She Strengthens

Slow Cooker Week: Find the Perfect Model for Your Needs

Are you tired of slaving away in the kitchen all day? Do you wish you had more time to focus on the things you love? A slow cooker can be a game-changer for busy individuals and families alike. These convenient appliances allow you to prep a meal in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner eight hours later. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile, capable of cooking everything from soups and stews to desserts and drinks.

Choosing the Right Slow Cooker

With so many products on the market, selecting the perfect slow cooker can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our top picks for 2020. Whether you’re a solo cook or feeding a large family, we’ve got you covered.

Best Overall: Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Digital Programmable Slow Cooker

This reliable and feature-packed slow cooker is perfect for most people’s needs. Its 6-quart interior can accommodate a 6-pound chicken, and it has a variety of settings to help you accomplish more in the kitchen. The integrated temperature probe continuously tracks the temperature of food during use, ensuring your meal is never over- or undercooked.

Best Budget: Elite Gourmet 1.5-Quart Electric Slow Cooker

For a no-frills appliance that won’t break the bank, the Elite Gourmet 1.5-Quart Slow Cooker is the way to go. This petit model has a manual design, but it’s perfect for one or two people and features a knob that lets you set it to low, high, and keep warm settings.

Best Family-Sized: Hamilton Beach Extra-Large Stay or Go Portable 10-Quart Slow Cooker

If you’re looking for an appliance that can cater to a crowd, the Hamilton Beach Extra-Large 10-Quart Slow Cooker is the ideal option. This spacious model can accommodate a 10-pound turkey or 8-pound roast, making it perfect for large families or frequent hosts.

Best for One Person: Crock-Pot 2.5-Quart Mini Casserole Crock Slow Cooker

For solo cooks, the Crock-Pot 2.5-Quart Mini Casserole Slow Cooker is an adorable and budget-friendly option. This manual slow cooker has a fun diamond pattern on the exterior and includes locking lid clips for easy transport. The stoneware crock is even oven-safe, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.

Best Programmable: De’Longhi Livenza Programmable Slow Cooker

If you plan to leave your slow cooker on while you’re away, a programmable model like the De’Longhi Livenza is a must-have. This 6-quart slow cooker features an easy-to-read digital display, allowing you to set a timer for up to 24 hours. The stovetop- and oven-safe inner pot makes it easy to sear or braise meat right in the crock.

Best Self-Stirring: Crock-Pot 6-Quart Digital Slow Cooker with iStir Stirring System

The Crock-Pot 6-Quart Digital Slow Cooker with iStir Stirring System is perfect for recipes that require periodic stirring. This programmable slow cooker features a digital countdown timer and two stirring attachments, making it easy to whip up complex dishes with minimal effort.

Best Multi-Cooker: Cuisinart 3-In-1 Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker

Not a fan of single-use appliances? The Cuisinart 3-in-1 Cook Central Multi-Cooker is a well-regarded model that offers slow cooking, steaming, and browning/sauteing functions. The 6-quart nonstick aluminum cooking pot and glass lid make it easy to cook a variety of dishes.

Most Travel-Friendly: Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker

If you’re always on-the-go, the Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker is the perfect companion. This travel-friendly model features an easy-to-use locking lid and programmable timer, making it easy to cook and transport your meals.

Best for Buffets: TRU 1.5-Quart Triple Crock Buffet Slow Cooker

Hosting a buffet or holiday gathering? The TRU Triple Crock Buffet Slow Cooker is a game-changer. This unique design features three 2.5-quart pots that can be independently controlled, allowing you to cook multiple dishes at once.

Most Stylish: Calphalon Digital Saute Slow Cooker

If you’re looking for a slow cooker that’s as stylish as it is functional, the Calphalon Digital Saute Slow Cooker is the way to go. This modern appliance boasts sleek lines and a matte grey exterior, as well as a variety of features to help you whip up delicious dishes. The ceramic-coated aluminum cooking pot is safe for use in the oven and on all styles of stovetops, making it incredibly versatile.