Slow cookers are a lifesaver in the kitchen, but which one is excellent? If you are looking for a perfectly fit slow cooker, this article is for you. We picked 10 best slow cookers and there must be one that fulfills your needs!
Table of Contents
Why Should You Have a Slow Cooker?
1. Maximize Variety
Slow cookers allow you to apply a wide range of recipes, from soups and stews to steaks and chicken, even casseroles. Almost every recipe could be converted into a crock pot recipe, it could cook most of the ingredients excellently.
2. Minimize Prep Time
Using slow cookers to prepare dinner is extremely convenient. The meal prep time of crock pot dishes is usually less than 30 minutes. After a few steps of preparation, you only need to throw all the ingredients into the pot and select the settings. Then, you are free to go and let the cooker work for you. Once you get back home, a delicious warm dish is ready to eat!
3. Save money
The prolonged process of low-temperature cooking in a slow cooker helps tenderize the meat. The tougher cut of meat is usually cheaper but still could be yummy by slow cooking. In addition, cooking at home becomes an easy job with a crock pot, hence dining out less. These help you save quite a lot of money!
4. Enhance the flavor
The long cooking process not only tenderizes the meat but also brings out the flavor of each food item. This creates an unrivaled balance and rich flavor result.
There are numerous benefits of having slow cookers I did not mention in the above. But you will know how helpful it is if you try it!
What to Consider When Buying a Slow Cooker?
Size, shape, design, functions, programmable or manual…All these are the factors you should consider when you shop for a crock pot. But the most important point is your need!
- Are you looking for a crock pot but do not want to cost much?
- Are you cooking for a large family?
- Do you often cook with different cooking methods?
- Are you always slow cook and transport to other places?
- Do you frequently cook large cuts of meat?
- Do you usually cook for parties?
Answer yourself and check the below recommended list to find your best cooker!
► Read More: 7 Factors You Should Consider When Buying a Slow Cooker
10 Best Slow Cookers in 2023!
◈ Best Overall Slow Cooker
This Cuisinart Cook Central Multi-Cooker has 3 cooking functions—slow cook, brown/sauté, steam. Most of the crock pot recipes require browning before slow cooking, this is to bring the flavor out and give an appetizing color to the meat. With this, you can finish in one-pot without the stovetop!
◈ Best Budget Slow Cooker
Hamilton Beach Portable 7-Quart Slow Cooker
This Hamilton Beach Programmable Cooker is budget-friendly. As a simple programmable crock pot with large capacity, it cooks well and comes with an affordable price. With a small budget, this one totally fulfills what slow cookers should be!
◈ Best Slow Cooker for Large Family
KOOC 8.5-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
This KOOC cooker has a 8.5 capacity which is available to cook food for more than 8 people. A 10 quart cooker is too big that occupies too much space on your countertop, while this size is much more practical. It is perfect for a large family!
◈ Best Multi-functional Cooker with Slow Cooking
Instant Pot Aura Pro Multi-Use Programmable Slow Cooker
The Instant Pot Aura Pro is featured with 11 programs but very easy to use. It possesses the functions of a slow cooker, sous vide machine, stewing pot, rice cooker, sauté pan, steamer, roasting pan, oven-style baking dish, yogurt maker, and warmer. You can easily cook various delicious dishes in one single cooker by just pressing a few buttons!
◈ Most Versatile Vessel Slow Cooker
West Bend Large Capacity Versatility Slow Cooker
The vessel and heating base of this West Bend Cooker is super versatile. The vessel could be used in the stovetop, oven, refrigerator, and freezer while the heating base doubles as a griddle. How cost-effective it is!
◈ Best Slow Cooker for Tailgates & Picnic:
Presto Nomad 8-quart Traveling Slow Cooker
This Presto Nomad Traveling Cooker is the best crock pot for traveling. It is easy to carry and spill proof, equipped with an utensil holder and retractable cord. Every part of the design is attentive to provide the best experience for users. If you are a picnic enthusiast, you must love this!
◈ Best Slow Cooker with Temperature probe
Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget Programmable Slow Cooker
There are 3 cooking modes for this Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker—probe mode, program mode, and manual mode. The probe mode is the most unique feature which allows you to track the internal temperature of meat precisely, and automatically keep warm when the desired temp is reached. This is especially suitable for cooking large pieces of meat.
◈ Best Slow Cooker with Stirring System
Crock-pot Digital Slow Cooker with iStir Stirring System
The automatic iStir stirring function is very distinctive, particularly for soup and stew recipes. You don’t have to worry about if the soup or stew burns since it is stirred regularly, which enhances the flavors as well. Non-stir recipes are also workable for this cooker as it comes with a classic lid handle.
◈ Best Triple Slow Cooker
Elite Platinum Triple Slow Cooker Buffet Server
This triple crock pot is tailor-made to be a buffet server. Each compartment has its own temperature control, you can prepare various party foods at the same time like meatballs, hot beef, pulled pork and more. The great capacity, 7.5 quart in total, and the thoughtful designs are another merits. Are you a regular at parties and family gatherings? You will definitely love it!
◈ Best Disney Slow Cooker
Disney Mickey Mouse Oval Slow Cooker
This is for Mickey fans! It cooks well and is easy to clean. With the cute designs, black and red frames of Mickey Mouse and signature silhouette of Mickey ‘s head symbol handle, this is more than a crock pot. What’s more, it is accompanied by a mini dipper!
Tips of Using Slow Cookers
- Avoid extreme temperature change. Never place the crock pot into the freezer. And before cleaning it, always turn off your cooker and let it cool down first.
- Always fill the pot at least ½ to ¾ full to prevent spilling out which may cause damage.
- Do not use rough tools like scouring pads to clean the crock pot, it will hurt the stoneware. Clean it with some non-abrasive cleaners by sponge or rubber spatula.
- Never immerse the heating base in any liquid.
► Read More: Slow Cooking Beginner’s Guide (Everything You Need to Know)
Summary
Now you know a lot of outstanding slow cookers, but the most significant is what you need. Pick the best one that suits you from the above and enjoy cooking!
► Read More: 10 Best Sous Vide Cooker for 2023 | Top Pick of Immersion Circulator
