Looking for the best slow cooker is daunting, as many options are available. One of the keys to creating mouth-watering meals is selecting the right tool, and a slow cooker excels in delivering tender, flavourful dishes. My slow cooker review is here to simplify this process for you. It includes a list of our top 7 slow cookers and all the information you need to make the right choice.
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Best Slow Cookers At A Glance
- Best Overall – Morphy Richards
- Best Budget Slow Cooker – Crockpot Lift and Serve
- Best For 1 Person – Daewoo
- Best For Bone Broth – Crockpot Lift and Serve
- Best For 2 People – Morphy Richards
- Best For A Family Of 4 – Tower Cavaletto
- Best For Baby Food – Salter Chalkboard
- Best For A Large Family – Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker
- Best For Pot Roast – Crockpot Lift and Serve
- Best Slow Cooker For Soup – Russell Hobbs
Best Slow Cooker UK: Our Top 7
1. Morphy Richards Sear And Stew 3.5-Litre
Morphy Richards Slow Cooker Sear and Stew Slow Cooker
- With the Morphy Richards Sear and Stew Slow Cooker, you can get your hands on one of the best slow cookers available without straining your budget.
- The best part about this slow cooker is its hob-proof cooking pot, allowing you to sear and slow-cook your food in one pot.
- This feature makes the Morphy Richards cooker an efficient, ideal, and affordable choice for anyone looking to make nutritious and healthy meals.
- Affordable with excellent value
- Lightweight
- Non-stick coating
- Easy to use
- Doesn’t have a timer
- Capacity is small
< Click Here For A More In-Depth Morphy Richards Slow Cooker Review >
Main Features
- Toughened transparent lid that allows you to monitor the cooking progress without interfering
- The glass lid and inner pot are dishwasher safe, making cleaning the cooker easier
- The cooking pot is shatter-proof, meaning it won’t shatter or crack like standard ceramic cookers
- The aluminium outer shell makes the device lightweight and easy to carry, even when full
2. Crockpot Crockpot Lift and Serve Digital Slow Cooker 4.7-Litre
Crockpot Slow Cooker
- Our review found the Crockpot Lift and Serve Digital Slow Cooker's best option today. It is excellent for making perfect, succulent meals with the least effort.
- All you need to do is a little prep work, place the ingredients in the cooker, and then leave the
- Crockpot to cook your dish as you go on with your day.
- Easy to use
- Adjustable timing and temperatures
- Bowl ideal for serving
- Reliable industry brand
- Lacks pressure cook option
- No start cooking button
- Limited colour choices
< Click Here For A More In-Depth Crockpot Lift & Serve Slow Cooker Review >
Main Features
- Removable 4.7-litre bowl large enough to feed your family
- An adjustable timer that enables you to set the cook duration
- Digital display that shows you the amount of cooking time remaining
- Hinged lid that makes stirring and serving easier and prevents condensation from dripping onto your worktop
- Three temperature settings
- The cooker can automatically switch to ‘keep warm’ after cooking
3. Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker MC1001UK
Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker MC1001UK
- The Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker MC1001UK is a versatile 8-in-1 slow cooker with a sea salt grey finish.
- Designed to revolutionize your cooking experience, this appliance is 5 times more powerful than conventional slow cookers.
- With an 8L capacity, it can comfortably serve up to 8 portions, making it ideal for small and large families.
- Whether you're slow cooking, searing, steaming, or baking, the PossibleCooker is designed to deliver exceptional results every time.
- Offers 8 different cooking functions.
- Fusion Heat technology ensures even cooking.
- Suitable for large meals with an 8L capacity.
- Oven-safe components for varied cooking methods.
- The ladle provided stained after a single use.
Main Features:
- 8 Cooking Functions: Slow Cook (up to 12 hours), Sear/Sauté, Steam, Braise, Simmer, Bake, Prove, and Keep Warm.
- Combines side, base, and steam heat for fast and even cooking.
- Cook up to 8 portions with its 8L capacity.
- Features an oven-safe, non-stick cooking pot that can withstand temperatures up to 260°C.
- Comes with an integrated serving spoon, oven-safe glass lid, steaming rack, and a recipe guide.
- Easy cleaning with dishwasher-safe accessories.
- Elegant sea salt grey colour.
4. Tower Cavaletto 3.5L Slow Cooker
Tower Cavaletto 3.5L Slow Cooker
- The Tower T16042MNB Cavaletto 3.5 Litre Slow Cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance designed to make your cooking experience more convenient and enjoyable.
