We bet you never thought twice about your trusty slow cooker, but it turns out, there are plenty of differences between slow cooker brands (beyond just size and color). Some offer expanded cook options outside the basic low and high, while others advertise themselves as being travel-friendly with special clips to keep that lid on tight—who among us hasn’t tipped over a slow-cooked dish to pass on the way to a potluck?
Considering all these features and how much we rely on this appliance, our Test Kitchen had to find the best slow cooker out there.
What We Tested to Find the Best Slow Cooker
Our culinary team used several slow cooker options to prepare your recipes. Over several months, our cooks and food stylists got a feel for each brand. Then we created a series of tests where we could see how each performed side by side. To find out which brand was best, our staff recorded how each gadget handled these essential tasks:
- Slow cooking dishes in our Test Kitchen: We test dozens and dozens of recipes every month. How did the slow cookers do prepping our readers’ recipe submissions? (Share your best recipes with us!)
- Slow cooking a beef pot roast: We cooked beef on the slow cooker’s lowest setting. How tender did the meat become?
- Controls, settings and features: Were the controls and settings easy to understand and use? Were the extra features useful?
- Price: Is the product affordable? Is it well priced for how well it performed?
Our Test Kitchen-Preferred Slow Cookers
After weeks of testing, a few slow cookers rose to the top. Find out which fit your slow cooking style.
Best Features: KitchenAid 6-Quart Slow Cooker
When it comes to controls, most slow cookers give you high, low and warm—not KitchenAid. This KitchenAid 6-Quart Slow Cooker boasted an extra setting (medium) and featured a timer allowing you to program the start of your dishes up to 24 hours in advance—perfect for slow cooker bread. Our Test Kitchen loved the versatility that this machine offered and found that it performed perfectly recipe after recipe. In monitoring temperatures, our squad of experts found that KitchenAid kept the most steady heat throughout for true low-and-slow cooking.
- Capacity: 6 quarts
- Features: 4 temperature settings, 24-hour programmability
- Price: $100
Best for Big Batches: Cuisinart 6.5-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Have a big family? Host a lot of parties? Chances are a little three- or five-quart slow cooker just won’t cut it. If you like to work in big batches, try the Cuisinart 6.5-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker. This slow cooker can hold a lot of your family’s favorite chili recipe or an oversized pot roast without you having to worry if it’ll simmer over.
Our Test Kitchen found that this slow cooker made perfectly tender pot roast and chicken breasts—nothing was dry our tough coming out of the crock. And when everything was cooled down, our cooks loved how the cord curls up inside of the mechanism (no dangling cords in your kitchen cupboards!).
- Capacity: 6.5 quarts
- Features: 24-hour timer, automatic warming function, included wire rack for steamed dishes
- Price: $100
Best Slow Cooker to Take On-the-Go: Crock-Pot 7-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker
If you tend to take your slow-cooked dishes to get-togethers, you’ll want to invest in a slow cooker designed for easy transport like the Crock-Pot Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker. This Crock-Pot comes fitted with special clips that keep the lid secure while you tote your slow cooker from kitchen to kitchen. Besides this trip-ready functionality, our Test Kitchen found the controls to be simple to use and the slow-cooked dishes prepped inside to be hot and tender—in other words: perfect!
- Capacity: 7 quarts
- Features: 20-hour timer, locking lid
- Price: $60
Best for Slow-Cooked Casseroles: Crock-Pot 3.5-Quart Casserole Crock Slow Cooker
Some of our Test Kitchen’s favorite slow cooker meals come in the form of a casserole. Your go-to slow cooker will do in a pinch, but if you’re serious about slow cooker lasagna, green bean casserole and baked french toast, investing in a casserole-ready cooker is wise. For these dishes, the Test Kitchen recommends the Crock-Pot Casserole Crock Slow Cooker. Besides being the perfect size and shape for all these go-to dishes, our Test Kitchen loves how you can bake in the oven-safe insert and then place in the base to keep it warm. Like Crock-Pot’s Cook & Carry model, this one also comes with clips to keep the lid in place if you’re on the move.
