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Slow cookers are a great way to make delicious meals without having to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. They are perfect for busy families or people who work long hours. In this blog post, I will discuss the 3 best slow cookers on the market right now.
We will also talk about the pros and cons of each one so that you can decide which one is right for you. But before we get to that, here is our buyer’s guide for the best slow cookers right now:
We broke it down into 3 main categories:
- Best Overall
- Best Budget
- Best for Beginners
*You Can Find Our Slow Cooker Buying Guide & FAQs Below*
How to Choose the Best Slow Cooker 2022
When shopping for any product, the last thing you want to do is spend your hard-earned money on a poor-quality item. The same goes for choosing a slow cooker. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to know which one is the best bang for your buck.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a slow cooker:
Size
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a slow cooker is the dimensions. You need to make sure that the cooker is big enough to accommodate the amount of food you want to cook.
If you have a large family, for example, you will need a bigger slow cooker than someone who lives alone or has a smaller family.
Price
Another important factor to consider is price. You do not have to spend a fortune on a slow cooker, but you should make sure that you are getting a good quality product for your money. There are many affordable options on the market that will do the job just as well as a more expensive one.
Features
When choosing a slow cooker, you should also consider the features that it offers. Some cookers come with timers, for example, which can be very handy. Others have multiple settings so that you can cook different types of food.
Brand
Brand reputation is something you do not want to overlook when choosing a slow cooker. Some brands are known for making high-quality products, while others are not as reputable. Do some research on the different brands before you make your final decision.
It helps to read reviews from other customers to get an idea of what they thought about the product. This can be a great way to learn more about a particular slow cooker and whether or not it is right for you.
Heating element
This is another important factor to consider when shopping for a slow cooker. The heating element is what cooks the food, so you want to make sure that it is of good quality. A good heating element will evenly cook the food without hot spots.
Capacity
You should also consider the capacity of the slow cooker. If you plan on cooking large meals, then you will need a cooker with a larger capacity. However, if you only plan on cooking for one or two people, then a smaller cooker will suffice.
Warm Settings
While this may not be a deal-breaker for some, it is something to consider if you plan on using your slow cooker often. A warm setting allows you to keep the food warm after it has been cooked. This is perfect if you are not ready to eat right away or if you want to keep the food warm for second helpings.
Material
This is not necessarily a key factor, but it is something to keep in mind. Slow cookers can be made from a variety of materials, such as aluminum or stainless steel. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, so you will need to decide which one is right for you.
However, stainless steel is generally the best option as it is more durable and easier to clean.
Warranty
When purchasing any type of appliance, it is always a good idea to choose one that comes with a warranty. This way, if anything goes wrong with the product, you will be covered.
3 Best Slow Cookers of 2022 | Latest Buyers Guide
Best Overall:
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Slow Cooker
Key Features:
- Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 5.68 liters
- Weight: 11.8 lbs
- Control method: touch
- 7-in-1 function: This is a slow cooker, a pressure cooker, a rice cooker, saute pan, steamer, yogurt maker, and a food warmer
- Supports up to 13 customizable smart programs
- Cook for up to six people
The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Slow Cooker is the perfect choice for those who want a versatile cooker. It has seven functions, making it perfect for a variety of different recipes.
The functions include a slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker, saute pan, steamer, yogurt maker, and food warmer. You can also customize the smart programs to suit your needs.
The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior is easy to clean. The safe-locking lid ensures that your food stays fresh and delicious. Plus, the overheat protection feature keeps your food from overcooking.
The Instant Pot Duo can cook for up to six people, making it perfect for large families or groups.
Weighing in at just 11.81 pounds, the Instant Pot Duo is one of the lightest cookers on our list. It also has a compact design, making it perfect for small kitchens.
| Pros |
| Cons |
Verdict:
If you are looking for a versatile and feature-rich slow cooker, the Instant Pot Duo is a great option. While it may be a little more expensive than some other cookers, it is worth the price for all of the features that it offers.
I liked the fact that it has up to 7 functions. Plus, the smart programs are customizable, which is a huge plus. The fingerprint-resistant exterior is also a nice touch. Overall, I think the Instant Pot Duo is a great choice for those who want a versatile and feature-rich slow cooker.
