Looking for the best slow cooker to simplify meal prep and create mouthwatering meals? With so many choices, it can be hard to pick the right one. Don’t worry—we’ve done the work for you!

This guide reviews top slow cookers, from budget-friendly options to premium picks. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or just starting, we’ve got the insights you need. Our thorough testing focused on performance, features, and value to bring you the best recommendations.

The Morphy Richards Sear and Stew Slow Cooker is our Editor’s Pick, thanks to its innovative hob-to-slow cooker functionality, sleek design, and easy cleanup. Need something bigger? The Crockpot TimeSelect Digital Slow Cooker is ideal for families, offering customisable settings and a 5.6L capacity.

For those on a budget, the Crock-Pot Slow Cooker with Removable Ceramic Bowl delivers great value without sacrificing performance.

Not every option lives up to the hype, so we’ve also included one product to avoid, saving you money and frustration. Ready to find the perfect slow cooker for effortless, flavorful meals? Read on to discover the top picks that make home cooking a breeze!

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Slow Cooker Must-Haves: Features You Can't Ignore

When shopping for a slow cooker, certain features and standards should be considered "givens"—essential qualities that ensure a reliable and functional cooking experience. Below are the key aspects to expect:

Features That Should Be a Given

1. Multiple Heat Settings: Low, medium, and high options to accommodate different cooking needs and recipes.
2. Keep-Warm Function: Automatically switches to this warm setting mode after cooking, so meals stay ready to serve.
3. Even Heating: Ensures consistent cooking, preventing hot spots or undercooked portions.
4. Removable Cooking Pot: A detachable, dishwasher-safe pot for easy cleanup.
5. Durable Lid: Shatter-resistant and transparent, allowing you to monitor food without losing heat.
6. Energy Efficiency: Designed to consume minimal energy while providing maximum performance.
7. Safety Features: Cool-touch handles and non-slip feet for safe handling and stability.

Norms to Look Out For

• Capacity Options: Most slow cookers range from 3.5L (ideal for small households) to 6.5L (perfect for families or meal prep).
• Non-Stick Interior: A standard in most modern models to prevent food from sticking and simplify cleaning.
• Basic Slow Cooker Timer: Allows for scheduled cooking, even on budget models.

Design and Build Quality

The design and build of a slow cooker play a significant role in both functionality and aesthetics. Here’s what to consider:

1. Materials: Durable stainless steel or high-quality plastic ensures longevity and a modern look. Ceramic or non-stick aluminium pots are the standard for retaining heat and ensuring even cooking.
2. Size and Shape: Compact designs for small kitchens or lightweight models for portability. Oval shapes are more versatile for roasts, while round shapes suit soups and stews.
3. Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe pots and lids are a must. Non-stick coatings simplify hand-washing if required.
4. Aesthetic Appeal: Stylish finishes like matte black, rose gold, or stainless steel can complement your kitchen décor.

Extra Features to Elevate Your Slow Cooker Game

For those seeking more than just the basics, many slow cookers come with additional features to enhance convenience and performance. Look out for these extras:

1. Hob-to-Slow Cooker Compatibility: Allows you to sear ingredients directly in the pot before slow cooking, minimising cookware use.
2. Programmable Timers: Set precise cooking times, ideal for busy households.
3. Digital Display: Clear and user-friendly interface for adjusting settings.
4. Delay Start Option: Lets you begin cooking at a later time, perfect for meal planning.
5. Multiple Cooking Modes: Options like sauté, steam, or bake for versatile meal preparation.
6. Automatic Shutoff: Adds an extra layer of safety.
7. Recipe Booklets and Accessories: Handy for beginners and those looking for inspiration.
8. Compact Storage: Foldable handles or retractable cords save space in your kitchen.

By considering these features and standards, you'll find a slow cooker that not only meets but exceeds your expectations, making meal preparation effortless and enjoyable.

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Editors Pick

Morphy Richards Sear and Stew Slow Cooker 460016 Black and Rose Gold, 3.5L

The Morphy Richards Sear and Stew Slow Cooker in Black and Rose Gold is a versatile kitchen tool that simplifies cooking for families or small groups. Its 3.5L capacity is perfect for preparing meals for up to four people, offering the convenience of slow cooking without compromising on taste or texture.

Key Features

• Hob-to-Slow Cooker Function: Sear ingredients on the stove (not for induction hobs) and transfer them back to the lightweight pot for slow cooking, enhancing flavour with minimal cookware.
• Customisable Heat Settings: Three options—low, medium, high—let you cook at your pace. The transparent lid allows easy monitoring.
• Effortless Cleaning: The non-stick, dishwasher-safe pot and lid ensure quick cleanup. The shatterproof design adds durability.
• Energy Efficient and Stylish: Matte black with rose gold accents, it saves energy while complementing your kitchen.
• Compact Design: Its 3.5L capacity and oval shape minimise space use, while the lightweight build simplifies handling.

