Best Slow Cooker Reviews UK 2023 – Which One Tops the List?

Last Updated On December 27th, 2021

A slow cooker, colloquially known as a crock pot, is a kitchen appliance that uses the method of slow-boiling food to easily create a variety of meals that is good for your health. Simmering at such low temperatures extracts flavours from meats and vegetables over a longer period, without resulting in burning. Therefore, it is one of those useful tools which enable you to simply set it and forget it and enjoy a delicious meal with little effort. The best slow cooker allows you to serve less expensive cuts of meat that may be tough to chew, reduce the chances of burning your dinner, as well as help free up your stovetop or induction hob in the process. But which slow cooker is good for you?

In this article, we take a look at our top 10 slow cooker reviews so you can decide for yourself.

Slow Cookers Compared

Editor's Choice

Best for Small Families

Best with Removable Pot

Shatterproof Option

Crock-Pot CSC026

Morphy Richards 460016

Swan 3.5L

Morphy Richards 461020

Bowl Material

DuraCeramic

Non-stick coated

Ceramic

Aluminium

Capacity

5 L

3.5 L

3.5 L

6.5 L

Timer

Check Price

Check Price

Check Price

Check Price

Editor's Choice

Crock-Pot CSC026

Bowl Material

DuraCeramic

Capacity

5 L

Timer

Check Price

Best for Small Families

Morphy Richards 460016

Bowl Material

Non-stick coated

Capacity

3.5 L

Timer

Check Price

Best with Removable Pot

Swan 3.5L

Bowl Material

Ceramic

Capacity

3.5 L

Timer

Check Price

Shatterproof Option

Morphy Richards 461020

Bowl Material

Aluminium

Capacity

6.5 L

Timer

Check Price

Top 10 Best Slow Cooker Reviews

1. Crock-Pot CSC026 (Editor’s Choice)

If you’re looking for a classic style slow cooker with some modern twists, the Crock-Pot CSC026 is a great choice. This slow cooker offers all the benefits of a traditional slow cooking appliance, with some handy extra features thrown in.

Features

For example, if you like to prepare lots of meat dishes, you will find the die-cast aluminium removable pot very useful. This enables you to pre-sear the meat on the hob first, without having to use any extra pans. The pot and lid are also oven-safe, so you can easily transfer your meal to the oven for an extra boost if required.

Furthermore, this slow cooker features an auto ‘keep-warm’ function, which ensures that once your food has been cooked, it’s still kept warm, so you don’t have to rush back if you get caught up with friends or at work. The non-stick Duraceramic bonding makes it quick to clean, but it’s not dishwasher friendly, which may be a dealbreaker for you if you hate washing up.

With a 5L capacity, it’s ideal if you have a family to feed, or for those occasions when you’re having friends over for a dinner party. Moreover, thanks to its LED timer – there’s no need to keep an eye on it once you set the cooking time. You can relax while you know your food is being well cooked. However, some users found this timer wasn’t very durable and broke easily.

2. Morphy Richards 460016 (Best for Small Families)

Tired of preparing meals after a long day at work? The Morphy Richards Sear and Stew Slow Cooker could be the answer!

Features

Perfect for busy households, this elegant slow cooker can create a delicious range of healthy meals with little to no fuss. The Morphy Richards 3.5L slow cooker features a non-stick pot that can also be used to sear meat before leaving it to cook and tenderise over several hours. This means you can cook a meal from start to finish in just one pot, saving you from additional washing up.

Lightweight and shatterproof, it can serve between 3-4 people, making it ideal for couples or small families. This cooking essential is also simple to use with a choice of three temperature settings. Just load your ingredients, select your cooking setting, and get on with your day.

In addition, the toughened glass lid allows you to keep an eye on cooking progress without having to lift the cover and let the heat out. Once you have enjoyed your meal, the pot can be placed in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.

On the downside, it doesn’t include a built-in timer. It is also worth noting that the searing pot is not compatible with induction hobs, which may or may not be a dealbreaker for you.

