ConsFirst / Slow cookers
Slow cookers: the downsides, first
Slow cookers draw few 1–2 star Amazon ratings (5–11% for the models we checked), but heat is the recurring surprise: testers and owners found some popular models run hot and others don't get hot enough. Here are the most popular slow cookers in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared13 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 slow cookers, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Hamilton Beach
$$Programmable6 qtScore 4.0/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)About 13,000 ratings on a long-running listing.The most widely recommended slow cooker, with a probe thermometer, a programmable timer and a clip-down lid that travels without spills. Serious Eats found it ran hot and overcooked beans, and some Amazon owners report crocks breaking.
Top complaints
- Small handles, short probe, heavy crockVery common
Wirecutter says the crock's small handles at the ends of the oval are hard to grab and make pouring difficult, and the probe is too short for smaller pieces of meat. Food Network says the probe can be hard to insert accurately, and The Spruce Eats calls the ceramic crock heavy and not stovetop-safe.
- Can run hotMentioned often
In Serious Eats' test the pot's edges bubbled and the beans came out overcooked and mushy. Amazon's review summary calls temperature control mixed, with some owners saying it overheats when done. Wirecutter, by contrast, found it held a gentle simmer.
- Crock breakingMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says durability is a concern, with multiple owners reporting the crock breaking after average use. The warranty is one year (Wirecutter).
What owners love
- Gentle, steady simmer
Wirecutter's top pick since 2013: it simmered beans on low without boiling them and made the most tender pot roast. Food & Wine got tender shredded beef and soft carrots.
- Probe thermometer and programmable timer
The probe switches the cooker to warm once meat reaches a set temperature (140-180°F), and the timer kicks over to warm when cooking ends. It beeps when cooking starts and finishes (Wirecutter).
- Spill-proof travel
The locking lid and gasket keep food in during transport. The Spruce Eats carried a glazed ham to a Friendsgiving with zero spills, and Amazon owners like the locking lid.
Skip it if…- You want to sear in the same pot
- You need a timer longer than 12 hours
- You want light, easy-to-pour crock handles
Good for- Potlucks and tailgates (clip-down lid)
- Cooking roasts to a set temperature
- Most families wanting one good all-rounder
Scores (tap for why)
- Even cooking4.0
Why 4.0?
Best results in Wirecutter's tests and good results at Food & Wine and Food Network, but it overcooked beans at Serious Eats, and Amazon owners are mixed on temperature. - Settings & timer4.5
Why 4.5?
Programmable timer, manual mode, a probe that switches to warm, and start and finish alerts. The timer tops out at 12 hours. - Easy cleaning3.5
Why 3.5?
The stoneware crock and lid are dishwasher-safe, but the crock is heavy and its small handles make pouring awkward. - Lid seal & portability4.5
Why 4.5?
Every tester who checked praised the clip-down gasket lid for spill-free transport. Wirecutter notes its locks are less hefty than Crock-Pot's. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
A low 1-2 star share (5%), but Amazon owners name durability as a concern (crocks breaking). 1-year warranty.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick (updated March 2025): the best pot roast and properly cooked beans, with a probe and locking lid; flaws are small crock handles, a short probe and lighter-duty locks than Crock-Pot's.
- The Spruce Eats: Best overall (August 2026): great value, temperature control and latching lid; cons are weight and a crock that isn't stovetop-safe.
- Serious Eats: Not recommended (November 2025): it ran hot, with the edges bubbling and beans turning mushy.
#2
GreenPan
$$$Multi-function6 qtScore 3.8/5
7%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (about 511 ratings), shared across color listings of the 14-in-1 version.Serious Eats' best slow cooker: it held a steady 195-205°F, browned meat in the pot, cleaned up easily and stayed cool outside. It's expensive and large, testers found the control panel confusing, and it has few Amazon ratings so far.
Top complaints
- Confusing control panelVery common
Food & Wine needed the manual to set it up and found switching between time and temperature unintuitive. Serious Eats says extra modes are hidden under the slow cook button.
- Pricey and largeVery common
Serious Eats says it was one of the largest and most expensive models tested. Amazon owners are divided on value, and some find it too big.
- Some say it doesn't get hot enoughMentioned often
Amazon's review summary calls heat control mixed: some owners say it heats quickly, while others say it doesn't get hot enough.
