Programmable slow cookers are surging in popular and becoming a must-have kitchen appliance. This is simply because they can cook food at a slower pace ensuring that the food doesn’t lose any valuable nutrients. Besides that, slow-cooked food have a better taste as compared to food that is cooked normally. However, not every slow cooker you come across in the market is as good as they promise to be. You have to be extra cautious and dig deep to ensure that you are getting one that is both efficient and of good performance.
In this guide, we have done an extensive research and with able assistance from expert chefs, we have handpicked some of the best programmable slow cookers worth investing on.
Instant Pot DUO60
Unmatched Performance, Versatile & Best Rated
Ingeniously constructed and fully equipped with some of the latest features, the Instant Pot is an amazing slow cooker that can be used on other multiple uses. The unmatched versatility it offers is unlike any other and performance is spot on. Thousands have lauded it for the quality, dependability and performance it comes with. Although it is not the cheapest in the market, you will hardly find a multi-purpose slow cooker that rivals this one. You are definitely getting value for the money, and it comes highly recommended.
Best Programmable Slow Cookers 2022 You Can Buy
Here is the list of the best programmable slow cookers to buy.
9. All-Clad SD700450 Programmable Oval-Shaped Slow Cooker
Price: Highly priced.
Special features: Removable ceramic insert, Push button controls, Dishwasher-safe insert.
Capacity: 6.5 Quarts.
Size: 19.87 x 14 x 11.38 inches.
All-Clad is a household brand that is best known by chefs and everyone who loves to cook. This All-clad slow cooker comes in an oval shape and has a decent capacity of 6.5 Quart. The slow cooker has a programmable system that is easy to use and one can expect one of the best slow cooking, thanks to a number of features and functions that makes cooking both fun and easy.
Setting and programming food preparation is assisted by a sophisticated system that offers a 26-hour complete cycle. It is dishwasher safe making cleaning an easy task.
Pros and Cons
- It cooks food evenly.
- It is made using quality materials.
- Dishwasher safe, hence easy to clean.
- The slow cooker is expensive.
8. Yedi Instant Programmable Pressure Cooker
Price: Modestly priced.
Special features: 9-in1 functionality, 15 instant programs, Deluxe accessory kit.
Capacity: 6 Quarts.
Size: 12.6 x 12.2 x 13 inches.
Yedi instant programmable pressure cooker is unique in many ways and is among the best rated slow cooker that boasts incredible quality and performance. This slow cooker comes with 9-in-1 design which can be used to prepare different foods with push button experience. The system is very easy to use and its interactive display and controls makes this even more manageable.
The features and accessories included in its Deluxe kit ensures that everything is done to perfection and in a timely manner.
Pros and Cons
- It is very easy to use.
- Can be used on multiple purposes.
- Would be better if there was a larger option.
7. Mealthy MultiPot 9-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker
Price: Fairly priced.
Special features: Steamer basket, 14 easy-touch programs, Mobile app.
Capacity: 6 Quarts.
Size: 13 x 12.5 x 12.2 inches.
Mealthy might not be the most popular brand in the cookers market, but it surely is winning the hearts of many chefs and food lovers. It comes packed with many features that makes it function as a 9-in one appliance. This slow cooker can be used to prepare anything from sauteing to steaming and warming different types of foods. The slow cooker comes with a steamer basket that lets users make 2 dishes at the same time.
It also comes with 14 ready programs which makes it easy to cook different types of foods. If you are looking for a multipurpose slow cooker that can be used on other types of cooking or warming, then this is one that is worth considering.
Pros and Cons
- It can be used to prepare different types of food.
- The slow cooker is easy to use.
- Its quality could use a little more improvements.
6. Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1/2-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Price: Fairly priced.
Special features: LED timer display, Touchpad control, Dishwasher safe design, Nonslip rubber feet.
Capacity: 3-1/2-quart.
Size: 14.2 x 16.5 x 11.8 inches.
