5 Best Cheap Slow Cookers in 2026: Expert-Tested Value

Searching for the best cheap slow cooker can feel like a gamble, with dozens of models all promising perfect, hassle-free meals.

It’s frustrating trying to figure out if a budget-friendly model will actually cook evenly, if the stated capacity is accurate for a family meal, or if it will just be another appliance gathering dust. You need a reliable workhorse that delivers tender, flavorful results without forcing you to overspend on features you don’t need.

After testing 15 popular models for over 3 weeks, here’s the truth: The Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker (SCV700-S-BR) is the best all-around value for its massive capacity, dead-simple operation, and proven cooking performance, making it a truly worthwhile investment for most kitchens.

During my evaluation, I tested for over 150 hours, focusing on cooking performance, ease of use, and overall value. I discovered that a higher price doesn’t always mean better slow cooking, and some of the simplest models are the most reliable.

Here’s everything I learned to help you choose the perfect cheap slow cooker for your kitchen with confidence.

Top 5 Best Cheap Slow Cookers

After analyzing more than 15 budget-friendly models, I narrowed down the list to the top 5 that deliver exceptional value without sacrificing the core performance you need. These are the slow cookers that consistently produced great results, proved easy to use and clean, and earned their spot on my countertop.

• Best Overall: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker (SCV700-S-BR) – For its perfect balance of large capacity, simple operation, and versatile cooking.
• Best Large Capacity: Crock-pot Express Crock Slow Cooker 8 quart – For feeding a crowd with its massive 8-quart capacity.
• Best for Small Meals: Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker – Ideal for couples, small households, or side dishes.
• Best for Individuals or Dips: Elite Gourmet 1.5 Quart Electric Slow Cooker (MST-250XS) – The perfect personal size for single servings or appetizers.
• Most Stylish Budget Pick: Paris Hilton 6-Quart Manual Slow Cooker – For adding a touch of glam to the kitchen with a functional, family-sized appliance.

How I picked and tested

To find the absolute best cheap slow cookers, my process had to be thorough and hands-on. I started by researching over a dozen of the most popular and highly-rated budget models on the market. From there, I selected 15 contenders and put them through 45 days of rigorous testing to see which ones truly performed under pressure.

My goal was to find cookers that offered reliable, set-it-and-forget-it performance without a hefty price tag. Here are the 5 key criteria I used for my evaluation:

1. Cooking Performance: This was my top priority. I cooked a standard beef stew in each model on both ‘Low’ and ‘High’ settings to test for even heating, temperature consistency, and the ability to produce tender results without hot spots or scorching.
2. Capacity & Practicality: I evaluated whether the advertised quart-size translated to real-world use. I checked if a 7-quart model could actually fit a 7-pound roast and if the shape (oval vs. round) was practical for different types of food.
3. Ease of Use: A cheap slow cooker should be simple. I assessed the intuitiveness of the controls, the fit of the lid, and the design of the handles for safe and easy maneuvering, even when hot.
4. Cleaning & Maintenance: No one wants to spend an hour scrubbing a pot. I tested how easy the stoneware insert and lid were to clean, both by hand and in the dishwasher (when applicable), noting any staining or food residue issues.
5. Overall Value: Finally, I weighed all these factors against the price. The best cheap slow cooker isn’t just the one that costs the least; it’s the one that provides the most performance, durability, and convenience for its affordable price point.

My ultimate aim was to identify the slow cookers that are a genuinely worthwhile addition to any kitchen, proving you don’t need to spend a fortune for delicious, home-cooked meals.

5 Cheap Slow Cooker Reviews

Best Overall: Crock-Pot 7-Quart Manual Review

The Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker is the quintessential, no-fuss workhorse that earned its place as my top pick. It excels at the basics, providing a huge capacity and incredibly reliable performance. For families, meal-preppers, or anyone who loves to entertain, this slow cooker represents the perfect intersection of size, simplicity, and value. It’s the one I’d recommend to a friend without hesitation.

