7 Best Slow Cookers for Effortless Family Meal Prep

Looking for a way to make delicious, hearty meals without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further than a slow cooker! This handy appliance allow you to cook up all kinds of tasty dishes with minimal effort, making it a must-have for busy families and anyone who loves to cook but doesn’t have a lot of time.

We’ve rounded up the best slow cookers on the market, so you can find the perfect one for your family’s needs of proper meal planning and prepping. From budget-friendly options to high-end models with all the bells and whistles, we’ve got you covered. So let’s get cooking!

The Best Slow Cookers Compared

Slow Cooker	Avg. Price	Size (Quart)	Programmable Settings	Removable Inner Pot	Lid	Additional Features
Crock-Pot Black	$74	8	Yes	Yes	Glass	Automatic warming function
Crock-Pot MyTime	$84	7	Yes	Yes	Glass, Travel proof locking lid	3 unique cooking settings +manual
Crock-Pot 7-Quart	$39	7	No	Yes	Glass	Automatic warming function
Ninja MC1001 Foodi	$129	8.5	Yes	No	Glass, no tight sealing	8 unique cooking settings + utensils
Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S-A 6-Quart	$69	6	Yes	No	Glass, Travel proof locking lid	Automatic warming function
Magic Mill Extra-Large	$79	10	No	Yes	Glass, leakproof	Full grip handles, lightweight
Hamilton Beach 8 Quart	$68	8	Yes	Yes	Glass	Plenty of programmable settings, Set&Forget feature

Detailed List Of The Best Slow Cookers

If you’re looking for a slow cooker that can adjust to your mealtime and serve delicious home-cooked meals, the Crock-Pot MyTime Slow Cooker is worth considering.

Pros

Cons

We recently tried the Crock-Pot MyTime Slow Cooker and were impressed with its MyTime Technology, which features three unique slow cooker settings that help to cook to your time, plus an additional Manual setting. The Cook & Carry lid prevents leaks and spills for mess-free travel.

The flat digital countdown control screen lets you easily schedule your desired meal time, monitor meal progress, and manually control your cook time and temperature. The easy carry handles make lifting and carrying a breeze.

Overall, we found the Crock-Pot MyTime Slow Cooker to be a great choice for families who want to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals, ready on their time. However, the automatic function needs refinement, and it doesn’t have a start time to begin warming your food. The manual cook option takes a little getting used to.

If you’re looking for a slow cooker that can adjust to your mealtime and serve delicious home-cooked meals, the Crock-Pot MyTime Slow Cooker is definitely worth a look.

We highly recommend the Crock-Pot Black Stainless Programmable Slow Cooker for anyone looking to purchase a slow cooker. It’s innovative finish is warmer and softer than traditional stainless steel, and it requires minimal maintenance to retain a lustrous appearance.

Pros

Cons

We love the Crock-Pot Black Stainless Programmable Slow Cooker. It’s easy to use and clean up is a breeze thanks to the removable, dishwasher-safe lid and stoneware pot. The book of classic Crock-Pot recipes included is a great bonus. We’ve used it to prepare meals for large gatherings and it has not disappointed us. The sturdiness of the inner bowl is impressive and it cooks well. We particularly like the fact that you can set it for as long a period of time as you wish. The only improvement we would suggest is the ability to pre-set the time you want to start cooking.

Overall, the Crock-Pot Black Stainless Programmable Slow Cooker is a great investment for anyone who loves to cook and entertain. It’s a reliable and efficient appliance that will make meal preparation a breeze.

If you’re looking for a spacious slow cooker that can serve 9 people or fit a 7-pound roast, the Crock-Pot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker is a great choice.

Pros

Cons

We recently tried the Crock-Pot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker and have been very pleased with its performance. The spacious 7-quart capacity has been perfect for meal prepping and cooking for our large family. The warm setting has also been a great feature, allowing us to keep food at an ideal serving temperature for as long as we need to.

Cleanup has been a breeze thanks to the dishwasher safe lid and removable stoneware. While the manual controls may not be as convenient as digital controls, we have found them to be easy to use and effective for cooking our favorite slow cooker recipes. The ceramic, glass, and stainless steel construction may be heavier than some other slow cookers, but we feel that the durability and sturdiness of the materials make up for this.

Overall, we highly recommend the Crock-Pot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker for anyone in need of a spacious and reliable slow cooker at a really affordable price.

We highly recommend the Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO to anyone who wants to cook delicious and healthy meals quickly and easily.

Pros

Cons

We recently tried the Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO and were impressed by its versatility and ease of use. The Triple Fusion Heat Technology allowed us to cook up to 30% faster than conventional ovens, which is perfect for busy weeknights. We loved that we could sear and sauté directly in the pot, which made cooking and cleaning up a breeze. The 8 cooking functions, including Slow Cook, Sear/Sauté, Steam, Keep Warm, Sous Vide, Braise, Bake, and Proof, gave us endless possibilities for creating delicious meals. We also appreciated the included utensil, which worked as a ladle and pasta fork and had its own utensil rest right in the lid handle.

Cleanup was easy thanks to the nonstick pot, which enabled us to quickly wipe away messes and made for a stress-free cleaning experience. The utensil and glass lid were dishwasher safe, but we recommend hand-washing the pot to extend its life. The Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO is also free of PFOA, cadmium, and lead, making it safe and easy to use.