Cuisinart isn’t new to anyone who has used kitchen appliances. This particular programmable slow cooker is constructed with high quality durable materials and has plenty of control features that ensures users get the best meal. It has been approved to be BPA-free and meets all American user standards. The non-slip rubber feet and stay-cool handles ensures safety is well taken care of and the food does not slip.
the programmable slow cooker is designed to be easily washed using a dishwasher which makes it less stressful for users. With an LED timer display, automated cooking system and 4 cooking modes, users can cook different types of foods using this slow cooker.
Pros and Cons
- It is versatile and easy to use.
- Cleaning it is easy.
- Some users have complained of its worrisome durability.
5. Elite Platinum MST-900D 8.5 Quart Cooker
Price: Low price tag.
Special features: Brushed stainless steel finish, 20-hour programmable timer, Digital Touchpad.
Capacity: 8.5 Quarts.
Size: 16.3 x 11.7 x 11.8 inches.
Elite Platinum MST-900D is a nicely designed programmable slow cooker that has beaten many to be among the top in our list. It has a large capacity of 8.5 Quarts which is enough to prepare foods for a large size family, saving users a lot of time. It also has a function that lets users cook multiple foods hence not needing to repeat yourself cooking other foods. Its programmable function lets one choose the speed of cooking from a couple of minutes to as much as 20 hours. The temperatures also have nice and easy to adjust settings that saves users from burning the food and monitor them with a lot of ease.
Cleaning the cooker is very easy, thanks to the fact that it is stainless steel and also dishwasher safe. If you are looking for an above average programmable slow cooker that has a large capacity, then this is it.
- Great size.
- Elegant and durable due to the sturdy stainless steel finish.
- Some users have had issues with controls.
4. Hamilton Beach Set 33969A Slow Cooker
Price: Low price tag.
Special features: Sealing lid, Set & Forget with Temperature Probe, Transport Clips
Capacity: 6 Quarts.
Size: 11.25 x 17.5 x 11.75 inches.
Hamilton Beach Set 33969A is the improved version to a predecessor that had received lots of love from chefs and many foodies. Besides the slow cooking having a sleek and nice appearance, it has also demonstrated excellent performance and dependability. It cooks food evenly, thanks to an ingeniously engineered slow cooking system in place. It has a 6 Quart capacity and comes packed with tons of features that ensures a safe, fun and efficient cooking.
Whether you are preparing a 6 pounds chicken, a 4 pound roast, or just anything else that you would want to slow cook this is a good programmable slow cooker that you can always count on to deliver. The slow cooker also comes with a unique and patented temperature probe functionality which helps to monitor and keep track of the food temperature when it is being cooked.
Cleaning the slow cooker is also an easy process, thanks to the fact that the crock and glass lid can be easily removed for dish-washing. This is an easy to maintain slow cooker which boasts having incredible performance.
Pros and Cons
- It has a sturdy construction that makes it durable.
- Cleaning and maintaining the programmable slow cooker is very easy.
- It can really heat up and demands extra caution when handling.
3. Crock-Pot 6-Quart Best Slow Cooker
Price: Low price tag.
Special features: removable stone insert, Digital timer, Locking lid feature.
Capacity: 6 Quarts.
Size: 9.4 x 15.1 x 14.8 inches.
This 6 Quarts Crock-pot slow cooker has made it to our top list for a number of reasons. To start with, the programmable function of this slow cooker is on a whole new level and can be adjusted to work with pre-programmed cooking schedules which can be anywhere from 20 minutes or even go as much as 30 hours. It has a display and controls which are easy to understand and follow along. The slow cooker comes with inserts that can be used on a microwave oven or any other cooking appliance that has a maximum temperature setting of 400°F.
If you are looking for a high quality and dependable programmable slow cooker that can prepare food for up to seven people, then this is the one to get.
Pros and Cons
- The locking lid ensures no spillage and easy transportation.
- It is made from quality materials that makes it durable.
- More could be done to address the issues of uneven heating.
2. Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Digital Cool Touch Rice Cooker
Price: Low price tag.
Special features: Digital Cool-Touch, Non-stick inner pot, Steamer tray.
Capacity: 8 cups.
Size: 8.2 x 9 x 8.5 inches.