- With a stylish Midnight Blue and Rose Gold finish, this slow cooker looks elegant and offers a range of features to ensure your meals are cooked to perfection.
- Whether preparing a hearty stew, a delicious casserole, or a spicy curry, this slow cooker is perfect for all your culinary adventures.
- Large capacity for families.
- Multiple heat settings.
- Dishwasher safe pot.
- Durable and stylish design
- The handle isn’t sturdy
- The inner pot is a little loose
Main Features:
- It can cook for up to 4-5 people, ideal for family meals.
- Offers low, high, and keep warm functions.
- Easy cleaning and convenience.
- Cool Touch Handles Ensure safe handling and serving.
- Comes with a standard 1-year manufacturer’s guarantee and an additional 2-year extension upon online product registration.
- Made of durable glass.
- Operates at 220 Volts.
5. Salter EK2842 Chalkboard Slow Cooker
Salter EK2842 Chalkboard Slow Cooker
- The Salter EK2842 Chalkboard Slow Cooker is a unique and innovative kitchen appliance for modern families.
- With a generous 3.5L capacity, this slow cooker is perfect for preparing various dishes, from BBQ pork to spicy casseroles.
- Its standout feature is the chalkboard casing, allowing users to jot down recipes or messages.
- Equipped with three heating settings and a tempered glass lid, this slow cooker is functional and stylish, making it a must-have for any contemporary kitchen.
- Significant energy savings.
- Suitable for various dishes from soups to casseroles.
- Removable pot and dishwasher-safe components.
- Chalkboard feature adds a unique touch.
- No Timer: Requires manual monitoring.
Main Features:
- Chalkboard Casing allows for writing recipes, ingredients, or messages directly on the cooker.
- 3.5L Capacity is ample space for preparing family-sized meals.
- Three Heating Settings offer versatility for various culinary needs.
- Tempered Glass Lid lets users monitor the cooking process without lifting the lid.
- Cool-Touch Handles ensure safe handling during and after cooking.
- The removable Ceramic Pot is designed for easy cleaning and is housed in stainless steel.
- Saves up to 81% off energy bills compared to traditional ovens.
6. Daewoo Stainless Steel Slow Cooker
Daewoo Stainless Steel Slow Cooker
- The Daewoo Stainless Steel Slow Cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance for modern homes.
- With a 1.5-litre capacity, it's perfect for small families or individuals looking for a convenient way to prepare delicious meals.
- This slow cooker is made from durable stainless steel and has a sleek design that complements any kitchen decor.
- Its three heat settings, combined with a clear glass lid, ensure that your dishes are cooked prefectly every time.
- Durable stainless steel design.
- Dishwasher safe components.
- Versatile 3 heat settings.
- Transparent glass lid for easy monitoring.
- Limited to 1.5-litre capacity.
Main Features:
- 1.5-litre Capacity is ideal for 1 or 2 people.
- Three Heat Settings offer flexibility in cooking.
- Stainless Steel Design is durable and sleek.
- Glass Lid: Monitor your food without lifting the lid.
- Dishwasher Safe: Easy cleaning for both the stoneware pot and glass lid.
- Power Indicator: Light to show when the cooker is on.
- 3-Year Warranty: Peace of mind with extended warranty after purchase.
7. Russell Hobbs 25630 Slow Cooker
Russell Hobbs Slow Cooker and Sous Vide Water Bath
- Next on our list is the Russell Hobbs 25630 slow cooker, an option that allows you to cook in three different ways.
- Whatever way you choose, the cooker promises to leave you with a flavourful meal that you and your family are going to enjoy.
- Prepare your meal by dropping in the ingredients and picking the setting, and you are all set.
- Moreover, you won’t need to watch the food while cooking.
- Allows three-way cooking
- Sous vide option
- Two-year manufacturer guarantee
- Advanced temperature probe
- Instructions aren’t detailed
- Sous vide doesn’t work well for larger cuts of meat
< Click Here For A More In-Depth Russell Hobbs Slow Cooker Review >
Main Features
- It has a capacity of 6.5-litres.
- It offers you three cooking options– sous vide, slow cooker, and temperature probe
- Includes a programmable digital LED display
- The lid has a rubber seal that locks in moisture, heat, and flavour
- It comes with a two-year manufacturer’s guarantee
- The removable ceramic pot is dishwasher-safe
- It has extra-large cool-touch handles that allow you to carry the pot easily
Considerations When Buying A Slow Cooker
While having 7 options for the best slow cooker is much easier than the many more options out there, you might still find it challenging to decide which one of the 7 to purchase.