3. Swan 3.5 Litre Oval (Best with Removable Pot)

Offering an attractive design, this 3.5-litre slow cooker by Swan is a funky, yet functional choice to liven up your home. With variable heat control, you can easily prepare a large variety of warming meals, without having to slave over multiple pots and pans.

Features

In line with other slow cookers we have seen, the Swan 3.5L offers a convenient keep-warm setting, so you don’t need to rush home when dinner is ready. Also, if you prefer tender meat dishes, the shape is well-suited for joints, with lots of room for your accompanying vegetables to stew in the juices.

On the downside, there’s no timer, so you’ll have to use your phone alarm or similar to notify you when the time is up. The toughened glass lid makes it really easy to check on progress without letting all the heat escape. But some people felt that the lid could’ve fitted more closely and didn’t create a perfect seal, which extended slow cooking times.

4. Morphy Richards 461020 (Shatterproof Option)

The Morphy Richards 461020 slow cooker is a good choice if you are searching for a day-to-day appliance that can prepare healthy meals for the whole family. Able to cook everything from curries and casseroles to meat joints, the large 6.5L capacity means there will be plenty of food for everyone, and maybe even some left for your lunch the next day.

Features

Like many other slow cookers, this model features a removable pot for effortless table serving, which is a nice way to gather your family together for quality time. The hinged lid offers convenience and minimises mess. And thanks to the glass lid, you can monitor the cooking progress without having to raise the lid.

Three heat settings are provided for slow cooking flexibility, but unfortunately, there is no built-in timer. Hence, you will have to monitor the food yourself or buy a timer separately. Both the pot and the lid are dishwasher proof. However, the lid may not be heat-resistant, so remember not to touch it while cooking.

5. Russell Hobbs 24180 (Best with Chalkboard)

Who said slow cooking couldn’t be fun? The Russell Hobbs 24180 chalkboard slow cooker comes with everything you need to cook a delicious meal and keep track of your recipe. This slow cooker – complete with chalk included, is great for all kinds of meals, including stews, soups, and casseroles. The generous capacity should be more than enough for the whole family.

Features

The Russell Hobbs slow cooker has everything you could ask for from a creative cooking device. You get a 3.5 litre capacity with plenty of space for cooking a wide range of family meals. Plus, there’s a removable ceramic pot and a unique chalkboard casing.

Not only does the chalkboard look fantastic with its matte finish, but you also get the option to write important information and tips on the side of your meal system as your food cooks. You can have fun and simplify the cooking process at the same time. The Russell Hobbs comes with three settings to choose from, a tempered glass lid, and cool-touch handles for safety.

6. Crock-Pot CSC031 (Best with a Hinged Lid)

If you like to have big gatherings of friends or family, the Crock-Pot CSC031 could be a great option. Offering a 5.7-litre capacity, it can contain enough food to dish out 6 servings. It is perfect when you have more many mouths to feed.

Features

Thanks to its oven friendly parts, your culinary choices are not limited, so you can choose from a wide variety of dishes to impress your guests. If you get caught up in conversation, the automatic keep-warm feature and removable pot ensure your meal won’t go cold if you end up eating later than planned.

Once you’re ready to eat, the hinged lid makes the contents easier to serve, without any mess on the countertop, however, food can get into the hinges. This is compounded by the fact that this slow cooker isn’t dishwasher friendly, so you’ll have to clean up by hand once your guests have left.

7. Andrew James 6.5 Litres (Best Large)

If you need to prepare meals for a big family, the Andrew James could be the best crock pot for you. Offering an impressive 6.5-litre capacity, this slow cooker is large enough to accommodate plenty of food for everyone, in only 1 pot.

Features

Once your meal is ready, the ceramic bowl can be removed and carried to the dinner table, where your whole family can dish up as much as they like. There’s no timer function, so you’ll have to manually check your cooking time and food. However, a strong tempered glass lid means you can check the progress without having to let heat escape.