What owners love
- Steady, gentle heat
Serious Eats measured a consistent 195-205°F for six hours without boiling at the edges; beans and pulled pork came out just right. Food & Wine's short ribs had almost no dry pieces.
- Sears in the pot
The metal insert browns and sautés well (Serious Eats, The Spruce Eats). Amazon owners like searing and sautéing in the same pot.
- Easy cleanup, cool exterior
A light insert with silicone handles; nothing stuck in Food & Wine's tests. Serious Eats measured an outside peak of 98°F.
Skip it if…- You want simple, obvious controls
- You're on a budget
- Counter space is tight
Good for- Searing and slow cooking in one pot
- Even, gentle cooking
- Kitchens where a cool exterior matters
Scores (tap for why)
- Even cooking4.5
Why 4.5?
The steadiest temperatures in Serious Eats' test and very tender short ribs at Food & Wine. Some Amazon owners say it runs cool. - Settings & timer3.0
Why 3.0?
The most functions here (sear, steam, delay timer, mid-cook time changes), but both expert testers found the controls confusing. - Easy cleaning4.5
Why 4.5?
Nonstick, dishwasher-safe insert; nothing stuck in Food & Wine's tests, and Serious Eats found it easy to clean. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
There's too little owner history to judge (about 511 ratings, 7% 1-2 stars). The coated metal pot is light but, like all nonstick, can scratch (Food & Wine buying guide).
What experts say
- Serious Eats: Best slow cooker (November 2025, 8-in-1 version): steady temperatures, good browning, easy cleanup and a cool exterior; large, pricey, with buried settings.
- Food & Wine: Most versatile (August 2026, 14-in-1 version): excellent results and easy cleanup, but a confusing control panel.
- The Spruce Eats: Former 'best multifunctional' pick: impressively nonstick, easy to clean, with a beautiful sear.
#3
Ninja
$$Multi-function6.5 qtScore 3.2/5
6%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)About 6,780 ratings pooled with the 8.5-qt PossibleCooker Pro (MC1001) and Pro Plus (MC2001).A light, good-looking multicooker with excellent controls that made the best beans at Serious Eats and among the best short ribs at Food & Wine. Its pot sits exposed and gets very hot (140°F outside), and testers saw scorching on the bottom.
Top complaints
- Pot gets very hot to the touchVery common
Serious Eats measured 140°F on the outside because the pot sits on a stand rather than inside a housing. Food & Wine says it gets incredibly hot and wouldn't recommend it to anyone with small children, curious pets or general clumsiness.
- Uneven heat: scorching or underdone porkMentioned often
Food & Wine says the pot bottom ran hot and scorched food that was a pain to scrub off. Serious Eats' pork wasn't shreddable by the end of the cook time.
- Coating chipsMentioned often
Amazon's review summary calls durability mixed, with reports of the protective coating chipping after minimal use. Serious Eats says the nonstick lasts longer if hand-washed.
What owners love
- Great beans and short ribs
Serious Eats' beans were the tastiest of its whole test, and Food & Wine's short ribs were among the best of the bunch.
- Easy, detailed controls
Serious Eats found it easy to adjust time and temperature even mid-program. Amazon owners praise the intuitive controls and versatility (sear, braise, rice, pasta).
- Light, with big handles
Large looped handles make the pot easy to move (Serious Eats), and Food & Wine liked its lightweight design.
Skip it if…- You have small children or pets nearby
- You want a classic insulated crock
- You won't hand-wash a nonstick pot
Good for- Searing, rice and pasta in the same pot
- Cooks who adjust time and heat mid-cook
- Lifting and serving straight from the pot
Scores (tap for why)
- Even cooking3.5
Why 3.5?
Top beans and short ribs, but scorching on the bottom (Food & Wine) and pork not done in time (Serious Eats). - Settings & timer4.5
Why 4.5?
A detailed panel that's easy to adjust mid-cook, with eight functions; Amazon owners call it intuitive. - Easy cleaning3.0
Why 3.0?
Dishwasher-safe pot and lid, though hand-washing is better for the coating; Food & Wine had scorched spots that were a pain to scrub. - Lid seal & portability2.0
Why 2.0?
Light with big handles, but the exposed pot gets very hot (140°F), which makes moving it during or after cooking risky. Testers didn't mention a locking lid. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
6% of ratings are 1-2 stars, but Amazon owners report coating chipping after minimal use.
