The nicest thing about having a slow cooker is that it offers free will whenever you do the cooking. A slow cooker even resembles a mom or dad who skillfully prepares a hot and fresh meal for his family.
Being in the kitchen the whole day seems like a big responsibility to handle and what’s more, if you use the incorrect cooker.
That’s why you need the best slow cooker out there to help you maximize time and space. And that it would prepare a crunchy best, tasting meal for you and your family.
It should also feed several individuals according to your desire; if you want to achieve the best results, then choose among the 5 best slow cookers America’s test kitchen below.
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What can a slow cooker do?
As the name suggests, slow cookers are intended to cook a variety of foods at a gentle heat for an extended period of time. Slow cookers are wonderful for softening and tenderizing tough portions of meat while also bringing out their flavor. On the other hand, you may leave it set and go about your day, coming home to a fully cooked and fully prepared supper!
Can a slow cooker cook any recipe?
Fortunately, a slow cooker can cook almost anything from main dishes, tacos, side dishes, and sandwiches. You can also cook roasts and chicken as well as simmer meat chunks, and make sauces and dips.
Is a slow cooker even reliable?
Of course! Having a slow cooker is worthwhile because it offers advantages including hands-free cooking, cost-efficient, taste-enhancer, safe cooking, and healthy cooking as well. You can rely on any slow cooker but be sure to choose the best ones out there that meet your demands.
Best Slow Cooker America’s Test Kitchen: Top Picks
- Best Overall: KitchenAid Slow CookerKSC6223SS (6 Quarts)
- Best Multi-Functional: Cuisinart Cook Central 3 in 1 Multi-Cooker: MSC-600 (6 Quarts)
- Best Programmable: Zavor LUX LCD Programmable Electric Multi-Cooker (6 Quarts)
- Best in Safety Features: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Multi-Cooker (3 Quarts)
- Best Controls: Crock-Pot Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker SCCPVL610-S-A (6 Quarts)
5 Best Slow Cooker America’s Test Kitchen: Detailed Insights
1. Best Overall: KitchenAid Slow CookerKSC6223SS (6 Quarts)
Best For: Big Families; Events and Gatherings; Parties and Travels; Commercial Cooking
Product Specifications
- 5.67 Liters Silver Stainless Steel Modern Design
- 6-Quarts Oval-Shape (10.5 x 17.5 x 10.8 inches)
- 220 volts and 600 wattages electrical capacity
- Standard Lid Style
- Digital Programmable
Product Review
No other slow cookers can compare to the KitchenAid Slow CookerKSC6223SS (6 Quarts), which is our best overall pick. This slow cooker is unlike any other slow cooker out there because it has four temperature settings that you can select from instead of the basic three settings. This will help you maximize your cooking output by discovering the best temperature setting for each recipe.
Aside from the temperature settings, its oval form and metal structure offer a gorgeous and dazzling appearance that is very pleasing to the eyes. It has a simple to use control panel for easy usage. No matter what you do, you can always set and forget the worries in your daily cooking.
The prompt heavy stoneware of this slow cooker is removable thus can be easily washed and cleaned. You don’t need to take so much time from getting it sparkly again. Besides its spacious stoneware, it also features a countdown timer that makes cooking easy. You can even smile while waiting for the timer to go to zero. Monitoring your foods will be a piece of cake just by using this useful feature.
Nothing can be compared by the performance of this slow cooker, for it can cook any type of dish. In fact, it has a heat precision control setting that enables you to set your desired temperature that best suits any recipe. You can select up to four than the regular three, which include: high, low, medium, and keep warm for heating purposes. Finally, the best thing about the KitchenAid Slow CookerKSC6223SS (6 Quarts) is that it can be digitally programmed. After you set things straight and wait, the slow cooker will make its turn to keep it warm until you dine in.
Product Highlights/Best Features
- Solid design: Its modern, sleek design will match any kitchen environment.
- Simple to use control panel: Operating this slow cooker is easy with its simple-to-use control panel. Just a simple set and forget, and everything is ready.
- Countdown Timer: With the included countdown timer, you won’t ever have overcooked or undercooked food anymore.
- Ceramic Stoneware: Its spacious ceramic stoneware will enable you to cook different meals from small to large dishes.
