing different browning-range temperatures. While it takes a little while to warm up to its maximum of 400F, it's very effective at browning (not searing) meats and vegetables prior to braising. It also seems to have an ideal Low setting, and its programmable and stay-warm functions work excellently. Soups, stews, steaming, it could handle it well for that but its range of temperatures and the well-enough fitting lid. So if you have heavy bucks, and are looking for heavy heat, then the Cuisinart MSC-800 is for you.

Capacity- another thing to consider.

Aside from price, the size of the crock-pot is something that you should consider carefully while making a purchase decision. In the above paragraph, the word “quart” was mentioned when it comes to the capacity of the pot. Downhere is the suitable people capacity equivalent to the quarts capacity of the pot to help you choose the fitting slow cooker based on the number of people you are cooking for and partially on the type of cooking you are doing.

For singles a 1 – 1 1/2 quart is ideal.

For a couple a 2 1/2- 3 1/2 quart is perfect.

For a family of 3 – 4 choose a 3 1/2 – 4 1/2 quart.

For families of 4 – 5 choose a 4 1/2 – 5 quart unit.

For feeding 6 or more people a 6 quart is the best option.

Of course, a larger size is a great choice if you want to have leftovers to freeze and serve later. Most roasts also fit better in a 6 quart or larger unit, similar to all 3 slow cookers that we mention above. Moreover, keep in mind that the ingredient for a dish worth 3-quarts could be put in a 5-quarts pot, but it doesn’t work the other way around so buying in greater size is highly recommended.


FAQs

1. How much should I fill my slow cooker?

A slow cooker should be at least 1/2 full to 3/4 full for best results.

2. Is it safe to leave my slow cooker cooking while I am not at home?

Most modern crock-pots are designed to be left cooking away on the counter-top unattended. To ensure that your slow cooker is safe while cooking while unattended place your slow cooker on a clean and flat surface. Make sure that nothing is touching your crock-pot and tuck the cord up and out of the way so that it is not dangling off the counter. If you have curious pets that might be tempted to investigate what’s cooking while you are not home it may be wise to make sure the pets do not have access to the kitchen.

3. How do I clean my slow cooker?

ALWAYS turn your slow cooker off, unplug it from the electrical outlet, and allow it to cool before cleaning.

The lid can be washed in the dishwasher or with hot, soapy water.

For models with removable stoneware, you can remove the stoneware and wash it in the dishwasher or with hot, soapy water. Do not use abrasive cleaning compounds or scouring pads. A cloth, sponge, or rubber spatula will usually remove any residue. To remove water spots and other stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner or vinegar.

As with any fine ceramic, the stoneware and lid will not withstand sudden temperature changes. Do not wash the stoneware with cold water when it is hot.

The outside of the heating base may be cleaned with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Wipe dry. Do not use abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION: Never immerse the heating base in water or other liquid.

4. Does it cost less to run a slow cooker for 8hrs than an oven for 1hr?

It certainly is cheaper!

Of course, there are many variables to consider including the size and model of your slow cooker and the size and efficiency of your wall oven but overall the stats are well in favor of your slow cooker being the cheaper way to cook.

Even if it is over 8hrs instead of 1hr!

Energy provider Ergon Energy advises that a slow cooker costs 4c per hour, while and an oven costs 60c per hour!

So running your slow cooker for 8hrs will cost 32c compared to 60c for just one hour of the oven (and that doesn’t even account for oven pre-heating time)

5. How can I stop my food from getting mushy in the slow cooker?

We have a few tips and tricks to stop your food from getting overly moist in your slow cooker. One of the most straightforward approaches is to periodically check on what’s cooking, either with a simple peek or more technical temperature measurement. The internal temperature rules apply for meats in slow cookers just as they would in an oven or on a grill. Some Hamilton Beach slow cooker models include temperature probes that will display the internal food temperature inside the slow cooker. Some of these models will also allow you to cook only to the specific temperature you select.

If it’s the vegetables in your pot roast you’re worried about, try adding them later on in the cooking process to preserve texture and color.


Final Thoughts

To sum up our top options, I say if you are looking for something cheaper than 100$, easy to use, and convenient, then the Instant Pot Aura PRO 6QT is the best choice for you. For the ones who pursuit precision and multi-tasks orientated, with a little extra cash, the Cuisinart MSC-800 proves to be a reasonable option. And finally, if you wanted heat, and have big bucks, then why not choose Cuisinart MSC-800 as it would definitely be an excellent deal, given how much it could level up your meal


Wild River Review Teams
Wild River Review Teams
With enthusiasm to research and experiment with the quality of products, our passionate members built Wild River Review. With many groups of staff specializing in each field, we always try to bring the best results for readers.
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