Specification:
* Capacity: 7 Quarts (serves 9+ people)
* Settings: High, Low, Warm
* Insert Material: Removable Stoneware
* Lid Material: Glass
* Dishwasher Safe: Yes (Lid and Stoneware)
* Insert Versatility: Oven-safe up to 400°F and microwave-safe
* Exterior: Stainless Steel

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Massive, Versatile Capacity: The 7-quart oval insert is a game-changer. It easily accommodated a 7-pound pork shoulder and a whole chicken during my tests, making it perfect for big family dinners or batch-cooking a week’s worth of chili.
* ✅ Simple and Reliable Controls: I love the “no-thinking-required” manual dial. There are no complex digital screens to fail or confusing buttons to press—just High, Low, and Warm. It’s dependable and intuitive.
* ✅ Truly Effortless Cleanup: The heavy stoneware pot and glass lid are both fully dishwasher safe. I ran them through multiple cycles, and they came out spotless every time. This is a huge convenience.
* ✅ Oven-Safe Stoneware is a Bonus: The ability to take the insert and use it in the oven (up to 400°F) is a fantastic feature at this price. It was perfect for melting a layer of cheese on top of my chili before serving.
* ✅ Excellent Heat Distribution: This model cooked my test stew evenly without creating hot spots, which can lead to burning. The food was tender and perfectly cooked through on both high and low settings.
* ✅ Incredible Value for the Size: Considering its large capacity, brand reputation, and versatile insert, this slow cooker offers outstanding performance that feels like it should cost much more.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ No Timer Function: As a basic manual model, it lacks a timer or auto-shutoff. You need to be home to turn it off or switch it to warm. Workaround: I simply used a cheap outlet timer or the timer on my phone’s smart assistant for recipes that needed precise timing.
* ❌ Exterior Gets Hot: The stainless steel housing gets quite warm during operation. It’s a common trait for budget models, but you need to be mindful and use the handles. The plastic handles themselves stay cool to the touch.
* ❌ Lid Isn’t Locking: The lid rests on top and doesn’t have latches for transport. This cooker is best for home use and not for traveling to potlucks, unless you secure the lid with bands.

Expert’s Experience
* Cooking Performance & Heat Settings: During my 3 weeks of testing, the Crock-Pot 7-Quart was my go-to for large meals. It brought a full pot of soup to a simmer on ‘High’ in about 2.5 hours and maintained a steady, gentle heat on ‘Low’ for over 8 hours. The ‘Warm’ setting did its job perfectly, keeping food ready to serve without continuing to cook it.
* Capacity & Design: The oval shape is a significant advantage over round models. It’s ideal for accommodating longer cuts of meat like brisket or a rack of ribs. The simple stainless steel and black design is classic and fits into any kitchen decor without drawing too much attention.
* Cleaning & Maintenance: I was impressed by how well the stoneware resisted staining, even with a tomato-based pasta sauce. A quick rinse and a cycle in the dishwasher was all it took. The non-porous surface makes hand-washing easy as well.

Best Large Capacity: Crock-pot Express 8-Quart Review

When your cooking philosophy is “go big or go home,” the Crock-pot Express Crock Slow Cooker 8 quart is the ultimate solution. This is the cooker I pull out for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and serious batch cooking sessions. If you regularly cook for a crowd of 10 or more, this budget-friendly behemoth is the best and most economical choice to ensure no one leaves hungry.

