It’s no secret that I own WAY too many slow cookers – but I do have some favorites and here are the best slow cookers to buy for your family!
BEST Slow Cookers
Looking to buy a new slow cooker? Let me help you pick one that’s just perfect for you and your family’s needs! (I LOVE a good slow cooker recipe – in fact I’ll be starting up Crocktober soon and I would love for you to join me!).
If you’re looking for a new “Mrs. Potts”, here are a few of my favorite as well as a couple the team agrees are fantastic. As a bunch of long-time home cooks we are SERIOUS about our slow cookers, and we share our experiences here with you in this crock pot buying guide.
Top BEST Slow Cookers By Type
Best Overall Slow Cooker
My own personal current favorite, is this Beautiful By Drew Barrymore Slow Cooker that also Sautes/Sears. (It’s a 10-in-1 Function multi-cooker, but the saute function is probably the only extra feature that matters to me).
It’s perfect for searing meats before it’s time to slow cook, as well as sauteing onions, veggies etc… I love not having to dirty another pot when preparing a meal! The crockpot function works well. I cooked a meal for 6 hours last night and when it reached it’s time, it switched to warm. The warm setting has a timer on it too. It automatically goes to two hours then will completely shut off. (Or you can adjust that time!)
The pink in this one is absolutely STUNNING (and it’s on sale right now too!).
I also think the price point is so much more reasonable than some of the prices I’ve been seeing. If you’re looking for a fresh new slow cooker this Fall, for the extra features, the low price, and stylish design – you can’t beat this option!
Features we love:
- 10 functions include sauteeing
- Low-ish price point
- Larger 6qt Size
- Programmable
- Ceramic Coated
- Stylish
Best Small Slow Cookers
These slow cookers are great for dips or smaller batches of chili. Team member Amber has a vegetarian in her household, so these smaller ones are also perfect to be able to create a similar yet separate recipe for those with special dietary needs. We LOVE this 2.5 quart Beautiful slow cooker – the colors match the larger one above and it works SO WELL!
PPP Team Member Misty has a similar sized crockpot and loves it for her small family left at home. This Gourmia 4.5 Qt Slow Cooker is programmable, is the perfect size for a smaller family (or empty-nesters), and has a locking lid.
Features we love:
- Locking lid
- Low price point
- Small-family friendly
- Programmable
PPP Team Member Misty loves this crockpot, but it’s no longer available.
Best Mid-Size Slow Cooker
We all love this Crock-Pot 7Qt Cook n Carry Slow Cooker (the light stone color is GORGEOUS!) that has a clamping lid to make it portable. It’s programmable and has a keep warm setting for when your food is done cooking. At 7 qts, this is a great size for just about any home cook and its portable design allows it to go from your counter to the potluck party without storing two different slow cookers.
If you prefer this pretty white color, I own this one and I love it! This is a great basic Crockpot – if you’re going to pick one crockpot to start out with, this is the one. It’s programmable, turns to low after you’ve set your timer, and cooks really consistently like a traditional crockpot. I’ve been so pleased with it!
Features we love:
- Latching lid for travel
- Large 7-Qt Size
- Programmable
- Aesthetic
Best Large Slow Cooker
Great for big families (or entertaining) – this Crock Pot Programmable 8 Qt Slow Cooker gets two thumbs up from our team. Our store savings expert Lindsay has a large family and loves that this can cook a lot at once. She loves using it for homeschooling co-op days too!
Features we love:
- Large Family Friendly
- Programmable with Timer
- Stay Warm Feature
NOTE: If you are looking for an even BIGGER slow cooker, the largest we’ve seen is this 10 Qt Slow Cooker made by Hamilton Beach – that would certainly feed a crowd!
Best Programmable Slow Cooker
Whether you’re off at work or off at the lake for the day – this Crock-Pot programmable slow cooker with a timer is great for setting and forgetting without overcooking. This 7qt Oval Slow Cooker can hold food for up to 11 hours. Just set the time you want to eat and it will regulate the temperature to have your meal ready when you are. Note: Most programmable slow cookers automatically switch to “Stay Warm” once the cooking time is over, so this may be all you need to have.
Features we love:
- Large 7qt size
- Temp regulation can hold food up to 11 hours (Great for working moms)
- Fully programmable
- Latching Lid
Fanciest Slow Cooker
Boy oh boy do we think this slow cooker is easy on the eyes!
This All-Clad 7-Qt Slow Cooker is my favorite – it was a gift from my whole team for my birthday a couple years back, and I love it even though it’s SO much more than I would normally spend! My friend Cheree (see the photo above) also has and loves this one for looking classy on the counter and doing a great job slow cooking. If you’re planning a beautiful gift for a friend who adores spending time in the kitchen, this is one of the best slow cookers to buy that will last a long time and feel classy!
Features we love:
- Fannnncy!
- Large Family-Friendly at 7Qts
- Sears and sautes
- Programmable
Best Multi-Cooker Slow Cooker
Looking for a multi-cooker that can Saute, Slow Cook, Grill, Stir-Fry, Steam, Stew, Rice, and Keep Warm?? Team-Member Mary LOVES her highly rated GreenPan 6.5 Qt 8-in-1 Multi-Cooker with Grill Griddle Plate and uses it at least once a week. It does several things as well as slow cooks. Her husband even uses the griddle plate to make bacon often!
Features we love:
- Multiple functions
- Ceramic Coating
- Largish 6.5Qt Size
- Programmable
Best Traveling Slow Cooker
We’ve been slowly falling in love with this one for the past few years and PPP Team Member Ashley finally snagged one to test it out!
Take that chili on the road! (WITHOUT having a floorboard full of chili by the time you arrive)…. The Presto Nomad 8qt Slow cooker is PERFECT for tailgating, camping and sporting events. This insulated slow cooker keeps things hot and safe, and features a cooler-like handle that makes it easy to carry one-handed. They’ve thought of everything – even down to the bungee cord to hold the serving utensil secure, and the dry-erase sign so everyone knows what’s inside. Even the little dry erase marker has it’s own home!
Features we love:
- Travel-perfect
- Insulated so the outside won’t get too hot
- Easy-Carry Handle (like a cooler)
- Utensil tie-down
- Dry-erase sign with pen-holder
- CUTE!
Best Casserole Slow Cooker
The 3.5 Qt Elite Gourmet Slow Cooker Casserole is perfect for when you want to slow cook a casserole and then finish it in the oven to crisp the top…. unfortunately it’s out of stock! PPP Team Members Bridgett and Staci both have this one and love it, but it’s ALSO no longer available. Bridgett uses it to keep the burgers and hot dogs hot at their cookouts). Perfect for dishes like lasagna, breakfast casserole, and more! You can find similar casserole slow cookers – just be sure to check the reviews!
Features we love:
- Shallow depth perfect for browning casserole tops
- Pan moves into oven without being too big and heavy
- Small-family friendly
- Simple, Straightforward
Best Mini Slow Cooker
The Mini Lunch Crock is just the right size to take leftovers to work and heat them up as the day wears on. When it’s time for lunch they’re piping hot and ready to eat! Several PPP Team Members both own this or have gifted it to a friend or daughter. It’s great for teachers, delivery drivers, and more. PPP Bridgett’s hubby, who got this manly navy blue one to take hot lunches in!
Features we love:
- Travel-friendly
- Adorable
- Perfect size for a lunch portion
Need a slow cooker bag for taking this crockpot on the go? You can also get these HUGE Insulated Slow Cooker Carrying Bags!
Happy Slowcooking!
