ConsFirst / Slow cookers

GreenPan

GreenPan Elite 6-Quart Slow Cooker: the downsides first

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#2 of 8
$$$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 panel

    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.

    Source: Food & Wine, Serious Eats
  • Pricey and large

    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.

    Source: Serious Eats, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Some say it doesn't get hot enough

    Amazon's review summary calls heat control mixed: some owners say it heats quickly, while others say it doesn't get hot enough.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say)

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.

    Source: Serious Eats, Food & Wine
  • 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.

    Source: Serious Eats, The Spruce Eats, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • 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.

    Source: Food & Wine, Serious Eats
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.
    Source: Serious Eats, Food & Wine, Amazon.com product page
  • 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.
    Source: Food & Wine, Serious Eats
  • 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.
    Source: Food & Wine, Serious Eats
  • 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).
    Source: Amazon.com product page, Food & Wine

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.
Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked slow cookers whose biggest complaint is something else.

#1 in slow cookersHamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Programmable Slow Cooker

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.

Its catch: small handles, short probe, heavy crock#3 in slow cookersNinja Everyday PossibleCooker Pro, 6.5 Qt

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.

Its catch: pot gets very hot to the touch#4 in slow cookersCrock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker

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.

Its catch: runs hot

Head-to-head

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