- Capacity: 3.5 quarts
- Features: Snap-tight lid for transport, the removable insert is oven-safe
- Price: $58
What to Make in Your Slow Cooker
We know you’re a slow cooker pro at this point, but who doesn’t love a few new recipes? These recipes take advantage of our favorite slow cooker’s A+ low-and-slow cooking and all-in-one crock. They’re the perfect dishes to prepare and let heat on a long, lazy weekend. Our favorite new recipe? A slow-cooked cinnamon roll—it’s a great way to make breakfast for the holidays without taking up valuable oven space.
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Slow-Cooker Cinnamon Roll
Come home to the heavenly aroma of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls! This better-for-you version tastes just as decadent as a regular cinnamon roll, but it smartly sneaks in some whole grains. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Creamy Italian Chicken
Italian salad dressing mix is like a secret weapon for adding flavor to this creamy chicken dish. Served over rice or pasta, this Italian dressing chicken is rich, delicious and special enough for company. —Maura McGee, Tallahassee, Florida
Forgotten Jambalaya
During chilly months, I fix this slow cooker jambalaya recipe at least once a month. It’s so easy…just chop the vegetables, dump everything in the slow cooker and forget it! Even my sons, who are picky about spicy things, like this easy jambalaya. —Cindi Coss, Coppell, Texas
Flavorful Pot Roast
On hectic days, this is so quick and easy to prep! Convenient packages of dressing and gravy combine to create a sauce worthy of a fall-apart roast. For a filling meal-in-one, serve with mashed potatoes and ladle the juices over top. —Arlene Butler, Ogden, Utah
Black Bean 'n' Pumpkin Chili
My family is crazy about this slow cooker chili because it uses ingredients you don't usually find in chili. Believe it or not, I discovered that pumpkin is what makes the dish so special. Cook up a big batch and freeze some for later; it tastes even better reheated. —Deborah Vliet, Holland, Michigan
Lime Chicken Tacos
Our fun, simple chicken taco recipe is perfect for a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho
Potluck Macaroni and Cheese
You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Babcock, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Slow-Cooked Pepper Steak
After a long day working in our greenhouse raising bedding plants, I enjoy coming in to this hearty beef dish for supper. It's one of my favorite meals. — Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Championship Bean Dip
My friends and neighbors expect me to bring this irresistible dip to every gathering. When I arrive, they ask, "You brought your bean dip, didn't you?" If there are any leftovers, we use them to make bean and cheese burritos the next day. I've given out this recipe a hundred times. —Wendi Wavrin Law, Omaha, Nebraska
Slow-Cooked Stuffed Peppers
My favorite kitchen appliance is the slow cooker, and I use mine more than anyone else I know. It does a great job with this good-for-you dish. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska
White Bean Chicken Chili
My sister shared this white bean chicken chili recipe with me. I usually double it and add one extra can of beans, then serve with cheddar biscuits or warmed tortillas. The jalapeno adds just enough heat to notice but not too much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
This slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe always goes over big with my family. The chicken thighs turn out just right, every time. —Gigi Miller, Stoughton, Wisconsin
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Meat Loaf
When my husband and I were first married, he refused to eat meat loaf because he said it was bland and dry. Then I prepared this version, and it became his favorite meal. —Suzanne Codner, Starbuck, Minnesota
Tangy Pulled Pork Sandwiches
The slow cooker not only makes this an easy meal but keeps the pork tender, saucy and loaded with flavor. —Beki Kosydar-Krantz, Mayfield, Pennsylvania
Stuffing from the Slow Cooker
If you're hosting a big Thanksgiving dinner this year, add this simple slow-cooked stuffing to your menu to ease entertaining. The recipe comes in handy when you run out of oven space at large family gatherings. I use this Crock Pot dressing recipe often. —Donald Seiler, Macon, Mississippi
