There is a saying that you should move out with the old and start with the new. With modern technology, everything is going as easy nowadays. Traditional devices are no more, and more innovations are taking place.
Perhaps you are thinking of adding something in your kitchen, and you come across a recommendation of a friend to try lightweight slow cooker for your family. This might be a good suggestion since lightweight slow cookers come in handy in preparing meals easily and, for that – unsupervised.
You can do the cooking without spending much time in the kitchen. All you got to do is prepare the recipes and wait until they are served. The lightweight slow cooker will be the one that will do the task for you.
Do you want to know more about lightweight slow cookers? Read this whole article and immerse yourself in what lightweight slow cookers can bring to you. We also provide the best lightweight slow cookers for you to pick. With that, let’s start cooking!
Quick Review of the 5 Best Lightweight Slow Cookers
Preview | Slow cooker Name | Rating | USA STORE | USA STORE |
 | Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker | |||
 | West Bend 87905 Slow Cooker Large Capacity | |||
 | West Bend 87906R Slow Cooker Large Capacity Non-stick | |||
 | Crockpot 7 Quart Slow Cooker with Programmable Controls and Digital Timer, Polished Platinum | |||
 | Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker With Dishwasher-Safe |
What is a lightweight slow cooker?
Lightweight slow cookers are electronic devices that cook liquid-based foods over an extended period of time. This enables you to make a delicious meal in the morning and return home with a prepared dinner. These devices are designed for their mid-spacious storage and it the ideal size for a family of three to six. Aside from that, each model ranges in price under its features and standards.
How much time will you wait to cook food in a lightweight slow cooker?
The cooking times will vary depending on what kind of food you prepare. The quantity and size of the pieces to be cooked will also make a difference in the cooking duration.
Also, each of us has our own styles and recipes that we will use in our cooking; thus, it depends on us whether to cook it for a longer or a shorter duration. The important thing is that the food will be cooked thoroughly to have a perfect meal with your family.
To give you a heads up, most lightweight slow cookers run to almost 14 hours with only 9 hours for low settings and 6 hours for high settings to cook any recipe.
How does a lightweight slow cooker cook food?
Lightweight slow cookers are powered by electricity and function by transmitting heat from their bottom until it reaches the top and maintaining heat in the pot. Its cover will preemptively cover and seal in the heat and prevents the liquid from evaporating, thus generating a constant heat that will cook the food inside.
What can you cook in a lightweight slow cooker?
A lightweight slow cooker may be used to prepare a wide variety of foods and recipes though a few cooking fundamentals must be done for efficient slow cooking. Dishes such as meat, tenderloins, roasts, mixed vegetables, soups, stews, and even poultry are some of the best meals to be cooked in a lightweight slow cooker.
What temperature range can a lightweight slow cooker maintain?
The general temperature range of a lightweight slow cooker can maintain 190 degrees F on a low setting and 300 degrees on a high setting.
Can you leave food in a lightweight slow cooker overnight?
Food may be kept in a lightweight slow cooker overnight if the device is in good condition and if you are in cooking mode throughout the sleeping hours. However, if your purpose is to warm the food, do not leave it inside or put a portion of food or meal inside it since it may catch bacteria and other related diseases.
How does a lightweight slow cooker work?
A lightweight slow cooker is controlled by a combination of power and time. When the electrical coils are activated, it generates heat and conducts it indirectly from the exterior casing to the gap between the pot and the sides.
This indirect heat gradually raises the temperature and transmits the heat all over the pot’s insides. This method of heat transmission cooks the contents and ingredients inside the lightweight slow cooker for many hours until it is properly cooked.
As the food remains cooking, steam is released, which the lid eventually captures. After which, condensation will form a vacuum seal which provides moisture to the food while assisting the cooking process.
Generally, lightweight slow cookers have three settings: low and high for cooking and warm setting to maintain the right temperature for the meal.
Lightweight Slow Cooker: Is it worth it?
