Our Slow Cooker Buying Guide

Non all slow cookers are the same! Make shopping easier with this tedious cooker buying guide.

A deadening cooker is every decorated cook's secret weapon, and rightfully so. It's and so helpful for cooking hearty soups and twelvemonth-circular comfort food. Plus, there's most no cleanup! Non certain how to choose the right one? This slow cooker buying guide volition assistance y'all weigh size, functionality and cost to choice the perfect gadget.

What to Consider When Buying a Slow Cooker

Capacity

The kickoff decision to brand is how big your slow cooker needs to exist. Exercise you program and prep dinners a calendar week ahead of schedule? Or perhaps y'all want to stock up on freezer-friendly soups and stews. Either way, a big 6- to 10-quart dull cooker should be your best bet.

For someone who wants to cook a delicious dinner that volition be ready when you lot walk in the door, a 4- or v-quart auto might do the play tricks. The smallest slow cookers hold one to 2.v quarts and work well for heating upwardly lunch leftovers and keeping dips warm during a political party.

Our Pick for a Large Slow Cooker: Hamilton Beach seven-Quart Programmable Wearisome Cooker, $39
Our Pick for a Standard Boring Cooker:Chefman 5-Quart Irksome Cooker with Stoneware Crock, $41
Our Pick for a Small Slow Cooker: Crock-Pot 20-Ounce Food Warmer, $25

Psst…Here's how to make lasagna, cheesecake and other surprising dishes in your slow cooker.

Features & Functionality

For some people, having a "High" and "Depression" setting is enough. But actress features can make life easier. Look for things like:

• clip-tight lids to brand traveling easier
• gasket lids to forestall messy spills
• programmable features to permit you to cook for for a set number of hours
• temperature probes to permit you lot know when your food's done
• Wi-Fi adequacy so y'all can control the slow cooker from an app on your phone
• digital displays to help you keep an eye on temperature and cook time
• sear or sauté settings so you don't accept to dirty some other dish

If you regularly entertain, be certain to bank check out a cafe cooker like this one with two or three removable crocks. And don't forget the slow cooker add-ons!

Price Point

Similar any new appliance, price is often the most influential criteria for buy. Slow cookers range in price from $xx to more than $300. Think about how often you lot'll use your car, and what kinds of meals you intend to cook. If you have a large family and/or a lot of busy days, it might be worth investing in a high-quality machine to help streamline the meal prep procedure. If you live lone and want a daily dinner helper, a smaller, more affordable choice might be the best bet.

Whatsoever slow cooker you lot choose, it will brand your life easier, more efficient and more succulent. Put that new gadget to work ASAP with our all-time slow cooker recipes!

Stuffed Chicken Rolls

Just thinking well-nigh this dish sparks my appetite. The ham and cheese rolled inside are a tasty surprise. Leftovers reheat well and make a perfect lunch with a green salad. —Jean Sherwood, Kenneth Urban center, Florida

Slow-Cooked Huckleberry Grunt

If you love blueberries, and so you lot can't go wrong with this like shooting fish in a barrel dessert. For a special treat, serve it warm with vanilla water ice cream. —Cleo Gonske, Redding, California

Wearisome-Roasted Lemon Dill Chicken

The lemon and dill in this tiresome-cooked recipe requite the chicken a bright, fresh taste. Pair the entree with a side of noodles or a mixed green salad. —Lori Lockrey, Pickering, Ontario

Slow-Cooked Sirloin

My family of five likes to eat beef, then this recipe is a favorite. I unremarkably serve it with bootleg bread or rolls to soak upwardly the tasty gravy. —Vicki Tormaschy, Dickinson, Due north Dakota

Dull-Cooker Pork Chops

Everyone volition savor these fork-tender, slow-cooker pork chops with a creamy, low-cal gravy. Serve with a green vegetable, mashed potatoes and coleslaw or a salad. These are the best boring cooker pork chops. —Sue Bingham, Madisonville, Tennessee

