8 best slow cookers 2024 | Top-reviewed kitchen appliances
The name may not be the most appetising but this genius hack, which has 41.1 million likes on TikTok, is revolutionising meal times across Australia.
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A 'dump bag' might not sound like the most appealing for something you eat, but it can save hours of prep for your next meal.
‘Slow Cooker Dump Bags Australia’ has over 41.1 million likes on TikTok and with captions like “transform your freezer, transform your life”, plus the words “easy” and “stress-free” used millions of times, it takes little explanation to see why.
The dump bag meal prep hack is a quick and easy way to almost automate slow cooked meals. All you need is a slow cooker, ingredients for some of your favourite meals, good quality sealable plastic bags and a freezer.
To make them, you simply prep your ingredients, dump them into a, freeze said bag, ready to defrost and sling into the slow cooker.
Also, if you use oven bags, then you can cook multiple meals at once in the one appliance with the added bonus of no mess!
Don’t have a slow cooker? You need to change that, stat.
Thanks to their ‘set and forget’ convenience and relatively low price tag, slow cookers have long been dominating the home-cooking scene.
Whether you want to whip up a stew, casserole, roast, pulled-pork or even a cake, the slow cooker is one of the most versatile kitchen tools at your disposal. Just consult one of the many Facebook groups dedicated to the trusty appliance.
Food Director at Taste.com.au Michelle Southan credits their popularity to their convenience and ease of use.
“We all live busy lives and many of us are working at home but with the slow cooker, you pop your casserole, stew or soup on in the morning, set the timer and that's it. It makes getting dinner done so easy and stress-free,” she told news.com.au.
“Slow cookers aren't just for your classic winter stews. You can bake bread, make quiches, lasagne and even cook desserts, like dumplings, self-saucing puddings, and crumbles, in them, too.”
One of our favourites is the Instant Pot Duo, which is currently $110 off for the larger 8L model. Shoppers love its versatility and say it’s easily replaced several kitchen appliances, with one reviewer calling it “the best kitchen time saving investment I’ve probably ever made”. Other slow cookers we’re loving include the Breville Smart Temp Slow Cooker, Russell Hobbs 6L Searing Slow Cooker and Philips All-In-One Cooker.
Scroll on to see our roundup of the best slow cookers for every family and budget.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST SLOW COOKER OVERALL
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Multi Cooker, $184.95 (down from $269) at Amazon Australia
PROS:
- Budget friendly.
- Offers 1200W worth of cooking power.
- Functions include pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yoghurt maker, steamer, food warmer and sauté pan.
- Stainless steel.
- Many Instant Pot specific recipes available.
- Similar model include the Instant Pot Duo Plus.
CONS:
- The 5.7L unit might be too small when cooking for more than three people.
Size: H36.1cm x W33.8cm x D37.6cm | Capacity: 8L | Servings: 8 | Weight: 9.02kg | Material: Stainless Steel
What You Need To Know
“Throw out all your other appliances … that’s (what) I did”, a reviewer joked.
Instant Brands have developed a huge following, thanks to their versatile kitchen gadgets and relatively affordable price points. The Instant Pot Duo is one of the popular models to choose from when it comes to other slow cookers and it's available in 5.7L and 8L capacities. This multi cooker can function as seven different appliances, including a slow cooker, rice cooker, pressure cooker, yoghurt maker, steamer, saute pan and food warmer. Unlike a traditional slow cooker, you can also expect 13 one touch smart programs and a handy steam rack.
It boasts a 4.6-star rating on Amazon and a 4.8-star rating with over 900 reviews on Google.
“The best kitchen time saving investment I’ve probably ever made. Solid build with good safety features,” praised a shopper.
“Would always love to have slow cooker style foods but never organised enough to plan eight hours ahead – this gets around that pretty well!”
“I wanted a pressure cooker, a new slow cooker and an air fryer – what better than to get an all-in-one that does it all” another wrote.