Shredded French Dip
A chuck roast slow-simmered in a beefy broth is delicious when shredded and spooned onto rolls. I serve the cooking juices in individual cups for dipping. —Carla Kimball, Callaway, Nebraska
Slow-Cooker Pizza
Always a hit at our church dinners, this hearty casserole keeps folks coming back for more. —Julie Sterchi from Jackson, Missouri
Cheesy Slow-Cooked Corn
My family really likes this creamy, cheesy side dish—and it's so easy to make. Even those who usually don't eat much corn often ask for a second helping. —Mary Ann Truitt, Wichita, Kansas
Pumpkin Pie Pudding
My husband loves anything pumpkin, and this creamy, comforting pumpkin pudding recipe is one of his favorites. We make our easy pudding all year long, but it's especially nice in the fall. —Andrea Schaak, Bloomington, Minnesota
Spicy Touchdown Chili
For me, football, cool weather and chili just seem to go together. Whether I’m cheering on the local team on a Friday night or enjoying a Saturday afternoon of Oklahoma Sooner football with some friends, I enjoy serving this chili on game day. —Chris Neal, Quapaw, Oklahoma
Partytime Beans
A friend brought this colorful bean dish to my house for a church circle potluck dinner. As soon as I tasted the slightly sweet slow-cooked beans, I had to have the recipe. I've served the beans and shared the recipe many times since. —Jean Cantner, Boston, Virginia
Hot Crab Dip
I have six children and one grandchild, work full-time, and coach soccer and football. So I appreciate recipes like this one that are easy to assemble. The rich, creamy dip is a fun appetizer for holiday gatherings. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Slow-Cooked Reuben Brats
Sauerkraut gives these beer-simmered brats a big flavor boost, but it’s the special chili sauce and melted cheese that put them over the top. Top your favorite burger with some of the chili sauce; you won't be sorry. —Alana Simmons, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Southwestern Nachos
Guests will go crazy when you serve this cheesy nacho casserole with tender chunks of slow-cooked pork. The recipe makes two heaping pans, and you don’t need to worry about filling the chip bowl—the tortilla chips are conveniently baked right in the dish! —Kelly Byler, Goshen, Indiana
Cranberry Sauerkraut Meatballs
I tried these meatballs at a birthday party for a friend, and now I make them all the time. They are super easy to make and perfect for a potluck or a Sunday afternoon football game. —Lisa Castelli, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Orange Spice Carrots
To get my son to eat veggies, I mix and match flavors and spices. My slow cooker orange carrots with cinnamon won him over. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio
Spice-Braised Pot Roast
Just pour these ingredients over your pot roast and let the slow cooker do the work. Herbs and spices give the beef an excellent taste. I often serve this roast over noodles or with mashed potatoes, using the juices as a gravy. —Loren Martin, Big Cabin, Oklahoma
Slow-Cooked Ham with Pineapple Sauce
We serve this dish during the holidays because everyone is crazy about it. But it makes it to the table all year long because it’s super simple to prepare. —Terry Roberts, Yorktown, Virginia
Pork Chile Verde
Pork slowly stews with jalapenos, onion, green enchilada sauce and spices in this flavor-packed Mexican dish. It's wonderful on its own or stuffed in a warm tortilla with sour cream, grated cheese or olives on the side. —Kimberly Burke, Chico, California
Tangy Barbecue Wings
I took these slow-cooked wings to work, and they vanished before I even got a bite! The tangy sauce is lip-smacking good. —Sherry Pitzer, Troy, Missouri
Fabulous Fajitas
I've enjoyed cooking since I was a girl growing up in the Southwest. When friends call to ask me for new recipes to try, I suggest these flavorful fajitas. It's wonderful to put the beef in the slow cooker before church and come home to a hot delicious main dish. —Janie Reitz, Rochester, Minnesota
Slow-Cooker Beef Stroganoff
No more standing and stirring at the stove. This creamy Stroganoff preps in a skillet, then cooks all day while you’re away. —Sarah C. Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire
Slow-Cooked Bean Medley
I often change the variety of beans in this classic recipe, using whatever I have on hand to total the five cans called for. The sauce makes any combination delicious! It's a gluten-free side dish that's popular with just about everyone. —Peggy Gwillim, Strasbourg, Saskatchewan
Roast Beef and Gravy
This is by far the simplest way to make roast beef and gravy. On busy days, I can put this main dish in the slow cooker and forget about it. My family likes it with mashed potatoes and fruit salad. —Abby Metzger, Larchwood, Iowa
Slow-Cooker Short Ribs
These ribs are an easy alternative to traditionally braised short ribs—you don't need to pay any attention to them once you get them in the slow cooker. (That makes it my favorite beef short ribs recipe!) —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Stuffed Chicken Rolls
Just thinking about this dish sparks my appetite. The ham and cheese rolled inside make for a tasty surprise. The chicken rolls are especially nice served over rice or pasta. —Jean Sherwood, Kenneth City, Florida
Stephanie’s Slow-Cooker Stew
Start this warming one-pot meal before you head out for the day. By the time you get home, the well-seasoned meat will be tender and mouthwatering. —Stephanie Rabbitt-Schappacher, Cincinnati, Ohio
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Brining the meat overnight helps make these BBQ chicken sliders taste exceptionally good. Plus, they're so tender, they melt in your mouth. —Rachel Kunkel, Schell City, Missouri
Easy Slow-Cooker Mac & Cheese
My sons always say I'm the best mom in the world when I make this creamy mac-and-cheese perfection. Does it get any better than that? —Heidi Fleek, Hamburg, Pennsylvania
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chuck Roast
My husband and I like chuck roast recipes, so this slow-cooked recipe is terrific. You'll also love how flavorful and tender this comforting beef chuck roast turns out. —Bette McCumber, Schenectady, New York
Saucy Chicken Thighs
Everyone raves about how sweet the sauce is for these slow-cooked chicken thighs. They’re such a breeze because they simmer away while you do other things. They’re ideal appetizers, but you can also add your favorite side for a nice meal. —Kim Puckett, Reagan, Tennessee
Honey Pulled Pork Subs
Honey and ground ginger are the flavor boosters behind my no-stress sandwiches. A bottle of barbecue sauce ties it all together in a pinch. —Denise Davis, Porter, Maine
Creamed Corn
Five ingredients are all you'll need for my popular creamed corn recipe. It's wonderful no matter what the occasion is. Try it on a barbecue buffet or holiday menu. —Barbara Brizendine, Harrisonville, Missouri
Slow-Cooker Cinnamon Roll Pudding
A slow cooker turns day-old cinnamon rolls into a comforting, old-fashioned dessert. It tastes wonderful topped with lemon or vanilla sauce or whipped cream. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Slow-Cooked Smokies
I like to include these little smokies smothered in barbecue sauce on all my appetizer buffets since they're popular with both children and adults. —Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Potato Chowder
One of the ladies in our church quilting group brought this savory potato soup to a meeting, and everyone loved how the cream cheese and bacon made it so rich. It's easy to assemble in the morning so it can simmer on its own all day. —Anna Mayer, Fort Branch, Indiana
Easy Chicken Tamale Pie
All you need are some simple ingredients from the pantry to put this slow-cooker meal together. I love that I can go fishing while it cooks. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Creamy Celery Beef Stroganoff
Cream of celery soup adds richness to a recipe that has become a family favorite. It’s so simple to prepare and, oh, that flavor! —Kim Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
Cube Steaks with Gravy
Here's a hearty home-style dinner your family will love after a busy day. The slow-cooked beef is wonderful served over mashed potatoes or noodles. —Judy Long, Limestone, Tennessee
Tangerine Chicken Tagine
My family and friends love foods from around the world, especially Moroccan entrees, so I created this flavorful dish. Cooking it in the slow cooker keeps each morsel moist and rich in flavor. —Brenda Watts, Gaffney, South Carolina