We tested the Morphy Richards Sear and Stew Slow Cooker and found it to be an excellent addition to our kitchen. Its hob-to-slow cooker functionality is a standout feature, allowing us to sear ingredients directly in the pot before slow cooking—a step that adds rich flavour without extra pans.

The medium heat setting is perfect for all-day cooking, and the low setting ensures dishes simmer gently (without the risk of overcooking).

Cleaning was effortless, thanks to the lightweight, non-stick, dishwasher-safe pot, which saved us time and effort. The stylish matte black and rose gold design looked great on our countertop and didn’t take up too much space.

One limitation is that it isn’t compatible with induction hobs, but this didn’t detract from its overall performance. For those seeking convenience, versatility, and energy efficiency in a slow cooker, we highly recommend the Morphy Richards Sear and Stew—it delivers flavorful meals with ease.

Runner Up

Crockpot TimeSelect Digital Slow Cooker Programmable Digital Display 5.6 L

The Crockpot TimeSelect Digital Slow Cooker is a well-designed, versatile kitchen appliance that simplifies meal preparation for busy households. We tested this slow cooker extensively and found it to deliver excellent results with minimal effort.

Key Features

• Customisable Cooking Options: The Schedule Meal function adjusts cooking based on your desired mealtime, food type, and quantity. Manual settings offer full control with programmable timers and high/low settings.
• Generous Capacity: The 5.6L pot is ideal for large families or batch cooking, fitting a whole chicken or a stew for six.
• Convenient Design: Oven- and dishwasher-safe stoneware simplifies cleanup. Cool-touch handles enhance safety.
• Effortless Cooking: Ensures even cooking with no sticking or burning. Automatically switches to "Keep Warm" mode when done.

We tested the Crockpot TimeSelect Digital Slow Cooker and found it to be a reliable and versatile kitchen companion. Its Schedule Meal function is one of the most impressive features, automatically adjusting the cooking process based on your preferred mealtime, food type, and quantity.

The 5.6L capacity is perfect for large families or batch cooking, effortlessly handling dishes like whole chickens or hearty stews.

The stoneware pot and glass lid are both oven- and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup hassle-free. Plus, the "Keep Warm" mode ensures your food is ready whenever you are, which is especially useful for busy days.

However, the ceramic pot is quite heavy, and there’s no delayed start option for the Schedule Meal feature. These points might not suit everyone, but they don’t overshadow the cooker’s overall performance.

We highly recommend it for its ease of use, consistent results, and thoughtful features that make meal preparation stress-free.

Budget Pick

Crock-Pot Slow Cooker Removable Easy-Clean Ceramic Bowl 6.5 L

We’ve had the opportunity to test the Crock-Pot Slow Cooker with Removable Easy-Clean Ceramic Bowl (6.5L), and it’s become an essential part of our kitchen. Its thoughtful design and practical features make it perfect for preparing hearty meals with minimal effort.

Key Features

• Three Heat Settings: Low, High, and Keep-Warm options let you adjust cooking times to suit any recipe. Perfect for slow-cooked stews or keeping dishes warm.
• Large 6.5L Capacity: Great for families, entertaining, or meal prepping. Prepares soups, casseroles, desserts, and more with ease.
• Removable Ceramic Bowl: Durable and heat-retentive, it doubles as a serving dish. Cleanup is simple with minimal effort.
• Versatility: Handles roasts, puddings, and cakes with consistent, gentle heat.
• Recipe Booklet and Tools: Includes utensils and recipes, ideal for beginners.

We tested the Crock-Pot Slow Cooker (6.5L) and found it to be a fantastic addition to any kitchen. Its large capacity is perfect for families, meal prepping, or entertaining, comfortably handling soups, casseroles, roasts, and even desserts.

The ceramic bowl is durable and doubles as a serving dish, retaining heat exceptionally well (though cleaning can be tricky if food sticks, a brief soak resolves this).

The three heat settings—Low, High, and Keep-Warm—provide flexibility for various recipes, from slow-cooked stews to keeping meals warm for dinner. While the lack of an indicator light is a minor inconvenience, it doesn’t impact the overall performance.

This best budget slow cooker excels in its ability to deliver consistently flavorful and tender results with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, it’s a reliable, versatile, and practical tool that simplifies meal preparation beautifully. We highly recommend it!

