Slow cookers and pressure cookers are versatile kitchen appliances capable of preparing similar dishes like stews and tough meats, albeit through distinct methods. Slow cookers operate by gently cooking food over an extended period, whereas pressure cookers utilize high temperatures to generate pressure for faster cooking. Unsure about which one suits your needs? Our research of various slow cookers and pressure cookers provide valuable insights to help you determine the ideal fit for your kitchen.
1. Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker
The Crock-Pot Cook & Carry Slow Cooker is perfect for busy families on the go. With a 6-quart capacity and programmable settings, it’s ideal for preparing hearty meals ahead of time. The secure locking lid and convenient handles make it easy to transport, whether you’re heading to a potluck or a family gathering.
Features:
Capacity: 6 Quarts
Item Weight: 11.9 Pounds
Material: Stainless Steel
Wattage: 240 watts
Product Dimensions: 17″D x 11.8″W x 9.8″H
Is Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Settings: high, low and keep warm
Pros: + Inexpensive
+ Large capacity
+ 6-quart capacity feeds 6+ people
+ Dishwasher-safe
Cons: – Basic functions only
2. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
The Instant Pot Duo Electric Pressure Cooker is a versatile kitchen essential that can also function as a slow cooker. With seven cooking functions in one, including slow cook, pressure cook, and sauté, it’s perfect for multitasking in the kitchen. The large capacity and programmable timer make it easy to prepare delicious meals with minimal effort.
Features:
Capacity: 6 Quarts
Item Weight: 11.8 Pounds
Material: Stainless Steel
Wattage: 1000 watts
Product Dimensions: 12.2″D x 13.38″W x 12.48″H
Is Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Settings: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer
Pros: + Remembers previous settings
+ Easy to use and clean
+ Precise temperature control
+ Solid versatility and performance
+ Three temperature levels
Cons: – No sous vide function
– Inner pot spins while sautéing
3. Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Digital Slow Cooker
The Hamilton Beach Set & Forget Slow Cooker offers convenient features for effortless cooking. With programmable settings and a temperature probe, you can ensure perfectly cooked meals every time. The portable design and easy-grip handles make it ideal for taking meals on the go, whether you’re traveling or hosting a potluck.
Features:
Capacity: 6 Quarts
Item Weight: 14.75 Pounds
Material: Stainless Steel
Wattage: 340 watts
Product Dimensions: 11.25″D x 17.5″W x 11.75″H
Is Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Settings: High, low, and keep-warm
Pros: + Allows manual or programmed use
+ Dishwasher-safe components
+ It comes with a temperature probe that allows you to set your meat’s desired temperature
Cons: – Casing dents easily
– Its oval shape may not be the best for cooking larger cuts of meat
4. Cuisinart MSC-600 3-In-1 Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker
The Cuisinart Cook Central Multi-Cooker is a versatile appliance that can slow cook, brown/sauté, and steam all in one pot. With a large 6-quart capacity and customizable cooking options, it’s perfect for preparing a wide range of recipes. The easy-to-read LCD display and intuitive controls make it simple to use, while the dishwasher-safe parts ensure easy cleanup.
Features:
Capacity: 6 Quarts
Item Weight: 16 Pounds
Material: Stainless Steel
Wattage: 960 watts
Product Dimensions: 11″D x 18″W x 10.5″H
Is Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Settings: Slow cook (high, low, and simmer), steam, brown/sauté, and keep warm
Pros: + Truly multi-functional
+ Available in different sizes(3.5, 4, 6, 6.5 and 7 quarts)
+ Easy to read LCD display
+ The user controls are pretty self explanatory
+ Removable and dishwasher safe gasket ring
Cons: – It’s a bit heavy
– The long cord can get in the way(The 44″ long cord will probably lay on your kitchen counter or floor. It cannot be retracted)
5. Crock-Pot 7-Quart Cook & Carry™ Slow Cooker with Sous Vide
Slow cookers are becoming more versatile, exemplified by this model featuring a sous vide mode—a boon for cooks eager to explore sous vide cooking without purchasing a dedicated appliance. While its 7-quart capacity is ample for soups and stews, it may be slightly cramped for sous vide cooking large roasts, though it accommodates steaks or chops comfortably. A built-in probe, accessible through lid holes, ensures precise temperature regulation for sous vide cooking, albeit requiring some time to reach the desired temperature, which can be expedited by adding hot water.
For slow cooking, this appliance offers low and high settings, alongside a convenient keep-warm mode ideal for maintaining food at serving temperature. Its lid securely locks onto the cooker for safer transport to gatherings. Cleanup is a breeze: the dishwasher-safe ceramic insert simplifies washing, while the stainless steel exterior merely requires a swift wipe to preserve its countertop appeal.
