A great meal starts with the right tools! This master list of top slow cookers—programmable, budget-friendly, and multi-use—will help you cook effortlessly and enjoy more home-cooked meals.
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Slow and Steady Wins the Meal
I’ve been using my crock pot for years, and I can confidently say it’s one of the most valuable tools in my kitchen. Whether I’m making a cozy slow cooker soup, a hearty Crock Pot roast, or even a sweet treat like slow cooker apple butter, I rely on it to make cooking easy and stress-free. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right slow cooker can be overwhelming! That’s why I’ve put together this master list of crock pot recommendations—to help you find the best one for your needs and bring back the joy of cooking, whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal prepping, or just getting started with slow cooking.
Best Crock Pots And Slow Cookers
Here are my favorite top-rated models that offer convenience, durability, and consistent results. They are the ones that live on my kitchen counters, and I often find myself grabbing them daily for family dinners.
- Crock-Pot 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker – Ideal for families or meal prepping, this model allows you to set precise cooking times and has an automatic warm setting mode when done.
- Hamilton Beach Stay or Go 6-Quart Slow Cooker – A budget-friendly, no-fuss stainless steel option with a clip-tight lid, making it great for transporting meals to gatherings or potlucks.
- Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting – This is my go-to slow cooker when making a big batch of chili or feeding a crowd.
- Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker and Slow Cooker – This multi-function appliance is excellent for cooking fast or slow. With its large capacity, it’s a lifesaver when I cook for a family event and keep the food warm.
- Cuisinart Fondue Pot, 3 Quart Hot Dip Slow Cooker – I can’t do without this small yet mighty stainless steel pot when entertaining! It’s perfect for hot dips, sauces, and melted chocolate.
- Crock-Pot Small 2.5 Quart Casserole Slow Cooker – I use this casserole crock pot for side dishes or when I making a dish for 2 to 3 people. It’s super handy.
Must-Have Crock Pot Accessories
Elevate your slow cooking experience with these helpful tools:
- Silicone Handle Grips – Protect your hands from hot crock pot handles with these heat-resistant grips.
- Lid Pocket: Hands-Free Lid Holder – A convenient solution for holding the crock pot glass lid when stirring or serving, keeping your counters clean and mess-free.
- Silicone Dividers – These liners are convenient and easy to use, and they can cook two different meals at once and shorten cooking time making the cooking process even easier!
- Ladle Set – Perfect for serving soups, stews, and chilis straight from the pot.
- Digital Meat Thermometer – Ensure your cuts of meat are cooked to the perfect internal temperature without overcooking so you dont have to worry about cook times. Most of these come with multiple temperature settings.
- Insulated Slow Cooker Bag – The perfect way to transport your slow cooker for potlucks, tailgates, and family gatherings while keeping food warm.
- Airtight Storage Containers – Keep leftovers fresh and store prepped ingredients with these durable meal prep containers.
- Cord Organizer – I’m a big fan of this handy tool that keeps the slow cooker cord neat and organized for storage.
5-Star Rated Crock Pot Recipes
Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
Chicken Thighs cooked in the crock pot make a mouthwatering recipe that's perfect for a busy weeknight or lazy weekends! Juicy chicken coated in a thick rich sauce flavored with garlic, honey, and soy sauce is a slow cooker hit.
Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs
These Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and juicy. Coated in a rich sauce, these slow-cooked ribs are perfect for weeknight meals or weekend gatherings. Why head to your local BBQ joint when you can make delicious ribs at home?
Easy Crock Pot Baked Beans
Slow-Cooked, sweet and savory baked beans with brown sugar and bacon is a side dish recipe that's pure perfection! For any cookout, barbecue, or summer party, these Easy Crock Pot Baked beans will be a hit.
Easy Crock Pot Beef Roast Recipe
With just a few minutes of prep, you can make this simple slow cooker pot roast recipe with amazing results! Thanks to the crock pot, it's fall-apart, tender, flavorful, and juicy. This is comfort food done right.
Crock Pot Potato Soup
Crock Pot Potato Soup is rich, creamy, and packed with amazing flavors. Topped with bacon, cheese, and chives, this easy-to-make soup tastes like a loaded baked potato spoonful after spoonful!
Transform Your Weeknights with These Slow-Cooked Favorites!
These tried-and-true slow cooker recipes make weeknight meals effortless while bringing out the rich, slow-cooked flavors we love in Southern cooking. Whether you’re looking for a hearty soup, tender pulled pork, a flavorful appetizer, or even a classic Southern side dish, these recipes prove that a crock pot can do it all!
1. Crock Pot Vegetable Beef Soup
- A comforting bowl of slow-cooked goodness, this Vegetable Beef Soup is packed with tender chunks of beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth that’s perfect for cozy nights.
- Best Tools: Slow cooker, ladle, airtight storage containers for leftovers.
- Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Vegetable Beef Soup
2. Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork
- This fall-apart tender pulled pork is infused with smoky, savory flavors, making it perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even as a baked potato topping. A true crowd-pleaser!
- Best Tools: Meat thermometer, serving tongs, storage containers for leftovers.
- Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
3. Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs
- These sweet and tangy meatballs are coated in a delicious pineapple glaze and slow-cooked to perfection. Serve them as an appetizer for game day or over rice for an easy dinner.
- Best Tools: Slow cooker, serving spoon, heat-resistant tongs for tossing.
- Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs
4. Crock Pot Creamed Corn
- This classic Southern recipe for the best-creamed corn is great for weeknight meals and perfect for the holidays, freeing up precious stove and oven space.
- Best Tools: Slow cooker, serving spoon, small bowls for serving.
- Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs
Meal Prep Tips for Crock Pot Success
Maximize your time and make meal prep a breeze with this comprehensive guide:
- Chop ahead – Dice onions, carrots, and other vegetables in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Use freezer meal prep – Portion out ingredients into freezer-safe bags, so all you have to do is dump and cook.
- Layer ingredients properly – Denser vegetables like potatoes and carrots should go on the bottom, while meats should sit on top to ensure even cooking and tender meat.
- Set it overnight – Prepare ingredients before bed, store them in the fridge, and start the crock pot in the morning for a ready-to-eat nutritious meal by dinner.
- Digital Thermometer – Use a digital thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of everything you cook is perfect without and hassle!
- Rice Cooker– Don’t forget these crockpots can double as rice cookers, just set it and forget it.
Shop My Favorite Slow Cooking Must-Haves Here!
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