There are lots of reasons for getting a lightweight slow cooker. If you still have none, then you should get one right now. Its primary benefit is the convenience and simple-to-use that it can bring to you and even your family members.
Returning home to a hot and ready-to-dine dish is a fulfillment after a day’s work. It would simply give you a breath of fresh air rather than stressing yourself to prepare when you step at your doors at home.
Other than that, lightweight slow cookers don’t need any stirring or monitoring since these devices maintain a consistent temperature for easy cooking. Additionally, they let you get the most out of less expensive pieces of meat since slow cooking tenderizes and enhances the flavor of every meat dish you will make.
Furthermore, lightweight slow cookers give you less energy, making them a cost-efficient device that is more nutritious and easy to serve.
Best Lightweight Slow Cookers: Top Picks
- Best Overall Lightweight Slow Cooker: Hamilton Beach Portable Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker (6 Quarts)
- Best Innovation Lightweight Slow Cooker: West Bend 87905 Slow Cooker (5 Quarts)
- Most Versatile Lightweight Slow Cooker: West Bend 87906R Slow Cooker (6 Quart)
- Best Programmable Lightweight Crockpot: Crock-Pot Programmable Slow Cooker (7 Quarts)
- Most Handy Lightweight Slow Cooker: Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker (4 Quarts)
5 Best Lightweight Slow Cookers: Detailed Insights
1. Best Overall: Hamilton Beach Portable Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker (6 Quarts)
Best For: Family Dinners and Gatherings; Efficient Cooking; Cost-saving
Product Specifications
- Stainless Black and Silver Sleek Design
- 6-Quarts Oval-Shape (11.25 x 17.5 x 11.75 inches)
- 340 wattage and 220 volts electrical capacity
The Hamilton Beach Portable Lightweight Slow Cooker is one of the best additions to your smart kitchen. It has three-programmable settings that can be selected to further help you in your cooking – even if you want to leave the house and let it cook the entire day or control it manually or even choose to cook large meats.
If you want to cook a large chunk of meat, you may use its added temperature probe to prevent it from overcooking so that you can bring out its savory taste. Other than that, it can assist you in safe cooking since it can help you monitor the food temperature inside the lightweight slow cooker through its control panel display.
Its smart home technology can also make your life easier. You can utilize this innovative feature to set up everything, from the desired temperature to your designated cooking time. When it also comes to preparing meals, it can detect when food is done and immediately switches to warm mode. Indeed, it will save you time and energy while multitasking in the kitchen.
The sleek design and easy-to-understand control panel will smooth things up on your side. Additionally, what makes this lightweight slow cooker comfortable to bring is that it has tightly secured lid clips that will keep you from worrying about any spills. Other than that, it will seamlessly cook your food even when there is a power outage with its power interruption protection that lets the device recall the settings and finish the cooking when the power comes up.
Product Highlights/Best Features
- Probe Thermometer: It comes with a food or meat thermometer to monitor and ensure that the right food temperatures are obtained and maintained when cooking.
- Smart-Technology: It has a home management feature that will save you energy and time by allowing you to cook meals to a specific temperature and time.
- Programmable Setting: Its multi-featured programmable setting will enable you to choose three-program setups that will surely benefit a wide variety of your cooking style and methods.
- Clip-tight Gasket: Its clip-tight gasket is what makes this lightweight slow cooker portable, for it can be carried around without worrying of any spills.
- Power Interruption Protection: This lightweight slow cooker comes with a backup battery to protect your cooking against power interruption.
Why do people choose this product?
- User-friendly settings and setup.
- Worry-free, handy, and affordable.
- The timer works seamlessly and is programmable.
- Energy and time saver with an easy clean-up
- Streamlined and has a sleek design for your smart kitchen.
What kind of problems/difficulties you will face in using this product?
- It has a small vent hole for the probe, which might be prone to spillage.
- The glass may have a chance to shatter because of extra stress coming from the tight lid.
- The outside metal gets very hot.