What experts say
- Serious Eats: Another great multifunctional slow cooker (November 2025): the best beans and great controls, but a 140°F exterior and pork that needed another hour.
- Food & Wine: Strong contender, not a pick: great short ribs and modes, but the exposed pot gets dangerously hot and the bottom scorched.
#4
Crock-Pot
$$Programmable6 qtScore 3.3/5
6%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)About 35,200 ratings pooled with the 7-qt Cook & Carry and Design Series programmable listings. This listing is model CPSCVC60LL-S; Food Network names SCCPVL610-S.A classic Crock-Pot with the sturdiest locking lid for carrying food and a digital timer. Experts disagree sharply on heat: Food Network found it safe and tender, while Serious Eats and Wirecutter found it ran hot, and Serious Eats measured a 190°F exterior.
Top complaints
- Runs hotVery common
Serious Eats got overcooked, mushy beans, and Wirecutter says all the Crock-Pots it tested cooked hot on low and finished early. Amazon's summary says heat control is mixed, with some owners saying it gets too hot.
- Hot exterior (disputed)Mentioned often
Serious Eats measured the outside at 190°F, which it called dangerously warm. Food Network found the exterior never exceeded 87°F, one of the coolest it tested.
- Early breakdowns; confusing buttonsMentioned often
Amazon's summary says several owners report units breaking within 20 uses. Food Network found the basic interface confusing to program.
What owners love
- Best lid for travel
Food Network's best portable pick: the sealed lid prevents spills. Wirecutter says Crock-Pot's lid locks are larger and heftier than Hamilton Beach's, and Amazon owners praise the locking lid.
- Tender meat in Food Network's test
It was the runner-up overall for meat tenderness and safety. Amazon owners call it reliable for soups.
- Digital timer
A programmable timer switches to warm when done. Wirecutter calls it a fine basic cooker with a ceramic insert.
Skip it if…- You cook beans or delicate food on low
- You want a probe thermometer
- Kids or pets might touch the outside
Good for- Carrying food to potlucks
- Simple timer cooking
- Fans of the classic Crock-Pot
Scores (tap for why)
- Even cooking2.5
Why 2.5?
Tender meat at Food Network, but overcooked beans at Serious Eats; Wirecutter says Crock-Pots ran hot on low, and Amazon owners are mixed on heat. - Settings & timer3.0
Why 3.0?
Digital timer with auto-warm, but no probe, and Food Network found programming confusing. - Lid seal & portability4.5
Why 4.5?
Hefty lid locks and a sealed lid (Wirecutter, Food Network); the lid lock is a praised Amazon aspect. Serious Eats' hot-exterior reading counts against it. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
6% of ratings are 1-2 stars, but Amazon owners report units breaking within 20 uses.
What experts say
- Food Network: Best portable (August 2026): a sealed lid and a cool exterior; the interface is confusing to program.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Fine basic cooker with a locking lid, but no probe, and Crock-Pots ran hot on low in its tests.
- Serious Eats: Not recommended: it overcooked beans and its exterior reached 190°F.
#5
Cuisinart
$$$Multi-function6 qtScore 3.1/5
11%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)About 6,650 ratings.Food & Wine's best overall: you can brown, steam and slow cook in one easy-to-clean nonstick pot. The lid doesn't lock, the pot is long and bulky, and Amazon owners report the coating flaking, with an 11% 1-2 star share.
Top complaints
- Nonstick coating flakesVery common
Amazon's review summary says durability is a concern because the coating starts to flake, and some owners feel it's too expensive for its lifespan.
- Lid doesn't lock; bulky shapeVery common
Food & Wine says the lid moves loosely and must be tied down for travel, and the cooker takes up a lot of room. The Spruce Eats calls its oblong shape a pain to store.
- Mixed heat resultsMentioned often
Serious Eats found the pork slower to sear and less tender than its winners. Amazon's summary says heat output is mixed, with some owners saying it doesn't get hot enough.
What owners love
- Brown and slow cook in one pot
Food & Wine says the wide, shallow pot gives even heat and room for searing. Amazon owners say the browning works as well as a cast-iron skillet.
- Straightforward controls
Separate time and temperature displays, plus high, low, simmer, brown/sauté, steam and warm settings (Food & Wine). The Spruce Eats says it does all three main jobs well.