Dishwasher Safe Slow Cooker Pick

Morphy Richards 3.5L Sear & Stew Slow Cooker

We’ve had the opportunity to use the Morphy Richards 3.5L Sear & Stew Slow Cooker, and it truly simplifies meal preparation. Here’s what we found:

Key Features

• One-Pot Convenience: Sear on the stove, then transfer directly to the slow cooker with the lightweight aluminium pot—saving time and enhancing flavour.
• Customisable Heat Settings: Choose from low, medium, or high to suit any recipe and ensure perfect results.
• Easy to Clean: The non-stick, dishwasher-safe pot makes cleanup simple and quick.
• Compact & Versatile: The 3.5L capacity suits small families or individuals, is ideal for stews and soups, and is easy to store.
• Lightweight Durability: The aluminium pot is sturdy yet light, making serving and cleaning effortless.

We tested the Morphy Richards 3.5L Sear & Stew Slow Cooker and found it to be an incredibly convenient and versatile kitchen tool. Its lightweight aluminium pot (perfect for searing directly on the hob) added rich flavour to dishes like beef stew while saving us the hassle of extra washing up.

Meals turned out to be consistently tender and delicious, making them a reliable choice for slow-cooking enthusiasts. The sleek design fits beautifully in modern kitchens, and the 3.5L capacity is ideal for small families or individuals. Cleaning was a breeze thanks to the non-stick, dishwasher-safe pot.

On the downside, it lacks a timer or keep-warm function, but the pot retains heat well if kept covered, which compensates for this. Overall, we were impressed by its practicality and ease of use. It’s a must-have for anyone looking to simplify meal preparation without sacrificing quality or flavour.

Stylish Slow Cooker Pick

Swan SF17021GN Retro Slow Cooker with 3 Temperature Settings

The Swan SF17021GN Retro Slow Cooker is a practical and stylish addition to any kitchen. Designed with a retro aesthetic, it combines functionality and visual appeal to enhance your cooking experience.

Key Features

• Three Temperature Settings: High, low, and auto settings let you slow-simmer or cook meals faster. Auto starts on high, then shifts to low for convenience.
• Keep Warm Function: Keeps food at serving temperature until you're ready to eat.
• Removable Pot: The ceramic pot is dishwasher-safe for quick cleanup.
• Compact Size: The 3.5-litre capacity suits small families or couples, saving space without sacrificing portions.
• Recipe Book: Includes creative meal ideas for easy inspiration.
• Stylish Design: Retro colours and chrome accents add vintage charm to your kitchen.

We’ve found the Swan SF17021GN Retro Slow Cooker to be a fantastic addition to our kitchen. Its ease of use is unmatched—perfect for busy days when we want to return home to a hearty meal (think stews, casseroles, and soups bursting with flavour).

The low and slow cooking setting is ideal for slow-cooking dishes, while the high setting speeds things up when needed, delivering consistently excellent results.

Cleaning is simple thanks to the removable ceramic pot, which resists odours. However, we noticed that dark gravies can sometimes leave slight stains (slow-cooker liners work wonders here). Despite this, maintenance is quick and hassle-free.

With its charming retro design and reliable performance, this slow cooker has become a dependable part of our routine. It’s stylish and versatile and makes home-cooked meals almost effortless—a must-have for anyone looking to simplify their cooking experience while still enjoying delicious results.

One To Avoid

Black & Decker BXSC16045GB 6.5L Digital Sear & Stew Slow Cooker

The Black & Decker BXSC16045GB 6.5L Digital Sear & Stew Slow Cooker is one to avoid if you value consistent performance and quality. While it offers a generous 6.5L capacity (perfect for large gatherings) and a hob-proof pot for convenient searing, the negatives far outweigh the positives.

The biggest issue is its low heat setting, which fails to properly tenderise tougher cuts of meat, undermining the purpose of slow cooking.

Additionally, the pot’s lightweight aluminium build feels unstable on the hob, requiring constant monitoring and making the searing feature frustrating to use. Uneven heating further complicates cooking, leading to inconsistent results.

The digital controls are simple to navigate, and the keep-warm function is helpful for busy schedules, but these conveniences can’t make up for the cooker’s overall shortcomings. The build quality feels cheap, raising concerns about its longevity.

While the cooker may look stylish and promise versatility, it doesn’t deliver on its core function: reliable, hassle-free slow cooking. We wouldn’t recommend it, especially with better-performing options available at similar prices. Save your money and time—this product isn’t worth the hassle.

How We Evaluated and Chose the Best Slow Cookers on the Market

When determining the best slow cooker, we didn’t just simmer some soup and call it a day. We conducted an in-depth evaluation to ensure every aspect was covered. From performance to design, we left no stone unturned. Here’s how we did it:

Performance Testing

We started by assessing how well each slow cooker performed its primary task: cooking delicious meals. Using a food thermometer, we tested temperature accuracy across low, medium, and high settings, ensuring each cooker maintained consistent heat levels to cook food safely and evenly.

Then, we prepared a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, roasts, and desserts, to evaluate the evenness of cooking, the ability to tenderise tougher cuts of meat, and how well flavours and textures were preserved over long cooking times. Consistent results were a must for high scores.