- A burnt smell may come from the cooker when having a prolonged cooking
- It has an auto shut-off feature after 14 hours.
2. Best Innovation: West Bend 87905 Slow Cooker (5 Quarts)
Best For: Safety Cooking; Pot-Lucks; Cookbook Lovers; Travels
Product Specifications
- Silver-colored glass material
- 5 Quarts Rectangular Shape (9.25 x 12.5 x 9.5 inches)
- 500 wattage and 120 volts electrical capacity
There are so many varieties of lightweight slow cookers in the market, and this one is one of the most innovative ones. This West Bend 87905 Lightweight slow cooker has been known for its versatility. It can make almost any food in the fridge, and it can help you to all-out cooking that covers any of your styles with its multi-cooking feature. You can slow cook, put it in the oven, use a stove, and it has even a built-in griddle that you can utilize further.
Its transparent glass cover will also help you monitor your food once in a while to get the perfect taste in every meal. What’s more, it has a non-stick interior that is safe for oven-cooking. One of its best features that everyone likes is its adjustable temperature control that you can freely use to get the best heat you want for your cooking. Secondly, it is lightweight and thus easy to carry everywhere you go.
This lightweight slow cooker will be your best buddy if you are attending pot lucks. Its insulated carrier and easy-lock lid can be very handy. You can even brown roasts and meats in its removable pot to enhance their flavor further. And because of its non-stick coating, it will be easier to clean it up.
Product Highlights/Best Features
- Griddle Base: Cooking is made easy with the additional griddle base feature that will let you fry steaks and vegetables.
- Thermal Case: A thermal carrying bag is included with this lightweight slow cooker that will make your travels much easier.
- Glass Cover: To ensure perfect cooking, its transparent glass-cover top feature will help you monitor your foods on the go.
- Versatile Cooking: The product’s innovative versatile cooking methods make it the best one in the market, for it can further strategize your cooking methods with its four-cooking styles.
- Temperature Control: You can decide the degree of heat when using this lightweight cooker with its adjustable temperature control feature.
Why do people choose this product?
- It has a better lid with a no-stick interior.
- Cooks great, and the warm setting stays consistent for a fresh meal.
- The tote bag’s stylish design will make you want it more.
- The glass lid has a knob that makes it easier to remove.
What kind of problems/difficulties when you use this product?
- Cooking on a light-duty griddle base will take longer than the standard one.
- It doesn’t have an on/off feature.
- The pot’s lightweight feature may make the pot move when stirring.
- The handles get very hot.
- Its non-stick coating might begin to flake off over time.
3. Most Versatile: West Bend 87906R Slow Cooker (6 Quarts)
Best For: Large Group Gatherings; Events and Caterings; Family Travels
Product Specifications
- 6.97 Pounds Red-colored Metallic Material
- 6 Quarts Rectangular Shape (9.25 x 12.5 x 10 inches)
- 220 voltage with 500 watts electrical capacity
Out of all lightweight cookers out there, this slow cooker outweighs the others with its spacious storage. Its 6-quart capacity will entitle you to different recipes – may it be large or small ones. This pot can even be used in the oven and more on a stove. You can also do more with its added griddle feature. Through its versatile features, one can imagine being an efficient chef in no time.
Its lightweight but spacious feature will give you a thumbs up in preparing a bigger meal for your family or even different gatherings, as you may. To add to that, it comes with a thermal bag which you can carry anywhere you want.
Moreover, it doesn’t take up much space because, for its size, it’s much taller and not as bulky as you have imagined. It also gives you the best constant temperature to even regulate and program with your own hands. It does really take upon its name as the better alternative to a traditional slow cooker.
Product Highlights/Best Features
- Versatile Cooking: The product’s revolutionary versatile cooking ways set it apart from the competition, as it allows you to plan your cooking methods even further with its different cooking styles.
- Griddle Base: Cooking is simplified by the inclusion of a griddle base, which allows you to cook steaks and veggies.
- Thermal Tote Bag: The product comes with a thermal carrying bag that will make traveling much simpler.
