For our slow cooker test, our editors extensively tested 15 slow cookers based on: build quality, ease of use, results, price and automatic slow cooker programs. In short, this TOP-10 will help you find the best slow cooker that fits your needs and budget.
By Frank
As you may already know, we are big fans of good food (who isn’t?) and that is also the reason why a slow cooker is not lacking in our kitchen. If you cook meat in slow cookers at a relatively low temperature, you get a more intense taste experience.
Test 2024: best slow cookers of 2024
Below is a selection of the best-tested slow cookers from 2024. When compiling this TOP-10, we take different needs into account. And so here you will find a slow cooker for every budget! Can’t figure it out? Then feel free to send us a message.
The best slow cooker 2024 (best tested)
Crock Pot slowcooker Express-Pot CR051
Everyone on our editorial staff agreed: the Crock Pot slowcooker Express-Pot CR051 is the best slowcooker 2024. Often the terms Crock-Pot and slowcooker are mixed up. Sometimes a slowcooker is called a Crock-Pot or vice versa. Crock-Pot is the brand among slowcookers. It allows you to make delicious slow-cooker recipes in no time. If you use a slow-cooker regularly, this one is not to be missed!
This is directly reflected in the build quality of the Crock-Pot Express-Pot CR051 which consists of a heavy pan and a stainless steel housing. It is also a hefty slow cooker with a capacity of nearly 6 liters, which makes this slow cooker suitable for a large family of 6 or more. This one perfectly controls the slow cooking of a delicious dish!
The Crock-Pot slow cooker Express-Pot CR051 is a versatile appliance with 12 pre-programmed fast cooking functions for a variety of dishes: meat dishes and stews, chili con carne, rice, yogurt, whole chicken, puddings and soups. Of course, you can also manually set the time and temperature. So you can cook a delicious stew at both slightly higher and low temperatures!
But that’s not all. In addition to slow cooking, you can also use this Crock-Pot slow cooker for high pressure cooking, steaming and searing. With so many functions and possibilities, the Crock-Pot Express-Pot CR051 is more of a multicooker than a traditional slowcooker.
- Best option for regular use
- Multipurpose
- Can also be used for searing, steaming and high pressure
- Very good quality
- 12 pre-programmed functions
- Higher and lower temperatures
- Pretty pricey
Conclusion
If you regularly use a slow-cooker then this is the best option. A multipurpose slow-cooker suitable for people who like to cook and do not want to buy too many kitchen appliances. Keep in mind that it is a hefty kitchen appliance that has everything you need for your delicious dish.
The best buy 2024
Tristar VS-3915
For the best buy, we ended up with the Tristar VS-3915 The American brand provides kitchen appliances with excellent quality at a good price. For a few tens of dollars, you get an excellent slow cooker that comes with all the basic functions. Thus, this Tristar VS-3915 is a good slow cooker at an affordable price. With this slow cooker your kitchen will improve!
The Tristar VS-3915 has a 3.5-liter ceramic pan, which makes this best buy suitable for preparing slow-cooker recipes for 4 people. Its compact size also makes it a lot easier to store this slow cooker compared to the best-tested Crock-Pot slow cooker (see No. 1 on our list). Please note that the pan is not dishwasher safe.
A slow cooker like this one has one program and that is slow cooking. Here you have a choice of 4 settings: low, medium, high and the keep warm function. This slow cooker is made for preparing slow cooked meals with peace of mind. One disadvantage of this slow cooker is that it does not have a timer, which in our opinion is a downside. That way, sometimes you don’t quite know if you’ve been cooking for a long time. But maybe a timer is a little too much to ask for the price you pay.
- Very clean design
- 4 settings including heat function
- Excellent value for money
- Equipped with all basic functions
- Capacity: 2.5 liters
- Suitable for 4 persons
- With warming function
- No timer
Conclusion
A slow cooker with a very good price. From this you can make delicious slow cooker recipes. This is not for nothing one of the most popular slow cookers at the moment. This Tristar slow cooker also takes up little space. Thanks to the glass lid, you can always keep an eye on it.
The best slow cooker for a large family
Russell Hobbs MaxiCook Searing 22750-5
Do you have a large household or like to cook large dishes at once? This slow cooker will do just that! The Russell Hobbs MaxiCook Searing 22750-5 with a capacity of 6 liters offers the solution. The casserole is aluminum so it can go in the dishwasher. This electric pan can also be used on gas or an electric stove.