Lime Chicken Tacos

Our fun, simple chicken taco recipe is perfect for a relaxing dinner with friends. If nosotros accept any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho

Creamy Slow-Cooker White Chicken Chili

My friend Caroline Gray and I came upwards with this flossy slow-cooker white chicken chili. It's unusual because information technology calls for Alfredo sauce. —Cindi Mitchell, St. Marys, Kansas

Fabulous Fajitas

I've enjoyed cooking since I was a girl growing upwardly in the Southwest. When friends telephone call to ask me for new recipes to endeavor, I suggest these flavorful fajitas. Information technology'southward wonderful to put the beef in the slow cooker before church and come dwelling house to a hot delicious main dish. —Janie Reitz, Rochester, Minnesota

BBQ Craven Sliders

Brining the meat overnight helps make these BBQ chicken sliders taste exceptionally good. Plus, they're so tender, they melt in your mouth. —Rachel Kunkel, Schell City, Missouri

Chicken Mole

If you're not familiar with chicken mole (pronounced mo-LAY), don't be afraid of this versatile Mexican sauce. I love sharing this craven mole recipe because it's a bully one to experiment with. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana

Slow-Cooker Turkey Pesto Lasagna

My cheesy, noodle-y lasagna makes whatsoever dull-cooker skeptic a believer. It's easy to prep while my kids nap, and dinner's ready when their dad walks in the door at dark. Nosotros bring more pesto and marinara to the tabular array for our resident sauce lovers. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, VA

Ho-hum-Cooker BBQ Chicken

Of all the recipes I make in my tedious cooker, this Crock-Pot BBQ chicken is my almost treasured. If you bask your BBQ sweet with a trivial spice, this will be your new favorite, besides. —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington

Competition-Winning Mushroom Pot Roast

Wow! The wine-warmed flavors in this recipe are astonishing! Packed with wholesome veggies and tender beef, this is i company-special dish all ages volition like. Serve with mashed potatoes to enjoy every last driblet of the rich, beefy gravy. —Angie Stewart, Topeka, Kansas

Fudgy Peanut Butter Block

I clipped this like shooting fish in a barrel peanut butter cake recipe from a paper years agone. The house smells fantastic while it'southward slow cooking. My husband and son enjoy the block with water ice foam and nuts on meridian. —Bonnie Evans, Norcross, Georgia

Chicken Sliders with Sesame Slaw

Everyone loves barbecue craven sliders. My version has an Asian twist, with spicy, tangy flavors. At our potlucks, they apace vanish. —Priscilla Yee, Concur, California

Pork Picadillo Lettuce Wraps

Warm pork and cool, crisp lettuce are a combination born in culinary heaven. My spin on a lettuce wrap is brimming-full of scrumptious flavor and spice. —Janice Elderberry, Charlotte, Northward Carolina

Pink Grapefruit Cheesecake

Cheesecake from a wearisome cooker? It'south truthful! I experimented a few times to turn this iconic dessert into a slow-cooker classic. Give it a try. You'll be amazed at the results! —Krista Lanphier, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Citrus Turkey Roast

I was skeptical at first nearly fixing turkey in a slow cooker but one time I tasted this dish, I was hooked. With a piddling cornstarch to thicken the juices, the gravy is hands made. —Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas

5-Cheese Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Whenever I go to an effect, I'yard always asked to bring this hot dip. 5 types of cheese make it a standout and oh-and so delicious. I love its party-ready convenience— I serve it straight from the deadening cooker, so fix-upwardly and clean-upwards are a breeze! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Glazed Spiced Carrots

Glazed carrots are a classic side dish for all kinds of special occasions. They're the perfect accompaniment for all kinds of main entrees. This recipe is very easy to put together, leaving your oven and stove top complimentary for other cooking creations. —Taste of Abode Test Kitchen

