The Best Slow Cookers: A Buyer’s Guide

Capacity: 7 Quarts

The Crock-Pot Slow Cooker features a classic design from the pioneering company Crock-Pot, which has been around since the 1970s before they fancy timers and temperature settings. But sometimes, a no-frills option is just what we need. This slow cooker is simple, versatile, and does exactly what it promises. The generous size makes it perfect for batch cooking or preparing a family meal, and the basic temperature dial is uncomplicated and easy to use. The only downside is the absence of a timer, so you have less control if you’re planning on cooking overnight or while you’re away for the day.

Features:

• Spacious 7-quart capacity
• High or low cook settings and a handy ‘keep warm’ function 
• Microwave, oven, and dishwasher-safe removable cooking pot (not including lid)

Pros:

• Great-value price
• Simple-to-use dial setting
• Sleek stainless-steel exterior

Cons:

• Limited heat settings and no timer
• Heavy stoneware insert can be difficult to handle

Capacity: 7 Quarts

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The Black+Decker 7-Quart Slow Cooker comes packed with every function you could need to whip up delicious recipes with low effort. It features three temperature settings, a delay function, and an automatic ‘keep warm’ function, so you can leave it cooking even if you’re away from home all day. Along with these features, the lid holder and locking mechanism are highly innovative additions, and it also comes with some extra perks that justify the higher price point. The surface of the slow cooker is chalk-friendly, so you can add labels to your creations or let the kids have fun with it.

Features:

• Family-size for batch cooking
• Three heat settings and an automatic ‘keep warm’ function
• Dishwasher-safe stoneware crock 

Pros:

• Built-in lid hanger allows for serving without holding the lid
• Chalkboard surface can be used to label slow cooker with contents
• Locking mechanism secures the lid in place for easy transportation

Cons:

• Exterior can get hot during use
• Slightly heavy

Capacity: 6 Quarts

The GreenLife Cook Duo Healthy Ceramic Slow Cooker is one of the few options on the market to feature a sand-derived ceramic coating free from PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. When your food is going to be sitting in there for such a prolonged time period, you don’t want any chemicals leaching into your dishes. Plus, producing this coating creates 60% less carbon emissions than conventional methods, and creating meals in a slow cooker is one of the most energy-efficient options available to us, so it’s a win-win for everyone! Aside from the sustainability credentials, the lightweight cooking pot can also be used on the stovetop, allowing you to sear meat and vegetables before popping them into the slow cooker.

Features:

• Nonstick healthy ceramic interior 
• Three temperature settings, plus a ‘keep warm’ function and delay timer
• Removable lightweight cooking pot with a clear glass lid

Pros:

• Free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium
• Cooking pot is suitable for stovetop and oven use for easy meal prep
• Lid and pot are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning

Cons:

• Doesn’t have a locking lid
• Smaller capacity