Best Budget:
Crock-Pot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
Key Features:
- Material: Stainless stoneware
- Capacity: 7.62 liters
- You set cooking time low or high
- Comes with a warm setting feature
- The lid is dishwasher-safe
- Can be used in the oven and microwave at temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Versatile design
The Crock-Pot 8-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker is the perfect choice for those who are looking for a budget-friendly option. This cooker is made of stainless stoneware, which is a durable and easy-to-clean material.
It has a capacity of 7.62 liters, making it perfect for cooking large meals. The Crock-Pot can cook for up to nine people, making it perfect for large families or groups.
The slow cooker has two settings, low and high. You can also use the warm setting to keep your food warm after it has finished cooking. The lid is dishwasher-safe, making it easy to clean.
The Crock-Pot can also be used in the oven and microwave at temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it a versatile option for those who want a cooker that can be used in multiple ways.
| Pros |
| Cons |
Verdict:
Tight budget, but still want a quality slow cooker? The Crock-Pot Manual Slow Cooker is a great option. It doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as some of the other cookers on our list, but it does the job well.
I like that it’s budget-friendly and that it can be used in the oven and microwave. Plus, the dishwasher-safe lid is a huge plus. Overall, I think the Crock-Pot Manual Slow Cooker is a great choice for those who are looking for a budget-friendly option.
Best for Beginners:
Crock-Pot Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer
Key Features:
- Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 5.67 liters
- Dishwasher-safe slow cooker
- Comes with a digital timer
- Cooks for up to 7 people
Now, this is one of those programmable slow cookers that will make your life in the kitchen so much easier. The Crock-Pot Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer is perfect for those who are new to slow cooking or just don’t have a lot of time on their hands.
This cooker is made of stainless steel, which is a durable and easy-to-clean material. It has a capacity of 5.67 liters, perfect for larger families.
The Crock-Pot can cook for up to seven people, making it perfect for large families or groups. The digital timer makes it easy to set the cooking time and the cooker will automatically switch to the Warm setting when the cooking time is over.
The Crock-Pot also comes with an easy-to-use locking lid that has a gasket for extra seal. This is perfect for those who want to make sure their food stays fresh and sealed. The Crock-Pot can also be used in the microwave and oven at up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
| Pros |
| Cons |
Verdict:
If you are new to slow cooking or just don’t have a lot of time on your hands, this is the perfect cooker for you. The Crock-Pot Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer is so easy to use.
Just set the timer and it will automatically switch to the warm setting when the cooking time is up. I also like that it comes with an easy-to-use locking lid with a gasket for extra seal.
FAQs:
Which is better a slow cooker or a crockpot?
A crockpot is a type of slow cooker, so they are basically the same thing. Some people prefer to use the term crockpot because it is a brand name that has become synonymous with slow cookers. Whichever item you decide to use, they still have the same functions overall.
What’s the difference between a slow cooker and a crockpot?
Crockpots have pots inside them that are made of ceramic or stoneware, while slow cookers have metal pots inside them. Crockpots also usually have a higher maximum temperature than slow cookers which will help speed up the cooking time.
Should a slow cooker be bubbling?
It is not necessary for a slow cooker to be bubbling, but if it is, it means that the food is cooking too quickly. The food should be cooked on low or medium heat so that it slowly cooks and retains its moisture.
How do I know when my slow cooker is done?
You can know when the slow cooker is done by following the slow cooker recipe precisely. Some slow cookers come with digital timers that will automatically switch the cooker to the warm setting when the cooking time is up.
Do slow cookers have timers?
Not all slow cookers have timers, but many of them do. Timers are helpful because they will automatically switch the cooker to the warm setting when the cooking time is up. This way, you don’t have to worry about overcooking your food.
Why is my slow cooker not getting hot enough?
Your slow cooker is not getting hot enough because it’s on the wrong setting or the pot is not being properly sealed. Make sure that the slow cooker is on the correct setting and that the lid is sealing properly. If these two things are fine, then it’s likely that the slow cooker needs to be replaced.
