Best Slow Cookers of 2023

Last Updated on March 1, 2022

Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.

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Top 10 Best Slow Cookers

1. Morphy Richards 461013 (Editor’s Choice)
2. Crockpot DuraCeramic Digital (Luxury Choice)
3. Russell Hobbs 24180 Chalkboard (Best Value)
4. Morphy Richards Sear and Stew (Best Dishwasher-Safe)
5. Crockpot CSC052 (Best Large)
6. Crockpot CSC078 (Best Small)
7. Morphy Richards 460012
8. Prestige PRE-46877 (Best Digital)
9. Swan Retro Cream (Best Ceramic)
10. Crockpot Multi-Cooker (Best with Timer)

Are you dreaming about creating the most delicious and healthy meals at home? For the tastiest pulled pork, pot roast or chillies, not to mention veggies and much more – you need to invest in the best slow cooker in the UK.

Slow cookers boil food under low temperatures, allowing them to extract flavours and nutrients without burning. Therefore, it’s one of the must-have cooking appliances that allow you to enjoy a hands-free cooking experience with little effort.

However, when shopping for a slow cooker, you’re bound to be spoilt for choice since many options are available.

Want to get started but not sure which slow cooker suits you best? Find your ideal model in our top ten slow cooker reviews and create mouthwatering delicacies with no hassle. If you’ve not tried slow cooking yet – now’s the time to take the plunge.

How we Compared Slow Cookers

To find the right slow cookers we considered multiple factors, including:

• Smart features
• Ease of cleaning
• Capacity
• Material

Our team independently examined and compared hundreds of products to help satisfy different needs. We spent our time researching slow cookers and consulting customer reviews to ultimately bring you what, in our opinion, are the best options on the market right now.

To find out more about our editorial process, take a look here.

Slow Cooker Reviews

Morphy Richards 461013 (Editor’s Choice)

If you’re looking for a slow cooker that boasts of straightforward functionality, then the Morphy Richards 461013 is an ideal choice. 

With 6.5L capacity, this slow cooker is perfect for casseroles, chillies, curries, and cheaper cuts of meat as well. Moreover, its large capacity makes it an excellent choice for large families or batch cooking.

This 6.5L slow cooker comes with a basic temperature dial function with three settings– high, low, and medium. It also has a tempered glass lid that allows one to monitor the food without lifting it. Moreover, its removable ceramic pot is ideal for table serving.

That being said, it’s noteworthy to mention that both the removable ceramic pot and tempered glass lid are dishwasher friendly. 

On the flip side, the Morphy Richards 461013 slow cooker may not sit well with some users since it lacks an auto keep-warm function.

Crockpot DuraCeramic Digital (Luxury Choice)

The Crockpot DuraCeramic Digital slow cooker boasts a classic appearance with a modern twist!

With a 5L, this slow cooker comes with extra handy features that make slow cooking a breeze. It comes with a removable ceramic pot that sits well with all types of hobs, but both the pot and lit are oven safe.

This digital slow cooker from the Crockpot family also comes with two temperature settings, a built-in digital timer, auto keep-warm function, non-slip feet, and a glass lid. That being said, it’s worth mentioning that the non-stick Duraceramic bonding of this slow cooker is easy to clean despite not being dishwasher friendly. 

So, if you’re looking for the best digital slow cooker that comes with a recipe book, then the Crockpot DuraCeramic Digital slow cooker is an excellent choice. 

However, this slow cooker may not sit well with some users since it may not withstand the test of time. This is particularly true for its non-stick coating as it may lose its effectiveness after some time.

Russell Hobbs 24180 Chalkboard (Best Value)

Family-friendly, fun and quirky are terms that best describe the Russell Hobbs 24180 Chalkboard slow cooker. Not only will this cooking appliance add a homely glam to your kitchen but also it will help you in preparing mouthwatering delicacies.

With a 3.5-litre capacity, this unique slow cooker comes with a removable ceramic pot and a chalkboard casing. Bear in mind that the elegant chalk matte finish allows you to write important tips or ingredients on your slow cooker.