The Hobbs MaxiCook Searing 22750-5 is more than a simple slow-cooker. You can cook anything in the slowcooker however it suits you best!
For example, this electric kitchen appliance gives you 3 temperature settings and programmable timer that lets you set your own cooking time. Slow-cooker recipes have never been so practical to make! Once the slow cooker has finished cooking, it automatically switches to the keep-warm function. Slow-cooked meat that is also kept warm at a constant temperature.
The Hobbs MaxiCook Searing 22750-5 feels sturdy thanks to its stainless steel body and aluminum skillet. The warranty is 2 years and you get an additional year if you register the product with Hobbs within 28 days of purchase.
- Very clean design
- stainless steel housing
- Very versatile
- 3 temperature settings
- stainless steel housing
- With aluminum skillet
- Short cord
Conclusion
You can also use this sleek slow-cooker from Hobbs on the stove. Thanks to the timer, this is a versatile appliance that you can use to prepare the most delicious dishes.
The best slow cooker for small kitchen
Bestron ASC150
Today our kitchen is full of kitchen appliances. A small slow-cooker is then so convenient, so you can easily store it. The Bestron ASC150 came out of our test as the best small slowcooker.
The removable ceramic pan has a capacity of 1.5 liters which is enough for a household of 2 people. With the glass lid you have a completely sealed pan. Both the glass lid and the handy inner pan are dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning a lot less intensive. The housing is stainless steel, which is more durable than plastic.
This is a traditional slow cooker without too many features and fuss. In total, you have a choice of 2 different settings and a keep-warm function.
In short, the Bestron ASC150 is an excellent choice if you are on a budget and looking for a small slow cooker without any fuss. A slow cooker with an excellent value for money. With a capacity of 6 liters, this large slowcooker is suitable for a household of 6 people or more.
- Practical to use
- Compact
- Relatively inexpensive
- With glass lid
- Capacity: 1.5 liters
- Inner pan dishwasher safe
- Only 1 liter capacity at a time
Conclusion
This is one of the most popular slow cooker today. Easy to use and comes with a handy keep warm setting. Keep in mind that you can only end up putting a gallon capacity in it, as you can’t throw a slow cooker completely full.
The best slow cooker with retro look
Swan Retro
Are you a fan of retro kitchen appliances? The Swan Retro came out of our test as the best retro slowcooker. With an inner pan of 3.5 liters, this slow cooker is suitable for a household of 5 people.
With this retro slowcooker you have a choice of 2 temperature settings and a keep-warm function. Furthermore, this is a slow cooker without any fuss and therefore only meant for slow cooking. This slow cooker is available in various retro colors: light blue, cream, dark red and green.
One disadvantage to this slow cooker is that the inner pan is fixed. As a result, the parts are not dishwasher safe so cleaning takes more time.
- Beautiful design
- Automatic warming function
- Suitable for 5 persons
- 2 temperature settings
- Warm function
- In different colors
- Slow cooker is attached to the inner pan
- Not dishwasher safe
Conclusion
Besides preparing delicious recipes, the eye wants something too. This beautiful slow cooker from Swan is available in different colors and comes with an automatic keep-warm function.
The best affordable Crock-Pot
CrockPot CR030X
Would you like the quality of the Crock-Pot brand without paying the top price? Crock-Pot, the American brand, is the inventor of the slow cooker and the market leader for many years. The CrockPot CR030X is the cheapest slow cooker electric pan within Crock-Pot’s range, but still a very decent slow cooker.
Of course, for a lower price, you also get fewer features. For example, unlike more luxurious models in the Crock-Pot collection, the CrockPot CR030X is only meant for slow cooking. In total, you have a choice of 3 temperature settings and a keep-warm function.
One big advantage of the CrockPot CR030X is that you can also place the inner pan in the oven for roasting dishes. Also, the ceramic inner pan is dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning a lot easier.
- Very affordable
- Inner pan can also be used in the oven
- Ceramic inner pan can be dishwasher safe
- Convenient to grip
- 3 temperature settings
- Warm function
- Pan not suitable for the stove
Conclusion
If you would still like to buy a Crock-Pot, but do not want to spend too much money then you will be fine with this affordable and good slow cooker from Crock-Pot.
