Programmable Slow Cookers in 2023

Best Overall: Crock-Pot Large 8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

The Crock-Pot Large 8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting is a versatile and convenient kitchen appliance that offers a generous capacity of 8 quarts, making it perfect for preparing meals for large gatherings or families. With its sleek black stainless steel design, it adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen.

One of the standout features of this slow cooker is the digital timer, which allows you to set the cook time for up to 20 hours. This feature provides flexibility and convenience, especially for those who lead busy lifestyles. Once the cooking is complete, the slow cooker automatically switches to the warm setting, ensuring that your food stays at an optimal temperature until you're ready to serve.

The removable lid and stoneware pot of the Crock-Pot Large 8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. Alternatively, you can wash them with hot, soapy water. It's important to note that abrasive cleaning compounds or scouring pads should not be used, as they may damage the surfaces. A cloth, sponge, or rubber spatula is usually sufficient for removing residue.

It's worth mentioning that in the event of a brief power outage or blinking, all the previous settings on the slow cooker will be cleared, requiring a reset. This is a minor inconvenience but something to keep in mind.

The Crock-Pot Large 8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker also comes with a cookbook, providing you with a variety of recipes to explore and try out. This adds value to your cooking experience and encourages culinary creativity.

In terms of care and maintenance, it is essential to turn off the unit, unplug it from the electrical outlet, and allow it to cool before cleaning. The stoneware and lid should not be washed with cold water when they are hot, as sudden temperature changes may cause damage. Non-abrasive cleaners or vinegar can be used to remove water spots and stains.

Overall, the Crock-Pot Large 8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting is a reliable and efficient kitchen companion. Its ample capacity, digital timer, and automatic keep-warm function make it a practical choice for those who enjoy flavorful, slow-cooked meals with minimal effort. With proper care and maintenance, this slow cooker can provide years of delicious meals for you and your loved ones.

Best Budget: Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker

The Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer is a reliable and versatile kitchen appliance that offers convenience and flexibility in meal preparation. With its 6-quart capacity, it can comfortably serve 7 or more people, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you need to cook larger quantities of food.

The digital countdown control allows you to program cook times ranging from 30 minutes up to 20 hours. This feature gives you the freedom to set the desired cooking duration based on your recipe and schedule. Once the cooking time is complete, the slow cooker automatically shifts to the Warm setting, ensuring that your food stays at an ideal serving temperature until you're ready to enjoy it.

One of the standout features of this slow cooker is the easy-to-use locking lid with a lid gasket. This innovative design provides an extra seal, minimiZing the risk of leaks or spills, especially when transporting your cooked meals. Whether you're taking your dish to a potluck dinner or simply storing leftovers in the fridge, the locking lid offers added convenience and peace of mind.

The removable stone insert of the Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker is microwave and oven safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). This versatility allows you to use the insert for reheating or finishing dishes in the microwave or oven, offering flexibility in your cooking methods. It's important to note that if you own a slow cooker from another brand, you should refer to your owner's manual for specific guidelines regarding the use of crockery cooking mediums.

Operating at 240 watts and compatible with 120V A.C. and 60Hz power supply, this slow cooker is energy-efficient and can be used in most standard household settings without any issues.

In conclusion, the Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer is a dependable and user-friendly kitchen appliance. Its programmable features, locking lid with a gasket seal, and versatile removable stone insert make it a practical choice for those who enjoy the convenience of slow cooking and need a reliable way to transport their meals. Whether you're cooking for a large group or preparing meals in advance, this slow cooker offers functionality, ease of use, and peace of mind.

Best Value: GreenPan Elite 8-in-1 Programmable 6 Quart Electric Slow Cooker

The GreenPan Elite 8-in-1 Programmable 6 Quart Electric Slow Cooker is a versatile and convenient kitchen appliance that offers a range of features to enhance your cooking experience. With its attractive Fig Purple color and compact design, it adds a touch of style to any kitchen countertop.

One of the standout features of this slow cooker is the Thermolon Volt ceramic nonstick coating. This specially designed coating is infused with diamonds, making it extra tough and capable of withstanding the strain of modern appliances. It not only ensures easy cleaning but also promotes healthier cooking by reducing the need for excessive oil or butter. The ceramic nonstick coating is free of harmful chemicals such as PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, providing you with peace of mind.

The GreenPan Elite slow cooker offers built-in browning functionality, allowing you to brown your meat or vegetables directly in the pot. This feature adds depth of flavor and texture to your ingredients before proceeding with the slow cooking process. Whether you're searing a roast or sautéing vegetables, this slow cooker can handle it all.

The heavy-duty 6-quart pot is crafted from hard-anodized aluminum, ensuring quick and even heating. This results in consistent cooking performance and excellent heat retention throughout the cooking process. The pot is dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze after enjoying your delicious meals.

With an easy-to-read LCD display and one-touch presets, the GreenPan Elite slow cooker makes it simple to find the right setting for your meals. The XL green backlit display enhances visibility, even in dimly lit environments. The available presets include Slow Cook, Roast, Brown/Sauté, and Steam, giving you flexibility and versatility in your cooking options.

The silicone side handles are designed for comfort and ease of use when adjusting or moving the pot. They provide a secure grip and remain cool to the touch, ensuring safe handling during cooking.