The good news is certain factors can help you make the right decision. With the following considerations, buying your slow cooker promises to be much more straightforward.
Cost
First, you should determine how much you are willing to spend. The good news is slow cookers are usually not as costly as other kitchen appliances. The price ultimately depends on the number of features it has.
Features like auto functions, various cooking functions, timers, and fancy controls could significantly increase a cooker’s price. Fortunately, most people don’t use such features in everyday cooking; therefore, you can do without them in many cases.
Also, you could get an affordable low-end slow cooker that performs just as well or even better than the costly high-end options.
While cost is essential, it should not be the only factor you use when choosing. After all, who wants to end up with a cheap slow cooker whose performance is subpar at best?
The cost of running a slow cooker is surprisingly low as well.
Shape
Slow cookers come in both oval and round shapes. The shape will depend on the type of food you intend to cook. For instance, ribs, briskets, and whole chickens are more suited to oval-shaped slow cookers.
On the other hand, if you mainly intend to make stews or beans, the correct shape will depend on the one that would fit better on your counter or in your kitchen cabinet.
Size
On top of looking at the shape, you should also consider the slow cooker’s size. If you have a small household, don’t like having leftovers, and do not mind scaling down recipes, then a small slow cooker would be ideal. However, if you have a larger family or love cooking for a crowd of friends, then you should get a slow cooker that has a larger capacity.
Of the five options above, the smallest is the Cookworks slow cooker with a 1.5-litre capacity. The largest option on the list is the Russell Hobbs option, which has an impressive 6.5-litre capacity.
Heat Distribution
The best slow cooker is the one that evenly distributes the heat. Most slow cookers include a base that encloses a removable insert and often have their heating element only on the bottom. Other cookers have a crock placed on top of the heating element.
With both of these options, the heat will not be evenly distributed. This uneven heat often forces you to stir your food as it cooks to prevent it from getting scorched. However, with some options, the heating element goes up the side of the base, allowing heat to be distributed more evenly.
Another factor to consider when it comes to heat is if the ceramic pot is hob or oven-safe. Switching between cooking methods is crucial for some cooks, while others don’t consider it essential.
Time To Heat
In addition to how the slow cooker distributes heat, you should also look at how long it takes to heat up. The slow cooker’s time to heat will determine how long it takes to cook.
Typically, slow cookers have high- and low-temperature settings. Cooking your food on a high setting generally takes three to four hours. The low settings can take up to double that time.
Settings And Features
The last consideration when buying a slow cooker is its features and settings. Some slow cookers come with ‘keep warm’ settings, digital controls, and timers that turn the appliance on or off. Some also have an automatic setting that starts cooking your food at a high temperature and then switches to the ‘keep warm’ or low setting as soon as your food is ready.
Apart from operational features, you might also want to look at the cooker’s design features, such as digital displays and hinged lids.
Remember that the more features it has, the more costly it will be. Therefore, if you are unsure you will use all these additional features, you might be better off going for a standard option that meets your desired basic functioning.
<<Our Testing and Review Methodology>>
Best Slow Cooker FAQ
Why Do You Need A Slow Cooker?
Slow cookers are a fantastic cooking appliance that every kitchen should have. Below, we list a few reasons why you need a slow cooker.
It’s Budget-Friendly
Aside from how affordable most slow cookers are, you can save money by choosing what to cook. For instance, you can buy cheaper cuts of meat without worrying about them being tough to chew because of how tender a slow cooker will make them.
Slow cookers also allow different spices and flavours to mellow and fuse with your meal, leaving you with an affordable, simple meal with a gourmet taste.
It’s Fast And Easy To Clean
Traditional cooking methods require pots, pans, skillets, and sometimes even the oven. Meaning a ton of dishes to clean. With a slow cooker, however, all this is done away with. You have fewer dishes to clean and a cooker pot that is usually dishwasher safe.
It’s Versatile
While most people associate slow cookers with making pot roasts, casseroles, and meatloaves, they are more versatile than many think. Just because a slow cooker uses one pot to prepare your meal doesn’t mean your options must be limited.
Whether you are interested in making some French cuisine or Indian-inspired meals, a slow cooker has most likely got you covered.
How Do You Use A Slow Cooker?
