Buying the best crock pot is something you just have to do if you do not have a good crock pot already. One of the best feelings one gets is to come back home and be greeted with the sweet aroma of something cooking in the kitchen! The experience can really be refreshing and that’s what the crock pot otherwise referred to as slow cooker provides.
The slow cooker cooks at significantly lower temperature than the pressure cooker and invariably takes longer time to cook your food. You are however compensated by the retention of the juices and flavor of your food when you use the slow cooker.
You really need to carefully choose a good quality crock so that you would not have buyer’s remorse after you have made a purchase. That is why we believe this review will be helpful
Best Multi functional And Versatile Crock Pot
Product Name: Ninja MC760 Plus 4-in-1 Multi Slow Cooker System
Product Rating: 4.7 Stars
Features
- Has four different cooking functions.
- Cooking functions can be digitally programmed.
- Combined heating from all sides ensures even heat distribution.
- Convenient to use.
- Built to automatically stay warm.
The Ninja MC760 Plus 4-in-1 Multi Slow Cooker System is a sturdy cooker made of nonstick heavy and good quality material. With this cooker you can steam, stove top ,slow cook or bake.
You can conveniently use this cooker outdoors for your camping, parties as well as in students’ dormitories. The various functions in the cooker really makes the cooker user friendly, convenient and enhances your cooking experience.
This crock pot or slow cooker comes with a fine basket for steaming as well as a long power cord that allows you place your cooker on your counter conveniently. There is a safety button at the base of the cooker which automatically turns the heating process off once you remove the pot.
The even spread of heat round the cooker make it very good for meals that you need to brown and slow cook at the same time.
We recommend this slow cooker because of its multi functionality and versatility.
Best Large Capacity Crock Pot
Product Name: Hamilton Beach Extra-Large Stay or Go Portable 10-Quart Slow Cooker
Product Rating: 4.7 Stars
Features
- Extra large capacity of 10 quarts.
- Has option of 3 different temperature settings.
- Cover is tightly sealed with aid of clips.
- The design of the handles enhances easy and safe handling.
- Cooker is easy to clean and wash with a dishwasher
The Hamilton Beach 10-Quart Slow Cooker is an extra-large cooker ideal for particularly large stock. Because of its large capacity you can cook your turkey and other roast in it. The different heat settings including the warmer setting makes the cooker your best bet for your buffets, party or dinner that may stretch longer than expected.
Safety measures taken regarding the handling of this cooker includes it having a sealed lid reinforced by a clip on both sides. These clips are to ensure the cooker lid is tightly sealed thus preventing spills.
The Hamilton Beach 10-Quart Slow Cooker is ideal for cooking for a good number of people. If you like cooking large quantity of food at a time for storing in your refrigerator, this extra-large slow cooker comes in handy. With this slow cooker you get some relief once you have your ingredients in the pot. There’s no need for supervision once you have programmed your desired settings.
We recommend this slow cooker because of its extra-large capacity and user friendliness.
Best Mini Crock Pot
Product Name: Elite Gourmet MST-250XS Electric Slow Cooker
Product Rating: 4.5 Stars
Features
- Comes with a 1.5 Quart inner removable ceramic ware pot
- Has a 3 level adjustable temperature setting.
- Made of fine stainless steel material
- Has handles and handle grip that are cool touch.
This Elite Gourmet MST-250XS Electric Slow Cooker is ideal for serving and cooking meals in small quantities. Though small in size, it is versatile in use and well suited for singletons. The cooker has settings to regulate temperature so you can cook at either high or low temperature.
The cooker pot temperature regulating mechanism also has setting that keeps your meal warm or even hot so that it retains some freshness when served. The pot also comes with an inner ceramic pot that can easily be cleaned. The heat toughened glass cover enables you to monitor what you are cooking. This makes it unnecessary to open the pot to view what you are cooking. This way, pressure in the pot is preserved.
The pot is easy to wash although it’s not advisable to soak for a long time as it may absorb water. Water can however be poured in the pot to soften it.
We recommend this slow cooker because of its premium on safety, user friendliness and versatility.
Best Average Sized Slow Cooker
Product Name: Crock-Pot 3-Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker
Product Rating: 4.5 Stars
Features
- Has a Capacity of 3 quarts
- Comes with a high and low temperature setting mechanism.
- Has a round ceramic ware that is removable.
- Comes with a 24 inch cord.
- Has shinny exterior made of stainless steel with prominent black plastic handles
The Crock-Pot 3-Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker gives you the option of preparing your meal in time and allow it to cook slowly until it’s time to serve. This cooker provides a more convenient means of cooking that both saves you cost and ensures you eat healthy.
This cooker cooks on either the high, low or warmer setting thus helping you have your food at your desired temperature at serving time. The temperature setting is a digital device which shows you the time limit your cooking is set to as well as its countdown. The capacity of this pot makes it possible to prepare a meal for about 7 people or more. It is good for large families or people who love to cook in large quantities.
This cooker can be programmed for a maximum of 20 hours without supervision with no safety concerns. The cooker insert is safe for washing in a dishwasher because of the stainless steel material with ceramic component as well as the glass cover.
