Slow Cooker Reviews: Hands-On Tested Models and Ratings

Many of you ask for slow cooker recommendations, so I put several popular models to the test. Below are the results from our hands-on trials.

I aim to share a wide range of practical, healthy and tasty slow cooker recipes, but the appliance you use matters just as much. A good slow cooker can make meal prep easier and improve results, so I tested a selection to find which models stand out.

Each slow cooker was tested multiple times using reliable recipes we already know work well.

Important features we looked for:

⭐️ Best for gas hob (for initial meat browning/sautéing without using a different pan)

⭐️ Best for induction hobs

⭐️ Dishwasher safe

⭐️ Suitable for families

⭐️ Good price

⭐️ Amazon reviews of over 4.5 ⭐️

We tested each slow cooker at least three times with different recipes from my site to ensure consistent results.

Slow Cooker Reviews

⭐️ BEST OVERALL ⭐️

A Morphy Richards Sear and Stew Slow cooker for a review of the best slow cookers. This one is voted best.

Morphy Richards Sear & Stew Slow Cooker

PROS: Our top pick. Lightweight, easy to handle and store, and the 3.5 litre capacity suits families of four to five. Reliable performance and simple to use.

CONS: Not suitable for induction hobs, so you’ll need a separate pan for browning when required.

ROUND-UP:

✅ Good for use on gas hob

❌ Not for induction hob

✅ Dishwasher safe

✅ Suitable for families

✅ 3.5 litre

✅ Good price

✅ Reviews over 4.5 ⭐️

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MORPHY RICHARDS SEAR & STEW SLOW COOKER

⭐️ BEST FOR SEARING WITHOUT A HOB ⭐️

Russell Hobbs Good-to-Go Multicooker

PROS: This multicooker allows searing and frying directly in the pot, so you don’t need a hob. It’s a solid option for households with induction hobs or for anyone who prefers an all-in-one device.

CONS: It’s a larger unit, which may be too big for smaller kitchens or households that prefer compact appliances.

ROUND-UP:

✅ No need for hob

✅ Dishwasher safe

✅ Suitable for families

✅ 6.5 litre

✅ Good price

✅ Reviews over 4.5 ⭐️

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE RUSSELL HOBBS GOOD-TO-GO SLOW COOKER

⭐️ TOP PICK FOR INDUCTION HOB ⭐️

A Crockpot DuraCeramic Slow Cooker for a review of the best slow cookers.

Crockpot DuraCeramic Digital Slow Cooker

PROS: This is one of the few slow cookers we found with a pot that can be used on an induction hob, making it useful for homes that need that compatibility.

CONS: It’s comparatively expensive and the inner bowl is bulky, which may not suit every kitchen.

ROUND-UP:

✅ Good for use on gas hob

✅ Good for use on induction hob

✅ Dishwasher safe

✅ Suitable for families

✅ 5 litre

❌ Higher price point

✅ Reviews over 4.5 ⭐️

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CROCKPOT DURACERAMIC SLOW COOKER

⭐️ TOP PICK FOR SMALL PORTIONS ⭐️

A small Crockpot Slow Cooker for a review of the best slow cookers on the market.

Crockpot Small Slow Cooker

PROS: A compact choice for one or two people, or for kitchens with limited storage or counter space. The 1.8 litre capacity is convenient for small household portions.

CONS: For energy efficiency and economy, cooking larger batches in a bigger slow cooker and freezing leftovers is often more practical than using a very small appliance.

ROUND-UP:

❌ Not for use on gas hob

❌ Not for use on induction hob

✅ Dishwasher safe

❌ Not suitable for families

✅ 1.8 litre

✅ Good price

✅ Reviews over 4.5 ⭐️

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CROCKPOT DURACERAMIC SLOW COOKER

⭐️ TOP PICK FOR GOOD LOOKS ⭐️

The top pick for looking good slow cooker for a review of slow cookers.

Swan Retro Slow Cooker

PROS: Attractive retro styling that looks great on the counter. The inner pot is presentable enough for serving, which is handy for gatherings. Good value for the look and function.

CONS: Not designed for hob use, so browning must be done separately.

ROUND-UP:

❌ Not for use on gas hob

❌ Not for use on induction hob

✅ Dishwasher safe

✅ Suitable for families

✅ 3.5 litre

✅ Good price

✅ Reviews over 4.5 ⭐️

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SWAN RETRO SLOW COOKER

⭐️ TOP FAMILY BUDGET PICK ⭐️

Best budget slow cooker for families in a review of slow cookers.

Dihl Slow Cooker

PROS: Strong contender for the best budget slow cooker for families. The inner bowl is sturdy and substantial, and the unit offers dependable performance for the price.

CONS: Not suitable for hob use, so browning must be done separately.

ROUND-UP:

❌ Not for use on gas hob

❌ Not for use on induction hob

✅ Dishwasher safe

✅ Suitable for families

✅ 3.5 litre

✅ Good price

❌ Reviews over 4.5 ⭐️

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DIHL SLOW COOKER

Why use a slow cooker?

If you’re new to slow cooking, here are practical reasons to consider adding one to your kitchen:

Saves electricity: Slow cookers are energy efficient compared with ovens or hobs. For long cooks they typically use only a small amount of power.

Depth of flavour: Long, gentle cooking develops rich, concentrated flavours and tender textures.

Convenience: Prepare ingredients, set the cooker and leave it to finish the meal while you get on with other tasks. It requires planning ahead, but it’s very hands-off.

More oven space: Using a slow cooker frees up the oven for other dishes when you’re preparing larger meals.

Healthier options: Slow-cooked meals often avoid the need for frying, meaning you can reduce added fats while still getting great flavour.

Low maintenance: Because slow cookers use low, steady heat, food rarely sticks or burns, so frequent stirring isn’t necessary.

Cost saving: Slow cooking is ideal for tougher, less expensive cuts of meat that become tender with low-and-slow methods, helping reduce grocery costs.

Looking For Slow Cooker ReciPES?

CLick here for Slow Cooker Recipes

All information above was correct at the time of testing. Please verify details and availability before purchasing, as products and specifications can change.

I hope this guide helps you choose the right slow cooker. Let me know if you’d like me to test any other kitchen appliances.