Italian Shrimp 'north' Pasta

This dish will remind y'all a chip of archetype shrimp Creole, but it has a surprise Italian twist. Slow cooking gives information technology hands-off ease—perfect for company. —Karen Edwards, Sanford, Maine

Maple-Walnut Sweet Potatoes

Topped with dried cherries and walnuts, this side is downright delicious. Even people who aren't into sugariness potatoes will grab a second scoop. —Sarah Herse, Brooklyn, New York

Italian Chicken Chardonnay

One day I needed to take dinner set up when we walked in the door after piece of work and school. So I altered a skillet dish that my family likes into this delicious tedious-cooker meal, and it was ready and waiting when we got home. It's perfect for an everyday meal only squeamish enough for company, too. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

Chocolate Bread Pudding with Raspberries

I love chocolate and I honey berries, so I was thrilled to come across this recipe that combines the two. I like to use egg bread when making this dessert. While it cooks in the slow cooker, I can tend to other things. —Becky Foster, Matrimony, Oregon

Spring-Thyme Craven Stew

During a long winter (and bound), my married man and I were in need of something warm, comforting and bright. This chicken was the perfect thing. It fills the firm with the odour of home when Mom would make craven soup, with a piffling something extra. —Amy Chase, Vanderhoof, British Columbia

Garden Chicken Cacciatore

Treat company to this perfect Italian meal. You'll have time to visit with your guests while it simmers, and it often earns rave reviews. I like to serve it with couscous, green beans and a dry out red vino. Mangia! —Martha Schirmacher, Sterling Heights, Michigan

Seafood Cheese Dip

This cheesy recipe has a nice combination of seafood flavors and clings beautifully to slices of bread. —Michelle Domm, Atlanta, New York

Thai Coconut Beefiness

My husband and I dearest Thai food, but going out on weeknights can be challenging with busy schedules. I wanted to create a Thai-inspired dinner that could double every bit an easy luncheon the following day. The beef is fantastic in this dish, but chicken or pork would be equally succulent! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Simple Vegetarian Slow-Cooked Beans

When I take a hungry family to feed, these tasty beans with spinach, tomatoes and carrots are a go-to dish. This veggie delight is frequently on our bill of fare. —Jennifer Reid, Farmington, Maine

Gooey Peanut Butter-Chocolate Block

Here in Wisconsin, wintertime weather is extreme. A hot dessert is just the thing to warm us up. This tiresome-cooked chocolate cake gets its crunch from a sprinkling of peanuts. —Lisa Erickson, Ripon, Wisconsin

Deadening Cooker Rotisserie-Style Chicken

You wouldn't believe this golden chocolate-brown chicken was made in the slow cooker. Packed with flavour, the meat is moist, the carrots are tender, and the juices are perfect for gravy. —Gustatory modality of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Pork & Rice Noodle Soup

My hubby and I are crazy for the Korean noodle bowls at our favorite restaurant. I created this recipe to bask the same flavors in a quick and easy meal. You can find rice noodles in the Asian section of the grocery store.—Lisa Renshaw, Kansas Urban center, Missouri

Pumpkin Pie Pudding

My hubby loves anything pumpkin, and this creamy, comforting pumpkin pudding recipe is one of his favorites. We make our piece of cake pudding all yr long, but it's especially overnice in the fall. —Andrea Schaak, Bloomington, Minnesota

Easy Corned Beef and Cabbage

This corned beefiness and cabbage tiresome cooker recipe is a fuss-free way to melt the traditional dish. I tried it for St. Patrick'south Day a few years ago. Now information technology's a regular in my menu planning. This is terrific with Dijon mustard and crusty bread. —Karen Waters, Laurel, Maryland

Spiced Carrots & Butternut Squash

When I've got a lot going on, my ho-hum cooker is my go-to tool for cooking veggies. The sugariness of the squash and carrots really complements the spicy seasonings. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Deadening Cooker Caramel Apple Cider

Spiced with cinnamon sticks, allspice and caramel, this warm-you-up sipper will chase away winter'due south chill. Serve brimming mugs alongside a platter of festive cookies at your next holiday gathering. —Gustatory modality of Dwelling Test Kitchen