BEST ALL-IN-ONE MULTI-FUNCTION SLOW COOKER
Nutri Ninja Foodi Multi Cooker OP300, $289.44 at Amazon Australia
PROS:
- Can slow cook, grill, steam, bake, roast, pressure cook and air fry.
- TenderCrisp technology helps you crisp your food in those final stages before plating.
- Contains a 6L cooking pot and 3.7L Cook & Crisp basket.
- Easy to use.
- Includes dishwasher safe parts.
- Comparable to a hamilton beach slow cooker.
CONS:
- Can be bulky.
- Some parts can be difficult to clean.
Size: H32cm x W35cm x D40cm | Capacity: 4L | Servings: 4 | Weight: 11.8kg | Material: Plastic
Tried and Tested by Shopping Writer Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito
The slow cook function on the Nutri Ninja Foodi has saved me so much time and made food prep super easy. I can easily chuck all the ingredients in the pot before heading to work, and have dinner ready by the time I get home. Sometimes multi cookers can be a little tricky to use at first, but this was very simple to use from the start. It’s also pretty easy to clean for the most part, although does take a bit of bench, storage and sink space.
Looking at reviews, it’s the slow cook function on the Nutri Ninja Foodi that shoppers are particularly loving, especially when the unit itself is also compact and capable of grilling, baking, roasting, pressure cooking, air frying, crisping and steaming. You can expect a 6L cooking pot, along with a 3.7L Cook & Crisp Basket and pressure and crisping lids.
Philips All-In-One Cooker HD2237/72, $148 (down from $249) at Amazon Australia
PROS:
- Seven pressure cooking modes (steam, meat, poultry, soup, rice, risotto and manual).
- Multicook settings include saute, sear, slow cook, stew, bake and yoghurt.
- Has a ProCeramic+ coating designed to be more durable than some other types of coating.
- Nine safety functions.
CONS:
- Some reviewers say it can be hard to clean.
Size: H37.2cm x W35.5cm x D35.5cm | Capacity: 6L | Weight: 7.09kg | Material: Metal
What You Need To Know
For an all-rounder, it’s worth considering the 1300W Philips All-In-One Cooker. It packs 16 preset cooking programs, plus a large 6L pot for family-size meals. You can expect a variety of functions, including sear, slow cook, steam, stew, bake, yoghurt, soup and pressure cook. There’s also a generous 12-hour keep warm setting, along with slow cook capability that can run up to 12 hours.
“I’m glad I purchased this cooker. It’s so easy to use and allows me to stop using a pan to brown my meats before putting them into the slow cooker. Less dishes to clean. So many programs and a cookbook with delicious recipes,” an Amazon customer posted, rating it five stars.
“This is definitely a winning choice.”
"This is a very versatile and useful stew slow cooker that is easy to use and easy to clean. Ideal for thick and hearty winter soups and stews or ribs that fall off the bone tender. Its easy to use and the cooking book that comes with it sets out in easy to follow instructions how to prepare a variety of dishes that turns any hack into a gourmet chef. I would highly recommend this product," another wrote.
Although the shopper noted the bottom of the pot sometimes gets sticky and hard to clean after browning meat.
BEST SEARING SLOW COOKER
Russell Hobbs 6L Searing Slow Cooker RHSC650BLK, $89 at The Good Guys
PROS:
- Family size slow cooker.
- Can sear and slow cook in the same pot.
- Low, high and keep warm settings.
- Tempered glass lid.
- Fairly lightweight at 2.7kg.
- Two-year manufacturer’s warranty.
CONS:
- Some critics complained the food took too long to cook.
Size: H35.5cm x W35.5cm x D25cm | Capacity: 6L | Servings: 8 | Weight: 2.7kg | Material: Non-stick aluminium
What You Need To Know
Love pulled pork? Then you’re going to like this Russell Hobbs slow cooker. It boasts searing and slow cooking capabilities, plus digital controls, a timer, three cooking modes and a wrap around heating element to make sure your food is heated evenly.