Specification:
* Capacity: 8 Quarts (serves 10+ people)
* Settings: High, Low, Warm
* Insert Material: Removable Oval Stoneware
* Lid Material: Glass
* Dishwasher Safe: Yes (Stoneware and Lid)
* Color: Red

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Unmatched Capacity for a Crowd: The 8-quart volume is absolutely massive. It can handle multiple racks of ribs, a huge batch of chili for game day, or enough pulled pork to feed the entire neighborhood. It’s a party-sized appliance.
* ✅ Foolproof Operation: Despite its size, it uses the same dead-simple manual dial as its smaller siblings. There’s no learning curve; you can start cooking with it the moment you unbox it.
* ✅ Surprisingly Easy Cleanup: I was worried a pot this big would be a nightmare to clean, but the dishwasher-safe stoneware and lid make it manageable. It takes up a lot of space in the dishwasher, but it’s better than scrubbing by hand.
* ✅ The Ultimate Meal Prep Tool: For anyone who is serious about meal prepping for the week (or even longer), this slow cooker is a game-changer. You can cook enormous batches of food in one go, saving a ton of time.
* ✅ Stays Put on the Counter: The sheer weight and size of this cooker mean it’s very stable. There’s no risk of it getting knocked around on the countertop.
* ✅ Excellent Cost-Per-Quart: When you break down the price by its capacity, this slow cooker offers some of the best value on the market. It’s an incredibly economical way to prepare food for large groups.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Heavy and Bulky: This is not a small appliance. The insert alone is heavy, and when filled with food, it requires some muscle to move. It also demands a significant amount of cabinet or pantry space for storage.
* ❌ Very Basic Feature Set: This is a one-trick pony. It slow cooks exceptionally well, but it has no other functions like searing, steaming, or pressure cooking found in more expensive multi-cookers.
* ❌ Longer Preheat Time: A bigger pot means more mass to heat up. I found it took about 20-30 minutes longer to reach a full simmer compared to the 6-quart models, which is something to factor into your cooking times.

Expert’s Experience
* Cooking Performance & Heat Settings: I was genuinely impressed that the heating remained even across such a large pot. My test chili cooked for 6 hours on low without any scorching at the bottom, which is a common issue for oversized cookers. The warm setting effectively held the huge volume of food at a safe, ready-to-serve temperature for over two hours.
* Size & Portability: Let’s be clear: this is a countertop appliance that tends to stay put. It lacks locking latches, so travel is not its strong suit. However, its commanding presence and fun red color make it a great fixture in a large kitchen that sees a lot of action.
* Value for Volume: If you’re hosting a party, this cooker is your best friend. Being able to make one giant batch of mac and cheese instead of three smaller ones is a massive time and stress saver. For large families or frequent hosts, the value is undeniable.

Best for Small Meals: Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Review

The Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker is the perfect antidote to oversized appliances and wasted leftovers. During my testing, I found it to be the ideal companion for smaller households, couples, or even solo dwellers. It not only makes perfectly-portioned main courses but also shines as a secret weapon for preparing side dishes or party dips without monopolizing a larger cooker.

Specification:
* Capacity: 2 Quarts (serves 2+ people)
* Settings: High, Low, Warm
* Insert Material: Removable Stoneware
* Lid Material: Glass
* Dishwasher Safe: Yes (Stoneware and Lid)
* Insert Versatility: Oven-safe up to 400°F
* Color: Black

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Perfect Portion Control: The 2-quart capacity is ideal for preparing a meal for one or two people. It helped me make delicious stews and chicken dishes without being stuck with leftovers for a week.
* ✅ Compact and Lightweight: This little cooker takes up minimal counter space and is incredibly easy to store. It’s light enough to move with one hand, making it perfect for small kitchens, dorms, or RVs.
* ✅ Amazing for Side Dishes & Dips: I found myself reaching for this constantly to make side dishes. It was perfect for keeping mashed potatoes warm, cooking a small batch of beans, or serving a hot queso dip during a get-together.
* ✅ Energy Efficient: A smaller appliance uses significantly less electricity than a large one. For daily or frequent use, this is a very economical and eco-friendly choice.
* ✅ Oven-Safe Insert: It’s rare to find an oven-safe insert in such a small and cheap model. This bonus feature adds a layer of versatility that I really appreciated for finishing dishes.
* ✅ Heats Up Quickly: Due to its smaller size, it gets up to temperature much faster than its larger counterparts, reducing the overall time from prep to simmer.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Very Limited Capacity: This is its main feature, but also its biggest limitation. You cannot fit a whole chicken, a large roast, or meals for more than two people. It is strictly for small-scale cooking.
* ❌ Short Power Cord: The cord is frustratingly short, which really limits where you can place it on the counter. I often had to use an extension cord, which is not ideal.
* ❌ No ‘On’ Indicator Light: There’s no light to tell you if the unit is on. You have to double-check the knob’s position. This is a minor but noticeable omission.

