A slow cooker opens your kitchen doors to so many classic recipes. If you want thick and hearty stew, or meat so tender that it falls off the bone, then this is the perfect cooking appliance for you. Slow cookers take their time cooking your food at a low, constant temperature. The process works similarly to oven braising but is made much easier because the slow cooker does all the work for you.
Below are our top 5 picks for the best slow cooker. Keep reading, and we’ll tell you a little bit about each one of them, so you can decide which slow cooker best suits your kitchen’s needs.
1. Ninja Foodi 7-in-1 Pressure, Slow Cooker, Air Fryer, and More
With the Ninja Foodi, you get the functions of multiple cooking appliances elegantly packed into one compact and tightly-sealed pot. Its 7 functions include slow cooking, pressure cooking, air frying, baking, roasting, yogurt making, and searing/sautéing. It has 14 tested safety features so you won’t have to worry about the machine taking on more than it can.
Pros: It’s ceramic-coated and dishwasher-safe, so cleaning is quick and easy. Its multiple functions make it a convenient investment.
Cons: It’s a bit on the pricier side of the slow cooker market, precisely because of its many uses.
Verdict: If you can shell out more dough, this would be a great addition to your kitchen appliances.
2. Crock-Pot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
This wide and spacious slow cooker comes with stone inserts that are microwave and oven-friendly. Its endurance and safety features are so impressive that you can prep your meals early and let it slow-cook all day, leaving you free to focus on carrying out whatever tasks you need to accomplish.
Pros: The slow cooker stone inserts can withstand high temperatures, and the pot is large enough to fit sizable meal portions.
Cons: There is no timer, so the ‘keep warm’ function needs to be manually activated.
Verdict: This is the best slow cooker for small to average-sized families looking for a large but low-cost cooking appliance.
3. Elite Gourmet MST-250XS Electric Slow Cooker
Don’t underestimate this tiny slow cooker’s simple and classic exterior. It’s a high-quality slow cooker that’s sturdy, efficient, and gets the job done. It has a 1.5-quart removable inner stoneware pot for easy cleaning and has all the necessary low/high/warm settings. The best part is that it comes often at a bargain price.
Pros: A highly durable and compact slow cooker. Very easy to use.
Cons: Its small size might not suit occasions when you need to cook larger portions.
Verdict: Great if you want a simple, no-fuss slow cooker that doesn’t take up much room.
4. Hamilton Beach Portable 7-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
With this programmable slow cooker, you can customize your setting preferences and cook your meal exactly how you want. You get to choose any combination of time and temperature, giving you full control of the cooking process. It also automatically keeps your food warm once the time is up.
Pros: It’s fully automated and does precisely what you want at the same time. It’s also easy to clean and traveler-friendly.
Cons: The programmable slow cooker may require a bit more cooking expertise to maximize its customizable features.
Verdict: Best suited for those who want to keep an eye on the entire cooking process.
5. Hamilton Beach Extra-Large Stay or Go Portable 10-Quart Slow Cooker
This slow cooker’s 10-quart capacity can fit a 10-pound turkey. It has three temperature settings, so you can cook at either ‘low’ or ‘high,’ and then switch to ‘warm’ when your meal is done. Its lid is clip-tight sealed to prevent spillage. It is designed with a full-grip handle, to make carrying the slow cooker easy despite its size.
Pros: It’s designed to be carried with ease, so transporting it is easier than it looks. Its removable stoneware crock also means clean-up is a breeze.
Cons: It may take up a large amount of space in your kitchen.
Verdict: It’s perfect for cooking large portions and feeding a crowd.
Such kitchen appliances make cooking effortless and efficient. Adding more variety of appliances is a great step towards happy cooking.
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