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Best slow cookers for 2025
Here are the top picks that make it easy to serve up hearty, home-cooked meals without the hassle.
Slow cookers are the ultimate kitchen sidekick, getting delicious meals bubbling away while you get on with your day. Whether you want a family-sized pot for hearty stews, or a budget-friendly option that still serves up amazing flavour, our AO experts have picked out the best to make finding your perfect slow cooker a whole lot easier (and tastier).
Best all-rounder slow cooker
Looking for a slow cooker that has all bases covered? Our pick comes with 3 settings to choose from, so it’s great for both all-day simmering and speeding things along. It’s dishwasher-safe too, so cleaning up afterwards will be a doddle.
Expert's pick: Morphy Richards Evoke Sear And Stew 3.5 Litre Slow Cooker
Best large slow cooker
Big appetites call for big kitchen kit, and that’s where large slow cookers step in. Perfect for batch cooking, they let you pile in all the ingredients, switch them on, and forget about it until dinner’s ready. Check out our top choice for zero stress and maximum flavour.
Expert's pick: Morphy Richards Sear And Stew 6.5 Litre Slow Cooker
Best slow cooker with timer
No more guessing games — slow cookers with a timer make it easy to make sure your meals come out just right. This is our top choice to help you avoid over or undercooking no matter the recipe.
Expert's pick: Sage The Fast Slow Pro Slow Cooker
Best small slow cooker
This one's perfect for smaller portions. And because it's only dinky, you can find a spot for it in the cupboard without having to rearrange the entire kitchen.
Expert's pick: Swan Retro 3.5 Litre Slow Cooker
Best 3.5l slow cooker
Looking for the perfect middle ground? Take a look at the slow cooker we’ve picked for 2–4 people big enough to feed the family, but not so large it’ll hog all your kitchen space.
Expert's pick: Crockpot 3.5 Litre Slow Cooker
Brand spotlight
Meet the brands that turn low and slow into tasty and effortless.
Slow cooker buying guide
Want the full lowdown? Find all the tips and tricks you need to pick the perfect slow cooker without the faff.
- What is a slow cooker and how does it work?
A slow cooker is your kitchen’s laid-back chef. Pop in the ingredients, switch it on, and it gently simmers away at a low temperature for hours. The result? Tender, flavour-packed meals without you lifting a finger.
- Can I leave a slow cooker on while I'm out?
Yep, that’s the beauty of it. Slow cookers are designed to bubble away safely while you’re busy. Just set it up on a flat surface, leave it uncovered, and head out knowing dinner will be ready when you are, but always make sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines first.
- What types of meals can I make in a slow cooker?
Think hearty stews, curries, soups, pulled pork, chilli, and even desserts like sticky toffee pudding. Looking for some inspo? Check out our pick of slow cooker recipes
- Are slow cookers energy-efficient?
Absolutely. They use less energy than a standard oven, simmering away without guzzling electricity. That means tasty meals that are kind to your bills too.
- Can I cook frozen meat in a slow cooker?
It’s safest to thaw meat first. Cooking straight from frozen can mean uneven results and longer cooking times. Defrost it, then let your slow cooker do the rest
- What’s the difference between a slow cooker and a pressure cooker?
A slow cooker takes its time, gently building flavour over hours. A pressure cooker speeds things up, using steam and pressure to serve meals in a fraction of the time. Same tasty results, just different cooking styles.
