Best Slow Cookers for Effortless Meal Prep in 2025

Slow cookers are kitchen appliances that gently cook food over hours, letting flavors come together naturally. They’re perfect for soups, stews, braises—really anything that benefits from a low-and-slow approach. For folks who want to prep dinner and get on with their day, they’re a lifesaver.

Most slow cookers have a ceramic or stoneware pot inside a heating base. You can pick a cooking time and temperature—usually low, high, or warm. Many models keep food hot after cooking, which is handy for families on different schedules.

When picking a slow cooker, think about how much food you’ll need to make. The insert material matters too—dishwasher-safe ceramic or stoneware is usually the easiest to clean. Features like timers, removable pots, and tight lids make life easier. We tried out several models to see which ones actually make dinner simpler, not more complicated.

Best Slow Cookers

Here are the best slow cookers right now, picked for their reliability, features, and how well they get the job done. Each one brings something useful to the table, whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd.

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Slow Cooker

This slow cooker is a reliable choice for anyone needing to feed a crowd with minimal effort and solid cooking results.

Pros

• Large capacity fits sizable roasts or meals for nine people
• Easy to use, with simple high, low, and warm settings
• Removable insert is oven and microwave safe, simplifying meal prep

Cons

• Manual controls lack advanced timer features
• Exterior can generate noticeable heat during use
• No indicator light to show when the cooker is on

The roomy 7-quart size is great for big batches, so it’s a solid pick for families or when you’ve got guests. It cooks evenly, and the high/low settings are simple to figure out. Sure, there’s no programmable timer, but sometimes less is more.

The stainless steel body looks sharp, though it does get a bit warm if you’re running it all day. Cleanup is a breeze since both the stoneware insert and lid can go in the dishwasher—huge plus after a long day.

If you’re after basic, reliable slow cooking without a bunch of extra bells and whistles, this Crock-Pot is hard to beat for everyday meals.

Crock-Pot 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

A reliable choice for large meals, this Crock-Pot combines ease of use with a roomy capacity that suits families and gatherings.

Pros

• Large capacity fits meals for over 10 people
• Programmable timer with auto warm keeps food ready to serve
• Easy cleaning with removable, dishwasher-safe parts

Cons

• Slightly bulky, takes up counter space
• Timer display can be hard to read for some users
• Stoneware and metal parts need careful handling to avoid damage

This Crock-Pot is a go-to when you’ve got a lot of mouths to feed. The 8-quart pot held a whole holiday dinner without breaking a sweat. Setting the timer in the morning and coming home to dinner ready and waiting? Pretty nice.

The black stainless steel finish is modern and wipes clean easily. The lid and pot come out for cleaning, which is a relief. It’s definitely heftier than smaller models and takes up more space, so keep that in mind.

The timer works, but the display could be clearer. Still, the auto-warm function means your food’s always the right temperature, even if dinner runs late. If you love cooking big batches with minimal fuss, this one’s worth a look.

Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry

This slow cooker is a solid choice for anyone needing easy-to-manage cooking and reliable portability for large meals.

Pros

• Secure locking lid prevents spills during transport
• Programmable timer offers flexible cooking control
• Large capacity serves more than seven people comfortably

Cons

• Ceramic insert can be heavy and prone to cracking
• Cooking times may run slightly faster than expected
• Lid seal feels thin, raising durability concerns

This one’s roomy enough for big family dinners or group get-togethers. The timer is super handy—set it and go, and it’ll switch to warm when it’s done.

Carrying it to a potluck or tailgate is simple thanks to the locking lid and gasket. Cleanup isn’t a chore, either, since the stoneware and lid are dishwasher safe.

The ceramic insert is on the heavy side and can crack if you’re not careful. Cooking runs a little hotter than older models, so you might have to tweak your recipes. Still, it gets the job done for a variety of meals.

Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker

This slow cooker is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable, large-capacity cooker that adapts cooking time to fit their schedule.

Pros

• Adjustable cooking timer ensures meals finish right on time
• Leak-proof locking lid makes it easy to transport without spills
• Large 7-quart size is enough to serve a family or group

Cons

• Auto-function could use finer weight-based adjustments
• Slightly bulky, so it requires counter space for storage
• Limited preset settings may not suit every recipe

The MyTime feature is great for people who want dinner ready at a set time. It tweaks the cooking cycle so you don’t have to worry about overcooking. Pretty handy for busy days when you just want to set it and forget it.

Moving it around is easy, thanks to the locking lid and sturdy handles. The stainless steel looks good and wipes clean with little effort.

The auto setting isn’t perfect for big cuts of meat, so some manual tweaks might be needed. It’s a bit bulky, so small kitchens might struggle to find a spot. All things considered, it’s a dependable pick for families and regular meal prep.

Hamilton Beach Set & Forget Slow Cooker

This slow cooker is a reliable choice for those who want precise temperature control and easy, hands-off cooking.

Pros

• Accurate temperature probe for large cuts of meat
• Lid locks securely for spill-free transport
• Programmable settings with automatic keep-warm feature

Cons

• Some users report temperature probe can be tricky to insert properly
• The unit is a bit bulky for smaller kitchens
• Occasional lag in digital controls

The temperature probe takes the guesswork out of cooking roasts and poultry. Once your food hits the right temp, it automatically switches to warm, so overcooked dinners are less of a worry.

The clip-tight lid is great for taking food on the go—no leaks, no mess. Cleanup is easy since the crock and lid are both dishwasher safe.

It’s on the larger side, so make sure you’ve got space. The three cooking modes (program, probe, manual) give you flexibility, and overall, it’s a smart, user-friendly option for anyone who likes a little tech with their slow cooking.

Buying Guide

Picking a slow cooker can get weirdly personal. Size actually matters more than you’d think—most run anywhere from 1.5 to 8 quarts. If you’re cooking for one or two, the smaller ones are probably enough. Got a family or like leftovers? Go bigger.

Cooking settings make a difference. At minimum, you want low, high, and warm. Some have programmable timers, which is handy if you don’t want to babysit your dinner all day.

The insert’s material changes things up, too. Ceramic spreads heat evenly and you can just toss it in the dishwasher. Stainless steel is tougher but usually means more elbow grease come cleanup time.

Extra features can save your sanity. Removable inserts are a must for easy washing. Locking lids are great if you ever need to take your chili on the road. Digital displays and little alerts? Not essential, but they’re nice to have.

Feature	What to Consider
Size	Match capacity with household needs
Cooking settings	Low, high, warm; programmable timers
Insert material	Ceramic or stainless steel
Convenience	Removable insert, locking lid, alerts

Energy use might not be the first thing on your mind, but it’s worth a thought. Most slow cookers don’t guzzle much power, and ones with auto shut-off can help you save a bit more.