The 8 Best Slow Cookers for Cooking Smarter, Not Harder

Capacity: 6 qt.

Hamilton Beach makes a wide array of slow cookers, but its Set & Forget model is unique, affordable, and user-friendly—earning it our best overall vote. The high-quality stainless steel cooking vessel doesn’t contain any PFAs (per- and polyfluorinated substances) that may negatively impact health. Plus, this cooker is one of the only models on the market with a digital thermometer, allowing you to program the machine to cook until a certain temperature has been reached.

Dimensions: 11.25″D x 17.5″W x 11.75″H

Settings: 3

Capacity: 6 qt.

While there technically are some cheaper slow cookers out there, GreenLife’s Cook Duo is the best value for those on a budget. For starters, it’s made with the brand’s signature healthy ceramic coating that’s free from any chemicals and creates 60 percent less carbon emissions in production than other models.

On top of that, the nonstick ceramic cooker is oven- and stove-top safe. Simply pop out the nonstick pot for searing and sauteeing; if you’d rather slow-cook your food, you can pop it back in to do that, too. As for features, you can set your cook time, temperature, and delay time. Once food is cooked, there’s also a setting to keep food warm for up to four hours.

Dimensions: 11.5″D x 15.28″W x 10.04″H

Settings: 3

Capacity: 5 qt.

All-Clad is known for producing long-lasting, high-quality cookware, and its 7-in-1 Slow Cooker is no different. This cooker combines All-Clad’s famed stainless steel craftsmanship with the utility of an enameled cast iron Dutch oven. You can remove the Dutch oven and use it completely separately from the cooker for soups, stews, sourdough bread, and more, as it can go in the oven and on the stove.

On the outside, its durable stainless steel construction ensures even heat distribution for consistently delicious results every time while the spacious capacity accommodates meals for the whole family or intimate gatherings. Equipped with intuitive temperature controls, five different cooking modes, and a digital display, mastering your favorite recipes has never been simpler.

Dimensions: 14.88″W x 13.11″H

Settings: 5

Capacity: 6 qt.

Our Place’s Dream Cooker is not only a step above the rest in terms of appearance, but it handles several cooking tasks with the push of a button. While it can slow cook, it can also pressure cook (and sear and sautee), reducing cook times up to 80 percent to get you delicious dishes faster. Its aluminum cooking pot is coated in a toxin-free ceramic nonstick coating for easy clean-up and its locking lid has hands-free steam release for safer pressure cooking. Like all Our Place products, it doubles as a work of art; choose from four colors to show off, including a steely Blue Salt, creamy Steam, and earthy Spice.

Dimensions: 13.3″ D x 15.2″ H x 12.4″W

Settings: 5

Capacity: 6 qt.

Designed by Drew Barrymore, Beautiful’s collection of kitchen appliances, furniture, and home accessories is undoubtedly aesthetically stunning. But the brand’s 6 qt. Slow Cooker does more than just look pretty on your kitchen counter—it’s super convenient, too. The touch-activated display comes with five present settings for poultry, meat, stew, soup, and chili, making it easy to set and forget when you’ve got other things to do. When you’re done cooking, the removable pot and tempered glass lid are dishwasher-safe and make cleanup a breeze. And with looks this pretty, there’s no need to stuff it away in a cabinet; choose from eight versatile pastel colors, leave it on your counter, and enjoy.

Dimensions: 11.22″ D x 11.92″ W x 17.16″ H

Settings: 5

Capacity: 8.5 qt.

Ninja’s Foodi Slow Cooker replaces not one, not two, but 14 different kitchen appliances, including a Dutch oven, saucepan, steamer, and more. The extra large (8.5 qt!) pot slow cooks, steams, sautees, bakes, proofs, and roasts, all with the push of a button. It’s decked out in thoughtful touches, too; the removable cook pot is oven- and dishwasher-safe, while the top features a utensil holder and included ladle to help keep your cook station clean.

Dimensions: 18″D x 12.64″W x 10.59″H

Settings: 8

Capacity: 1.5 qt.

Crock-Pot has been in the slow cooker game longer than any other brand—and you can tell from the impressive amount of cookers it offers. At a mere 1.5 quarts, this “no dial” cooker makes it easy to whip up a dish in a pinch. All you do is plug it in and it automatically starts cooking and warming your food—perfect for individual meals, dips, appetizers, or sauces.

Dimensions: 9.5″D x 9.5″W x 7.8″H

Settings: 1

Capacity: 6 qt.

When you’re heading to a get-together, the convenience of slow cooking helps you make an impressive dish easily. Plus, if you transport your dish in the slow cooker, all you have to do is plug it in and your dish will be hot and ready for guests anytime (as long as it doesn’t spill!) Thankfully, Presto’s cooker is here to help get your meals from point A to point B spill-free. The Nomad has a wide-profile design, a convenient handle, and a locking lid to prevent spillage en route. It also includes a locking utensil holder for easy service upon arrival.

Dimensions: 13″D x 8.68″W x 11.64″H

Settings: 3