Ease of Use

Next, we focused on usability, testing how intuitive the controls were and comparing manual dials to digital displays. The setup process was evaluated for simplicity to ensure even first-time users wouldn’t struggle. Cleanup was scrutinised to see if pots and lids were truly non-stick and dishwasher-safe.

We also checked how easily food residue could be removed after cooking, as this significantly impacts convenience. The goal was to identify models that made the cooking experience stress-free from start to finish.

Build Quality and Design

We closely examined the durability and aesthetics of each slow cooker. The materials used in construction, such as stainless steel exteriors and ceramic or aluminium pots, were inspected for quality and longevity, ensuring they could withstand repeated use.

The lids were tested for a secure fit to retain moisture during cooking. We also evaluated the weight and portability of each cooker, paying attention to handle sturdiness and stability during transport.

Finally, we considered whether the design would complement a modern kitchen, as aesthetics can be an important factor for many buyers.

Energy Efficiency

Energy usage was another essential factor in our testing. We measured power consumption during typical cooking cycles to determine how economical and efficient each model was in real-world use.

Slow cookers are often used for extended periods, so energy efficiency is crucial for keeping utility costs low while maintaining performance.

Special Features

Extra features were tested thoroughly to determine if they added genuine value. We evaluated hob-to-slow cooker compatibility by searing ingredients directly in the pot before slow cooking, which minimises dishwashing and enhances the flavour.

Programmable timers and delay start options were assessed for accuracy, while keep-warm functions were tested to see how effectively they maintained food temperature without overcooking. Automatic shutoff features were also examined to ensure reliability and safety, especially for busy households.

Capacity Evaluation

Using real-world recipes, we tested whether the stated capacity of each model was practical for both small and large meal sizes. We evaluated how well each cooker handled different quantities, from single servings to family-sized meals, without spilling or compromising performance.

This ensured that each model could cater to a variety of needs.

Customer Support and Warranty

Finally, we assessed customer service by contacting each brand with questions about warranties and support options. This ensured that buyers could rely on prompt and helpful assistance if needed, which is a critical consideration for long-term use.

Comparative Testing

We didn’t evaluate these slow cookers in isolation. Each model was compared to others in its price range to determine how it measured up in terms of features, performance, and overall value. This allowed us to identify the top-performing slow cookers in every category.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Slow Cooking Healthy?

Slow cooking is healthy as it retains nutrients in food by using low and consistent heat. This method minimises nutrient loss compared to boiling or frying. It also allows for using minimal oil, promoting healthier meals.

Additionally, slow cooking tenderises lean cuts of meat, making it ideal for balanced, wholesome recipes.

Do Slow Cookers Use a Lot of Electricity?

Slow cookers are energy-efficient appliances. They use significantly less electricity than ovens or stovetops, consuming about the same amount of energy as a standard light bulb. Their low wattage and long cooking times make them an economical option for preparing meals, even for extended periods.

Which Is Best, a Crockpot or a Slow Cooker?

The choice between a Crockpot and a slow cooker depends on your preferences. Crockpot is a brand specialising in slow cookers, often offering more advanced features. Generic slow cookers can provide similar results at varied price points.

Evaluate based on size, settings, and additional features to suit your needs.

What Foods Should Not Go in a Slow Cooker?

Foods that shouldn’t go in a slow cooker include dairy products like milk or cream, which can curdle, and frozen meats, as they may not heat evenly. Delicate vegetables and seafood may overcook, while crispy foods lose texture. Always follow recipes for the best results.

What Shape Slow Cooker Is Best?

The best shape for a slow cooker depends on your needs. Oval slow cookers are versatile, fitting roasts, whole chickens, and larger cuts of meat. Round slow cookers are ideal for soups, stews, and smaller portions. Choose based on the types of meals you plan to prepare.

Can You Leave a Slow Cooker On Overnight?

Yes, you can leave a slow cooker on overnight, as it is designed for long, unattended cooking. Ensure the cooker is on a safe, heat-resistant surface and set to the appropriate heat level. Modern models with safety features like timers and automatic shutoffs enhance overnight usage.

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Final Word

We hope our best slow cooker guide helped you find the perfect addition to your kitchen. Choosing the right model can be tricky, but we’ve highlighted our top picks to make it easier. Our favourite is the Morphy Richards Sear and Stew Slow Cooker, thanks to its hob-to-slow cooker versatility, stylish design, and easy cleaning.

For larger meals, the Crockpot TimeSelect Digital Slow Cooker offers impressive capacity and customisable settings, while the Crock-Pot Slow Cooker with Removable Ceramic Bowl delivers excellent value for budget-conscious buyers.

However, not all slow cookers impressed us. The Black & Decker BXSC16045GB underperformed with uneven heating and less durable materials. While stylish, it doesn’t justify its cost.

Have you found your ideal slow cooker, or are you still deciding? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!