Three heat settings enable you to prepare a wide variety of dishes, from stews and casseroles to desserts; which is useful if you have a busy lifestyle and prefer to ‘set it and forget it’. However, this slow cooker isn’t dishwasher compatible, so you will have to put the work in when it comes to washing up.

If you are watching your bills, it is also an economical choice. Using only 320W, this slow cooker consumes much less electricity, so you can enjoy daily use without worrying about energy costs.

8. Breville VTP169 Compact (Best One-Person Pot)

If you live alone, this compact slow cooker by Breville is an excellent choice for simple home-cooked meals.

Features

Featuring a 1.5-litre capacity, this slow cooker is great for students or single people with limited kitchen or storage space. It is suitable for cooking a variety of dishes, from curries and wholesome stews to delicious desserts.

What’s great about the Breville VTP169 is that it is easy to use, even for complete beginners. With three simple heat settings to choose from, you only need to set the temperature and leave it to cook for up to 10 hours. On top of that, the removable ceramic bowl makes serving at the table easy. The polished stainless steel outer will look stylish on your counter as well.

It’s worth noting, however, that using this slow cooker may require a bit of trial and error and first, as the lowest heat setting may be too high for some recipes. In addition, this model doesn’t include a timer. But after some practice, you’ll be able to enjoy hassle-free cooking while getting on with your day. Once you have enjoyed your dinner, simply place the lid and bowl in the dishwasher for effortless cleanup.

The only real negative point of this model is the seal around the lid. Many users have complained that it doesn’t fit tightly enough. Hence, the condensation may leak down the sides and onto the worktop. This is frustrating but can be easily resolved by placing a folded tea towel under the unit.

9. Prestige PRE-46877 (Best with LCD)

If you are part of a busy small family, the Prestige offers an easy to use solution to home cooking. The 3.5L capacity is big enough for up to 4 people, and the inclusion of a digital programmable timer means you can simply set the cooking time and get on with your day, without having to worry about burning your evening meal. The timer can be set from as little as 30 minutes to a maximum of 20 hours, but some users found the display difficult to read.

Features

Once the timer ends, it will automatically switch to a keep warm setting; so even if you get caught in traffic, your meal should be warm and ready for you once you get in the door. Having said that, a few people found that the temperature inside can be uneven, meaning that bigger meals come out slightly undercooked on some sides.

The internal wipe-clean ceramic pot is also removable, making it easy for you to transport your dinner from the kitchen to the dining table, as well as clean up after your meal. However, you may need to be wary of the handle on the glass lid, as many users reported this was prone to coming off fairly easily.

10. Crock-Pot Lift & Serve (Best with Timer)

Another worthy contender for the best slow cooker is the Lift & Serve Digital Slow Cooker by Crock-Pot. Oven-safe and with three heat settings, this kitchen tool offers a great way to create delicious and wholesome meals with little effort.

Features

Featuring a 3.5-litre capacity which is perfect for smaller households, this slow cooker also boasts a removable inner ceramic bowl for easy serving at the table.

The hinged lid prevents condensation marks on the countertop and makes stirring your ingredients easy. There’s also a built-in digital timer that can be set from 30-minutes to as long as 20 hours for ultimate flexibility. Furthermore, once your food is ready, the clever keep warm feature will ensure your dinner won’t go cold, even if you’re running late.

Both the bowl and lid are dishwasher safe for simple cleaning. This model also comes complete with a recipe book and user guide – great if you’re new to slow cookers.

However, there are a few negative points to keep in mind. The digital display isn’t particularly bright, which may be a problem if you struggle with your eyesight. Furthermore, the circular shape of the bowl prevents you from cooking whole birds and the seal on the lid wasn’t as tight as we expected.

Overall, the Crock-Pot Lift & Serve is a fantastic choice if you have a busy lifestyle and would like to cook healthy meals without the hassle.

What Is a Slow Cooker?

The modern slow cooker hasn’t changed much in its design since it was popularised in the 1970s. Most have an oval pot and a lid which are made out of ceramic, porcelain or glass. An electric heating element heats up the pot in a controlled manner, so you can leave it running and get on with your day.