- 4 Temperature Settings: It comes with a heat precision control that currently has four temperature settings that can set your cooking to the maximum. You can choose from either high, low, medium, and keep warm.
Why do people choose this product?
- The slow cooker’s temperature settings are quite accurate to have a perfect finished meal.
- The setup of this slow cooker is very easy to set and not complicated.
- It has a short cord that can be stashed below.
- It’s not slip-feet allows the slow cooker to stand upright without wobbles.
- Price is best for its high quality.
What kind of problems/difficulties will you face in using this product?
- This slow cooker has silicon rings seated at the top, which may come loose if used.
- Its metal rim lid and screw knob make cleaning very frustrating.
- The lid won’t fit the rim because of the uneven fitting.
- To cook food can be really slow.
- It doesn’t last like it is supposed to be.
2. Best Multi-functional: Cuisinart Cook Central 3 in 1 Multi-Cooker: MSC-600 (6 Quarts)
Best For: Camping; Travels; Vacation; Big Gatherings; Combination Cooking
Product Specifications
- 16 Pounds Silver Stainless Steel Modern Design
- 6 Quarts Oblong Shape (12 x 19 x 9.5 inches)
- Digital Programmable and Certified frustration-free
Product Review
Next on the list is this, Cuisinart Cook Central 3 in 1 Multi-Cooker: MSC-600 (6 Quarts). If ever you want a partner in your kitchen that can serve three masters at the same time, this slow cooker can do it for you. It comes with a 3-in-1 multi-functional way of usage. It can be used as a steamer in which you can steam potatoes, a slow cooker in which you can cook roasts, and a brown/sauté settings that you can use for soups. It has a one-touch switch that can give you the best combo-cooking that you can have.
For better cooking, it has an LCD panel display that gives accurate temperature and time for you to determine if that will be enough for your cooking needs. Not only does it will give you an accurate measure of heat, but it also allows you to handle and carry this slow cooker because of its lightweight feature. No more encountering heavy cooking like you’ve experienced before.
When talking about how easy to carry this slow cooker, it also has a stay-cool plastic handle that you can use. It will handle the heat from the device and make things easier when carrying it from one area to another. Its multi-function settings come with a free steaming rack that can be used for steaming steaks or meats for up to 90 minutes.
Lastly, this Cuisinart Cook Central 3 in 1 Multi-Cooker: MSC-600 (6 Quarts) is digitally programmed on which you can set and forget while your slow cooker prepares your meal over time. It comes with an automatic keep up warm to keep your meals fresh and hot.
Product Highlights/Best Features
- High-quality material: You will have no worries about how long will this slow cooker be with you since it has the best material quality that has been tested and proven
- Stay-cool plastic handles: Carrying this slow cooker is made easy because of its stay-cool plastic handle that helps in removing heat.
- Multi-function Cooker: It has a multi-functional use which can be utilized as a slow cooker, brown/sauté, or steamer.
- One-touch switch: The multi-function setting of this slow cooker can easily be functioned by its one-touch switch.
- LCD Display: Convenient display readings of time and temperature run through this LCD panel display.
- Non-stick pot: Encountering leftovers when cleaning is no more because of its non-stick pot, making cleaning as easy as possible.
- Steaming Rack: The inclusion of a steaming rack will enable you to steam foods whenever you want.
Why do people choose this product?
- The coating of this slow cooker is the finest out there that can be cleaned perfectly.
- No spills and splats when browning foods.
- The oval pot does not move around when stirring.
- Accurate temperature control makes it a reliable slow cooker
- Ability to brown and steam aside from slow cooking
What kind of problems/difficulties when you use this product?
- The cord is not detachable, making things not good for the eye.
- The insert can’t be used in the oven or a stove.
- The entire slow cooker takes up space in your countertop.
- The Teflon materials of this slow cooker will degrade over time.
- Poor interior coating.
3. Best Programmable: Zavor LUX LCD Programmable Electric Multi-Cooker (6 Quarts)
Best For: RV travels; Commercial Cooking; Big Families; Chefs on the go; Everyday Cooking
Product Specifications
- 14.4 Silver Stainless Steel Classic Design
- 6 Quarts Round Shape with 6 Liters Capacity (12.2 x 11.4 x 13.8 inches)
- Automatic operated with 1000 wattage electrical capacity
Product Review
If you seek a multi-functional slow cooker that can be used mainly as a pressure cooker but works best on slow cooking, Zavor LUX LCD Programmable Electric Multi-Cooker (6 Quarts) is the one for you. Not only does it pressure cooking and slow cooking, but it can also be used to steam, simmer, sauté, and even best in making yogurts.