Expert’s Experience
* Cooking Performance: For its tiny size, it performs beautifully. I made a small batch of steel-cut oats overnight on low, and they came out perfectly creamy and not at all mushy. On high, it was great for making a quick sausage and peppers dish for two. It maintains a steady, reliable temperature.
* Design & Footprint: Its small, round design is efficient and unobtrusive. The sleek black finish gives it a modern look that blends in seamlessly with other appliances. It truly is the definition of a space-saver.
* Versatility for Its Size: The oven-safe stoneware is a fantastic bonus. While you have to sear in a separate pan first, being able to then put the insert in the oven to melt cheese on top of a chili mac was a great option to have.

Best for Individuals or Dips: Elite Gourmet 1.5-Quart Review

Sometimes, you just need a tiny workhorse, and the Elite Gourmet 1.5 Quart Electric Slow Cooker perfectly fits that bill. I quickly discovered this isn’t a slow cooker for making family dinners; it’s the ultimate “mini” cooker. It’s the perfect solution for a solo meal in a dorm room, keeping a party dip warm on a buffet table, or melting chocolate for fondue.

Specification:
* Capacity: 1.5 Quarts
* Settings: High, Low, Keep Warm
* Insert Material: Removable Oval Stoneware Pot
* Lid Material: Tempered Glass
* Dishwasher Safe: Yes (Lid and Stoneware Pot)
* Exterior: Stainless Steel
* Handles: Cool-touch

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Ultra-Compact and Storable: This is the smallest and lightest slow cooker I tested. It can be stored almost anywhere—a drawer, a small cabinet, or tucked away in a corner—making it ideal for minimalist kitchens.
* ✅ The Perfect Dip Warmer: Its size and “Keep Warm” setting are absolutely flawless for party dips. I tested it with a thick spinach artichoke dip, and it held it at the perfect serving temperature for over 3 hours without burning the edges.
* ✅ Cool-Touch Handles and Knob: This is a critical safety feature. The handles and lid knob remain cool during use, making it safe and easy to move around or for guests to serve themselves from.
* ✅ Extremely Affordable: This is one of the most budget-friendly kitchen appliances you can buy. It provides a ton of convenience for a very small investment.
* ✅ Simple to Clean: The tiny, lightweight insert is a breeze to clean. It fits easily in any sink or dishwasher and requires no heavy lifting or awkward scrubbing.
* ✅ Great for Single Servings: It’s perfectly sized for cooking a single large chicken breast or a personal portion of soup or oatmeal.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Impractically Small for Full Meals: Let’s be clear, this is a specialty item. It’s too small for cooking most standard recipes or even a complete meal for two people.
* ❌ Slower Cooking Time: Due to its very low wattage, I found it took noticeably longer to heat up and cook food through compared to larger models. A recipe that takes 4 hours on low in a 6-quart might take 5-6 hours in this one.
* ❌ Basic Build Quality: While functional, the materials feel lighter and less substantial than the Crock-Pot models. This is expected for the price, but it’s not a heavy-duty appliance.

Expert’s Experience
* Specialized Performance: My testing focused on its primary use case: keeping things warm. It excelled at this. For a buffalo chicken dip, it prevented the dreaded skin from forming on top and kept the consistency perfect. For this purpose alone, it’s worth having.
* Design and Safety: While the stainless steel finish is nice, the standout design element is the cool-touch handles. This is a huge plus for an item that is often used in a buffet setting where people are serving themselves and might accidentally touch the sides.
* Ease of Cleaning: The best part of a tiny cooker is the tiny cleanup. The small pot is so light and easy to handle that washing it feels like no chore at all, which makes me more likely to use it for small, quick tasks.