Moroccan Vegetable Chicken Tagine

Take a trip to Morocco with this rich, exotic dish. A tagine is a North African deadening-cooked stew named after the pot information technology's cooked in.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Burgundy Pears

These warm spiced pears elevate slow cooking to a new level of elegance, yet they're incredibly easy to make. Your friends won't believe this fancy-looking dessert came from a tedious cooker. —Elizabeth Hanes, Peralta, New Mexico

Parmesan Pork Roast

Great sweet, savory flavour comes from just a few pantry staples in this easy roast. —Karen Warner, Louisville, Ohio

Rich & Creamy Mashed Potatoes

It'south a cinch to jazz up instant mashed potatoes with sour foam and cream cheese, then cook and serve them from a slow cooker. For a special touch, sprinkle this flossy mashed potatoes recipe with chopped fresh chives, canned french-fried onions or fresh grated Parmesan cheese. —Donna Bardocz, Howell, Michigan

Chili & Cheese Crustless Quiche

This filling Tex-Mex egg casserole is perfect for any meal of the day. I add a salad and dinner is on! —Gail Watkins, Norwalk, Califiornia

Hot Spiced Lemon Potable

I received this recipe from a lady in our church who is an fantabulous cook. She has shared several deadening-cooker recipes with us. We really enjoy the sugariness-tangy season of this warm citrus punch. —Mandy Wright, Springville, Utah

Cranberry Pork & Sweet Potatoes

Serve your whole dinner from the boring cooker—tender pork chops and sweet potatoes flavored with applesauce, cranberry sauce and dark-brown sugar. It's a wonderful meal for the holiday season. —Doris Branham, Kingston, Tennessee

Ho-hum-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

When I make this tasty chicken lasagna at home, I use a whole canteen of Buffalo wing sauce considering my family likes information technology nice and spicy. Increase the pasta sauce and use less wing sauce if you prefer. —Heidi Pepin, Sykesville, Maryland

Slow-Cooked Dark-green Beans

I spent hours in search of sides for a cooking demo to present to women from my church building. These piece of cake dark-green beans became my star attraction. —Alice White, Willow Spring, North Carolina

Mexican Fondue

A scattering of items and a few moments of prep work are all y'all'll need for this festive fondue. Not only does it take reward of canned goods and other convenience items, simply the wearisome cooker does all the work. —Nella Parker, Hersey, Michigan

Shrimp Chowder

I simmer my rich and creamy shrimp soup in the tiresome cooker. Because the chowder is ready in less than four hours, it can be prepared in the afternoon and served to dinner guests that night. —Will Zunio, Gretna, Louisiana

Viennese Java

This isn't your regular loving cup of Joe! Dress it upwards with chocolate, whipped cream and more than, making it a drink to savor! —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, S Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Tiresome-Cooker Berry Cobbler

I adjusted my mom's yummy cobbler recipe for deadening cooking. With the hot summers here in Arizona, we tin can notwithstanding enjoy this comforting dessert, and I don't have to plough on the oven. —Karen Jarocki, Yuma, Arizona

Beef Stew Provencal

When I was young, my favorite food to gild in a restaurant was beef stew. My female parent and I decided to create our own and experimented with dissimilar ingredients until nosotros came upwardly with this recipe. Anybody liked this slow cooker version and then much that at present it'south a tradition every time the whole family is together. —Chelsey Larsen, Sparks, Nevada

Flossy Celery Beef Stroganoff

Cream of celery soup adds richness to a recipe that has become a family favorite. Information technology's so simple to set and, oh, that flavour! —Kim Wallace, Dennison, Ohio

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

There's aught similar a basin of warm oatmeal in the morning, and my spiced version works in a slow cooker. Store leftovers in the fridge. —Jordan Mason, Brookville, Pennsylvania

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/slow-cooker-buying-guide/

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