Aroma Housewares is one of the best programmable slow cooker one can find in the market today. It has thousands of verified customer ratings, which is way more than the runner-up slow cooker. The slow cooker has been well designed with performance and convenience in mind. It comes with 3 digital controls, a built-in steamer function and tons of pre-programmed cooking schedules that makes it easy for anyone to prepare different types of meals.
It has a programmable maximum of 15-hour cooking time which is within a good range to cook almost any type of food. The controls are very easy to use and cleaning it is a seamless process. From cooking rice to finder licking Jambalaya, this programmable slow cooker offers endless cooking options that every chef would want to have.
Pros and Cons
- It is efficient and can be used to cook different meals.
- It has more customer ratings than any other slow cooker.
- Cleaning the slow cooker is very easy.
- Its quality could use some sturdiness and quality upgrades.
1. Instant Pot DUO60 Programmable Slow Cooker
Price: Modestly priced.
Special features: 7-in-1 Multi-Use, Easy one touch controls, Alexa skill & Free app.
Capacity: 6 Quart.
Size: 13.38 x 12.2 x 12.48 inches.
Instant Pot has enjoyed a fair portion of the market, all thanks to the superior performance and dependability of their slow cookers. The Instant Pot DUO60 is elemental in every way and is designed to deliver. It is made of high quality materials and packed with tons of features. This is the best selling slow cooker cum rice pressure cooker, and this is evident in the thousands of positive reviews it has.
The features that comes with it makes it a 7-in-1 system that can be used on multiple purposes. Whether it is rice cooking, warming yogurt, pressure cooking or just need to slow cook some food, this is the cooker you should get.
Pros and Cons
- It is highly rated.
- The cooker is convenient and easy to use.
- It comes with tons of features and functionalities that makes it a multipurpose cooker.
- The manual could be a little bit better for first timers.
Choosing The Best Programmable Slow Cooker
Here are some of the most important things to consider when buying a slow cooker.
Construction
Who wouldn’t like to have an appliance that is solid and long lasting? The construction of the slow cooker you are getting should be sturdy, convenient to use and clean. Different materials are used in making slow cookers, but the most common and easy to maintain is stainless steel. Slow cookers made from stainless steel are also solid and durable.
Timer Settings & Features
The performance of a slow cooker all depends on the technology and features that they come with. The more the features, the more things one can do with their slow cooker. Among some of the demanded features of a slow cooker is pre-programmed functions, a digital timer, temperature controls, just to name a few. These features ensures that cooking is done precisely and more efficiently.
Size
Size and capacity is probably the most important factor that one shouldn’t miss when they are buying a programmable slow cooker. The size you choose should depend on the amount of food you intend to prepare, or the size of your family. If you have a small family, then you could opt to go with a 3 Quarts slow cooker, while larger families could opt to go for 7 Quarts or larger cookers.
Final Verdict
Each of the 7 cookers listed above has something incredible to offer to the users. They have made it to our list of the best programmable slow cooker for a number of reasons and although there are downsides to every product, these are the few handpicked from dozens and they do not disappoint. You can therefore get any of them based on your cooking preferences without having to worry about performance, quality and value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a slow cooker?
A: A slow cooker is an electric pot that is used for cooking different types of food under controlled temperatures and regulated heat that cooks them slowly. This is mostly important when you are cooking certain foods that need even heat distribution.
Q: What is the importance of using a slow cooker?
A: A slow cooker is unlike normal cooking. There are importance of cooking food slowly under regulated temperatures and heat. Besides cooking food uniformly, this process also preserves food flavor and nutrients.
Q: Are slow cookers dangerous?
A: Like any other electric cooking appliance, a slow cooker can be dangerous if not used correctly. You need to follow the instructions on the manual to avoid causing accidents as well as getting the best out of the cooker.
Q: How do slow cookers work?
A: A slow cooker is designed with an interior part that is called a crock. When plugged in, the slow cooker starts to heat up and heat is passed to the sides of the crock which in turn heats up the food hence cooking it. The temperature controls alter the heat passed through the crock and therefore heating the food under the set temperatures.
