Do you stay alone but would love dinner to be ready before you get back home from work. A slow cooker is what you need. You can start up dinner before leaving for work and returning to a well-cooked meal with zero fuss.
A slow cooker is an electronic kitchen appliance that prepares foods using a heating element. It is a hands-off cooking technique that only requires you to put your ingredients into the pot, set the timer and temperature, then you go about your activities till the preset time elapses. A slow cooker is an ideal cookware for people who want to eat healthily but are limited by their busy schedules. Besides, it is safe to leave the slow cooker running for hours.
Based on our research, here are our top 6 best slow cookers for you to choose from.
Top 6 Best Slow Cookers Reviews on Amazon for 2022
#1- Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Slow Cooker
Topping the list is a slow cooker from the instant pot with 14 pre-programmed dials that speed up your food prep time. This model can serve as an alternative for seven other kitchenware. It functions as a warmer, a steamer, a rice cooker, a yogurt maker, pressure cooker, a slow cooker, and a sear pot.
This electric slow cooker is made from food-grade material without any chemical coating. The lid holder is well-designed for ambidextrous use. You don’t have to bother about your food losing its flavor or nutrients when you use the steam function. This model works slower or faster, depending on how it is set. The timer is adjustable and can be delayed up to a day.
With the automatic keep-warm setting, your food stays hot until you are ready to serve it. The delay start function helps you plan your meal ahead of time. Plus, when you use this 8-quart cooker, you save enough energy up to 70% and reduce your food prep time.
It cooks food faster than conventional cooking. However, the temperature setting ranges from 180 degrees Fahrenheit to 210 degrees Fahrenheit, and the removable parts are easy to clean with a dishwasher.
Pros:
- Multi-cooking settings
- UL approved
- Advanced safety features
- Saves enough energy
- Versatile
Cons:
- The plastic at the base of the cooker melts on high heat.
#2- Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 Electric Slow Cooker
This model is more than just a slow cooker. Instant pot ultra can steam, warm, saute, sterilize, cook rice, and even bake cakes with numerous preset functions. It has settings for both pressure and non-pressure cooking. The altitude adjustment featured on this model automatically helps you set the precise cooking time and save you from guessing, which could lead to your overcooked or undercooked food.
Although there is a high price tag attached, it is worth the price considering its functionality. It comes with added accessories such as a recipe book, measuring cups, a soup spoon, a serving spoon, and a steam rack with handles.
Featuring a stainless steel interior pot, steam rack, and lid that are dishwasher safe ensure for convenience. The large blue LCD screen allows you to monitor the cooking progress, which starts with preheating the cooker, cooking the food, and ends with the Keep Warm mode.
There is a contoured knob that enables you to manually set the time, pressure level, and cooking temperature. The cooking cycle can be paused or stopped with the cancel dial. The quick-release button offers you both pulse and continuous pressure release. It allows you to release all the steam stored inside the cooker.
Pros:
- LCD indicator
- Easy to operate dials
- Cooks food faster
- Has 16 smart programs
- Extra accessories
Cons:
- Expensive
#3- Instant Pot Aura Pro Multi-Use Programmable Slow Cooker with Sous Vide
The next product on our list is an oval-shaped slower cooker from Instant Pot. The inner pot is built with food-grade stainless steel, and the exterior is made of aluminum, providing you with an optimum cooking performance. It features a microprocessor tech that allows you to either use the pre-programmed settings or set the cooker manually.
Instant Pot aura pro slow cooker is simple to use with the 11 smart menu dials. The temperature range between 250 degrees to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and the cooking time is programmable for up to 4 hours with a delay start feature that can last for a day.
With the keep warm function, your cooked food remains warm for up to 24 hours before serving. Monitoring the cooking progress is easier with the LCD control panel and the clear lid without bothering about the steam escaping.
This 8-quart oval-shaped cooker is spacious enough to cook for 6 to 8 people and can be used to cook sous vide. All parts of this slow cooker are dishwasher safe, which makes it an ideal option for users who don’t like hand washing.
Pros:
- Simple dials
- Dishwasher safe
- 11 smart programs
- Transparent lid
- 1500 watts motor
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a pressure cooking setting like other models
#4- Cuisinart MSC-400 3-In-1 Cook Central 4-Quart Multi-Cooker: Slow Cooker, Brown/Saute, Steamer
This is a high-end slow cooker that was designed to last for years. It has a capacity that holds 4 quarts and a tempered glass lid with stay-cool handles.
Cuisinart MSC-400 slow cooker has three preset functions that enable you to evenly brown your meats, saute your stews, steam your green vegetables, and slow cook. It comes with a cookbook that has multiple recipes that you could try in your kitchen.
This option has auto keep warm settings that get activated once the cooking cycle ends. It ensures your food stays warm till you are ready to serve your guests. Since the inner pot, tempered glass lid, and steaming rack are safe for the dishwasher; cleanup is as swift as possible.
The slow cook function offers you three temp settings, which are low, high, and medium. Browning can be set up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. All parts of the slow cooker that get in touch with food are BPA free. It is easy to check the cooking process of your meal without losing heat. The control panel is simple to operate with intuitive dials.