- Effortless cleanup
The lid and nonstick pot are dishwasher-safe, and Serious Eats got soft, creamy beans.
Skip it if…- You'll transport food
- Storage space is tight
- You want a coating-free crock that lasts for years
Good for- Browning and slow cooking in one pot
- Beginners who want clear controls
- Easy dishwasher cleanup
Scores (tap for why)
- Even cooking3.5
Why 3.5?
Accurate and consistent for Food & Wine, but less tender pork at Serious Eats and mixed heat reports on Amazon. - Settings & timer4.0
Why 4.0?
Clear separate time and temperature screens and six settings including brown/sauté and steam. - Easy cleaning4.0
Why 4.0?
Dishwasher-safe lid and nonstick pot make cleanup effortless (Food & Wine), though Amazon owners report coating wear. - Lid seal & portability1.5
Why 1.5?
Loose lid with no lock (it must be tied down) and a long, bulky body. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Flaking coating is the main Amazon complaint, and 11% of ratings are 1-2 stars.
What experts say
- Food & Wine: Best overall (August 2026): accurate, consistent and easy to use; it's big and the lid doesn't lock.
- The Spruce Eats: Close runner-up: good at slow cooking, sautéing and steaming, but the oblong shape is hard to store.
- Serious Eats: Not a pick: good beans, but slower searing and less tender pulled pork than the winners.
#6
GreenLife
$$Programmable6 qtScore 2.9/5
11%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)About 6,630 ratings, likely shared across color variants.The Spruce Eats' budget pick: a basic programmable cooker whose ceramic-nonstick pot can also go on the stove or in the oven. Its lid slides around, Food & Wine found it unimpressive, and Amazon owners report coating chipping and weak heat (11% 1-2 stars).
Top complaints
- Coating chips and peelsVery common
Amazon's review summary says durability is a concern because the coating chips and peels, and owners are divided on value.
- Loose lidMentioned often
The Spruce Eats says the lid slides around a lot, so you must secure it for travel and make sure it seals before long cooks to avoid scorching.
- Basic, and sometimes not hot enoughMentioned often
Food & Wine calls it a very basic model with no rice or sear settings. Amazon's summary says some owners find it doesn't get hot enough. The Spruce Eats also notes a large footprint.
What owners love
- Stovetop- and oven-safe pot
Both The Spruce Eats and Food & Wine liked that the insert can be used on the stove; The Spruce Eats says it's oven-safe too and free of PFAS.
- Does the basics well
The Spruce Eats' pot roast shredded after about 6 hours on low. Amazon owners say it cooks food perfectly.
- Easy to clean and use
Amazon owners say the bowl is easy to remove and clean; Food & Wine found the controls simple enough for a beginner.
Skip it if…- You'll carry it full of food
- You want a long-lasting coating
- You want presets like rice or sear
Good for- Searing on the stove in the same pot
- Simple programmable cooking
- Choosing from several colors
Scores (tap for why)
- Even cooking3.5
Why 3.5?
Good basic results at The Spruce Eats; Amazon owners are mixed, and some say it doesn't get hot enough. - Settings & timer3.0
Why 3.0?
Three temperatures and a timer on a basic LCD; easy to use, but no presets. - Easy cleaning4.0
Why 4.0?
Nonstick, dishwasher-safe insert that Amazon owners find easy to remove and clean. - Lid seal & portability1.5
Why 1.5?
The lid slides around and must be secured for transport (The Spruce Eats). - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Chipping and peeling coating is the main Amazon complaint; 11% of ratings are 1-2 stars.
What experts say
- The Spruce Eats: Best budget (August 2026): good slow cooking and a stovetop-safe pot; basic functions, a large footprint and a lid that doesn't fit firmly.
- Food & Wine: Strong contender, not a pick: handy stovetop-safe pot and easy controls, but very basic.
#7
Crock-Pot
$$Programmable8 qtScore 2.8/5
9%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)About 18,600 ratings. The Amazon page did not show a model number; the model is Food Network's.The large-capacity pick at Food Network, Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats, praised for steady heat and very tender meat. Its lid fits loosely, it's big and heavy, and Amazon owners report units dying or crocks cracking within a year.
Top complaints
- Stops working or the crock cracksVery common
Amazon's review summary calls reliability and durability mixed, with some owners saying it stopped working and the pot cracked within a year.