- Transparent Glass Cover: To guarantee optimum cooking, its clear glass-cover top allows on-the-go monitoring of your dishes.
- Large Capacity: Its 6-quart large capacity will give you the storage you need in any cooking.
- Variable Temperature Control: You can control and adjust the temperature in your cooking with its adjustable temperature control to further regulate it.
Why do people choose this product?
- It can be cleaned up quickly because of its non-stick Teflon.
- Cheap, and it goes with an insulated bag for safe carry.
- Comes with a cover lid that can be used in the fridge for safekeeping.
- Cooks fast and gives an excellent food finish.
- Its versatility cooking feature makes it the best one around.
What kind of problems/difficulties you will face in using this product?
- The sides will get hot over time.
- The settings can be mishandled if not done properly.
- It doesn’t have an on/off button or switch.
- Handles are not heat-proof; that is why you need potholders.
- The lid doesn’t fit securely, and you may experience clicking noises when cooking.
4. Lightweight crock pot Programmable Slow Cooker (7 Quarts)
Best For: Large Families; Entertainment; On-the-Run Travels
Product Specifications
- 6.36 Kilograms Black and Silver Stainless Steel Material
- 7 Quarts Oval Shape (14.4 x 14.4 x 9.5 inches)
- 220 voltage with 1500 watts electrical capacity
This lightweight slow cooker lives for its name. Since it is programmable, it can cook meals as easily as possible. You will find it amusing that you can still do some other things after setting things appropriately because you can leave this slow cooker to cook things right under your nose. It is even safe to use and requires much less energy in the long run. All you’ve got to do is wait because this slow cooker’s going to do the cooking for you.
It’s a good addition to your smart kitchen with its stylish and sleek modern-ish design. With its 7-quarts capacity, it can make every one of your family members full. Aside from that, you won’t worry anymore about handling this lightweight cooker because you can bring it anywhere easily. After all, it comes with a soft-grip handle insulated to make the heat drop.
If you are a working mom or dad, and you don’t have time to cook for dinner, this lightweight slow cooker will serve you a helping hand. When you get home, you can have a fresh and hot meal for your family using this slow cooker. Other than that, you can adjust the time with its added digital timer. This will help you not to overcook your meals, and its auto-shift to warm settings will keep your dinner amazingly warm until you dig in.
Product Highlights/Best Features
- Programmable: With its programmable setting, you can prepare any delicious meal hands-free, leaving it to require less of your time, monitoring, and maintenance
- Sleek and Stylish Design: Polished finish on the outside and a perfect non-stick inside.
- Auto-Warm Feature: Instant switching to warm status after cooking.
- Soft-Grip Handles: Ensures you safe cooking and handling.
- Integrated Cord Storage: Entitles you to a clean finish by any means by keeping the cord in its place.
Why do people choose this product?
- It has a digital timer that you can program anytime you want.
- It does not overcook any meals that you prepare.
- Easy to understand control settings.
- Cleaning up is easy because of its removable stoneware
- Cooks perfectly and heavy-duty product
What kind of problems/difficulties you will face in using this product?
- It can get hot on the sides and its surface.
- It might be hard when traveling since it does not have a lock-lid feature.
- May have a burned rubber odor when cooking
- The lid may not fit entirely in the crock-pot.
5. Best: Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker (4 Quarts)
Best For: Solo Travels; Emergency Meals; Day-workers
Product Specifications
- 8.3 Pounds Silver and Black Stainless Steel Design
- 4 Quarts Oval Shape (9.84 x 9.06 x 15.16 inches)
- Programmable Cooker
Home cooking won’t be the same if you don’t have this lightweight slow cooker on your sleeves. First of all, this lightweight slow cooker is designed to be programmable to make your life convenient. It prepares meals perfectly and fresh effortlessly with its programmable settings, which you can mix and match your desired settings for a perfect cook-off.