Slow cookers are easy to use; if you prep the ingredients correctly, they can produce excellent results. There are three aspects to using a slow cooker.
Fill
If you want your slow cooker to operate correctly, fill it halfway. However, your slow cooker shouldn’t be more than two-thirds full.
Settings
Most slow cookers have two settings, though, as mentioned above, some come with three. After you have filled the cooker, you can choose the settings depending on the model, the ingredients you are using, and how quickly you want to cook the meal.
Time
This aspect deals with how long it will take for the meal to be ready. Variables like temperature settings and how full your cooker is will impact how long the cooker takes to prepare the meal.
What Are The Best Foods To Cook In A Slow Cooker?
While slow cookers can prepare various meals, a few options work perfectly. Some of the best foods you can cook in a slow cooker are included below.
Vegetables
A slow cooker is the perfect appliance, Whether to prepare root vegetables like carrots and potatoes or more delicate options like kale and spinach.
Beans
You can also use your slow cooker to make dried or canned beans. However, when using dried beans, avoid adding salt at the start because this would prevent them from becoming tender.
Oats
Old-fashioned oats are another excellent food option to make with your slow cooker.
What Are Some Foods You Should Avoid Cooking In A Slow Cooker?
Though slow cookers provide several cooking options, they are not a jack-of-all-trade appliance. Here are some foods you should avoid cooking with a slow cooker.
Fish And Seafood
Seafood tends to cook very quickly. If you use a slow cooker, you will end up with dried-up, rubbery meat.
Couscous
Cooking couscous in your slow cooker will only make it mushy and unappetising. We recommend preparing it separately and then adding it to your slow-cooked meal during serving.
Rice
A slow cooker will leave undercooked grains in the centre and brittle rice around the edges. It is better to use one of these rice cookers.
Boneless Chicken
When you cook lean meats for a long time, they dry up and get tough to chew. However, If the chicken has a bone, you can cook it with a slow cooker. Just be sure to remove the skin.
Wine
Adding wine to stove-top cooking is okay because the alcohol can evaporate and cook-off. However, since slow cooking means covering up the food, the alcohol will have no way to escape and could leave your meal with an unpleasant flavour.
Gammon
A gammon cooked in a slow cooker becomes irresistibly tender and juicy. The slow process enhances natural flavours, offering a melt-in-your-mouth, savoury delight.
How Should You Clean And Maintain Your Slow Cooker?
Just like every other appliance in your kitchen, proper maintenance ensures that you keep enjoying your slow cooker for longer. With that in mind, we will share three easy ways of cleaning and properly maintaining your slow cooker.
The Routine Clean
While you might not have used your cooker in a while, you must clean it regularly, even if it looks clean. Start by filling the cooker with water, then add some soap. Next, turn it on and let it sit for one hour. After an hour, pour out the soapy mixture and rinse the cooker with clean water.
Removing Tough Stains
Always ensure that the cooker is clean before putting it away for storage. However, you will sometimes deal with stains that won’t come out. When this happens, grab some baking soda and a kitchen brush. Sprinkle the baking soda on the sides, scrub for a few minutes, and rinse your cooker.
The Deep Clean
Your slow cooker will need a deep and thorough cleaning every once in a while. Fill the cooker with water and add vinegar and baking soda on such occasions. Turn the cooker on for an hour, occasionally scrubbing the inside with a brush. Feel free to leave it on for longer, depending on your desired results.
Slow Cooker Vs Multi-Cooker
As great as slow cookers are, there are other bench-top cooker options you might be interested in getting. One such alternative is a multi-cooker.
While slow cookers are a good choice, you might not have the patience or time to wait for them to cook your meal. On the other hand, multi-cookers can prepare the same meal in a fraction of the time. On top of that, they are an excellent option if you would like to reduce the number of kitchen appliances you have.
However, the downside is that multi-cookers won’t offer you the same depth of flavour as slow cookers do. You also cannot leave a multi-cooker unsupervised like you can with a slow cooker.
Best Slow Cooker: Summing Up
You cannot go wrong with the Crockpot when looking for the best slow cooker. This option is almost flawless, from its features and settings to its quality and capacity.
That said, the other options we have shared with you here would still offer you the perfect balance of performance and quality that we are looking for in all our kitchen appliances.
OUR #1 RECOMMENDATION
Morphy Richards Sear And Stew Slow Cooker
- Affordable with excellent value
- Lightweight
- Non-stick coating
