Imagine coming home after a long day. The house smells amazing, and a delicious, hot meal is ready without you lifting a finger! That’s the magic of a slow cooker. But when you look online or in stores, you face a wall of choices. Which brand heats evenly? Which one is truly safe? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the reviews and features.
Choosing the best slow cooker shouldn’t feel like a test. You want something reliable that cooks your food perfectly every time, not one that leaves you with burnt edges or undercooked chicken. We understand the frustration of spending your hard-earned money on an appliance that doesn’t deliver.
That’s why we dove deep into the latest Slow Cooker Consumer Reports. We tested popular models for performance, temperature accuracy, and ease of use. Keep reading to discover which slow cookers earned top marks from the experts and which ones you should skip entirely.
Top Slow Cookers – Consumer Reports Recommendations
- 3 Manual Heat Settings: Choose from high, low, and warm, for cooking flexibility no matter what you're making
- 2-Quart Capacity: Feeds 2+ people and is perfectly sized for preparing small meals, dips, and sides
- Keep Warm Setting: The manual warm setting allows you to keep your food at serving temperature when it's time to eat
- Oven-Safe Stoneware: Removable stoneware is oven-safe up to 400 degrees F
- Dishwasher-Safe: Stoneware and lid are both dishwasher-safe, for easy cleaning
- Generous Capacity: 7-quart slow cooker that comfortably serves 9+ people or fits a 7-pound roast
- Cooking Flexibility: High or low slow cooking settings, with convenient warm function for ideal serving temperature
- Convenient: Set it and forget it feature enables you to cook while at work or performing daily tasks
- Minimal Clean-Up: One-pot cooking reduces dishes; lid and removable stoneware are dishwasher safe
- Versatile: Removable stoneware insert can be used in the microwave or an oven up to 400°F
- Cooking Capacity: Prepares food for over 10 people, making it a holiday dinner hosting essential.
- Digital Timer: Counts down cooking time up to 20 hours for easy monitoring.
- Auto Warm: Automatically keeps food warm after cooking for optimal serving temperature.
- Easy Cleanup: Features a removable, dishwasher-safe lid and stoneware pot for convenient cleaning.
- Memory Function: Resets to previous settings in case of a power outage.
- Programmable Digital Timer: Control cooking times from 30 minutes up to 20 hours
- Serve a Crowd: 6 quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker serves 7 plus people
- Locking Lid: Lid gasket provides extra seal for less mess during transport
- Interactive Cooking: Safe for use in oven up to 400 degree F, and microwave
- Worry-free Travel: Secure locking lid and rubber gasket prevent spills
- PERFECT FOR A LARGE GATHERING: The 10 quart slow cooker lets you cook enough food for a gathering of 12 or more people and fits a 10 lb. turkey or a 12 lb. roast.
- REDUCE SPILLS: The lid clips tightly to the slow cooker handles to reduce messy spills when transporting food. Carry hot meals to family gatherings, potlucks or to serve at the table without worrying about spills.
- COOK FLAVORFUL MEALS WITH MINIMAL EFFORT: This Hamilton Beach slow cooker has simple controls that make it easy for you to create flavorful meals with minimal effort and great results. Just turn the dial. No watching needed.
- MAINTAIN THE IDEAL TEMPERATURE WITH 3 HEAT SETTINGS: Just turn the dial to choose from 3 heat settings. Cook your meal on Low or High, and then switch to Warm when cooking is complete for food that's warm and ready when it's time to eat.
- EASY TO CARRY WITH FULL-GRIP HANDLES: The large slow cooker is easy to lift and hold onto when carrying to the table to serve a meal or when taking food to gatherings.
- Serves 3+ people
- 3-quart capacity
- HIGH/LOW cook settings
- Convenient WARM setting
- Removable round stoneware
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY MEALS AND ENTERTAINING: The slow cooker has a large 6 quart stoneware crock that holds enough to serve 7+ people. It will fit a whole 6 lb. chicken, a 4 lb. roast or enough barbecue to make up to 25 sliders
- EASY TO CARRY: With full-grip handles, the large slow cooker is easy to lift and hold onto when carrying to the table to serve a meal or when taking food to gatherings.
- DELICIOUS MEALS WITH MINIMAL EFFORT: The Hamilton Beach slow cooker makes it simple to create delicious, flavorful meals without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. It's sure to become your go-to slow cooker. Just add ingredients and turn the dial.
- MAINTAIN THE IDEAL TEMPERATURE WITH 3 HEAT SETTINGS: Just turn the dial to choose from 3 heat settings. Cook your meal on Low or High, and then switch to Keep Warm when cooking is complete for food that's warm and ready when it's time to eat.
- FAST AND EASY CLEANUP: The removable stoneware crock and durable glass lid are both dishwasher safe.
- REPLACES 12 COOKING TOOLS & APPLIANCES: This cooker replaces the need for a slow cooker, food warmer, nonstick pot, sauté pan, cast iron skillet, saucier, saucepan, stock pot, Dutch oven, roasting pan, bread maker, and utensil.
