(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 crock
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 hot
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 breaking
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.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Food & Wine - 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).
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Food Network - 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.
- You want to sear in the same pot
- You need a timer longer than 12 hours
- You want light, easy-to-pour crock handles
- Potlucks and tailgates (clip-down lid)
- Cooking roasts to a set temperature
- Most families wanting one good all-rounder
Scores (tap for why)
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.