The Best Slow Cookers

Slow cookers are simple by design, but the right one can make a big difference in your daily cooking routine. A good slow cooker keeps a steady temperature, high enough to prevent bacteria growth but low enough to safely run all day while you’re away. This balance is key to preparing hands-off meals that come out tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.

Over the months, we’ve researched a wide range of slow cookers to see which ones truly deliver. The best models go beyond just heating food, they simmer gently, offer intuitive controls, and include smart features like locking lids for easy transport or built-in thermometers for precise cooking. Whether you’re making a weeknight stew or a weekend potluck dish, a dependable slow cooker can help you do it with less stress and more confidence.

Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 6 Quart

Best Overall Option

This slow cooker offers reliable, even cooking with convenient features like a locking lid for easy transport, a probe thermometer for precision, and programmable settings for hands-off meals.

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The Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 6 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker stands out for its impressive cooking performance and thoughtful features. In side-by-side testing, it consistently produced the most flavorful meals, including a pot roast that was tender and juicy. Unlike some competing models that ran too hot or failed to heat properly, the Set & Forget held a steady temperature just below a simmer, which allowed ingredients like beans and meats to cook thoroughly and evenly over long periods.

A key feature that sets this model apart is its built-in probe thermometer, which enables precise temperature-based cooking. The thermometer plugs directly into the cooker, with a probe that fits through the lid and into the center of a roast. Once the food reaches the target temperature, adjustable between 140 and 180 degrees in 5-degree increments, the cooker automatically shifts to the warm setting. This allows users to cook meat to a safe and desirable doneness without needing to lift the lid and manually check temperatures.

The digital interface on the Set & Forget is intuitive and user-friendly. With clearly illuminated controls and a straightforward push-button layout, it’s easy to set cooking times and switch between modes. The timer includes a 12-hour limit for both high and low settings, after which the cooker transitions to warm and shuts off after a total of 14 hours. Helpful audible alerts signal the start and end of the cooking cycle, giving peace of mind that the unit is operating correctly.

Another standout feature is the locking lid with a gasket seal, which makes the Set & Forget safer and easier to transport. While the locking mechanisms are smaller than those on some Crock-Pot models, they are sturdy and effective. The lid style also prevents steam from being directed toward the user during opening, unlike hinged designs on other models. For anyone transporting food to gatherings or simply moving the crock from counter to table, this design is especially practical.

The 6-quart capacity strikes a good balance for most households, offering enough space to cook for a family or prepare meals with leftovers in mind. Its ceramic crock ensures even heat distribution, though users will still need a separate pan for searing meat or sautéing vegetables before slow cooking. The cooker also offers both programmable and manual modes, allowing for flexible operation depending on preference or recipe.

Despite being one of the most feature-rich models in its category, the Set & Forget is also among the most affordable. It outperformed more expensive competitors in both functionality and results. Hamilton Beach supports this product with a one-year warranty, covering issues like defective lid locks or other mechanical faults.

There are a few minor drawbacks. The probe thermometer could be longer to better reach smaller cuts of meat, and the crock’s side handles are not as ergonomically designed as those on other models. Pouring out contents can be awkward due to the shape and positioning of the handles. Even so, these are small compromises considering the performance, versatility, and value this cooker delivers. The Set & Forget remains one of the best all-around options for anyone looking to invest in a reliable, programmable slow cooker.

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval

Best Budget Option

The Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker offers simple controls, ample capacity, and reliable performance at an affordable price, ideal for no-fuss, everyday cooking.

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The Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker is a reliable and straightforward option for anyone looking to prepare large, satisfying meals without the complexity of digital controls. Its generous 7-quart capacity makes it ideal for families, batch cooking, or entertaining, easily accommodating a 7-pound roast or meals for nine or more people. The oval shape is especially well-suited for cooking whole chickens, large cuts of meat, and layered one-pot dishes like casseroles or chili.

This model features manual dial controls with three straightforward settings: High, Low, and Warm. These options make it easy to tailor cooking time and temperature to the recipe without navigating complicated menus or displays. The Warm setting is particularly helpful for keeping food at a safe and appetizing temperature once it’s finished cooking. While it lacks a programmable timer, this simplicity can be a plus for users who prefer set-it-and-forget-it functionality without needing to manage additional features.

The removable stoneware insert is oven-safe up to 400°F and can also be used in the microwave, giving it added versatility for finishing or reheating dishes. Both the insert and the glass lid are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup fast and convenient. The stainless steel exterior not only looks sleek on a countertop but also holds up well to regular use.

In terms of build quality, the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker is made with durable materials including ceramic, glass, and stainless steel. The stoneware distributes heat evenly, helping to prevent hot spots and ensuring that meats and vegetables cook thoroughly. Its one-pot cooking approach simplifies meal prep and reduces the number of dishes involved in creating a full meal.

Compared to more advanced or expensive models, this slow cooker holds its own by focusing on the essentials. While it doesn’t include extras like a built-in thermometer or locking lid, it delivers dependable performance and is often priced significantly lower than digital alternatives. For those who don’t need additional bells and whistles, it offers great value and consistent results.

