Slow cookers have become an indispensable tool in modern kitchens, providing a convenient way to prepare delicious and nutritious meals without requiring much effort or attention. Whether you're a college student, a working professional or simply someone who enjoys hearty meals, a Slow Cooker can simplify your cooking routine and help you achieve great results.
The only hiccup in adding a slow cooker to your kitchen is how to pick the right one. There really are so many models and brands on the market, so we've made the search easier by honing in on some top performers.
Taking into account factors such as size, features, ease of use and performance, this list will help you make an informed decision so you can find the perfect slow cooker for your needs.
Five reasons why you need a slow cooker
You're probably thinking, “I have an apartment-sized kitchen and counter space is at a serious premium. Why would I invest in something that is notorious for taking up a ton of space?"
We've got five good reasons to take the plunge:
- Convenience: With a slow cooker, you can simply toss in your ingredients, turn it on and let it cook for several hours while you attend to other tasks or even leave the house. This is perfect for busy 20-somethings, professionals and working parents who may not have much time to cook.
- Cost: Slow cookers are affordable and efficient, allowing you to prepare large batches of food with minimal energy usage. This means you can save money on takeout expenses while still enjoying delicious meals.
- Healthier meals: Slow cookers are a great way to create healthier meals, as they allow you to cook with fresh, whole ingredients and minimize the need for added oils or fats. You can also control the sodium and sugar content of your food, making it a healthier alternative to takeout or frozen meals.
- Versatility: Slow cookers can be used to make a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to casseroles and roasts. This means you can easily switch up your meals and experiment with different recipes without having to invest in a lot of different cooking equipment.
- Space-saving: Small apartments often have limited counter and storage space, but a slow cooker eliminates the need for a lot pots and pans, making it a great space-saving solution for small kitchens. It's also a compact appliance that can be easily stored away when not in use.
With just five reasons, it's easy to see why a slow cooker is one of those kitchen appliances worth having around, especially if you've got a busy lifestyle and don't want to sacrifice the ability to prepare a quality, at-home meal.
The 10 best slow cookers for your apartment
You now know why a slow cooker may be worth getting, but how do you decide which one to buy? We help make the decision easy by breaking down the best features of the top-performers on the market today.
Best for all-around use
Source: Amazon.com
The Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S-A 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker comes with a programmable timer that can be set for up to 20 hours, allowing you to customize the cooking time to suit your needs. The digital control panel is easy to use and features a countdown timer, which lets you know how much time is left until your meal is ready. The keep-warm setting ensures that your food stays hot and ready to eat even after the cooking process is finished.
This slow cooker is perfect for busy families, professionals and anyone who wants to enjoy delicious and healthy meals without spending hours in the kitchen. It's also great for entertaining or meal-prepping for the week ahead.
This is an excellent investment for anyone who wants to save time and effort in the kitchen without sacrificing flavorful and healthy meals. Its large capacity, programmable timer, and easy-to-use digital control panel make it a top choice for just about anyone.
Best multi-use slow cooker
Source: Amazon.com
Available in three different sizes, the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker features seven different functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, sautéing, steaming, yogurt making and warming. This versatile slow cooker has everything you need to cook a variety of dishes with ease. Its 6-quart capacity is perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week ahead, while the 3-quart size is perfect for those living alone. If you've got a big group to feed, opt for the 8-quart option.
The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 features a programmable timer that can be set for up to 24 hours, allowing you to really plan your meals ahead of time. The digital control panel is easy to use, with plenty of buttons. You'll also find a variety of safety features, such as overheat protection and a safety lid lock.
This Instant Pot is great for people who want to cook a variety of dishes with just one appliance.
Best space saver
Source: Amazon.com
Available in pink, red, or black, the KOOC Small Slow Cooker is cute and compact. With a 2-quart capacity, this slow cooker is perfect for small to medium-sized families or roommates who like to share a meal every now and then.
The adjustable temperature control allows for precise cooking, while the timer feature lets you set the cooking time up to 12 hours ahead. This slow cooker comes with a removable ceramic pot that is dishwasher safe and oven safe, making it a versatile kitchen appliance that's also easy to clean. You can even microwave the removable pot, allowing for easy reheating of leftovers.
For the style-conscious renter, it's also one of the most colorful options on our list.
Best features
Source: Amazon.com
The Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Set & Forget Slow Cooker has a large enough capacity to make perfect meals for a large group. It's also ideal if you want to cook in bulk for the week ahead, freezing the extra portion.
The removable stoneware crock and glass lid are dishwasher safe for quick clean-up, and the slow cooker itself is made of durable stainless steel, ensuring that it will last for years. The programmable timer lets you plan up to 24 hours ahead and the temperature probe ensures your meat gets cooked to perfection.
Cool-touch handles make it easy to move the slow cooker around, while the lid has a rubber seal and latch to keep the heat and moisture inside for delicious and flavorful results you can transport from your home to your next pot-luck dinner.
Best looking (most stylish)
Source: Amazon.com
The Crockpot 2.5-Quart Mini Casserole Crock Slow Cooker may be small, but it's the most stylish option on our list. Its attractive design looks great on any countertop or table. It's even attractive enough to use as a serving dish.
