Cooking can be quite time consuming. Between preparation time and the actual, physical act of cooking, cooking a meal can feel like it takes far longer to prepare than it does to eat. Utilizing a slow cooker, however, might just be the shake-up you need. Sure, it sounds a bit counterintuitive — after all, why would you opt for a process that is, technically, longer? The answer is simple: because it tastes better and requires minimal supervision. For the most part, slow cooking requires you to set your appliance to a single temperature setting and check on it every so often. After a few hours, you’ll have a delicious home-cooked meal that hardly took you away from any of your other responsibilities. Don’t believe us? Well, you’re going to have to check out our picks for the best slow cooker.
Set the slow cooker and go about your day
If you’re looking for a device you can program in order to save time and still make delicious, home-cooked meals, the All-Clad SD700450 Programmable Oval-Shaped Slow Cooker with Black Ceramic Insert and Glass Lid is a fantastic choice. With cooking options between 4-20 hours with a complete cycle time of up to 26 hours, you can program this slow-cooker for a wide array of meals on a customizable schedule. It comes with two cooking settings: high mode, which is between two and eight hours, and low mode, for meals that take between four to 20 hours. And with an easy-to-read digital display and intuitive design, you’ll pick up on the overall process in no time.
Key Features:
- Between two and eight hours for high mode
- Low mode is four to 20 hours
- Easy-to-read digital display
Make a lot in this slow cooker
For those who prefer to prepare larger meals — whether it’s in preparation for the week or you have a lot of mouths to feed — the Hamilton Beach Extra-Large Stay or Go Slow Cooker, 10 Quart Capacity, Clip Tight Sealed Lid will get the job done. The extra-large capacity can fit a 10-pound turkey or 12-pound roast, making it perfect for Thanksgiving dinner or any type of dinner party. With three temperature settings — warm, high, and low, a clip-tight sealed lid, and full-grip handles for easy carrying, this slow-cooker has everything you need for an easy-to-make, quality meal.
Key Features:
- Full-grip handles
- Clip-tight sealed lid
- Can fit a 12-pound roast
Get some bang for your buck
When it comes to value, the Crock-Pot Cook & Carry 6-Quart Oval Portable Manual Slow Cooker is unrivaled. Crock-Pot is essentially synonymous with “slow-cooker,” making this inexpensive, quality item a steal. This Crock-Pot can serve over eight people or fit a six-pound roast. The stainless steel pot is of the highest quality and contains a locking lid featuring a lid gasket to help ensure a secure seal and less of a cleanup. So if you’re looking to make a one-pot meal and eliminate some of the hassles of regular cooking, this Crock Pot provides great value, both monetarily and time-wise.
Key Features:
- Made of the highest quality
- Locking lid with a gasket
- Serves over eight people
Get one that can do more
The Instant Pot Duo can do so much more than just slow cooking. This is basically seven appliances in one, as it has the functionalities of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, and food warmer. This features quick, one-touch controls and can be used for slow cooking or fast cooking. It is fingerprint-resistant and has stainless steel sides, along with a dishwasher-safe lid, inner pot, and accessories. There are over 10 proven safety features and this comes in multiple sizes, so you can pick the one that is right for you.
Key Features:
- Quick, one-touch controls
- Over 10 proven safety features
- Fingerprint-resistant sides
Bring it with you
For those who have to carry a meal to someone else’s place, there’s the West Bend 87906B Versatility Slow Cooker. This holds six quarts of food and the vessel features a non-stick coating on the interior. This is safe to put in the oven, on the stove top, or even in the fridge or freezer. It features adjustable temperature controls for a simple time preparing. It features a warming setting to keep your food ready to be served. It comes with a travel lid and a thermal carrying case that makes it more portable. The glass lid allows you to check on the food without having to let any heat out.
Key Features:
- Adjustable temperature controls
- Travel lid and thermal carrying case
- Can go in the fridge or freezer
