Top 10 Best Lightweight Slow Cookers
for March 2023

Slow cookers are a kitchen staple for a reason. Unlike regular ovens and stovetops, slow cookers typically cook at lower temperatures for longer periods of time, which, in turn, allows for more even cooking and better nutrition. Slow cookers normally require less hands-on time than other cooking methods, and a slow cooker meal is more affordable, too.

Slow cookers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them perfect for any kitchen. Some have multiple cooking settings, allowing you to choose how hot or slow you want the food to get, while others have larger vessels that can hold anywhere from six quarts up to 14 quarts. Some slow cookers feature removable crocks for easy cleaning; others feature removable inserts for serving. Slow cookers range in price from $20 to $200, so we tested models from $20 to $200. Here are our picks for the best slow cookers, according to testing and popular reviews.

Different Guide editors independently choose recommendations. Purchases made through our links may earn us commissions.

1
9.7
SCORE
Crock Pot Slow Cooker|8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Countdown Timer, Black Stainless Steel - SCCPVFC800-DS

Crock-Pot Crock Pot Slow Cooker

by Crockpot
What We like

Not the fastest cooker or the most budget-friendly slow cooker, but it gets top scores in ease of use, performance, and cleanup.

2
9.5
SCORE
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, 8 Quart, Stainless Steel/Black

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

by Double Insight - FOB CNBIJ
What We like

A versatile one-pot cooker that cooks food with the push of a button, as well as a variety of one-pot meals for small to medium-sized families with safety and peace of mind.

3
9.2
SCORE
West Bend 87906R Versatility Slow Cooker Large Capacity Non-stick Dishwasher Safe Variable Temperature Control Includes Travel Lid & Thermal Carrying Case, 6-Quart, Red

West Bend 87906R Versatility Slow Cooker Large Capacity Non-stick Dishwasher Safe Variable Temperature Control Includes Travel Lid & Thermal Carrying Case

by West Bend
What We like

The West Bend Versatility Cooker is our favorite slow-cooker thanks to the large capacity and the fact that it uses glass instead of plastic.

4
9.1
SCORE
Crock-Pot 8 Quart Manual Slow Cooker with 16 Oz Little Dipper Food Warmer, Stainless

Crock-Pot 8 Quart Manual Slow Cooker with 16 Oz Little Dipper Food Warmer

by Crockpot
What We like

Crock-Pot's Slow Cooker rivals our pick from KitchenAid for ease of use, appearance, capacity, and price. The warmer is terrifically handy--and it looks great sitting on a counter; we prefer the ceramic insert to stainless steel in our top pick, but the stoneware insert does a great job and is easy to clean.

5
8.7
SCORE
Crock-Pot 3.5 Quart Casserole Manual Slow Cooker, Charcoal

Crock-Pot 3.5 Quart Casserole Manual Slow Cooker

by Jarden Consumer Solutions
What We like

This slow cooker was our workhorse, able to cook a variety of foods including soups, stews, and chili. It's big enough to prepare food for a small party. It's also priced well.

6
8.5
SCORE
Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker with Three Temperature Settings, 7-Quart + Lid Latch Strap, Black

Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker with Three Temperature Settings

by Hamilton Beach
What We like

This programmable slow cooker offers all of the features you need. The temperature control is precise and easy to use, and the included lid latch strap locks the lid shut for transport. This slow cooker was easy to use, with helpful instructions on the back. We had to put the slow cooker in the dishwasher to clean it, but that's no fault of the product.

7
8.1
SCORE
West Bend 87905B Versatility Slow Cooker Large Capacity Non-stick Dishwasher Safe Variable Temperature Control Includes Travel Lid & Thermal Carrying Case, 5-Quart, Blue

West Bend 87905B Versatility Slow Cooker Large Capacity Non-stick Dishwasher Safe Variable Temperature Control Includes Travel Lid & Thermal Carrying Case

by West Bend
What We like

The West Bend Versatility Slow Cooker cooks evenly and has a glass lid for easy monitoring, two settings to keep meals warm while you serve, and the included griddle base is easy and fun to use.

8
7.6
SCORE
Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker With Dishwasher-Safe Crock and Lid, Silver (33443)

Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker With Dishwasher-Safe Crock and Lid

by Hamilton Beach
What We like

It was an economical pick but performed poorly in our tests. Its lid fit poorly and wasn't stable on even ground, and its digits on the clock were difficult to read.

9
7.6
SCORE
BLACK+DECKER SC2007D Slow Cooker, 7 quart, Teal Wave

BLACK+DECKER SC2007D Slow Cooker

by Spectrum Brands
What We like

For less than $15, this slow cooker cooks better than a $50 one. But our testers had trouble getting all the food out and noticed that the handle gets hot during cooking.

10
7.6
SCORE
West Bend 87966 Versatility Slow Cooker, 6-Quart, Silver

West Bend 87966 Versatility Slow Cooker

by West Bend
What We like

The Versatility Slow Cooker from West Bend cooks food consistently and well and its easy to program and easy to clean.