This affordable slow cooker also comes with two heat settings and an auto keep-warm setting. And a transparent glass lid that allows you to have a clear view of what’s cooking. In addition, it has a power indicator light, non-slip feet, and cool-to-touch handles.

On the downside, you may find it less convenient since it lacks an adjustable digital timer. And also, when cleaning it, one may be required to use a lot of elbow grease when dealing with stubborn stuck-on foods.

Morphy Richards Sear and Stew (Best Dishwasher-Safe)

Elegant and stylish are the words that best describe the Morphy Richards Sear and Stew slow cooker. Not only does its contemporary design make a statement in your kitchen, but also its black and rose gold finish allows it to be used during table serving.

This 3.5-litre slow cooker comes with a non-stick cooking bowl that you can use to sear meat before leaving it to slow cook. Well, it’s noteworthy to mention that you don’t require a separate frying pan when using this cooking appliance. 

The Morphy Richards Sear and Stew also boast three temperature settings, a toughened clear lid and a removable pot that is dishwasher friendly. 

However, this slow cooker lacks an inbuilt timer, and its removable pot may not sit well with induction hobs.

Crockpot CSC052 (Best Large)

Next on our slow cooker reviews is the Crockpot CSC052 slow cooker. We also think it could be the best slow cooker in the UK for several reasons.

With a cooking capacity of 4.7L, this large slow cooker sits well with classic meals like pulled pork, chillis, stews, soups, and pot roast. While its hinged lid prevents condensation marks on the kitchen working space, the removable ceramic bowl of this slow cooker makes table serving a no-brainer.

This electric slow cooker comes with an inbuilt timer that has a cooking time that ranges from 30 minutes to 20hours, giving you the ultimate flexibility of preparing various meals. That being said, please note that this slow cooker comes with dishwasher-friendly parts.

On the other hand, the hinged lid could make cleaning it to be quite a challenge. Also, its circular design may not sit well with certain meat joints.

Crockpot CSC078 (Best Small)

If you’re in the market for the best small slow cooker UK stores have to offer, then the Crock-pot CSC078 is an outstanding choice. Not only does it boast a clean and straightforward design, but also it comes with a removable stoneware ceramic pot that is ideal for table serving.

The Crockpot CSC078 slow cooker has a 3.7liter capacity ideal for preparing, plus soups, pot roasts, and casseroles. Moreover, its compact design also makes it suitable for households that have limited usable cooking space.

It’s noteworthy to mention that this simple slow cooker comes with two heat settings-low, high, and a keep-warm mode. Additionally, the removable stoneware ceramic bowl is both dishwasher and oven-friendly.

On the other hand, some users may not sit well with this cooking appliance since it may not sit well with an induction hob. Also, some consider the plastic hinge to be of low quality.

Morphy Richards 460012

Are you a budget-conscious individual but still want to get the best slow cooker in the UK? If yes, then the Morphy Richards 460012 is an ideal choice for you! 

Not only is it the best budget slow cooker in the UK market. But also it comes with standard functions that can meet your slow-cooking needs.

This great slow cooker comes with a removable pot for effortless table serving and a hinged lid that offers convenience and minimises mess. Control-wise, it boasts of three heat settings for slow cooking flexibility. That being said, it’s worth mentioning that this is the ideal slow cooker for induction hobs.

On the downside, when using the Morphy Richards 460012 slow cooker, you may be required to monitor the cooking progress of your meals since it lacks an inbuilt timer. And also, you should be careful when handling the cooker’s lid when it’s in use since it may not be completely heat resistant.

Prestige PRE-46877 (Best Digital)

When it comes to programmable slow cookers, the Prestige PRE-46877 tops the list. This 3.5-litre slow cooker comes with three heat settings and can be used to prepare up to four portions of meals.

Not only does this slow cooker boast of an easy-to-use LCD that allows one to set the timer to your preferred setting. But also, it can automatically switch to a keep-warm function. This will enable one to get on with other activities as cooking continues.