- Big, heavy and hard to storeVery common
Food Network, Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats all note the large footprint. The Spruce Eats couldn't fit the heavy crock in its dishwasher and warns ceramic can crack if dropped.
- Loose lid and boil-oversMentioned often
Food & Wine found the lid didn't fit snugly. It rattled at a vigorous simmer and bubbled over messily during home testing.
What owners love
- Steady heat, tender meat
The Spruce Eats says it held temperature remarkably steady on both high and low. Food & Wine noticed no hot spots and called its short ribs 'buttery'.
- Feeds a crowd for little money
Food & Wine says it can feed 10+ people and is one of the cheapest cookers it tested; Amazon owners like the size for roasts and family meals.
- Simple digital timer with auto-warm
The timer runs up to 20 hours and switches to warm when done (The Spruce Eats, Food Network).
Skip it if…- You need to transport food
- Counter or dishwasher space is tight
- You want sear or extra modes
Good for- Families of 8-10+ or big batches
- Parties and meal prep
- Simple timer-and-warm cooking
Scores (tap for why)
- Even cooking4.0
Why 4.0?
Steady temperature and no hot spots in two expert tests, with very tender short ribs. - Settings & timer3.0
Why 3.0?
Easy digital timer (up to 20 hours) with auto-warm, but only high, low and warm. - Easy cleaning3.0
Why 3.0?
Little scrubbing needed and dishwasher-safe, but the heavy 8-qt crock didn't fit in The Spruce Eats' dishwasher. - Lid seal & portability1.5
Why 1.5?
Loose, rattling lid with boil-overs (Food & Wine); Food Network lists it as not portable. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Amazon owners report units dying and crocks cracking within a year; 9% of ratings are 1-2 stars.
What experts say
- Food & Wine: Best large-capacity (August 2026): among the best short ribs with no hot spots; only basic settings and a lid that doesn't fit snugly.
- The Spruce Eats: Best large-capacity (August 2026), its favorite of eight Crock-Pots tested: consistent heat; basic functions only, bulky and heavy.
- Food Network: Best large-capacity (August 2026): easy digital interface; large countertop footprint.
#8
Crock-Pot
$Manual7 qtScore 2.6/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)About 62,600 ratings pooled across Crock-Pot manual cooker sizes and colors (including Design Series versions).The cheapest big slow cooker here and Food Network's budget pick: a dial, a stoneware crock and room for a 7-lb roast. It has no timer, no auto shut-off and no locking lid, and some owners report crocks cracking.
Top complaints
- No timer or auto shut-offVery common
Food Network calls it a very basic model with just a High/Low/Warm dial and notes it has no automatic shut-off. Wirecutter says a programmable timer is worth the small extra cost.
- Crocks cracking or breakingMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says owners report durability issues, with multiple units cracking or breaking within a month of use.
- Not built for travelMentioned often
Food Network lists it as not portable; it has no locking lid.
What owners love
- Tender results at a low price
Food Network made especially tender beef paprikash in it. Amazon owners say it heats evenly and is perfect for pot roasts.
- Big 7-quart capacity
Fits a roast of about 7 lb and serves a family; Amazon owners find the size useful for family meals.
- Easy cleanup
Amazon owners say the removable stoneware insert makes cleanup easy.
Skip it if…- You want it to switch to warm on its own
- You'll carry food to potlucks
- You want a sear function
Good for- Tight budgets
- Cooks who are home to switch it off
- Large roasts and family meals
Scores (tap for why)
- Even cooking3.5
Why 3.5?
Tender paprikash at Food Network and even heating per Amazon owners. Wirecutter found all the Crock-Pots it tested ran hot on low, though it didn't test this model. - Settings & timer1.5
Why 1.5?
Dial only (High/Low/Warm): no timer and no automatic shut-off. - Easy cleaning3.5
Why 3.5?
Amazon owners say the removable stoneware makes cleanup easy; there's no expert cleaning test. - Lid seal & portability1.5
Why 1.5?
Food Network lists it as not portable, with no locking lid. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
A low 1-2 star share (5%) on a huge pooled listing, but Amazon owners report crocks cracking.
What experts say
- Food Network: Best budget (August 2026): very affordable with a simple dial and large capacity; very basic, with no automatic shut-off.