There are a few limitations to consider. The lack of a timer means users must monitor cook times manually or set external reminders. Additionally, it does not include features like an automatic switch to Warm based on cooking progress, it requires users to estimate and set the cooking period appropriately. However, for many users, these trade-offs are acceptable in exchange for simplicity and price.

This model is especially useful for anyone new to slow cooking or looking for a no-fuss appliance. Whether you’re preparing soups, stews, roasts, or even breakfast casseroles, the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Manual Slow Cooker makes it easy to prepare hearty meals with minimal active effort. Its straightforward operation, roomy capacity, and easy cleanup make it a standout in the category of affordable slow cookers.

If you’re looking for an uncomplicated, reliable slow cooker that covers all the basics at a reasonable price, the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker is a strong choice. Its simple design and practical features make it well-suited for everyday use, and its size makes it flexible enough to handle a wide range of dishes for families and gatherings alike.

Hamilton Beach Temp Tracker 6 Quart

Best for Longer Cooks

The Hamilton Beach Temp Tracker offers a built-in probe thermometer, 24-hour cook time, and precise temperature control, great for slow cooking over long periods.

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The Hamilton Beach Temp Tracker 6 Quart Slow Cooker is a feature-rich option designed for users who want more control over their cooking times and temperatures. While it may not have performed quite as well as our top pick in some tests, it offers a level of programmability and flexibility that makes it ideal for those seeking precision and extended cook times. Its 24-hour timer, target temperature controls, and integrated probe thermometer make it especially appealing for more advanced or specialized use cases.

This slow cooker stands out for its 24-hour cook timer, which allows cooking in 10-minute increments, double the maximum duration of many other models. With four heat settings (low, medium, high, and warm) and the ability to set an exact temperature between 100 °F and 200 °F in 1-degree increments, it gives users an uncommon degree of control. Though not all cooks will need this expanded range, it can be helpful for keeping food at specific holding temperatures or experimenting with more delicate dishes.

The probe thermometer adds another layer of convenience. With three designated slots in the lid, users can position the probe in different parts of a large cut of meat to monitor doneness without opening the lid and releasing heat. The probe works on any setting except warm and can be set to a specific internal temperature. Once the target is reached, the cooker can either switch to the warm setting or maintain a specific hold temperature, depending on the selected mode.

In practice, the probe delivered solid results. It was within 1 degree of a trusted external thermometer during bean testing, and ranged from 1 to 9 degrees of variation during roast cooking, acceptable given the natural inconsistencies in internal meat temperature. The backlit interface clearly displays both the probe reading and target temperature throughout the cooking cycle, making it easy to track progress at a glance.

Despite its strong feature set, the Temp Tracker did have a few performance shortcomings. In our tests, it overcooked beans on the low setting, completing an eight-hour program in just five hours. However, many other models either failed to cook beans at all or finished too early as well. On the positive side, the Temp Tracker produced a pot roast that was flavorful and moist, better than the result from some competitors, even if not quite as tender as our top pick.

The physical design is consistent with other Hamilton Beach models. It includes a ceramic crock, a locking lid with a gasket for spill-proof transport, and a digital control panel with a dial and clearly marked buttons. The interface is responsive, showing real-time temperature and time updates, and the cooker sounds an alert when a cooking cycle starts or finishes.

Overall, the Hamilton Beach Temp Tracker offers a compelling combination of precision, programmability, and affordability. It may not be the best choice for someone looking for a basic slow cooker, but for users who want extended cook times, more temperature options, or the ability to monitor doneness via a built-in probe, it’s one of the most versatile models available in this price range. Like most Hamilton Beach appliances, it comes with a standard one-year warranty.

While slow cookers are generally safe to use, it’s important to follow a few basic precautions to ensure your appliance lasts and your food turns out as intended. Despite the dramatization in TV shows and movies, your slow cooker is not going to explode. However, reading the manual before first use is essential. Many models include specific safety warnings, care instructions, and usage tips that can prevent accidents, like avoiding locking the lid while cooking, which can lead to broken glass from built-up pressure.

Proper cleaning and care will also extend the life of your slow cooker. Most crocks, especially those made of stoneware like the models we recommend, are dishwasher-safe, but always let them cool before washing. Exposing hot ceramic to cold water can cause it to crack. For stubborn, stuck-on food, try soaking the insert in hot, soapy water before cleaning. A sprinkle of baking soda can help loosen grime without damaging the surface. Avoid using abrasive scouring pads that can scratch the ceramic or wear down the glaze.

Finally, don’t be alarmed if your new slow cooker gives off a rubbery or burnt smell during its first few uses. This is a common occurrence with appliances that have heating elements and is caused by a protective coating on the internal parts. The smell usually goes away after a few cooking cycles. With a little care and patience, your slow cooker can become a dependable, low-effort way to make flavorful meals year-round.