The Prestige PRE-46877 slow cooker features a durable stainless-steel body construction with a removable ceramic inner pot. Moreover, this slow cooker comes with a glass lid to monitor the cooking progress without losing the heat. 

On the other hand, some users may not sit well with the handle on the glass lid as it tends to become loose during use. Also, it may not have an auto shut-off function, which is a significant disadvantage for many users.

Swan Retro Cream (Best Ceramic)

If you’re looking for the best slow cooker, UK stores have to offer. Then the Swan Retro Cream slow cooker is a great pick. With 3.5litre capacity, this slow cooker comes with variable heat control settings and auto keep-warm mode.

It’s worth mentioning that the shape and capacity of this slow cooker allow one to prepare joints with plenty of room for accompanying vegetables. Moreover, it comes with a removable ceramic pot that makes table serving an easy task.

Also, note that the Swan Retro Cream slow cooker doesn’t take too much space on the countertop. It comes with non-slip feet, cool-to-touch handles, and a clear glass lid that allows one to have a clear view of what’s cooking.

On the flip side, this slow cooker may lack an oven-safe feature. And also, cleaning it might be a daunting task since it lacks safe dishwasher parts.

Crockpot Multi-Cooker (Best with Timer)

When it comes to premium slow cookers, the Crockpot Multi-Cooker is an ideal choice for many reasons. 

Not only is it the best slow cooker with a timer. But also, it comes with five pre-programmed cooking functions and multiple settings. To be precise, this multi-cooker can be used for baking, steaming, sautéing, and slow cooking.

Moreover, this multi-cooker from the crockpot brand comes with an adjustable timer and temperature settings that range from 65 to 230 degrees centigrade. This allows one to have total control and flexibility when preparing different meals.

That being said, it’s important to mention that this digital slow cooker comes with two heat settings and auto keep-warm mode. In addition, cleaning it is also hassle-free since it comes with dishwasher-friendly parts.

On the flip side, some users may not sit well with this multi-cooker since the slow cooking function is faulty after some use.

What to Look For in a Slow Cooker

From saving time and money, slow cookers give one the option of preparing healthy meals in many ways. However, when selecting your ideal slow cooker, there are many features that you’re required to factor in before taking it home. So, whether you’re buying a new slow cooker or replacing your old one, here are features you should consider.

However, it’s noteworthy to mention that a slow cookers cost correlates with the functions and the kind of model of the cooking appliance. Note that basic models may have a pocket-friendly price tag when compared to their digital counterparts.

Ease of Cleaning

Whether you settle for a crockpot that has a removable pot or not, it always ensures that the appliance is easy to clean. Moreover, settle for a slow cooker with dishwasher-safe parts to make the cleaning process hassle-free and fun. However, it is worth mentioning that slow cookers infused into the chassis may have a time-consuming clean-up process compared to their removable counterparts.

Capacity

When shopping for a slow cooker, it’s always essential to consider the capacity it holds. However, it’s worth mentioning that the capacity of a slow cooker may not translate to the amount of food it holds since you should not fill its brim. Bear in mind that leaving a gap when preparing meals allows the ingredients or soup to simmer and bubble freely.

That being said, note that slow cookers range from 1.5L to 6.5L or more. So, ensure that you settle for one that suits your preference and your cooking needs. Well, here is a rough guide that will help you when shopping.

• 1.5L slow cooker sits well with one or two people
• 3 to 5L slow cooker sits well with three to five people
• 5.5 to 6.5L slow cooker sits well with batch cooking or large families

Material

When selecting your preferred slow cooker, it’s always wise to consider the material it’s made of. It’s worth mentioning that the body of a slow cooker is typically made of ceramic or porcelain material. Not only do these materials distribute heat evenly but also, they reduce the possibility of unevenly cooked foods caused by hotspots.