Partnered with a powerful heating element, this slow cooker can reach pressure faster than a standard slow cooker. This will heat things up more easily than it should ever be. Its time-delay program feature will give its way for very convenient cooking that will help you deal accurate time for your perfect cooking style.
What’s making it easier with this slow cooker is that it has a digital LCD screen that contains all the features and cooking functions that you can set and program the way you want it to be. Other than that, its custom settings enable you to program and save it for your next usage.
Lastly, it contains safety features: a pressure regulator that can monitor your cooking, a lid icon that can alert you when your lid is not properly fitted, and a panel lock that disables adjustments for safe cooking. With the combined passion for cooking, safety, multi-functionality, and convenience, you won’t ask for more with this Zavor LUX LCD Programmable Electric Multi-Cooker (6 Quarts).
Product Highlights/Best Features
- Multi-function: This slow cooker functions in many settings, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, sauté, sous vid, simmering, rice cooking, and yogurt making.
- Time-delay Program: For better convenient cooking, this slow cooker enables you to control time with its time-delay program for perfect cooking.
- Heating Element: It has a powerful heat element to heat things faster than any kitchen device.
- Digital LCD Screen: An easy control panel in a digital LCD screen can give you information on what’s heating up inside this slow cooker.
- Safety Features: Contains features such as pressure regulator, lid icon, and a panel lock for safe cooking.
Why do people choose this product?
- Easy to program and comes with an instruction manual
- Versatility cooking at its best.
- Has a large capacity that will bring an almost complete dish.
- More control on your cooking journey.
- A large LCD display that can be read easily.
What kind of problems/difficulties will you face in using this product?
- Cooking takes a longer time than usual.
- Learning to set up this slow cooker takes time.
- A bit of a learning curve when dealing with this slow cooker.
- The stainless steel can rust after a long duration of use.
- The odor from the heating element can be generated from the first usage.
4. Best in Safety Features: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Multi-Cooker (3 Quarts)
Best For: Singles, College Students; Small Families; Home Dips; Soups and Side Dishes
Product Specifications
- 8.65 Pounds Black Stainless Steel Modern Design
- 3 Quarts Round Shape with three settings (11.81 x 10.51 x 10.98 inches)
- 120 voltage with 700 watts electrical capacity
- Touch Control with Push Button
Product Review
You can’t get over with this 7-in-1 function multi-cooker, for it can give you the best cooking experience that you’ve ever imagined. It can do pressure cooking, rice cooking, slow cooking, yogurt making, steaming, sauté panning, and warming foods. Other than that, it has smart cooking programs that can be customized to allow you a better designation of recipes in your arsenal.
Cleaning this slow cooker is also a piece of cake since it has fingerprint-resistant insides and a dishwasher-friendly lid. Not only is cleaning easy with this slow cooker, but it includes features for safe cooking. It comes with proven overheat protection that will alarm you and a safe-lock lid that is very useful for anti-spill cooking.
By giving the best quality home-cooked meal, this Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Multi-Cooker (3 Quarts slow cooker can make your day stress-free and a stuffed tummy.
Product Highlights/Best Features
- 7-in-1 Function: It comes with multifunctional 7-in-1 flexible and versatile cooking settings that you can choose from.
- Smart Cooking: Contains customizable digital programs to make cooking quickly.
- Finger-print resistant: No more worries about imprints because it is resistant to a glassy look.
- Safety Features: This contains several safety features to protect you from unprecedented happenings.
- Free Recipes: The manufacturer has included a free download of their recipe guides that you can add to your cooking adventure.
Why do people choose this product?
- Considerably excellent safety features.
- High-quality material build.
- Versatility cooking which can cook almost anything.
- Doesn’t heat up the kitchen.
- Noise-reduction and delay start button is a good addition.
What kind of problems/difficulties will you face in using this product?
- Steep learning curve.
- Sealing rings can be frustrating.
- The steam release can be worrisome.