Overall, we were very impressed with the Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use multi-cooker.

If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use slow cooker that can serve a large family, the Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S-A 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer, Stainless Steel is a great option.

Pros

Cons

We recently tried the Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S-A and have been using it for a few weeks now. We love the convenience of being able to set it and forget it, and the large capacity allows us to cook meals for the whole week.

One of the things we appreciate most about this slow cooker is the digital countdown control, which makes it easy to program the cook time and ensures our food is always ready when we need it. The locking lid also provides an extra seal, which is great for transporting our meals to work or school.

However, we did notice that the heavy insert can be difficult to handle when washing, and the lid may crack under high heat. We also found that it may boil on low setting, which means we have to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use slow cooker that can serve a large family, the Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S-A 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer, Stainless Steel is a great choice.

We highly recommend the Magic Mill Extra-Large 10 Quart Slow Cooker for anyone looking for a versatile and efficient slow cooker.

Pros

Cons

We were impressed with the innovative design of the Magic Mill Extra-Large 10 Quart Slow Cooker. The oval shape allowed for even cooking of whole chickens, ducks, and turkeys, and the full grip plastic handles made it easy to move from the kitchen to the dining table. We also appreciated the leakproof glass lid, which allowed us to check on our food without making a mess.

In terms of cooking performance, the Magic Mill slow cooker did not disappoint. The 10 quart crock was large enough to cook full-course meals or side dishes, and the removable pot doubled as serveware, making clean-up a breeze. We were able to set the slow cooker to high, low, or warm depending on our cooking needs, and the slow-cooking feature allowed us to prepare meals in advance and keep them warm until serving.

However, we did notice that the outside of the slow cooker was lightweight and flimsy, which led to some dings and damage. Additionally, the slow cooker is not compatible with UK voltage, which may be inconvenient for international customers. Finally, the high, low, and warm settings may not be sufficient for some cooking needs.

Overall, we would highly recommend the Magic Mill Extra-Large 10 Quart Slow Cooker for anyone looking for a versatile and efficient slow cooker. Its innovative design, leakproof glass lid, and large crock make it a great choice for cooking full-course meals or side dishes.

If you’re looking for a slow cooker that can handle large family meals and one-pot recipes, the Hamilton Beach 8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker might be just what you need.

Pros

Cons

We recently tried out the Hamilton Beach 8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker and were impressed with its large capacity and flexible programming options. We were able to fit a whole chicken inside with room to spare, and the adjustable cooking times allowed us to have dinner ready exactly when we wanted it.

One thing to note is that the power cord is on the shorter side, so you’ll need to make sure you have an outlet nearby. We also found that the oval shape of the crock made it a bit tricky to fit in our dishwasher, but it was easy to clean by hand.

Overall, if you’re in the market for a slow cooker that can handle large meals and has plenty of programming options, the Hamilton Beach 8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker is definitely worth considering.

What Is A Slow Cooker?

Slow cookers are a staple appliance in many kitchens, especially for those who enjoy home-cooked meals but don’t have the time to stand over a stove. They are also great for meal prepping and cooking in large batches. A slow cooker, also known as a crockpot, is an electric appliance that cooks food at a low temperature for an extended period. This method of cooking allows the flavors of the ingredients to meld together, resulting in delicious and tender dishes.

When looking for the best slow cooker, there are a few critical things to consider. The first is size. Slow cookers come in various sizes, ranging from 1.5 quarts to 8 quarts. The size you choose will depend on how many people you plan to cook for and how much food you want to make. Another essential factor is the type of slow cooker. There are manual and programmable slow cookers. Manual slow cookers have simple controls and are more affordable, while programmable slow cookers offer more features, such as timers and automatic shut-offs.

How To Choose The Best Slow Cooker For Your Family?

When it comes to choosing the best slow cooker, there are several factors to consider. We’ve compiled a list of features that you should look for when making your decision.

Size

The size of your slow cooker is an important consideration. Slow cookers come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small 1-quart models to large 8-quart models. Think about how many people you’ll be cooking for and how much food you’ll be making. If you’re cooking for a family of four, a 4-6 quart slow cooker should suffice. If you’re cooking for a larger group, you may want to consider a larger model.

Programmable Settings

Many slow cookers come with programmable settings, which allow you to set the cooking time and temperature. This is a convenient feature that allows you to set your slow cooker in the morning and have a hot meal waiting for you when you get home from work. Look for models with easy-to-use controls and clear displays.

Removable Inner Pot

A removable inner pot makes cleaning your slow cooker a breeze. Look for models with dishwasher-safe inner pots for even easier cleaning.

Lid

The lid of your slow cooker is an important consideration. Look for models with tight-fitting lids to prevent steam from escaping. Some models come with glass lids, which allow you to check on your food without removing the lid.

Additional Features

Some slow cookers come with additional features, such as a searing function, which allows you to brown meat before slow cooking it. Others come with a delay-start function, which allows you to set your slow cooker to start cooking at a later time. Consider which additional features are important to you when making your decision.

In summary, when choosing the best slow cooker, consider the size, programmable settings, removable inner pot, lid, and additional features. By considering these factors, you’ll be able to find a slow cooker that meets your needs and helps you create delicious, slow-cooked meals with ease.