The best multicooker 2024
Tefal RK8121 45-in-1 Rice and Multicooker
When a slow cooker has multiple cooking programs, it is also called a multicooker. The Tefal RK8121 45-in-1 Rice and Multicooker came out as the best multicooker in our slowcooker test. In addition to slow-cooking, you can use this powerhouse for: steaming, roasting, stewing, baking and as a rice cooker.
In total, the Tefal RK8121 Rice and Multicooker offers 45 programs to prepare complete and delicious meals. A recipe book is included for inspiration. The separate aluminum inner pan has a capacity of 5 liters, which makes this multicooker suitable for medium and large families.
A great advantage of this Tefal multicooker is that you can manually set the temperature between 40°C to 160°C and you are also in charge of the cooking time. This makes it a versatile appliance with countless possibilities.
Only point of criticism: this a device that you do not leave on the countertop for the sake of beauty. The design could have been nicer.
- Very comprehensive: 45 programs
- Manual temperature between 40 and 160 degrees Celsius
- A real powerhouse
- 45 programs
- from 40 to 160 degrees
- Multicooker
- Not the most attractive design
Conclusion
This multicooker is one of the most comprehensive kitchen appliances we have seen. Besides slow-cooker, you can also use this kitchen tool for roasting, steaming, stewing, baking and as a rice cooker. So no need to get other kitchen tools in the house, saving space and money.
The most complete multicooker
Bosch MUC11W12 AutoCook
Even our editors were amazed: with the Bosch MUC11W12 AutoCook you have 48 cooking programs to choose from. In addition to slow cooking, you use this multicooker for baking, roasting, deep frying, boiling rice, steaming and for making yogurt. It even has a sous vide cooking option, which is the easiest way to make poached eggs.
Bosch’s smartphone app gives you access to more than 300 recipes. Thanks to the adjustable temperature between 40 and 160 degrees and the timer, the possibilities are endless. Once you find your favorite settings? Then you can save them as a coffee profile for easy reference next time.
The Bosch MUC11W12 AutoCook with Sous vide function is easy to clean, as most parts are dishwasher safe. The removable aluminum pan has a capacity of 5.0 liters which makes it suitable for a medium to large family.
- Most parts dishwasher safe
- 5 liter capacity
- Aluminum inner pan
- Complete multicooker
- Very versatile
- Book of 300 recipes
- Adjustable temperature
- No storage space for the cord
Conclusion
Do you like luxury gadgets? With this multicooker from Bosch, you can pull out all the stops. This handy kitchen helper is suitable for true foodies who do not always have time to cook due to a busy life.
The best slow-cooker for family with children
Russell Hobbs 24180-56 Chalkboard
The Russell Hobbs 24180-56 Chalkboard may not be the most fancy or best slow cooker, but it’s certainly the most fun. Let the rest of the family know what’s on the menu with the included chalkboards. You can chalk directly on the slow cooker.
With a capacity of 3.5 liters, this slow cooker from Russell Hobbs is suitable for a small to medium-sized family. The removable inner pan is made of ceramic. Unfortunately, it is not possible to put this pan in the dishwasher, but thanks to the non-stick coating, you can quickly rinse this slow cooker under the tap.
Furthermore, this is a no-fuss slow cooker that will last you for years. In total, you have a choice of 2 temperature settings and a keep-warm function.
- Long lifespan
- Non-stick coating
- Fun for kids
- 2 temperature settings
- With warming function
- For small and medium family
- Only 2 temperature settings
- Pan cannot go in dishwasher
Conclusion
This is a really nice slow-cooker from Russell Hobbs, though. A simple slow cooker that does what it needs to do and for a family with kids, the chalkboard is obviously a nice addition.
The best slow cooker for on gas/induction
CrockPot slowcooker CR027X
With the CrockPot slowcooker CR027X you not only use the inner pan for slow cooking, but you can also place it directly on the stove, induction, oven and in the freezer. Thanks to this option, you can first sear the meat in the pan and then continue cooking the meat in the slow cooker.
The removable inner pan of the Crock-Pot CR027X features DuraCeramic coating, or double coating. Unfortunately, this inner pan is not dishwasher safe, but this extra smooth coating makes cleaning under the faucet very easy.