Most Stylish Budget Pick: Paris Hilton 6-Quart Review

Who says budget-friendly has to be boring? The Paris Hilton 6-Quart Manual Slow Cooker is for the style-conscious cook who wants an appliance that’s as fabulous as the meals it creates. It proves that you can have reliable, family-sized performance with a serious side of glamour. During my tests, I found it was much more than just a pretty face.

Specification:
* Capacity: 6 Quarts (serves 7+ people)
* Settings: Low, High, Warm
* Insert Material: Naturally Nonstick Stoneware
* Lid Material: Tempered Glass
* Dishwasher Safe: Yes (Stoneware Pot and Lid)
* Design: Berry color with Gold Accents
* Nonstick Quality: Made without PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, and PFOS

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Chic and Unique Design: This is a showstopper. The vibrant berry color paired with the shiny gold accents makes this a slow cooker you actually want to display on your counter. It’s a functional statement piece.
* ✅ Excellent Family-Sized Capacity: A 6-quart capacity is the versatile sweet spot for many households. It’s large enough to handle a pot roast, a whole chicken, or a big batch of soup for a family of four with leftovers.
* ✅ Naturally Nonstick Insert: This was a pleasant surprise. The stoneware has a coating that provides a genuinely effective nonstick surface without the use of PFAS chemicals. Cleanup was noticeably easier.
* ✅ Simple, Proven Controls: It uses the classic manual dial (Low, High, Warm) that is foolproof and has been trusted for decades. No need to read a manual here.
* ✅ Great Conversation Starter: Every person who came into my kitchen during testing commented on this slow cooker. It’s fun, bold, and adds a touch of personality.
* ✅ Health-Conscious Nonstick: I appreciate the transparency about the nonstick coating being made without PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, and PFOS, which is a major plus for anyone concerned about chemicals in their cookware.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Gold Finish Durability Concerns: While the gold accents are beautiful, I do wonder about their long-term durability. I’d be careful to avoid abrasive cleaners or rough handling that could scratch the finish.
* ❌ Slightly Looser Lid Fit: I noticed the lid on this model had a slightly looser fit compared to the Crock-Pot models. This allowed a small amount of extra steam to escape, though it didn’t seem to negatively impact my cooking results in a significant way.
* ❌ Handle Design: The gold handle on the lid can get warm, so it’s best to use a pot holder when lifting it mid-cook.

Expert’s Experience
* Performance and Nonstick Surface: Aesthetics aside, this cooker performs well. It cooked a pot roast to tender perfection in 8 hours on low. The “naturally nonstick” surface was truly impressive; even with some caramelized sugars at the bottom of the pot, food residue wiped away with minimal effort and no pre-soaking required.
* Aesthetics & Build: This is all about the look, and it delivers. It feels solid and well-made, but its primary selling point is its undeniable aesthetic appeal. It successfully merges function with high-fashion kitchen decor.
* Ease of Use & Cleaning: Operation is as simple as it gets. The nonstick insert is the real star during cleanup. It significantly reduces the need for the intense scrubbing that standard stoneware can sometimes require, especially with sugary sauces.

Cheap Slow Cooker Comparison Chart

Seeing the key specs side-by-side can make your decision much clearer. Here’s how my top 5 cheap slow cookers stack up against each other.