We recommend this slow cooker because of its digital feature and versatility in use.
Best Oval-Shaped Crock Pot
Product Name: Hamilton Beach 3-Quart Slow Cooker With Dishwasher-Safe Crock & Lid, Matte Black (33231)
Product Rating: 4.7 Stars
Features
- Has a capacity of 3 quarts.
- The three setting design moderates cooking temperature.
- Cooker can be used both in the oven as well as microwave.
- Glass cover and removable ceramic ware are safe to clean with dishwasher.
- Contemporary design of slow cooker stands it out.
Products from Hamilton Beach have a reputation for elegance and the Hamilton Beach 3-Quart Slow Cooker With Dishwasher-Safe Crock & Lid, Matte Black (33231) is no exception. The oval shape and distinct color makes it outstanding indeed. This slow cooker is deliberately designed to add a touch of class to your kitchen.
This Hamilton Beach 3-Quart Slow Cooker helps you prepare your food in record time and with minimal energy in a manner that is amazing. All you do is to add all ingredients and set your desired temperature level for your cooking.
The cooker also affords you the option of keeping your food warm till you are set for your meal. A warmer feature in the slow cooker makes this possible.
The cooker has a plastic handle on the glass lid so it’s not going to heat up like metal. The inner stoneware pot is removable which enables it to be soaked for stubborn food particle stains to be removed.
We recommend this slow cooker because of its elegant design and functionality.
Best Designed Casserole Pot
Product Name: Crock-Pot SCCPCCM350-BL Manual Slow Cooker, Navy Blue
Product Rating: 4.7 Stars
Features
- Has a capacity of 3.5 quart.
- Removable ceramic ware is oven-safe.
- Has different cooking plus warm settings
- The cover lid has good locking system.
- Comes with a 24″ long cord to enable convenience in connecting power.
The Crock-Pot SCCPCCM350-BL Manual Slow Cooker is a portable rectangular shaped casserole cooker with a unique design. This casserole cooker really makes your cooking easy as you only need to put all ingredients in your cooker and cover the lid securely. Your cooker is left to do the cooking at your desired temperature.
This slow cooker is quite versatile as it can be used to prepare all kind of casserole as well as desserts. You can also use it to serve your meal by removing the cover after you have unlocked it. If the slow cooker is plugged on and the setting is on the warmer mode, the food will be at the right temperature you want to serve it .
The lid of the cooker and the side clamps holding the lid firmly further ensures the safety of your meal. There is no danger of food spilling even if you are transporting your meal to a location.
For people who have issues with space, using this slow cooker takes care of such space concerns.
Best User Friendly Electronic Slow cooker Cooker
Product Name: Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1/2-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Product Rating: 4.3 Stars
Features
- The control panel is touchpad type.
- Has a timer that can countdown on a 24-hour duration.
- Food stays warm automatically.
- Handles are stay-cool for safety
- The pot and lid are dishwasher-safe.
The Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1/2-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker is another worthy addition to available slow cooker range that is up to date. With the aid of a programmed timer, you have the convenience of cooking and engaging in other activities at the same time.
Once the time and preferred cooking mode is set, you food is cooked without you having to babysit it. As soon as the time programmed for cooking expires, the device relapses by default into warmer mode. The device remains on the warmer mode for up to 8 hours and automatically switches off.
The control panel of the cooker is touchpad making the device quite user friendly. This cooker has an additional temperature mode to the usual high, low and warm cooking mode. This additional mode is the simmering mode.
This CuisinartSlow Cooker has a glass cover which enables you monitor your cooking without opening the pot. It also comes with rubber base that prevents the pot from slipping. This stainless steel slow cooker has a warranty of three years from the manufacturers.
We recommend this crock pot or slow cooker because of its multi functionality and user friendliness.
Crock Pot With A Unique Shape
Product Name: Crockpot 2.5-Quart Mini Casserole Crock Slow Cooker, White/Blue
Product Rating: 4.7 Stars
Features
- Has a capacity of 2.5-quart.
- Comes with a three level cooking temperature setting.
- Meal remains warm until you are ready to serve it.
- Has clips that secures tight sealing of pot cover.
- Safe for oven use and to be cleaned in dishwasher.
The Crockpot 2.5-Quart Mini Casserole Crock Slow Cooker is a pot that is essential to meet your cooking needs when you are through with the day’s work. At times you want cooking that won’t stress you further. With this casserole slow cooker you can easily make great meals that compares with what you get in restaurants.
The portable size of this slow cooker is also an advantage. This is because its size helps in freeing up space both in your kitchen and while serving. The casserole slow cooker is good for preparing small dinner and parties and is convenient to use. It is not all the time you would want to make use of your regular oven hence this casserole pot comes in handy.
Since the ceramic ware component is removable, you can easily move the pot from the top of your cooking counter to the table top. You will not need to bother about your safety in getting burnt or hurt in the process.
We recommend this slow cooker as one of the best mini crock pots because of its aesthetic casserole design and functionality.
Product Name: Polka Dot Pattern Crock Pot 2-1/2-Quart Slow Cooker
Product Rating: 4.6 Stars
Features
- Round shaped manual 2.5-Quart capacity Slow Cooker.