The Crock-Pot slow cooker CR027X features 3 temperature settings. What we think is a big plus is that you can set the time yourself. Once the slow cooker is done cooking, it automatically jumps to the keep warm function.
- Time can be set by yourself
- Automatic warming function
- Extra smooth coating
- Pan suitable for gas stove, oven, induction and freezer
- Excellent build quality
- 3 temperature settings
- Easy to clean
- Pretty pricey
Conclusion
Would you like to sauté the meat first, but have a gas stove? Then choose this CrockPot slow-cooker with an inner pan that is gas-capable.
Overview with the 10 best slow cookers from our test
Why a slow-cooker?
You can prepare all kinds of different ingredients in them. Most slow cookers are therefore often used for a nice piece of tender slow cooked meat, a delicious stew or other dishes. The days of doing this with an earthenware pot are long gone.
So with a slow cooker, you can prepare delicious and healthy meals! Whatever slow cooker recipes you make, whether you are cooking meat or hard vegetables with fresh herbs. Slow cookers have everything for a delicious dish. The important thing is to always pay attention to the right amount of liquid. A slow cooker should be three-quarters full of content, keep this in mind when buying a slow cooker.
Cooking with a slow-cooker is easy, it’s tasty and healthy. So you can keep your nutrients well with a kind of pan like this. It really is a convenient kitchen appliance and a slowcooker works very easily! Are you buying a slowcooker for the first time? Then first read our slowcooker (recipes) beginner’s guide: what is a slowcooker and what can you do with it?
Here are some handy tips. A slow-cooker is a completely different way of cooking. Some dishes are better not made in the slow cooker because your ingredients will be cooked to death. These tips will help you get the most out of your slow-cooker.
Other slow cookers we tested
In total, we tested 15 slowcookers. Below are the remaining slowcookers we tested for you:
- Instant Pot Pro 8 liters this large multicooker will save you a lot of kitchen appliances. It lets you steam, roast, bake and much more. This is the best slow cooker in terms of build quality and also the largest with an 8 liter capacity.
- Russell Hobbs 25630-56 Sous vide this is the best slow cooker for meat lovers. With this product you roast, slow cook or sous vide your meat dishes. With the included thermometer, you can be sure that the meat is cooked inside as well.
- Crock Pot CR605 this is a nice and solid Crockpot with 3 temperature settings and a keep warm function. Suitable for a family of 6.
- MOA SC65 a good slow cooker with excellent value for money. For a few tens of dollars you get a quality slow cooker at home.
- Tefal All-in-One CY505E a versatile slow cooker with many setting options and automatic cooking programs.
Buying a slow cooker, what do you pay attention to?
AtThere are many different slow cookers on the market. Which one suits you best depends on a number of factors. Our editors recommend buying at least a slow cooker that has the following features and functions:
- Convenient warming function
- Removable bowl or inner pan
- Dishwasher safe
- Glass lid
- Glass member
- Insulated handles
Slowcooker of multicooker?
In your search for a new slow cooker, you must have come across the term multicooker. With a multicooker you have several cooking programs of which the slow cooker can be one of them. You can use a multicooker as a rice cooker, yogurt maker, steam pot, baking and frying and quick cooking. With a slow cooker you can cook for up to 24 hours, whereas with a multicooker this is often limited to 12 hours.
Capacity of the slow cooker
How much capacity you need depends on the size of the family or how much food you want to prepare at once. For example, there are small slow-cookers with capacities ranging from 0.5 liters to 2.5 liters. The advantage of a small slow cooker is that it takes up little space, so it’s perfect for a small kitchen. If you are with a larger family, then look for a slow cooker with a capacity between 2.5 and 10 liters, with 5 liters being enough for a family of 4.
Controls: slow-cooker with timer?
When buying a slow cooker, you have a choice of a slow cooker with simple controls. Via a rotary knob you set the temperature and time. In a slow cooker with a digital display you can easily read the settings.
Material of the inner pan
Most slow-cookers have a removable inner pan. But which type of pan is best? Obviously, you don’t want your vegetables to be cooked to pieces. Therefore, your best choices are aluminum, stainless steel or a removable ceramic inner pan. More expensive slow cookers are sometimes made of cast iron.
- Aluminum: lightweight, conducts heat evenly, cools down quickly, has a long lifespan, suitable for searing on the gas stove, a normal hob or an oven.
