However, for weekly meal prep at home, game day dips, or keeping leftovers warm, this outperformed more expensive slow cookers in consistent heat for each setting. The secret to mouth-watering Southern specialties like jambalaya and barbecue ribs is to simmer them low and slow, which was why we were excited to test out this 4-quart programmable slow cooker from Hamilton Beach that is just the right size for serving two to four people. Not only can you choose from standard low, warm, and high settings, but you can also set a timer from two to 10 hours that automatically switches to warm when the time is up.

Gourmet Triple Slow Cooker — Direct GB Gourmet Triple Slow Cooker — Direct GB

Slow cookers are a great kitchen tool, but speeding up the cooking process by pressure cooking can also be a huge benefit. This Instant Pot can do both and much, much more. The customizable temperature can cook at just the right heat for any recipe, the warm function can keep food ready for serving, and the temperature accuracy stays within +/- 1.8 degrees, so it can even be used for sous vide cooking. The shorter height can’t accommodate bulkier cuts of meat like other slow cookers with the same capacity. It's incredibly convenient to be able to sear ingredients in the same pan before slow cooking, and the steam function is helpful for veggies, seafood, dumplings or tamales. There are handles on both the exterior and the ceramic bowl, which makes it easy to travel with the whole machine to keep food warm on a buffet or just the lighter interior. If you can afford a more expensive slow cooker, this is a fantastic choice that'll last a long time. Most mini slow cookers have a 1- to 3-quart capacity. However, there are some slow cookers and food warmers with a capacity less than 1 quart at just .65 quarts. You’ll note that the best small cookers have significantly lower capacities by design—0.6 quarts (20 ounces) to 2.5 quarts. These can be ideal for smaller households, or for making dips and sauces in smaller quantities than a 5 or 6-quart machine would yield. Either way, when shopping for a slow cooker, always buy one with a slightly higher capacity than what you really need, because you should never fill your slow cooker up to the brim. “Slow cookers perform best when they are half to ¾ full so be sure to adapt your recipes accordingly,” says Grainger.

Today’s slow cookers offer a variety of useful features. From programmable timing to special lids that contain heat, you’ll find all sorts of extras that make cooking easier. Of course, if your needs are simple, those features might make your device more complicated (and expensive) than it needs to be. Three slow cookers, but only one outlet plug needed. The Elite Gourmet Triple Slow Cooker is one of the best small slow cookers for its space-saving magic alone. But it’s also incredibly handy for parties and tailgating. Each of the three oval-shaped pots holds up to 2.5 quarts and each slow cooker can operate on its own heat setting. We were impressed at how consistent the heat was for each pot, and that using one pot on high didn’t affect another on low. We tried dips, weenies, brownie desserts and more and the trio kept food perfectly warm without hot spots or scorches. Grainger says convenience, ease, and safety are three key reasons that slow cookers have been a favorite kitchen appliance for decades. “Because slow cooked meals are often prepped in the morning to be eaten at dinner, you can feel reassured that the food is cooked and held at the proper temperature to avoid any food safety issues. Families on-the-go often rely on the convenience of slow cookers to cut down on take-out meals and fast food while still being able to enjoy a nutritious home cooked meal.” You can cook food in a slower cooker overnight and switch it to the warm setting when you get up in the morning. This is a great option for prepping breakfast or brunch dishes ahead of time, like a large pot of oatmeal or a breakfast casserole.

The 8 Best Slow Cookers of 2023 - The Spruce Eats The 8 Best Slow Cookers of 2023 - The Spruce Eats

Enjoy a nostalgic pudding, or a gluten-free alternative to porridge for breakfast. Add natural sweetness with fruit or almonds and a dusting of cinnamon Washing is easy, too, as each pot and lid are dishwasher safe. However, it’s worth noting that the entire unit weighs over 25 pounds when all three pots are in, so it may not be the best appliance to store on a high shelf or in a hard to reach cabinet. Imusa 1.5-Quart Slow Cooker: For anyone concerned with wasting food, this Imusa 1.5-quart mini slow cooker is ideal. While it’s best to use it to cook for one to two people, you might be able to squeeze enough food out of it for a family of four with no extras. (We made beef stew for four people which was pushing it, to say the least.) As it cooked, we saw no signs of build-up or liquid seeping out. We also liked that food stains were easily wiped off by hand or the dishwasher. However, it only comes in a bright teal, which may not suit all kitchen color schemes. If you’re living alone, or have limited kitchen or countertop space, having a mini slow cooker is beneficial. “Its compact size makes it ideal for individuals or small households, providing perfectly portioned meals without the need for excess leftovers,” says Just. When cooking for one or two people, opt for a 2 to 3-quart slow cooker,” says Grainger. “While cooking larger cuts of meat like a roast may not be recommended, it is the ideal size for small meals, soups, and dips. Plus, many traditional slow cooker recipes that serve four to siz can easily be cut in half to fit into a smaller slow cooker.”In the case of the Mainstays slow cooker, the price was no indication of quality. The temperature controls consist of the usual low, high, and warm settings, the latter of which held our dip for a two-hour period without any scorching or separating. Compared to larger slow cookers, which usually hold around 5-6 quarts, this slow cooker holds just 2 quarts. Expect to make meals for around one to two people depending on what’s inside. You might get more out of it if you’re making a dip. We cooked a pot of rice and a delicious nacho dip. Our dip was enough for five (yay), and we managed to get three portions of rice. It’s more expensive than other slow cookers the same size, but the nifty design is worth the splurge. Each slow cooker pot features a slot for utensils so there’s no need to keep spoon rests. Even better: each slow cooker features a lid rest, so you don’t end up placing the lid on the counter only to realize there’s a pool of hot water or a ring of BBQ sauce to clean up. The easy-to-read digital display shows how much cooking time is left, as well as the temperature setting. We found it to be a very intuitive appliance. For storage, the cord stores on the bottom of the cooker. If you don’t need to use your slow cooker on a buffet, there is a similar model with a solid glass lid. Like regular slow cookers, mini slow cookers have an exterior shell that holds the electrical elements and an inner chamber made from stoneware, ceramic, stainless steel, or other similar materials,” says Reginald Massey, owner of Let It Marinate Catering. Although the outer electrical part can only be hand washed, the lids and inner pots are usually dishwasher safe. Features