The stoneware crock is oven safe, allowing you to brown and bake your casseroles right in the slow cooker. With a 2.5-quart capacity, this slow cooker is perfect if you're cooking for just one or two. It's even better if you're cooking in a small kitchen.
The Crockpot Mini Casserole Crock Slow Cooker is easy to use and features a manual dial that lets you adjust the temperature as needed. The stoneware crock is removable and dishwasher safe for no-hassle cleaning. It's even portable thanks to the side handles which make it easy to carry to and fro.
Best for multiple entrees
Source: Amazon.com
It looks like your standard buffet server, but the BELLA 3 x 1.5 QT Triple Buffet Server also functions as a slow cooker and food warmer. This is a must-have kitchen appliance for anyone who loves to entertain, cater events or has a large family that loves to come over. Its triple slow cooker design and buffet server functionality make it easy to prepare and serve multiple dishes at once, while its stylish brushed stainless steel exterior adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen or dining room set.
Each of the three individual slow cookers features separate controls and temperature settings, allowing you to cook and keep warm three different dishes simultaneously. The removable stoneware pots are dishwasher safe, and the chafing dishes keep your dishes warm and ready to serve for hours.
This appliance is perfect for anyone who needs to cook and serve multiple dishes at once, and want to save time and effort in the kitchen.
Best for families and large gatherings
Source: Amazon.com
The big boy of the crockpots, the Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart is a powerful and efficient kitchen appliance that can help you prepare large meals with ease. It features three temperature settings and a keep-warm function that allows you to cook your meals to perfection and then keep them warm until you're ready to serve.
The is a user-friendly slow cooker that's easy to clean. Its stoneware pot and glass lid are both removable and dishwasher safe, while the sleek stainless steel exterior is not only stylish but also durable. The stay-or-go portable lid locks in place for easy transport as well.
This crockpot's large interior makes it easy to cook a variety of dishes to feed a crowd, from stews and soups to casseroles and roasts.
Best for dips
Source: Amazon.com
Cute and compact, the Elite Gourmet Electric Slow Cooker cooks everything from entrees to sauces, stews to dips. It's the perfect size for preparing small batches of your favorite sides or appetizers. Its compact size also makes it easy to store when not in use.
The Elite Gourmet Electric Slow Cooker features three temperature settings, including a keep-warm function, allowing you to complete your cook and still keep your food warm while people serve themselves. Its removable stoneware pot and tempered glass lid are both dishwasher safe as well.
The sleek, white exterior blends in with any kitchen decor, making it a great addition to any home, and it lets you add a little variety into your snacking game. Whether you're hosting a party or just want to enjoy a tasty little something at home, this is a great kitchen add-on.
Best for entertaining
Source: Amazon.com
If you're looking for something a little different, and love to entertain, the Crock-Pot Little Triple Dipper Slow Cooker is meant for you. It comes with three separate 16-ounce stoneware containers, each with individual temperature controls, allowing you to serve different dips, sauces or appetizers at the same time. The stoneware containers are also removable, making them easy to clean and store. This feature is especially useful when hosting large events, as it allows you to keep the food warm and easily accessible without having to constantly refill serving dishes.
The compact size of the Crock-Pot Little Triple Dipper makes it perfect for gatherings of any size. Its simple design and elegant appearance fit seamlessly into any kitchen or dining room decor, adding an attractive and functional touch to your entertaining space. Its versatility also makes it great for everyday use, allowing you to prepare and serve a variety of different meals with ease.
Best for serious cooks
Source: Amazon.com
A serious crock pot, with the price tag to match, the Wolf Gourmet Programmable 6-in-1 Multi Cooker is a top-of-the-line appliance that serious cooks will appreciate for its high-quality construction, precise temperature control and large capacity. This slow cooker is made with durable materials, including a brushed stainless steel exterior, and features a tight-fitting lid that helps seal in moisture and flavor during cooking.
With a 7-quart capacity, it's big enough to accommodate large cuts of meat, whole chickens and other ingredients for family dinners and delicious gatherings. You have the option to sear, sauté and sous vide among the multi cooker's functions as well, so you can really get creative with an appliance like this.
Home chefs will appreciate the ability to set and adjust cooking times and temperatures to achieve the perfect cook every time, and the accompanying recipe book will help inspire creativity in the kitchen.
This is an excellent investment for anyone who loves to cook and wants to create delicious, healthy meals with ease.
There's a slow cooker out there for you
Slow cookers are a versatile and convenient appliances that can make meal preparation a breeze. Whether you're a busy parent looking for an easy way to prepare nutritious meals for your family, a serious cook who wants precise temperature control and a large capacity or a home cook who wants an intuitive and user-friendly appliance, there's a slow cooker out there for you.
No matter what your needs or preferences are, investing in a high-quality slow cooker can help you create delicious, healthy meals with minimal effort, and make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable.
The post Best Slow Cookers of 2023 – Expert Reviews and Buying Guide appeared first on Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.