- Ceramic: is good at retaining heat, so it cools down less quickly. You can heat ceramic in the oven, scratch-resistant and very easy to clean under the tap. Ceramic is less suitable for the dishwasher and you cannot sauté or burn with it.
- Stainless steel: durable material that can take a beating. Cheap to make and suitable for sautéing or searing meat. Suitable for the oven, refrigerator and freezer. If you buy an inner pan with stainless steel do choose a ceramic non-stick coating, otherwise cleaning will be a hell of a chore.
- Cast iron: very strong, but also heavy. Very good heat conduction. Suitable for the stove, oven, refrigerator and freezer. You have to maintain the non-stick coating yourself with a natural oil.
If you like to sear the meat in the slow cooker (again, saves dishes) buy a slow cooker with an inner pan made of cast iron, aluminum or stainless steel.
Warm-up function and start delay
Almost all slow-cookers have a keep-warm function. Exactly how long you can keep food warm varies from slow cooker to slow cooker. The start delay lets you set the time the slow cooker starts cooking. This is handy when you get home later, for example. Most slowcookers have a start delay.
Do keep food safety in mind when using a start delay. For example, it is not practical to leave raw meat in the slow-cooker for an extended period of time.
With or without automatic programs?
The advantage of slow-cookers with automatic cooking programs is that you don’t have to think about the temperature and time yourself. The slow cooker has a number of options that allow you to get the right temperature and time at the push of a button. With slow cookers without automatic programs, you have to set the right temperature yourself. Often there is an optimal temperature and cooking time for certain meats, which is often mentioned in the recipe.
Bonus tip: Pulled Pork!
Then a bonus tip. If there is anything really tasty from a slow-cooker it is pulled pork! Slow cooking pulled pork allows for a more intense experience of flavor. It’s often that there is still so much flavor left in the meat, and the slow-cooker really lets you taste it well. Pulled pork can be made alone in the slow cooker, you can also use it as part of different dishes. How about pulled pork as part of a delicious stew !
Conclusion: what is the best slow cooker for you?
Not for nothing is a slow cooker often called a crockpot. This American brand produced the first slow cooker and still makes the best ones. With our test winner, the Crock Pot slowcooker Express-Pot CR051 being the very best. Which has a whopping 6-liter capacity and 12 pre-programmed fast-cooking functions for all kinds of dishes. In addition, this all-rounder can also be used as a pressure cooker, steamer and casserole.
Is the high purchase price a bit too much for you, but you still want a real CrockPot slow cooker? Then the CrockPot CR030X is a good alternative. It is the cheapest from the CrockPot range, obviously with a little less features, but with the high quality of the brand.
A slow cooker with excellent value for money, the Tristar VS-3915 is suitable for cooking for 4 people. For larger parties, the Russell Hobbs MaxiCook Searing 22750-5 of 6 liters is our tip. If you are alone or just the two of you, the Bestron ASC150 is an inexpensive option with excellent quality. Finally, we ourselves fell for the beautiful retro looks of the Swan Retro.
How do we test?
When testing products, we use some products, interview users and experts on kitchen appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
We regularly receive questions from our visitors about slow-cookers. Below we discuss the frequently asked Regularly we get questions from our visitors about different types of slowcookers. Below we discuss the frequently asked questions. Is your question not listed? Feel free to contact us.
For the best slow cooker, we recommend the Crock-Pot brand. These crockpots are slightly more expensive, but of excellent build quality. Check out our TOP-10 of the best slow cookers.
When buying a new slow cooker, pay attention to the capacity, material of the inner pan, extra features and whether or not you need a slow cooker with a saute function. Of course, your budget also plays a role.
A slowcooker has only one function and that is slow cooking. With a multicooker, you have a choice of cooking methods in which the slow cooker is one of the options. Multicookers take up more space and are more expensive.
For an affordable slow cooker, we recommend a Tristar slow cooker or a Russel Hobbs slow cooker.
For a medium-sized family of 2 – 4 people, we recommend a decent slowcooker starting at 2.0 liters. For more than 4 people, we recommend a large slowcooker starting at 3.0 liters. The largest slowcooker is 6 liters.
Based on our own experiences and those of our visitors, we compile an annual TOP-10 of the best products.