“This is a great little all around slow cooker and can cook a variety of meals. It does a great lamb roast with very little fuss and is easy to clean up. I wish I had bought one years ago,” a reviewer posted on The Good Guys website.
BEST COMPACT SLOW COOKER
Russell Hobbs 3.5L Slow Cooker 4443BS, $49 at Amazon Australia
PROS:
- Designed to dish up four servings.
- Easy to store.
- Includes dishwasher-safe ceramic bowl and tempered glass lid.
- Budget slow cooker.
CONS:
- Doesn’t get as hot as other slow cookers, making it better suited for side dishes or small meals for up to two people.
Size: H21cm x W35cm x D27cm | Capacity: 3.5L | Servings: 4 | Weight: 4kg | Material: Ceramic
What You Need To Know
For those short on storage space or who live in smaller households, the 3.5L Russell Hobbs Slow Cooker is a basic slow cooker that can cook up to four small servings, or two large ones. It has three simple settings and an auto function that begins at high and switches to low when the cooking temperature is reached. It has dishwasher safe parts, too.
Reviewers say it delivers great results for the price, with one writing: “I really like this product because it’s a perfect size for me. I had a larger slow cooker that is good for bulk cooking, but just for two to four people this is perfect. Easy to use and clean”.
BEST EASY TO USE SLOW COOKER
Breville Smart Temp Slow Cooker BSC420BSS, $143.20 (down from $179), Myer
PROS:
- Includes a digital display, which lets you know how much cooking time is left.
- Dishwasher safe cooking bowl and lid.
- Features a classic stainless steel finish.
CONS:
- The controls are easy to use, but can be a bit fiddly and may cook faster than you would expect.
Size: H37cm x W46.5cm x D29.5cm | Capacity: 6L | Weight: 6.1kg | Material: Stainless Steel
What You Need To Know
The 6L capacity on the Breville Smart Temp Slow Cooker makes it ideal for large households of up to eight people. It features a dishwasher safe bowl and lid, and a Temperature IQ sensor, which automatically controls the temperature to prevent overheating. There are also pre-programmed low, medium and high settings to suit your recipe.
“Easy to use, easy to clean and the results are very tasty indeed! I made fall off the bone tender lamb shanks on my first try,” wrote a reviewer, giving it five stars.
“For years I had an old slow cooker that routinely burned the food because it didn’t switch to warm. This one does, no more caked on crusty edges,” another commented.
BEST EASY TO CLEAN SLOW COOKER
Sunbeam HP5520 Slow Cooker, $49 (down from $69.95) at Amazon Australia
PROS:
- Dishwasher-safe pan and lid.
- Removable crock insert.
- Easy to clean.
- Great size for 6 to 8 people.
- Comes with recipe book.
CONS:
- Some reviewers don't like that it doesn't have a timer.
- Some reviewers say the lid doesn't seal shut properly.
Size: H40cm x W39.5cm x D26.2cm | Capacity: 5.5L | Weight: 7.1kg | Material: Stainless Steel
What You Need To Know
If you're after a slow cooker that’s easy to wash up, this budget-friendly option seems to be the go-to pick. Most Amazon reviews on this slow cooker praise its easy to clean design and love the fact it’s dishwasher safe. This slow cooker is designed to cook up to four servings and is safe to use in an oven. There is even a recipe booklet included to help you get started.
“The Sunbeam 5.5L slow cooker function is absolutely brilliant. With two easy cook settings (low and high), and a food warming setting, it is easy to use, and the capacity of the unit is just what I need," one wrote.
"It seems very sturdy, and ceramic inset is very heavy, which gives me confidence that it will last a long time, and it very easy to clean.
"If you struggle gripping heavy things, this unit may be too big for you, so take that into consideration before purchasing.I found that on high setting, I can cook a stew in under three hours, and the results are amazing.If you're looking for an affordable slow cooker that really does the job, then give this a try."