All you got to do is trust this lightweight slow cooker to do its thing. It comprises a heating element that creates even heating automatically switches to a warm setting. Later on, after using this device, you will realize that cooking has never been made easy.
If you are also an adventurous kind of person, then this lightweight slow cooker will suit you well. Its lightweight feature can be a good thing if you travel most often. Its digital timer can also be handy if you have precise cooking. Aside from that, it has a classy design that suits any kitchen design.
Product Highlights/Best Features
- Programmable Options: With its preset settings, you can create any delectable meal by mixing and matching the temperature and time of your choice easily, thus saving you time and energy.
- Digital Timer: To help you with perfect cooking, its digital timer will work its way to make every meal as delicious as possible.
Why do people choose this product?
- Works great with large dishes and soups.
- You can use it as an extra large slow cooker.
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
- Reliable temperature control with a digital timer for perfect cooking.
- Perfect cooking with an easy clean-up finish
- No overcooked meals with its temperature control features.
What kind of problems/difficulties you will face in using this product?
- The cord is short, which might be inconvenient for some users.
- It may become hot on the outside while cooking.
- The lid may move upon cooking.
How We Rank the Best Lightweight Slow Cooker?
Certain testing methods have been done to have the best lightweight slow cookers. Shown below are the criteria in ranking the best lightweight slow cooker on the list:
Convenience: This goes far on how easy it can make a lightweight slow cooker operate – may it be manual or automatic. Moreover, this shows that each setting in every device can be understood directly.
Features: These options make a device unique from the others. Each lightweight slow cooker contains additional features that make cooking easier than the standard. Some innovations have been added to such devices to make them more pleasing to customers and users.
Capacity: The inside capacity will determine the possible number of servings done after cooking.
Heat Safety: This feature is highly regarded since slow cooking requires prolonged heat. Therefore, a heat safety feature should be a plus in dealing with the burning heat that is generated by the device.
Flexibility: Every lightweight slow cooker has its own way of dealing with the cooking itself. Some will use its versatility to turn cooking more interesting than the usual way.
Material: The quality of the material should be checked first to ensure a long-lasting device that can help you in the long run.
Design: This criterion is less noted, but some users are fond and more interested in the aesthetics.
Cooking Results: This is the last, and the most important criteria, the finished product of every lightweight slow cooker will tell it all.
How to Choose the Best Lightweight Slow Cookers?
There are several lightweight slow cooker models available on the market nowadays, so it’s a good idea to read first the instruction manual before using it. Time setting and temperature setup may vary accordingly. To consider it the best lightweight slow cooker, the device or product must be capable of unsupervised slow cooking while cooking quickly enough to a safe range.
Below are some factors for you to digest so that you can pick the best lightweight slow cooker in no time:
Servings – With lightweight cookers ranging from 4 to 8 quarts, it’s really efficient if you choose the perfect size for your servings. Smaller quantities are ideal for cooking up to two persons, and as you go higher, it will be suitable for larger numbers. Additionally, it is worth noting that the capacity listed on the products description does not refer to the bowl size because the operational capacity is much smaller than that.
Room Space – Getting a lightweight slow cooker might give up some of your space in the kitchen. So make sure to have a designated space that will be convenient for you. Aside from that, slow cookers most often have shorter cords, so get yourself an even space that has the nearest plugs.
Budget – Of course, a budget can not be taken for granted. Do pick a lightweight slow cooker that meets your budget. Even so, if you can get a better model one for a hefty price, then go for it. It will benefit you in the long run because they are rather energy-efficient than the others.
Final Thoughts
It couldn’t be easier to use a lightweight slow cooker than normal cooking. It lets you prepare the ingredients of your desired recipe, places them inside the pot, walk away, and return home with a delicious meal after a day’s work. Choosing from a wide variety of lightweight slow cookers in the market might be a headache but remember that no single slow cooker can have it all.
With that, choose the best one that suits you, and we recommend our best overall top pick – Hamilton Beach Portable Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker (6 Quarts). Its excellent cooking features will give you a boost in your cooking journey.