The 8 Best Slow Cookers in 2026

As our Best Overall slow cooker, the Crock-Pot 7-Quart shines where it matters: reliable results with minimal fuss. The MyTime feature is genuinely helpful — it tweaks the cooking cycle so your stew or roast finishes right when you need it, which takes the guesswork out of dinner scheduling. The large 7-quart crock easily feeds a crowd, and the travel-proof locking lid plus Cook and Carry handles make it perfect for potlucks or family gatherings without worrying about spills.

Beyond convenience, the unit’s auto-adjusting temperature control and flat digital panel make everyday use intuitive and forgiving, so meals don’t dry out or overcook. The fact that it’s built from recyclable metals is a nice bonus for eco-minded buyers. If there’s a caveat, it’s that this is a straightforward slow cooker — it doesn’t replace a multi-cooker’s sauté or pressure functions — but for reliable, hands-off slow cooking, it’s hard to beat.

All-Clad’s 7-quart slow cooker earns its spot in the Best Premium category thanks to thoughtful, no-nonsense design and performance. The stainless-steel housing and sturdy handles feel built to last, and the generous capacity reliably handles family dinners or weekend entertaining. The programmable 20-hour timer with a clear LCD makes hands-off cooking simple, and the automatic keep-warm function holds food at serving temperature for up to six hours without drying things out. I also like that the removable aluminum insert heats quickly and doubles as a stovetop pan, which adds real versatility when you want to brown ingredients before slow cooking. The stainless-steel lid traps moisture effectively, producing consistent, tender results.

It isn’t trying to dazzle with gimmicks — compared with budget crock-pots it’s more expensive and a bit heavier, and it doesn’t offer app control or extra smart features. For home cooks who value build quality, predictable performance, and useful versatility, though, this slow cooker is a premium, practical choice.

Hamilton Beach’s 6-quart programmable slow cooker stands out mostly because of its genuinely useful defrost function — you can drop frozen meat in, press defrost, pick high or low and the cooker handles the rest, finishing on warm so dinner’s ready without frantic timing. The size is family-friendly (a 6 lb chicken or 4 lb roast fits comfortably), and the stoneware crock is easy to clean and durable. The intuitive touch controls and visible lights make programming simple, and the 30-minute to 24-hour countdown gives plenty of flexibility for weekday meals or weekend entertaining.

It’s worth noting this model is straightforward rather than flashy: there’s no Wi‑Fi, app control, or fancy multi-stage presets, and the materials are solid but not premium. For shoppers after a reliable, “set-and-forget” programmable cooker that handles defrosting safely and feeds a crowd, though, it’s an excellent, practical choice in the Best Programmable category.

The Dream Cooker stands out because it actually looks like something you’d want on your counter instead of hiding in a cupboard. Its clean lines, muted finish and compact footprint give it real kitchen presence, and the tailored control panel keeps things simple — set time, temperature and mode without digging through a maze of presets. The toxin-free nonstick inner pot and straightforward cleanup add to the appeal; it feels thoughtful in both form and function. Pressure mode that speeds cooking up to 80% is a practical bonus, and the hands-free steam release, automatic keep-warm and nine safety features make using it pleasantly worry-free.

On the flip side, the feature set is familiar: a 6-quart capacity and the basic four modes are standard for many multicookers, and you won’t find a flood of specialty presets or smart-home bells and whistles. Still, if you prize aesthetic, usability and clean design, the Dream Cooker earns its Best Design nod.

The Presto 06017 shines as a portable slow cooker mainly because it’s built to travel. Its extra-large 8-quart capacity handles family meals or potlucks, and the locking lid plus rugged, wide-profile base give real confidence against spills and tip-overs on the move. The cool-touch exterior and convenient swing-up handle make carrying it comfortable, and small touches like the silicone cord that secures a utensil and the detachable utensil holder (which doubles as a spoon rest) are thoughtful for feeding on the go.

Cooking performance is straightforward and reliable: removable porcelain-enameled pot (PFAS-free) cleans easily, and the usual high, low and warm settings cover basic needs. It isn’t a smart or programmable cooker, and its insulation is practical rather than miraculous for long-haul heat retention, but for road trips, tailgates, or carpool meals it’s a solid, user-friendly choice that balances capacity, safety, and easy transport.

If you often cook for a crowd, the Elite Gourmet MST-900D makes a convincing case for a top spot in the Best Large Sized slow cooker category. The 8.5‑quart oval crock handles big cuts — turkey breast, roasts, or a week's worth of meal prep — so you get generous portions and reliable leftovers. The jumbo shape also makes it easier to fit longer roasts than a round pot would. I liked the cool‑touch handles and simple controls that let you move it from counter to table without risking burns.

Programmability up to 20 hours with Low, High, and Keep Warm settings gives practical flexibility for entertaining or busy days; it’s truly “set it and forget it.” Cleanup is painless thanks to the removable stoneware and dishwasher‑safe glass lid, while the stainless steel exterior wipes clean nicely. On the average side, its 300-watt heating element is perfectly adequate for slow cooking but not unusually powerful, and the interface is straightforward rather than feature‑packed. Overall, it’s a roomy, reliable, and attractive cooker for large households.

If you prize accuracy in slow cooking, this Crock-Pot stands out. The removable temperature probe and sous‑vide precision cooking mean you can actually target internal temperatures rather than guessing by time alone — great for proteins and delicate dishes. The programmable controls complement the probe, so you can set it and trust the cooker to hit and hold the right temp.

Practical everyday features reinforce that precision. The Cook & Carry locking lid keeps things sealed during transport and helps maintain steady temperatures if you move the pot, and the keep‑warm setting holds food at serving temp without overcooking. Compared with the SCV700, the slightly roomier interior gives more usable space for family meals, which is handy when timing and portion consistency matter.

Materials listed (aluminum and stainless steel components, plus common coating/compound ingredients) are typical for this class and suggest durability rather than anything exceptional. Overall, it’s a strong choice when precise temperature control is your top priority, with sensible, expected extras rounding it out.

If you’re feeding a small household or want a no-fuss appliance for weekday meals, the Crock-Pot Manual 3-Quart Slow Cooker is hard to beat for the price. Its 3-quart size comfortably serves three people, and the simple HIGH/LOW/WARM settings make it intuitive to use — no complicated programming, just set it and forget it. The removable round stoneware and glass lid are dishwasher-safe, which turns cleanup into a non-event, and the polished stainless-steel exterior with black accents looks nicer on the counter than many budget models.

On the flip side, it’s a basic, manual cooker: there’s no timer or digital controls, and the 3-quart capacity won’t be ideal for large families or batch-cooking. The plastic handles are practical but not premium. Still, for everyday stews, chili, and pot roasts for two to three people, it delivers reliable results at a very wallet-friendly price, making it a solid pick in the budget category.