BEST DIGITAL SLOW COOKER
Crockpot 4.7L Lift & Serve Slow Cooker CHP550, $88 (down from $99.95) at The Good Guys
PROS:
- Timer (up to 20 hours).
- Automatically switches to keep warm mode once the set cooking time ends.
- Has a hinged lid.
- Dishwasher safe crock.
CONS:
- Heavy.
Size: H33.5cm x W34cm x D26.4cm | Capacity: 4.7L | Weight: 5.1kg | Material: Glazed Ceramic
What You Need To Know
Want something a little more advanced than the standard dial, but just as easy to use? This Crockpot slow cooker offers a 4.7L capacity and features a hinged lid to minimise mess. It also has a wrap around element to ensure food is heated evenly, even if you don’t stir, and comes with an intuitive digital control panel and a 20 hour timer.
“The lid style is fantastic. The dish is deep and the food cooks evenly. I love the fact it goes straight from cooking at high or low to warm. This way I can leave it on while at work and not worry about changing settings,” a happy customer posted.
“Fits perfectly into the dishwasher, too. I doubt I’ll ever look at another brand other than Crockpot again.”
"Very happy with this compact five quart slow cooker - it works a treat. Hinged lid comes in handy when cooking. Recommend this slow cooker," another wrote.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A SLOW COOKER
Here are a few factors to take into consideration when making your decision to help you find the best slow cooker:
Capacity: Slow cooker capacity is an important factor to take into account when deciding on a model. Those cooking for households of two will only need a slow cooker with a capacity of up to 4.5 litres, while six to eight litre models are the best slow cookers for big families and larger groups.
Shape: An oval shaped model is best if you’re cooking longer cuts of meat, like lamb shanks.
Dishwasher-safe: Models with dishwasher-safe parts will make clean-up way easier.
Timer: A unit with a digital timer makes it easy to check up on how long you have left, and lets you know when it’s ready to eat.
Auto setting: Slow cookers with an auto setting start on high until the food is brought up to temperature, then reduces to low for the rest of the cook.
Budget: Models with more programmable features may cost you more, while budget-friendly picks may be light on customisable functions.
If you’re on the hunt for a slow cooker, Michelle says there are plenty of options to suit your needs.
“You can now buy ones with multiple functions, so you can saute your onion and brown the meat prior to the slow-cooking process all in the one pot, saving on washing up,” she explained.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you find the best slow cooker for your needs and budget, we asked Food Director at Taste.com.au Michelle Southan for her advice and recommendations on what to look for when buying a slow cooker. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews, first-hand tested slow cookers, and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best slow cooker from premium to budget to help you find the right one.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS IT NECESSARY TO BROWN MEAT BEFORE ADDING IT TO THE SLOW COOKER?
Searing isn’t necessary, but it’s an extra step worth doing. According to Taste.com.au, it’s a great way to develop more complex flavours, enhance the colour, and promote a better texture.
“We recommended adding a small amount of olive oil to a hot pan, and searing the meat all over until it’s browned before transferring it to a slow cooker,” wrote Taste.com.au’s Partnerships Producer Olivia Brown, who is also a qualified nutritionist.
“The science behind this is that a series of chemical reactions take place when the protein and sugar in the beef are heated at high temperatures, leading to richer, more caramelised flavour (known as mallard browning reactions).”
RELATED: How to slow cook
CAN I LEAVE A SLOW COOKER ON ALL NIGHT?
As they’re designed to be used for extended periods of time, it’s technically OK to leave slow cookers on all night, as long as you’re following the manufacturer instructions. That said, it’s always a risk to leave appliances unattended, so give your slow cooker manual a good read through first.
IS SLOW COOKING HEALTHY?
It depends on the recipe you’re cooking, slow cooking can be healthy and there are plenty of healthy slow cooker recipes to whip up in your slow cooker. Slow cookers tend to be a great appliance that boasts versatility - while many slow cookers have multiple uses, the slow cooker setting in particular is great for veggie-laden stews and soups, or gently tenderised meats.
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