Features:
Capacity: 7 Quarts
Item Weight: 16.12 Pounds
Material: Stainless Steel
Voltage: 220 volts
Product Dimensions: 11.74″D x 17.61″W x 9.02″H
Is Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Settings: High, keep-warm, and low
Pros: + Sous vide setting
+ Dishwasher-safe
+ Probe is inserted through the lid
+ Lid locks in
Cons: – Slightly smaller size
6. BLACK+DECKER 7-Quart Digital Slow Cooker
The BLACK+DECKER Digital Slow Cooker offers convenient features for easy meal prep. With a 7-quart capacity and digital controls, it’s perfect for cooking large batches of your favorite recipes. The dishwasher-safe stoneware pot and tempered glass lid make cleanup a breeze, while the built-in lid holder allows for mess-free serving.
Features:
Capacity: 7 Quarts
Item Weight: 17.36 Pounds
Material: Stainless Steel
Wattage: 1000 watts
Product Dimensions: 10.95 x 17.68 x 14.33 inches
Is Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Settings: Time/Temp, Temp Probe, Sous Vide, Slow Cook (which includes high, low and keep warm)
Pros: + Easy to use and clean
+ Sous vide setting
+ Comes with a temperature probe
+ Dishwasher-safe components
+ Portable
Cons: – Control panel may be difficult to read for some
7. KitchenAid 6-Quart Slow Cooker with Solid Glass Lid
The KitchenAid Slow Cooker combines durability and performance for reliable cooking results. With a 6-quart capacity and four temperature settings, it’s perfect for preparing a variety of dishes. The solid glass lid allows you to monitor your food as it cooks, while the easy-grip handles make it easy to transport.
Features:
Capacity: 6 Quarts
Item Weight: 16.1 Pounds
Material: Stainless Steel
Wattage: 600 watts
Product Dimensions: 10.5″D x 17.5″W x 10.8″H
Is Dishwasher Safe: No
Settings: Low, Medium, High and Keep Warm
Pros: + Glass lid lets you check progress
+ The digital settings are the easiest to use
+ Low, Medium, and High settings are set in 30-minute increments. And when cooking finishes, the automatic Keep Warm function maintains a consistent temperature for 4 hours
+ Removable ceramic cooking pot and glass lid are dishwasher safe
Cons: – Lid doesn’t fit firmly
– The ceramic pot cooks a bit more slowly than the searing slow cookers. This also could be a pro or a con depending on your needs
8. Elite Gourmet MST-250XS 1.5 Quart Slow Cooker
The Elite Gourmet Slow Cooker is perfect for small households or individual servings. With a 1.5-quart capacity and simple dial controls, it’s ideal for cooking soups, dips, and appetizers. The removable stoneware pot is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup, making it perfect for busy lifestyles.
Features:
Capacity: 1.5 Quarts
Item Weight: 4.69 Pounds
Material: Plastic
Wattage: 120 watts
Product Dimensions: 7.5″D x 10″W x 7″H
Is Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Settings: Low, High and Warm
Pros: + Inexpensive
+ Easy to use
+ Lightweight
+ Easy to transport
Cons: – Small capacity
– No temperature settings
– Minimal features
9. ALL-CLAD 6.5Qt Slow Cooker
The All-Clad Programmable Slow Cooker offers professional-grade performance in a sleek, stainless steel design. With a 6.5-quart capacity and programmable settings, it’s perfect for cooking large batches of your favorite recipes. The oval-shaped design allows for even heat distribution, while the dishwasher-safe insert and glass lid make cleanup a breeze.
Features:
Capacity: 1.5 Quarts
Item Weight: 12.5 Pounds
Material: Stainless Steel
Wattage: 320 watts
Product Dimensions: 14″D x 19.87″W x 11.38″H
Is Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Settings: Low, High and Keep Warm
Pros: + Easy to use and read digital display
+ Very easy to clean and has dishwasher-safe parts
+ Ceramic insert makes for even cooking
+ Healthier ceramic liner rather than coated non-stick
+ 2-year warranty
Cons: – The generous size makes it a little heavy to handle
– Liquid may boil rather than simmer
10. GreenPan 8-in-1 6QT Programmable Electric Slow Cooker
The GreenPan Elite stands out with its ability to reach searing temperatures independently. During testing, its brown/Sauté mode proved highly effective, adding desirable color to meats and vegetables before transitioning to slow-cooking dishes like braised beef, baby back ribs, and pork roast. Additionally, it offers a steaming mode, complete with a metal rack for food placement. The remaining settings on this “8-in-1” appliance primarily adjust temperatures for slow-cooking, from a buffet setting for keeping food warm to a simple “hi.”
Constructed with a steel cooking pot coated in a special ceramic designed for even heat distribution and nonstick properties, it’s remarkably easy to clean. However, it’s important to note that the pot is not suitable for stovetop or oven use. While the GreenPan Elite commands a higher price, its exceptional performance justifies the investment, especially for frequent users of the sear mode. Yet, if searing isn’t a priority, more affordable alternatives are available that offer comparable functionality.
Features:
Capacity: 6 Quarts
Item Weight: 13.69 Pounds
Material: Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, PFAS-Free, Stainless Steel
Wattage: 1350 watts
Product Dimensions: 12″D x 12″W x 12″H
Is Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Settings: Slow Cook, Sauté, Steam, Simmer/Buffet, Proof, Bake, Reheat, High, Low, Warm
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