Slow Cookers - Cook Everything from Roast to Risotto

Nowadays slow cookers are handy kitchen appliances that can be used by people in homes, and by people in restaurants. Cookers work by cooking the food slowly, and by keeping the cooking temperature low. This kind of cooking, called low temperature cooking, helps the food retain its nutritional value. Slow cookers can be used in the same way as a stovetop, but in a better way. You can put the ingredients in the pot in the morning, and come home in the evening to an aromatic dinner. Slow cookers are convenient because they use less energy. The appliances are energy efficient and can use the energy that would normally go to waste. When shopping for slow cookers, consider your needs carefully. Think about how you will use the device, and what you want to cook in it. A slow cooker can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen.

What is a lightweight slow cooker and what are the pros and cons of one

If you're in the market for a slow cooker, you may be considering getting one of the newer, lighter models. While lightweight slow cookers use less energy than their traditional counterparts, they typically don't offer the same functionality as their heavier counterparts. In other words, they're great for fast cooking but may not be ideal for making stews, soups, or chili. However, if you're only going to cook something once, you can save some money by choosing one of these models! Here are the top 3 reasons why lightweight slow cookers are worth considering:
1. They're easier to carry: Lighter models tend to be easier to carry than their heavier counterparts. This means that they're perfect for taking with you on camping trips, picnics, and potlucks.
2. They're easier to clean up: The lighter models tend to be smaller and won't take as much counter space as a regular slow cooker. This means that you can toss them in the dishwasher when you're done cooking them!
3. They require less power: Since they're made to be smaller, lightweight slow cookers use less energy than their heavier counterparts. This is great for saving money on energy bills or to help the environment by reducing the amount of electricity used in the home.

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages to using a slow cooker?

A slow cooker is an incredibly useful tool in the kitchen. It cooks food slowly, evenly, and without a lot of hassle. However, a slow cooker isn't right for everyone. Here are some advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before making your purchase:
Advantages:
- A slow cooker is easy to use. Simply place the food in the slow cooker, turn it on, and wait for it to cook.
- A slow cooker saves time and energy. You don't have to constantly check on or stir the food while it cooks, and you don't have to stand over it while it cooks.
- A slow cooker can keep your food warm for hours after it's finished cooking, letting you serve it whenever you're ready.
Disadvantages:
- A slow cooker can take a long time to cook food. For example, it can take 4-6 hours for a 3-4 pound chicken to cook in a slow cooker.
- A slow cooker isn't always the most efficient way to cook food. For example, it takes 20 minutes to preheat a slow cooker, while it takes only 3 minutes to preheat an oven.
- A slow cooker can dry out food. For example, a slow cooker can make rice mushy and tough.
- A slow cooker can burn food. For example, a slow cooker can overcook food, turning it hard and inedible.
It's all up to you: A slow cooker can be a great option for busy households. However, it's not right for everyone. Consider these advantages and disadvantages before making a purchase.

What are the features to look for in a slow cooker?

Slow cookers are useful kitchen appliances, especially when you're trying to cook a meal for a large crowd. But as with any kitchen tool, there are things that you should keep in mind before purchasing one. Here's what you should consider when shopping for a slow cooker:
Size: The larger your slow cooker is, the more food it can hold. But do note that larger models tend to be a bit heavier than smaller ones, so you'll need to consider whether you'll prefer something you can move around easily (e.g., the Crock-Pot 6-Quart Slow Cooker) or a model that's easier for one person to handle (e.g., the Crock-Pot 6-Quart Slow Cooker).
Power: A slow cooker's power is measured in wattage. The more wattage a slow cooker has, the faster it will be able to boil water. So if you're hoping to cook a large batch of beans or soup, you'll want a model with more power.
Power settings: Look for a slow cooker with several different power settings, so you can adjust the cooking time and temperature of the food you're cooking. Also look for models with programmable settings; these allow you to set a specific time for cooking and then "set it and forget it" until your food is ready.
Temperature settings: Some slow cookers allow you to set the exact temperature you want the food to cook at. This is helpful if you want to cook meat at a specific temperature, or cook some dishes at higher temperatures (e.g., vegetables) and some at lower temperatures (e.g., soups).
Features: Some slow cookers come with a variety of features, including a timer, a delay timer, an on/off switch, a detachable cord, and a locking lid. These features can be useful, but it's up to you which one(s) you want in your model.

How a slow cooker can improve health?

A slow cooker is a cooking appliance that cooks food slowly, typically by retaining moisture in the food. Slow cookers are commonly used for preparing stews and soup. Here are four ways a slow cooker can improve health:
Enhances nutrient absorption - Slow cookers help retain nutrients in food, such as vitamins, minerals, and fat-soluble vitamins.
Reduces fat - Eating food that is cooked in fat or oil can lead to health problems, such as heart disease and high cholesterol. Slow cookers help to reduce fat in food, such as oily fish, by making more healthful choices such as lean cuts of meat and low-fat dairy products.
Reduces calories - Slow cookers help to reduce calories by cooking food slowly, which reduces the amount of food you need to eat to feel full.
Reduces cooking time - Slow cookers help to reduce cooking time by cooking food slowly, which can reduce the number of dishes you have to wash.

Conclusion

Slow cookers make an excellent addition to any kitchen. They give you the ability to prepare a meal slowly, while still preserving all of its nutrients. I hope you found this post helpful! Leave a comment below and let me know what kind of slow cooker you decided on and how it works for you.

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