- Has High and Low setting for cooking
- Comes with removable stoneware insert that is dishwasher safe.
- Has a glass lid that is dishwasher-safe.
- Pot is compact with regularly spaced rounded purple design
The Polka Dot Pattern Crock Pot 2-1/2-Quart Slow Cooker is your slow cooker of choice. It gives you the option of preparing your meal quite early and allow it cook for the better part of the day. This way your schedule need not be affected by your cooking as both can be done simultaneously.
Like every other slow cooker the high or low temperature setting only increases or reduces the time of cooking. It does not affect the final temperature of your cooking. So whether you set the pot for a 2 or 4 hour duration, your cooking will be done right at the nick of time.
Cooking with this pot is convenient, cost saving and ensures you are eating healthy good food. The design of the cooker is really fashionable and is worth having in your kitchen.
This cooker does not have the warmer feature so you either serve your meal soon after cooking or store it in a refrigerator to preserve its freshness. We recommend this slow cooker as one of the best mini crock pots because of its beautiful design and compactness.
Best Uniquely Patterned Round Crock Pot
Product Name: Crockpot Round Slow Cooker, 4.5 quart, Black & White Pattern
Product Rating: 4.6 Stars
Features
- A round manual 4.5 quart capacity slow cooker.
- Has setting for high, low and stay warm modes.
- Comes with removable stoneware inserts
- Has glass lid that is dishwasher-safe.
- Comes in a uniquely patterned design.
The Crockpot Round Slow Cooker offers another opportunity for one to prepare good and wholesome food despite a tight schedule. You can prepare your food the way you want it without having to be around for regular inspection. Your setting of the cooker would determine how long your food would cook.
Apart from the high and low cooking modes, the cooker also has a stay warm setting that keeps your food at a temperature good for serving. This cooker comes in a good size ideal for two to three persons or a small household. The artistic design of this slow cooker enhances its aesthetics and makes it a desirable addition to your kitchen.
The glass cover of the pot enables you have a view of your cooking without needing to keep opening the pot. You can use the dishwasher to clean up the the glass lid as well as the insert. The cooker comes with recipes that you would be eager to try out in your crock pot.
We recommend this slow cooker because of its unique design and portability.
Buying Guide
Most people’s tight programs or schedules have made it pretty difficult for them to have time to do any serious cooking at home.
Owning a good crock pot can be an inducement to cooking because of the ease it brings to it. You can set it and leave it to work its magic while you go about other businesses. In choosing a slow cooker to purchase however, consideration has to be given to the following factors:
Lids
Glass or transparent plastic lids seem generally preferable to metal ones. This is because you can watch the process and progress of your cooking without opening the pot. In this way the heat pressure in the pot is not unduly released thereby affecting your cooking.
Capacity
The capacity of a slow cooker is important though most of them are between 1.5 and 8.5 quarts. It is usually advised that the cooker pot be filled up to half or 75% of the pot capacity.
The 6 and 7 quart cookers seem to be the popular range and though their capacities are almost the same, they differ in size. Although storage and ease of transporting these bigger ones may pose a challenge, they are still the preferred range.
Additional Feature
The addition of temperature regulating devices can be a real advantage for slow cookers. With the aid of this device you can regulate, monitor and set the temperature at your desired temperature for your cooking. Even after cooking your slow cooker can be set on a keep warm mode so your food doesn’t go cold. Most of the slow cookers we have looked at come with the low, high and keep warm temperature settings.
Ease of Cleaning
The ability to clean a pot easily is a factor worthy of note. This is particularly so when the pot is accompanied with certain inbuilt features and accessories. You can read up more on how to clean a crock pot in one our previous post here.
Budget/Cost
It is important to determine how much you intend spending for an item or product before embarking on such assignment. Budgeting is important in managing our finances. Every time we decide to purchase something we do so at the expense of some other thing
We usually have a shopping list whether written or mental whenever we go shopping and it is the priority items that would get first consideration.
Even when we have decided on what to purchase, it is important to be properly guided as to what we purchase. It remains a useful guiding principle in shopping to endeavor to get the best with the available or budgeted funds.
You need to be well informed regarding what you wish to purchase and this is why a buying guide is necessary to help you. It is therefore important to take note of the following before you decide on the best product for you:-
- The price of a product does not determine its quality so don’t judge the quality of a product just by the price tag. It’s possible to get great value at a reasonable price.
- Most premium quality products come at a high price so be ready to spend a bit more to get good quality product.
- It is the purpose for which you want a product that is of prime importance so whatever you purchase should be able to fulfill that purpose.
Conclusion
The Hamilton Beach Extra-Large Stay or Go Portable 10-Quart Slow Cooker comes first on our list of because of its extra-large capacity and user friendliness.
The Crock-Pot SCCPCCM350-BL Manual Slow Cooker, Navy Blue is our second best because of its elegant design and functionality.
The Ninja MC760 Plus 4-in-1 Multi Slow Cooker System is our third best option because of its functionality and versatility. We hope this brief guide would help you make the best decision for your specific needs.