- It does not crisp foods nor brown them.
- Not long-lasting.
5. Best Controls: Crock-Pot Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker SCCPVL610-S-A (6 Quarts)
Best For: Working Individuals; Full-time Jobs; Potlucks; Family Gathering
Product Specifications
- 3.6 Kilograms Stainless Steel Modern Design
- 6 Quarts Oval Shape (10.4 x 16.5 x 11.4 inches)
- 240 wattage electrical capacity
Product Review
If you want someone to serve your big family, then this Crock-Pot Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker SCCPVL610-S-A (6 Quarts) can be the one for you. It can serve up to 9 people at most with leftovers. Not only that it can serve a large number of people, but it can also make your cooking daily with ease. It comes with a digital timer that you can program to set and forget. In that way, you can mingle with your family while this slow cooker is preparing your food later on.
Its locking lid can be useful to prevent mess as you carry this slow cooker from one area to another. Transporting this slow cooker is made easy by its lid gasket also that furthers seal the lid. Other than that, it has a programmable digital control system that lets you do your thing when cooking. You can even cook several recipes straight without stress and worries.
You have nothing to worry about this Crock-Pot Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker SCCPVL610-S-A (6 Quarts) because it has all the basic settings that you can utilize.
Product Highlights/Best Features
- Digital Timer: It comes with a digital countdown timer that you can program for convenient cooking.
- Auto-warm Setting: The actual set and forget that you’ve ever wanted.
- Lid Locks: Additional lid locks well for anti-spills.
- Programmable: Everything is programmed for versatile cooking.
Why do people choose this product?
- Very easy to clean stoneware.
- Touch-friendly controls.
- Big servings.
- Accurate temperature settings with easy-to-carry lid locks and handles.
- It can be programmed the way you want it to.
What kind of problems/difficulties will you face in using this product?
- The lid doesn’t fit uptight.
- Generally not durable when dropped.
- The sides get very hot.
- Lack of time delay feature.
- The first usage will give an odor.
How to select the best slow cooker according to America’s Test Kitchen?
To select the best slow cooker in the market, keep in mind how you will use it so that you can fully utilize its features and capabilities. Here are tips from America’s Test Kitchen on selecting the best cooker around:
Recipes: Do you intend to prepare a huge roast or a chicken dinner? Check the shape and size of the slow cooker before selecting it. Ensure that the slow cooker can fit any ingredients you want to put on the slow cooker. You could choose the conventional oblong shape for better spacing usage or a round shape for better stirring.
Servings: How many are you in the family? How many friends are coming to your house? In choosing a slow cooker, you should remember that capacity is a big factor. The capacity will determine how many servings you prepare in a meal or gathering. A big 7 quarts model is suited to a regular family and big gatherings. Most meal recipes are built generally from this size capacity. However, if you prepare and cook things solo or with your partner, you can utilize the smaller versions of a slow cooker.
Lids: Do you have an interest in the cooking process? Do you want to monitor your cooking for a perfect finish? A slow cooker with transparent lid features will suit you fine. It will allow you to see the inside ingredients without removing the lid on top.
Simplicity: Do you want to make things simple? Look for a slow cooker that comes with the basic features. Not only will you have the convenience of cooking but also in cleaning.
Events and Gatherings: Are you a party goer? You can try a slow cooker that has a locking lid feature. In that way, the food you will carry won’t spill when you walk.
Time: Are you a single mom? Do you work the whole day? It’s very nice to have a home-cooked meal prepared in advance before you go home. A digital and programmable slow cooker can prepare that meal for you. Its automatic cook-to-warm switch will give you an upper hand, and when you go home, dinner is already served.
Easy-cleaning: Do you want to have fun after eating? A slow cooker with removable stoneware will help you with that. You should also find a slow cooker that is dishwasher friendly.
Final Thoughts
Having a slow cooker beside you saves you time and money. However, this might be costly and only worthwhile if you can fully utilize its features. Home-cooked or outside cooking, owning a slow cooker is like a dream come true indeed. It does all the work and prepares you a fresh and tasty meal while you rest and enjoy the day.
It is very essential to get one! That is why we’ve got you this 5 Best Slow Cooker America’s Test Kitchen, the finest ones you can have. Choose now that meets your current demands.