Pros:
- Sturdy feet
- Three years warranty
- The inner pot has stay-cool handles for easy lifting.
- Readable LCD display
- Recipe book included
Cons:
- Over time, the interior pot coating flakes off.
- No delay timer
#5- All-Clad SD712D51 4 Qt. Slow Cooker with Aluminum Insert
This model ensures your food gets cooked uniformly without the handles getting hot even on extreme heat. The large LCD display screen is easy to read and interpret. It is controlled with easy, intuitive buttons. The built-in handle on both the inner pot and exterior unit offers a convenient and easy grip.
Features three indicator lights that show when the power is on and if it is either on warm or cook mode. Although this product cleans up in a dishwasher, the aluminum insert is heavyweight, which could be a challenge for cooks with weak hands.
However, once the cooking cycle ends, this unit automatically switches to the keep warm mode, ensuring your food stays warm for an extended period. Without releasing steam, you can monitor the process of a dish with the transparent glass lid. This 4-quart pot is sufficient to serve a maximum number of five people at once.
The timer is programmable to fit any schedule for up to 26 hours to complete a cooking cycle with three temp modes: low, high, or warm. The aluminum insert can also be used as a serving pot.
Pros:
- Stay-cool handles
- Easy to transport
- Simple to operate
- Glass lid
- Indicator lights
Cons:
- The insert is quite heavy.
#6- KitchenAid Multi-Cooker, Stainless Steel
KitchenAid Multi-Cooker is a perfect choice for a smaller kitchen and has fewer buttons that control the unit. It is operated manually and does not have a keep warm feature. Once the cooking time elapses, the unit goes off.
This product heats evenly and is easy to move around the kitchen. The handles stay cool to touch even when on a temp as high as 450 degrees. The lid is easy to lift without using mittens, and it has a pour spout that makes the transfer of food easy.
This compact model is beautifully designed to suit any kitchen decoration, adding aesthetic value to your counter. It comes in a wide variety of color options and includes a steam basket.
Although this cooker is versatile, it takes a little bit of getting used to figuring out the setting that works best for the different recipes. You have to wait till the cooker preheats before you set the timer. The clear tempered glass cover provides you with a clear view of what goes on inside the unit without you having to open the pot.
Pros:
- Elegant design
- Integrated stay cool handles
- Even heating system
- Pour spout
Cons:
- No Keep Warm function.
- No pre-programmed settings
Factors to Consider When Buying A Slow Cooker
We have discussed some of the important things to look for when buying a slow cooker. This will guide you in picking the best option suitable for you and your kitchen.
Price
The price of a slow cooker varies because there are several models that meet different needs and come with extra features.
Inner Pot Capacity
One of the most important factors to put into consideration when selecting is the size of the inner pot and the quantity of food you intend to cook with it. There are different sizes of slow cookers with various capacities. The standard size of most slow cookers ranges from 2-quart to 8-quart.
The number of people you cater to will determine the quantity of food you cook. A slow cooker works best when it is half full. It is wrong to overfill or under-fill the inner pot. When you under-fill the pot, food gets ready before the preset time, which could lead to overcooking.
There is no need to buy an 8-quart cooker when you cook for just two people. Ensure to buy a slow cooker with the capacity that meets your needs. Smaller sizes are better suited for preparing meals for two to three persons, and larger sizes are suitable for cooking in batches and for families.
Programs
Most slow cookers perform various functions, including warm, sous vide, steam, brown, reheat, saute, sear, air fry, and more. Some are manually operated, and others are pre-programmed to function automatically. These programs have been set to make it easy to operate, but some users will still find it confusing. Make sure to look out for the programs you want when selecting.
You will also find some models with multiple programs, but they are more expensive than others with simple basic functions.
Size of The Slow Cooker
Another thing to consider before buying is the size of the unit. Will it be able to fit into the available space on your counter? Slow cookers are quite big and shaped differently. The two most common shapes are oval and rectangular.
The oval shape takes more space and is more versatile than the rectangular shape that requires minimal room. The oval-shaped slow cookers are a great option for roasting full chicken and cooking other foods that require enough room within the unit. The rectangular-shaped models are great for stews, soups, and cuts of meats or vegetables.
Safety Features And Extra Accessories
Would you want your cooker to have safety features and extra accessories such as delay start, auto keeps warm, an alarm, temperature probe, steam racks, indicator light? Then go for it.
These safety features are imperative, and they are added for convenience. Although extra features and accessories will cost more, it is worth the investment.
Handles And Lid
Consider the material used in making the lid and handle. The handle should be comfortable to hold even when the temperature is high. There are several options with stay-cool handles on both the unit and inner pot.
You tend to lose the heat and steam stored up in the unit when you open it all the time. Buying an option with a glass lid is the best way to avoid opening your cooker until when it is necessary.
Most slow cookers come with a glass lid so that the cooking cycle can be easily monitored. If you love to travel with your slow cooker, ensure to select one with a locking lid so that the food does not spill while you are on the road.
Slow Cookers Buying Guide | Consumer Reports
Conclusion
Slow cookers are must-have kitchen appliances in every home. They are versatile, energy-efficient, and highly convenient cookware. We hope you have been able to pick from any of the slow cookers we reviewed.
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