The tempered glass lid allows you to keep an eye on your meal while it's cooking, allowing you to monitor the progress and witness the flavors develop. It seals in the heat and moisture, ensuring optimal cooking results.

In conclusion, the GreenPan Elite 8-in-1 Programmable 6 Quart Electric Slow Cooker is a reliable and feature-rich kitchen appliance. With its durable construction, Thermolon Volt ceramic nonstick coating, built-in browning functionality, and easy-to-use presets, it offers versatility and convenience in preparing a wide range of meals. Whether you're slow cooking, roasting, browning, or steaming, this slow cooker delivers excellent results. Its dishwasher-safe pot adds to the ease of use and maintenance. Upgrade your cooking experience with the GreenPan Elite slow cooker and enjoy delicious, healthy meals with minimal effort.

Editor's Choise: Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice/Grain Cooker

The Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker is a versatile and feature-packed kitchen appliance that offers a wide range of cooking functions to meet your culinary needs. With its 8-quart capacity and sleek black design, it is perfect for larger families, meal prepping, and batch cooking.

This multi-cooker provides 10-in-1 functionality, allowing you to pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté, cook rice and grains, sterilize, make yogurt, keep food warm, bake cakes, and steam. It offers a comprehensive solution for a variety of cooking tasks, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.

One of the standout features of the Instant Pot Pro is its premium cookware grade inner pot with stay-cool silicone handles. This unique feature enables you to transfer the inner pot from the Instant Pot to your stove top, providing you with added versatility and convenience in your cooking process.

The appliance offers 5 programmable settings for your own special recipes, along with 28 program settings designed specifically for essential meals. This allows you to customize your cooking experience and achieve consistent results with ease.

Whether you prefer fast or slow cooking, the Instant Pot Pro has you covered. You can pressure cook to save time and lock in flavors, or opt for slow cooking to prepare traditional recipes at your own pace.

When it comes to safety, the Instant Pot Pro incorporates proven features to ensure peace of mind. It includes overheat protection, a safe locking lid, and an upgraded gentle steam release switch with a diffusing cover that reduces noise and prevents countertop splashes.

With its 20% higher power, the Instant Pot Pro offers superior cooking performance, resulting in better sautéing and searing capabilities, as well as shorter pre-heat times compared to other electronic pressure cookers on the market.

The appliance also comes with useful accessories, including an extra sealing ring and a stainless-steel steamer rack with handles. Additionally, it is compatible with the optional QuickCool Tray (sold separately), which allows for 50% faster steam release.

To further enhance your cooking experience, the Instant Pot Pro offers a free downloadable app for iOS and Android devices. With over 1900 recipes, this app provides a wealth of culinary inspiration, allowing you to create new favorites and prepare delicious meals effortlessly.

In conclusion, the Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker is a highly versatile and reliable kitchen appliance. Its numerous cooking functions, premium inner pot, programmable settings, and safety features make it a valuable tool for any home cook. Whether you're preparing meals for a large family or experimenting with new recipes, the Instant Pot Pro delivers exceptional cooking performance and convenience. Upgrade your cooking experience with this multi-functional pressure cooker and enjoy the convenience and delicious results it offers.

When selecting a programmable slow cooker, there are a number of features to consider. Consider the following considerations:

Capacity
Sizes of programmable slow cookers are typically measured in litres. The capacity you select will depend on how many persons you intend to cook for. Smaller models are ideal for individuals or couples, whereas larger ones are ideal for families or sizable gatherings.

Timing and Temperature Configurations
Consider purchasing a slow cooker with programmable timer and temperature settings. This enables you to modify the cooking time and temperature based on the recipe's specific requirements.

Programmable Options
Some sophisticated models include programmable functions such as delayed start and automatic keep-warm. These alternatives offer greater adaptability and convenience.

Removable Insert
Choose a slow cooker with a detachable cooking attachment. This makes it simpler to clean and serve food without transferring it to another dish.

Cooking Modes
Various models may include culinary modes such as sauté, sear, and steam. Consider your culinary preferences and select a slow cooker with the desired cooking modes.

What are the benefits of using a slow cooker with a programmable timer?

Slow cookers with programmable timers enable you to prepare meals in advance and have them ready at the desired time without requiring constant supervision.

Can a programmable slow cooker be left unattended?

Yes, programmable slow cookers are designed to simmer without supervision. However, it is essential to adhere to the manufacturer's safety precautions.

How long can the timer be set for?

The timer parameters differ between models. The timer on the majority of programmable slow cookers can be set for up to 24 hours.

Can I cook refrigerated ingredients in a slow cooker with a programmable setting?

For even and secure cooking, it is generally recommended to thaw frozen ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker. However, some models may include specific culinary instructions for frozen ingredients.

Are slow cookers that can be programmed energy efficient?

Slow cookers with programmable settings are designed to operate at low temperatures for extended periods of time, making them more energy-efficient than conventional culinary methods.

Investing in a programmable slow cooker can revolutionize your cooking experience. These appliances offer convenience, time-saving features, and the ability to create delicious meals with minimal effort. By considering the key features, exploring top recommendations, and following our usage tips, you'll be well on your way to selecting the best programmable slow cooker that suits your needs and preferences.