Welcome — I’m Kathy Hester, founder of Healthy Slow Cooking and the author of The Vegan Slow Cooker and Vegan Slow Cooking for Two. I get a lot of questions about slow cookers: which brand to buy, what size is right, and which features are genuinely useful. This guide will help you choose a slow cooker that suits your needs. If you still have questions, feel free to use the contact form on my site.
People often ask me which slow cooker they should buy. Instead of just listing top-rated models, I’ll share the ones I use and recommend, explain the features that matter, and give practical tips for testing and using a new unit. Answering a few simple questions about how you cook will make it easier to pick the right appliance for your kitchen.
My Favorite Slow Cookers
If you don’t have time to read everything and want a quick recommendation, here are five slow cookers I use and trust. They vary by size and features, so choose what fits your routine:
The Cuisinart 3.5-quart programmable slow cooker is my go-to for small-batch cooking. It’s a bit pricier than basic models, but it includes a simmer setting that closely mimics the old “low” temperature of vintage crockpots, along with warm, low, and high. If you need a larger option, Cuisinart offers a 6.5-quart model.
For an inexpensive, reliable option, a 4-quart Crock-Pot with manual settings (warm, low, high) is a great starter appliance. It’s simple, affordable, and available at most big-box stores. Because it has no timer, you’ll need to adjust settings manually, but it’s perfect for straightforward recipes.
If you cook for one or two people and want a compact model, the 2-quart Crock-Pot I tested is a solid choice. Some small models run hot, so look for one with consistent heat performance. Older small slow cookers like the discontinued Crockette (1.5-quart) are excellent for oatmeal and porridge—if you find one secondhand, grab it.
The Instant Pot is a multi-cooker rather than a dedicated slow cooker, but it includes a slow-cook function in addition to pressure cooking, rice cooking, yogurt making, and more. I use the 6-quart Instant Pot, and there are 3-quart and 8-quart versions available that suit different households.
I’ve also loved Hamilton Beach’s multi-function designs. The newer “Right Size” model has internal fill lines so you can use it at 2, 4, or 6 quarts without needing multiple crocks. If you can only have one appliance, I recommend either the Hamilton Beach Right Size or a 6-quart Instant Pot for maximum versatility.
Slow Cooker 101
When you use a new or used slow cooker for the first time, consider it a test run and stay home while it’s cooking. Every appliance heats differently, so test with a forgiving recipe like a soup. Soups are unlikely to overcook and help you determine whether the unit runs hot or cool.
If your slow cooker boils on the low setting or stews overcook, it runs hot. To compensate, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup extra liquid; you can reduce excess liquid at the end of cooking by removing the lid and turning the unit to high or by transferring the contents to a stovetop pan to reduce quickly. Conversely, older slow cookers or thrift-store finds often run cooler; in that case, reducing recipe liquid by 1/4 to 1/2 cup helps avoid watery results.
Always fill a slow cooker about one-half to three-quarters full, following the manufacturer’s recommendations in your manual. Underfilling can lead to overcooking or burning, while using a much larger crock than the recipe calls for may cause issues. My recipes typically assume a 4-quart slow cooker unless otherwise noted.
Be aware the new “low” heat settings on modern slow cookers can approach what older models called “high.” Manufacturers raised temperatures in many models for food safety, particularly for meat, so expect some differences compared to older appliances.
Replacing an Old Slow Cooker
If your old slow cooker recently died, you’ll notice differences in cooking time and temperature with a new model. A good compromise if you miss the gentler low of vintage crockpots is the Cuisinart programmable model with a simmer setting. New units tend to run hotter than those made a decade or more ago, so adjust recipes by adding liquid or shortening cook times until you learn how your new cooker behaves.
If you prefer your old machine, check thrift stores—you can often find discontinued models or replacement crocks. Many cooks find secondhand appliances that match the performance they miss.
How Many People Are You Cooking For?
Decide how much food you’ll typically make. A very common mistake is buying too large a slow cooker and ending up with meals that are oversized or that don’t heat evenly. My rule of thumb:
- 1.5–2.5 quarts: ideal for singles or couples who want variety without leftovers
- 4 quarts: feeds two with leftovers, or up to four people
- 5–6 quarts: best for families of four or more or for batch cooking
- Over 6 quarts: usually unnecessary unless you regularly cook for large groups or meal-prep for freezing
- 1-quart “Little Dipper” units are mainly for keeping dips warm and are not recommended for general cooking
I personally keep a small unit for breakfast and a 6-quart for large batches like cooked pumpkins or dried beans I freeze in portions. You can adapt recipes to different sizes, but always follow the fill guidelines in your manual for reliable results.
Round or Oval?
Shape matters less than capacity, but it can influence what you make. Oval crocks accommodate loaf pans and larger cuts of meat and are better if you plan on baking bread or fitting pans inside. Round crocks are often less expensive and work fine for most slow-cooked stews and soups, though they can develop more hot spots for baking.
Consider the types of ingredients you cook most: butternut squash and longer roasts often fit better in oval crocks, while round pots suit whole pumpkins and many standard recipes.
Manual or Programmable?
Manual slow cookers are cheaper and perfectly adequate for many cooks. Programmable units automatically switch to a warm setting after a set cooking period, which prevents overcooking if your schedule is unpredictable. If you frequently arrive home late, a programmable model is worth the extra cost for peace of mind.
If you can’t afford a programmable unit, choose recipes that hold well—soup and stew are forgiving—or add extra liquid to prevent drying out when cook times run long.
Multicooker or Dedicated Slow Cooker?
Multicookers combine functions like pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, rice cooking, steaming, and yogurt making in one appliance. The Instant Pot popularized this category, and many multicookers now include a sauté function so you can brown ingredients in the same pot before slow cooking.
Not all multicookers have identical features, so check the functions a model offers before you buy. If you rely on pressure-cooker recipes, ensure the multicooker includes a pressure or manual setting. For small kitchens, a multicooker with a stainless-steel insert can replace several appliances and save space.
There are also multi-cookers that perform most functions except pressure cooking; these can still be useful if you primarily need slow cooking, steaming, or rice functions.
One additional consideration is cookware safety: some brands publish that their crocks are lead-free. If this matters to you, check manufacturer specifications before purchasing. Alternatives with no glaze, such as certain ceramic-free multi-cookers, eliminate concerns about lead entirely.
I recently tested a smart organic multi-cooker that has no glaze and performs well for rice and other functions; its slow-cook setting behaves differently than traditional slow cookers and can finish faster. If you try a new model like this, test it with a simple recipe before relying on it for important meals.
In summary: choose a size that matches the amount you typically cook, decide whether you want manual simplicity or programmable convenience, and consider whether a multicooker’s extra functions are worth it for your kitchen. Test any new unit with an easy recipe to learn how it heats, and adjust liquids and cook times as needed. With the right slow cooker, you’ll save time and enjoy consistently great results.