Furthermore, it’s always essential to consider the type of material the slow cooker’s lid is made of. Its always advisable to settle for a ceramic or glass cover that allows you to monitor the cooking progress. That being said, note that most slow cookers tend to have a stainless-steel housing that may get hot during the cooking process, so always avoid touching it when your appliance is in use.

What Is the Difference Between Slow Cookers and Similar Appliances?

When shopping for a slow cooker, you’re bound to come across appliances that may not only resemble it but also, they can perform duties similar to that of a slow cooker. However, it’s essential to be familiar with their differences o that you can select the best appliance for your cooking needs.

Slow Cooker

A slow cooker is a cooking appliance designed to cook food under low temperatures for a certain amount of time. These appliances come with an oval pot and a lid customarily made out of either glass or porcelain. Many also love slow cookers since they can easily create various nutritious and healthy meal ways. Lastly, they don’t require constant monitoring when in use.

Pressure Cooker

On the other hand, pressure cookers are kitchen appliances used to pressure cook food until it’s thoroughly cooked. Compared to slow cookers, pressure cookers may sit well with persons with extensive culinary skills since they tend to be complex to get the right or desired results.

Moreover, when using a pressure cooker, you should tightly secure the lid for the appliance to work correctly. Also, one cannot lift the lid during the pressure cooking process. Well, this may hinder you from telling whether the full is properly cooked or not.

That being said, it’s worth mentioning that some modern slow cookers have combined the capabilities of pressure cookers, making them multifunctional cooking appliances that you can use to prepare different delicacies. This appliance is commonly known as a multi-cooker.

Multicooker

A multi-cooker is an all-in-one appliance that can replace several kitchen appliances used to prepare various meals. Such appliances include the pressure cooker, rice cooker, electric pot, slow cooker, conventional oven, yoghurt maker, and steamer.

A multi-cooker comes with various functions that are pre-programmed. You can use these functions to prepare multiple meals. All you’re required to do is prepare your ingredients and place them in the removable instant pot as per the recipe dictates. Choose the correct function and let your multi-cooker go to work.

What Are the Benefits of a Slow Cooker?

Now that you know what is a slow cooker. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of owning one.

Quick and Easy to Use

Slow cookers are easy to use; all you are required to do is simply prepare your ingredients, place them in the slow cooker, and set them to cook depending on the recipe’s instructions.

A basic slow cooker food can take approximately 8 hours to cook evenly. And on high heat, you can cook food in less than four hours.

Moreover, slow cookers that come with the keep warm settings allow one to enjoy a hot meal straight out of the pot regardless of when you made the delicious meal.

Preparing food using a slow cooker allows you to cook your food without worrying about overcooking or undercooking. Furthermore, the keep-warm function on slow cookers allows one to have hot meals at their desired timing of serving.

When it comes, t cleaning, most slow cookers come with removable pots that are dishwasher safe. This makes cleaning them a breeze.

Flavour

Whether you love to prep meals made from cheap cuts of meat, or classic soups and chillies, slow cookers should be our go-to cooking appliance. Not only does the slow cooking process of these appliances make meats become tender and sauces nutritious. But also, they ensure that the flavour of the food is retained throughout the cooking process. Moreover, since the food is cooked in the sous vide method, no flour or nutrient is lost through evaporation.

Conclusion

That’s it for our best slow cookers reviews. Bear in mind that all the choices above will make a great choice. However, if we had to pick the best slow cooker in the UK, we would settle for our editor’s choice, the Morphy Richards 461013. with 6.5L capacity, this slow cooker is ideal for casseroles, chillies, curries, and meat joints as well.

This 6.5L slow cooker comes with a basic temperature dial function with three settings- high, low, and medium. A tampered glass lid that allows one to monitor the food without having to lift it. And a removable ceramic pot that is ideal for table serving.

Moreover, this slow cooker from the Morphy Richards family comes with dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning.

Do you have other choices that you would like to share with others? What do you look for in a slow cooker? Do you have other suggestions you’d like to share, especially for beginners? We would love to hear them! Let us know in the comments below!

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