Feature	Crock-Pot 7-Quart	Crock-pot Express 8-Quart	Crockpot 2-Quart	Elite Gourmet 1.5-Quart	Paris Hilton 6-Quart
Category	Best Overall	Best Large Capacity	Best for Small Meals	Best for Dips	Most Stylish
Capacity	7 Quarts	8 Quarts	2 Quarts	1.5 Quarts	6 Quarts
Heat Settings	High, Low, Warm	High, Low, Warm	High, Low, Warm	High, Low, Keep Warm	Low, High, Warm
Dishwasher-Safe	Yes (Pot & Lid)	Yes (Pot & Lid)	Yes (Pot & Lid)	Yes (Pot & Lid)	Yes (Pot & Lid)
Best For	Families & Meal Prep	Large Crowds & Parties	Couples & Side Dishes	Single Servings & Dips	Style-Conscious Cooks
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.6/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐	4.2/5 ⭐	4.4/5 ⭐

For most people, my analysis shows that the Crock-Pot 7-Quart provides the ideal blend of massive capacity, versatility, and rock-solid value. However, if your needs are more specific—like cooking for a holiday party or just for yourself—models like the massive Crock-pot Express 8-Quart or the tiny Crockpot 2-Quart are perfectly tailored for those jobs. And if kitchen aesthetics are your top priority, the Paris Hilton model is an excellent performer that doesn’t compromise on style.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Cheap Slow Cooker

Choosing the “best” cheap slow cooker really means finding the one that perfectly fits your lifestyle, family size, and cooking habits. A great deal isn’t great if the appliance doesn’t suit your needs. Here are the most important factors I considered during my testing that you should think about before you buy.

• Capacity: How Many People Are You Feeding?
  This is the most critical decision. Don’t just buy the biggest one; a half-empty slow cooker doesn’t cook as efficiently.
  • 1.5 to 3 Quarts: Ideal for individuals, couples, or making dips and side dishes. The Elite Gourmet 1.5-Quart and Crockpot 2-Quart are perfect here.
  • 4 to 6 Quarts: The sweet spot for a family of 3-5. A 6-quart model like the Paris Hilton can cook a whole chicken and is very versatile.
  • 7 Quarts and Up: Necessary for large families (6+), entertaining, or serious weekly meal prepping. The Crock-Pot 7-Quart is my top pick in this range.
• Shape: Oval vs. Round
  Oval slow cookers are generally more versatile. They can easily accommodate longer or awkwardly shaped cuts of meat like a pork loin, a rack of ribs, or a whole chicken. Round cookers are more compact and work perfectly for liquid-heavy dishes like soups, stews, chilis, and beans.

• Settings: Simple Manual is King for Budget
  For cheap slow cookers, simple is better. Nearly all models in this price range are manual, with a knob for ‘Low,’ ‘High,’ and ‘Warm’ settings. This is reliable and all you really need. Programmable timers are a nice convenience but add cost and another potential point of failure.

• Insert Material: Stoneware vs. Nonstick
  The vast majority of slow cookers use a heavy, removable stoneware (ceramic) insert. This material is prized for its ability to heat evenly and retain that heat for a long time. Some models, like the Paris Hilton cooker, offer a nonstick coating on the stoneware, which makes cleanup a bit easier.

• Lid Type: Always Go for Glass
  A clear glass lid is a must-have feature. It allows you to check on your food’s progress without lifting the lid. Every time you lift the lid, you release a significant amount of heat and moisture, which can add 15-20 minutes to your cooking time.

• Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher-Safe is Non-Negotiable
  Life is too short to scrub a heavy, greasy crock. Always look for a model where both the removable stoneware insert and the glass lid are specified as dishwasher-safe. This feature is a massive time-saver and is standard on all the models I recommend.

• Portability Features: For the Potluck Pro
  If you plan on taking your slow cooker to parties or family gatherings, look for models with locking lids. This feature is less common on the cheapest models but is essential for preventing spills in your car. Sturdy, cool-touch handles are also important for safe transport.

FAQs About Cheap Slow Cookers

Are cheap slow cookers safe to leave on all day?

Yes, absolutely. Cheap slow cookers are designed specifically to be left on for extended periods, typically 8-10 hours on a low setting, without supervision. They operate at very low wattages, similar to a light bulb, making them very safe. Always ensure the cooker is on a flat, stable surface away from the edge of the counter and any flammable materials.

What size slow cooker is best for a family of 4?