- SEAR & SAUTÉ DIRECTLY IN THE POT: Using the bottom heating elements, you are able to sear proteins and sauté vegetables right in the cooking pot—no need to transfer to the stovetop.
- OVEN SAFE TO 500°F: Removable cooking pot is oven safe up to 500°F, so you can finish your meal in the oven for a crispy top.
- PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING: 8.5-quart cooking capacity allows you to make chili for up to 20 people, 9 lbs of spaghetti and meatballs, or enough pulled pork for 30 sliders.
- TRIPLE FUSION HEAT TECHNOLOGY: Cook up to 30% faster* than conventional ovens by combining bottom, side, and steam heat. More heat, more possibilities. *Tested on 6-lb chickens.
Your Smart Shopper’s Guide to Slow Cookers
A slow cooker, often called a Crock-Pot, makes cooking easy. It cooks food slowly at a low temperature. This means tender meals with little effort. Consumer Reports tests many models. This guide helps you pick the best one for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When buying, check these important parts first. These features change how you use your cooker.
Capacity and Size
- Small (2-4 Quarts): Good for couples or small side dishes.
- Medium (4-6 Quarts): Perfect for most families of four. This is the most common size.
- Large (6+ Quarts): Best if you cook big roasts or often make food for parties.
Heat Settings
Most models have three settings:
- Low: Cooks food gently over 6 to 10 hours. Great for busy workdays.
- High: Cooks food faster, usually in 3 to 4 hours.
- Warm: Keeps food ready to eat without overcooking it.
Programmable Timers
A programmable timer is a big help. You set the time you want the food to cook. The machine turns itself to “Warm” when the time runs out. This stops your chili from burning if you are stuck in traffic.
Important Materials and Construction
The materials affect heating and cleaning.
The Insert (Crock)
The removable pot where food sits is very important.
- Stoneware/Ceramic: This is the most common material. It heats evenly and holds warmth well. Most stoneware inserts are dishwasher safe.
- Stainless Steel or Non-Stick Metal: Some newer models use metal inserts. These heat up faster but might not keep food warm as long as ceramic. Check if they are oven-safe if you plan to brown meat first.
The Lid
Look for a heavy, tight-fitting lid. A good seal keeps steam and moisture inside. This moisture is what makes your food tender. Clear glass lids let you check on your food without letting heat escape.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some features make cooking better. Others can cause headaches.
Temperature Accuracy
Consumer Reports tests how accurate the Low and High settings are. Poorly calibrated models might cook too hot, which can dry out food or make it unsafe. Higher-rated models keep temperatures steady.
Durability and Cleaning
Choose a model where the inner pot removes easily. You must clean the pot after every use. Dishwasher-safe parts save you scrubbing time. Sturdy handles on the base unit also reduce the chance of spills.
Bonus Features
Some cookers offer features like searing/browning capabilities directly in the pot. This saves you from dirtying a separate pan. However, these integrated features can sometimes raise the price significantly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you cook every day.
Ease of Use
Simple dials or digital controls are easiest to use. If the instruction manual is clear, you will use the machine more often. Complex settings often go unused.
What You Can Cook
Slow cookers excel at tough cuts of meat, soups, stews, and chili. They are perfect for making big batches of pulled pork for game day or having a hot dinner ready when you get home from work. They are not good for quick meals or delicate items like fish.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Slow Cookers
Q: What is the main difference between “Low” and “High” settings?
A: The “Low” setting takes longer to reach the cooking temperature. The “High” setting gets hot faster. Both settings will eventually reach the same internal temperature to cook food safely.
Q: Can I use aluminum foil inside the slow cooker?
A: No. Do not use aluminum foil inside the stoneware pot. It traps heat and can cause the ceramic to crack or break. Always place food directly into the insert.
Q: Do I need to brown meat before putting it in the slow cooker?
A: Browning meat is optional. It adds deeper flavor, but it is not necessary for safety. If your model has a sear function, use it. Otherwise, you can skip this step.
Q: What is the best size slow cooker for two people?
A: A 3-quart or 4-quart model is usually the best fit for two people. This prevents cooking too much food that might go to waste.
Q: Can I cook frozen meat in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, but only if you use the “Low” setting and cook it for a very long time. Consumer Reports advises against using the “High” setting for frozen meat because the center might stay too cold for too long.
Q: Are stoneware inserts safe if they have small cracks?
A: No. If you see cracks in the ceramic insert, stop using it. Water or grease can seep into the cracks, and the pot could break when heated.
Q: How do I keep my soup from getting too watery?
A: Watery soup often happens because the lid seals too tightly. Try removing the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking time to let some moisture escape.
Q: Are digital slow cookers better than analog (knob) models?
A: Digital models usually offer more precise timing features. Analog models are simpler and often cheaper. Both can cook food well if their temperature calibration is accurate.
Q: Can I leave my slow cooker on “Warm” overnight?
A: Yes, most modern slow cookers are safe to keep on the “Warm” setting for several hours. The temperature is kept above the danger zone for bacteria growth.
Q: What kind of cleaning tools should I use on the ceramic pot?
A: Use soft sponges or plastic scrubbers. Harsh metal scouring pads can scratch the ceramic surface over time, reducing its lifespan.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!