These appliances are a fantastic way to cook wholesome, warming meals that are good for your health without slaving in the kitchen all day and creating lots of washing up. Furthermore, they retain more nutrients from the ingredients, as everything is all cooked together and the juices are generally not drained away after slow cooking.

Overall, slow cookers offer a good way of cooking nutritious meals without the hassle.

Distinguishing a Slow Cooker from Similar Appliances

The design of a slow cooker is certainly akin to other appliances. But even though they may look alike, before you buy, it is important to understand that they have different mechanisms.

Slow Cooker vs Pressure Cooker

Pressure cookers can quickly steam foods the same way a food steamer does. Food items are thoroughly cooked, with the ingredients sealed within the pressure cooker capable of being cooked within minutes. Unlike a slow cooker, a pressure pan is better for those with more culinary skills, as they tend to be more difficult to use to get the end results just right.

This is because you simply cannot remove the lid in a pressure pan while it’s still on the stove, which bars you from the visual cues that your food is thoroughly cooked and ready to be consumed. That said, some newer models of slow cookers also combine capabilities from pressure cookers, making for a multi-functional appliance.

On the other hand, a slow cooker is much safer and easier to use than a pressure pot. Even though it will not cook as fast as a pressure pan, the slow simmering function extracts the natural flavours from the ingredients, making for a really tasty meal with little effort. They’re also convenient to use since all you need to do is mix in your ingredients and set it aside for several hours. Cheaper cuts of meat are tenderised to a greater degree when slow-cooked, too.

Slow Cooker vs Rice Cooker

Slow cookers can also appear similar to a rice cooker, but these employ a different type of technology. While slow cookers are designed to simmer your dish over the extent of several hours, rice cookers are designed to boil rice. Most of the dishes that you want to prepare in a slow cooker are therefore not compatible with a rice cooker.

What to Consider When Buying a Slow Cooker

Slow cookers save time, money, and give you the option of creating more dishes that are good for your health because it has less fat. However, there are many features and factors that you need to consider before you buy a new slow cooker.

If you’ve already decided that you want to jump the bandwagon and buy it for yourself, here are some things to think about in your search.

Material

As mentioned, ceramic and porcelain generally make up the body of the slow cooker pot. These materials dissipate heat evenly and reduce the likelihood of any hot spots which can contribute to unevenly cooked food. Regardless, if it is made from ceramic, metal, or porcelain, slow cookers are designed to be efficient. Therefore, which material you choose is up to your personal preference.

The material of the lid is also important. When using a slow cooker, you do not want to raise the lid because the steam, and heat will get out. Look for a ceramic lid or better yet, a glass cover that allows you to visually monitor your food without disrupting progress.

Ease Of Cleaning

Whichever material you prefer, make sure that the pot is easily removable from the body for quick cleaning. If fused to the cooker’s chassis, then you will have a difficult time cleaning once you are done using it. Furthermore, many slow cookers feature dishwasher-safe parts, which is certainly beneficial unless you particularly enjoy washing up.

Efficiency

Consider the placement of the heating element in the machine. Most crackpots only have a heating component at the bottom. Even though they are great for most liquid-based recipes, those that distribute heat along the bottom and sides of the pot will ensure safe and even preparation of dishes, especially ones which involve meat joints.

Conclusion

Each of the options in our slow cooker reviews would undoubtedly make great choices, but if we had to choose our favourite, it would have to be the Crock-Pot CSC026.

We were really impressed by the option to sear meat on the hob first, without having to use another pan. We also liked how it is oven-safe, so you have even greater flexibility with your meal options. The keep-warm setting is an added bonus, which when combined with the digital LED timer, certainly makes for a stress-free cooking experience.

Last but not least, we like how the 5L capacity is generous enough to accommodate large gatherings, but still remains easy to clean when all your friends have gone home.

Overall, we think the Crock-Pot CSC026 just has to be the best slow cooker the UK market has to offer.

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