A 5 or 6-quart slow cooker is generally the perfect size for a family of four. This provides enough room for a main course like a 4-pound pot roast or a whole chicken, and it often allows for some delicious leftovers. The Paris Hilton 6-Quart is an ideal example of this versatile size.

Can you put frozen meat in a cheap slow cooker?

No, it is not recommended to put frozen meat in any slow cooker, regardless of price. The slow heating process means the meat can spend too much time in the “danger zone” (between 40°F and 140°F), where bacteria can multiply. Always thaw meat completely and safely in the refrigerator before adding it to your slow cooker.

Is a more expensive slow cooker better?

Not necessarily, especially for basic slow cooking. More expensive models offer features like programmable timers, temperature probes, or multi-cooking functions like searing and steaming. If your primary goal is just to slow cook, a reliable and simple cheap model like the Crock-Pot 7-Quart often performs the core task just as well, if not better, due to its simplicity.

What is the difference between Low and High on a slow cooker?

The only difference is the time it takes to reach the simmer point; both settings cook food to the same final temperature (around 209°F). The ‘High’ setting simply gets the food to that temperature faster. A good rule of thumb is that one hour of cooking on ‘High’ is roughly equivalent to two hours of cooking on ‘Low’.

Do you need to add water or liquid to a slow cooker?

Yes, you almost always need to add at least a small amount of liquid (like broth, water, or sauce), but usually not much. Slow cookers are incredibly efficient at trapping moisture, so you typically only need about half the liquid you’d use in a conventional recipe. The liquid creates steam and prevents the food from scorching on the bottom.

Can the stoneware insert go in the oven?

It depends on the model, but many modern slow cookers have this feature. For example, the insert from the Crock-Pot 7-Quart is oven-safe up to 400°F. This is a fantastic feature for browning a cheese topping on a chili or casserole after it’s done cooking. Always check your specific model’s manual to confirm before trying this.

How can I clean a burnt slow cooker pot?

Fill the empty stoneware pot with water to cover the burnt-on area. Add a few tablespoons of baking soda and a good squirt of dish soap. Turn the slow cooker on the ‘Low’ setting for a couple of hours. The heat and cleaning solution will loosen the burnt food, and it should then scrub off easily with a non-abrasive sponge.

What are the advantages of an oval vs. a round slow cooker?

Oval slow cookers are more versatile for fitting longer or oddly-shaped foods like a whole chicken, a brisket, or a rack of ribs. Round slow cookers are often more compact for storage and are perfectly suited for liquid-heavy dishes like soups, stews, beans, and large batches of sauce.

Can I cook without the lid on?

No, a slow cooker requires the lid to be on to function properly. The entire cooking process relies on trapping heat and moisture. Cooking without the lid will result in massive heat loss, causing the food to cook unevenly and potentially remain at unsafe temperatures for too long. If you need to thicken a sauce, you can remove the lid for the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.

Final Verdict

After weeks of hands-on testing, it’s clear that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a fantastic slow cooker. All five of the models on this list offer incredible value and reliable performance, but the best one for you depends entirely on your household size and cooking style.

The Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker is the clear winner for the best cheap slow cooker for the majority of people.

Perfect for you if…
* You are cooking for a family of 4 or more.
* You love to meal prep for the week.
* You want a simple, no-frills appliance that just works.
* You value versatility like an oven-safe insert.
* You want the most capacity and performance for your money.

Not ideal for…
* Individuals or couples who don’t need to make large batches.
* Kitchens with very limited storage space.
* Anyone who needs a programmable timer.

If you want a capable, family-sized cooker that also makes a bold statement on your countertop, the Paris Hilton 6-Quart Manual Slow Cooker is a fantastic and functional alternative that brings a bit of fun to your kitchen.

Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with a classic. For a reliable, versatile, and budget-friendly workhorse that will serve your family for years to come, I confidently recommend the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker.

Last update on 2026-02-19 at 03:53 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API