The 8 Best Slow Cookers of 2025

If you've been on the hunt for a slow cooker that expertly balances performance and user-friendly features, the Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker is a standout choice in the 'Best Overall' category. What truly sets this model apart is its MyTime technology, which allows you to set a meal completion time, and the cooker adjusts its cycle accordingly. No more guesswork, just perfectly cooked meals ready when you are.

Additionally, its leak-proof lid and convenient 'Cook and Carry' handles make it an ideal companion for parties or potlucks – spill-free transport is definitely a win! With a generous 7-quart capacity, it's perfect for feeding a crowd, from family dinner to holidays with friends. Plus, the digital control is simple and intuitive, so you can easily manage cooking times and temperatures.

Though the materials are sustainable and recyclable, which is commendable, it's the reliability and thoughtful design of this slow cooker that truly earns it high marks. While some might consider the aluminum and stainless steel build as standard, its eco-friendly slant provides an edge. Overall, this Crock-Pot model is a blend of practicality and innovation that’s hard to beat.

The All-Clad 7-Quart Slow Cooker stands out as a top choice in the premium category, offering both functionality and style that justifies its high-end label. Its generous 7-quart capacity is perfect for families and gatherings, allowing you to whip up enough delicious food for everyone without a fuss. The programmable timer is a highlight, featuring a user-friendly LCD screen that lets you set cooking times up to 20 hours, making meal prep incredibly simple and accommodating busy schedules.

Another notable feature is the automatic keep warm function, preserving your dish at the ideal serving temperature for up to six hours. This ensures that your meals are ready whenever you are. The removable aluminum insert is a practical addition, allowing for quick heating on the stovetop, adding a layer of versatility that most other slow cookers don't offer. While the stainless-steel lid and easy-to-grip handles are not revolutionary, they enhance convenience and ensure a firm grip, sealing in moisture for that perfectly cooked meal every time.

The Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker shines in the 'Best Programmable' category with its impressive versatility and user-friendly design. This slow cooker is particularly noteworthy for its unique defrost function that simplifies meal preparation. By pressing a button, the device safely defrosts meat and then seamlessly transitions into cooking mode, ensuring your meals are tender and delicious without extra steps.

Its ample capacity makes it perfect for family gatherings or entertaining, comfortably holding a 6-pound chicken or hefty roast, making it suitable for preparing dishes for seven or more people. The intuitive easy-touch controls and a countdown timer that ranges between 30 minutes to 24 hours afford flexibility, letting you plan meals around your schedule with ease.

While it excels with its time-saving design, featuring automatic warm settings and straightforward maintenance, it's fair to say that it provides average performance compared to high-end models. However, its practical features and reliability make it a valuable addition to any kitchen looking for programmable convenience.

The Our Place Dream Cooker certainly lives up to its name when it comes to design, combining function and flair in a way that many home chefs will appreciate. Nestling perfectly on your countertop, its sleek and modern aesthetic effortlessly complements any kitchen decor. Beyond looks, its design truly shines with the incorporation of intuitive features. The control panel stands out, offering a straightforward navigation process that lets you choose time, temperature, and cooking mode without a hitch. This tailored approach ensures you're not overwhelmed with extraneous presets, streamlining the cooking process to feel more personal and accessible.

Adding to its stylish exterior is the hands-free steam release feature, a handy addition ensuring convenience and safety. Moreover, the Dream Cooker's construction includes a 6-quart inner pot with a toxin-free nonstick coating, facilitating easy cleanup. While these features set a high standard, some might find them par for the course in modern kitchen appliances, yet they blend seamlessly to create a product that's as beautiful as it is functional.

The Presto 06017 8-Quart Traveling Slow Cooker is a standout performer in the 'Best Portable' category, thanks to its thoughtful design and functionality. This extra-large slow cooker impresses with its 8-quart capacity, making it perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. Its contemporary blue finish adds a modern touch, while the locking lid ensures a spill-proof journey, ideal for on-the-go use.

Moreover, the swing-up handle and cool-touch exterior make it a breeze to carry, providing convenience without compromising safety. The wide-profile, rugged design greatly minimizes chances of spills or tip-overs during travel, a common concern with portable cookers. Additionally, the removable porcelain enameled cooking pot is not only PFAS-free but also easy to clean, adding to its user-friendly appeal.

Though the dual functionality of the utensil holder and dry erase board for quick notes are interesting touches, the straightforward high, low, and warm settings ensure reliability. Overall, this slow cooker combines practicality and innovation to earn its place as a top portable option.

When it comes to finding the best large-sized slow cooker, the Elite Gourmet MST-900D certainly makes a compelling case. With its generous 8.5-quart capacity, it's perfect for whipping up hearty meals for a crowd, like a large turkey breast or a sumptuous beef roast. Its jumbo oval design ensures even the largest cuts of meat are cooked to perfection, which is a real boon for those who love hosting gatherings or simply enjoy leftovers for the coming days.

One of the standout features of this slow cooker is its programmability. With the option to set it up to 20 hours, and versatile settings that include Low, High, and Keep Warm, you can truly "set it and forget it." This kind of control is fantastic for busy days when juggling multiple tasks or entertaining guests. Also worth mentioning are the cool-touch handles, which not only add to the safety but also make transporting the slow cooker a breeze.

Cleanup is refreshingly straightforward thanks to the dishwasher-safe lid and removable crock. Its brushed stainless steel unit only needs a quick wipe to maintain its elegance, and the overall durable construction ensures it stays a kitchen favorite for years. While it's equipped with a standard 300-watt power level, the thoughtful design and reliable performance make the Elite Gourmet MST-900D a go-to choice for those who appreciate a balance between functionality and style.

When it comes to precision in slow cooking, the Crock-Pot Programmable 7-Quart Slow Cooker shines, especially due to its innovative sous vide cooking capabilities. The inclusion of a removable temperature probe is a standout feature, allowing you to achieve perfectly cooked meals by maintaining precise temperatures.

This slow cooker also boasts a Cook & Carry locking lid, which is immensely practical for those who need to transport meals without worrying about spills. The design maximizes usable cooking space, making it great for preparing family-size meals, which is a notable improvement compared to the SCV700 model.

Moreover, the convenient keep-warm setting ensures your food stays at the ideal serving temperature without further cooking. While its construction involves materials like stainless steel and aluminum, which are common, the combination of cutting-edge features and user-friendly design makes this Crock-Pot a solid choice for anyone prioritizing precision in their culinary endeavors.

If you're on the hunt for a budget-friendly slow cooker, the Crock-Pot Manual 3-Quart Slow Cooker certainly merits consideration. It is designed to accommodate the needs of small families or couples, with its 3-quart capacity comfortably serving three or more people.

One standout feature is the versatility in its cooking settings. Whether you’re in the mood for a fast or slow cook, the HIGH and LOW settings have got you covered. Plus, once your meal is ready, the convenient WARM setting keeps your dish at the perfect temperature until you’re ready to dig in.

Another highlight is the user-friendly design of the removable round stoneware and glass lid. Cleaning up after cooking is a breeze since both are dishwasher-safe. The sleek, polished stainless steel exterior with black accents not only fits seamlessly into any kitchen but adds a touch of elegance. Meanwhile, the plastic handles ensure safe and easy handling. Although basic in features, the slow cooker's performance speaks volumes for its value, making it an excellent choice if you're aiming to get the most out of your budget.