Spiced Apple Oatmeal
These easy, apple-y oats give your family a warm and cozy breakfast no matter how busy you are. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Slow-Cooked Peach Salsa
Fresh peaches and tomatoes make my salsa a hands-down winner over store versions. As a treat, I give my co-workers several jars throughout the year. —Peggi Stahnke, Cleveland, Ohio
Beef Brisket in Beer
One bite of this super tender brisket and your family will be hooked! The rich gravy is perfect for spooning over a side of creamy mashed potatoes. —Eunice Stoen, Decorah, Iowa
Slow-Simmered Meat Ragu
After a day of simmering in the slow-cooker, this ragu is not your typical spaghetti sauce. It's almost like a stew, so feel free to skip the pasta. —Laurie LaClair, North Richland Hills, Texas
Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider
Spiced with cinnamon sticks, allspice and caramel, this warm-you-up sipper will chase away winter's chill. Serve brimming mugs alongside a platter of festive cookies at your next holiday gathering. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Beer-Braised Pulled Ham
To jazz up ham, I slow-cooked it with a beer sauce. Buns loaded with ham, pickles and mustard are irresistible. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Barbecue Chicken Cobb Salad
I turned barbecue chicken into a major salad with romaine and carrots, sweet peppers and avocados. That’s how I got my family to eat more veggies. —Camille Beckstrand, Layton, Utah
Very Vanilla Slow-Cooker Cheesecake
Cinnamon and vanilla give this cheesecake so much flavor, and making it in the slow cooker creates a silky, smooth texture that's hard to resist. —Krista Lanphier, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Beef 'n' Bean Torta
This zesty dish is a favorite of mine because it has a wonderful Southwestern taste and is easy to prepare. I serve it on nights when we have only a few minutes to eat before running off to meetings or sports events. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Creamy Artichoke Dip
My sister Teresa got this recipe from a friend and she passed it along. It's loaded with cheese, artichokes and just the right amount of jalapenos for a crowd-pleasing flavor. —Mary Spencer, Greendale, Wisconsin
Steak Burritos
Slowly simmered all day, the beef is tender and a snap to shred. Just fill flour tortillas and add toppings for a tasty meal. —Valerie Jones, Portland, Maine
Bandito Chili Dogs
These deluxe chili dogs are a surefire hit at family functions and tailgates. Adults and children alike love the cheesy chili sauce, and the toppings are fun! —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
Slow-Cooked Chicken Enchilada Soup
This soup delivers a big bowl of fresh comfort—just ask my husband. Toppings like avocado, sour cream and tortilla strips are a must. —Heather Sewell, Harrisonville, Missouri
Slow-Cooked Green Beans
I spent hours in search of sides for a cooking demo to present to women from my church. These easy green beans became my star attraction. —Alice White, Willow Spring, North Carolina
Slow-Cooker Roast Chicken
It's easy to make a whole chicken in a slow cooker. We save the shredded chicken to use during busy weeks. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Spinach & Feta Stuffed Flank Steak
If you need a main dish recipe from a slow cooker that offers an upscale feel, this one is a great choice. Elegant enough for company, the rolled flank steak looks pretty on a plate. —Steven Schend, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Peachy Baby Back Ribs
It's easy to get a smoky outdoor barbecue flavor from your slow cooker. Trust me, I've fooled many people on more than one occasion with these ribs. —Mary Louise Lever, Rome, Georgia
Slow-Cooker Creamed Corn with Bacon
Every time we take this super rich corn to a holiday potluck or work party, we leave with an empty slow cooker. It's decadent, homey and so worth the splurge. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
I got the idea for these Buffalo chicken sliders from my mom and dad, who'd made a similar version for a family get-together. It's a versatile recipe, and I sometimes use several different styles of Buffalo sauce and let guests mix and match their favorites. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio
Harvesttime Chicken with Couscous
Even on busy days, I can start this chicken in a slow cooker and still get to work on time. When I come home, spinach salad and crescent rolls round out the menu. —Heidi Rudolph, Oregon, Illinois
Slow-Cooker Chai Tea
A wonderful sweet and spicy aroma wafts from the slow cooker as this pleasantly flavored chai tea cooks. —Crystal Jo Burns, Iliff, Colorado
Brunch Burritos
I like to use a second slow cooker to keep the tortillas warm and pliable when I serve these hearty burritos. Just place a clean wet cloth in the bottom, then cover it with foil and add your tortillas.—Beth Osburn, Levelland, Texas
Herbed Turkey Breasts
Fresh thyme and marjoram lend amazing flavor to turkey breast. It comes out of the slow cooker perfectly tender. —Laurie Mace, Los Osos, California
Slow-Cooked Potatoes with Spring Onions
I love the simplicity of this recipe, as well as the ease of preparation with my slow cooker. And everyone always likes roasted potatoes, even my pickiest child! If desired, top with shredded or crumbled cheese. —Theresa Gomez, Stuart, Florida
Slow-Cooker Apple Pudding Cake
A satisfying dessert, pudding cake is a superb treat on a chilly night. It has three separate layers—apples, cake and sauce—and I like to serve it in a bowl. —Ellen Schroeder, Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
When I make this tasty chicken lasagna at home, I use a whole bottle of Buffalo wing sauce because my family likes it nice and spicy. Increase the pasta sauce and use less wing sauce if you prefer. —Heidi Pepin, Sykesville, Maryland
Red Clam Sauce
This recipe tastes like an Italian restaurant specialty and cooks while you take care of other things. What a marvelous way to jazz up pasta sauce! —JoAnn Brown, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Potluck Candied Sweet Potatoes
To make it easier to bring this traditional southern staple to a potluck or gathering, I updated it so that it can be cooked in a slow cooker. It's hard to go wrong with candied sweet potatoes when it comes to pleasing a crowd. —Deirdre Dee Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Slow-Cooker Cheddar Bacon Beer Dip
My tangy, smoky dip won the top prize at our office party recipe contest. Use your favorite beer or ale, but steer clear of dark varieties. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooker Peach Crumble
I look forward to going on our beach vacation every year, but I don't always relish the time spent cooking for everybody. This slow-cooker dessert (or breakfast!) gives me more time to lie in the sun and enjoy the waves. Melty ice cream is a must. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Moist Corn Spoon Bread
Enjoy this easy take on a southern specialty by using the convenient slow cooker. Here's an excellent side dish for Thanksgiving, Easter or any special feast. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Red Bean Vegetable Soup
Cajun seasoning boosts the flavor of this brothy soup. The easy recipe makes a big batch that's loaded with beans and fresh veggies. —Ronnie Lappe, Brownwood, Texas
Maple-Walnut Sweet Potatoes
Topped with dried cherries and walnuts, this side is downright delicious. Even people who aren't into sweet potatoes will grab a second scoop. —Sarah Herse, Brooklyn, New York
Slow-Cooked Cajun Corn
My husband loves corn on the cob, and I love this slow cooker recipe because I don't have to stand at a hot stove. We like a little spice, so the Cajun seasoning works well for us, but any spice blend works. —Audra Rorick, Scott City, Kansas
Slow-Cooker Spinach & Artichoke Dip
With this creamy dip, I can get my daughters to eat spinach and artichokes. We serve it with chips, toasted pita bread or fresh veggies. —Jennifer Stowell, Montezuma, Iowa
Slow-Cooked Turkey with Berry Compote
We love to eat turkey, and on hot summer days, here's how we get our fix. For golden-brown turkey, broil for a few minutes before serving. —Margaret Bracher, Robertsdale, Alabama
Country Ribs Dinner
Ribs slow-cooked with carrots, celery, onions and red potatoes are pure comfort food for us. To add a little zip, we sometimes sprinkle in cayenne. —Rose Ingall, Manistee, Michigan
Sassy Pot Roast
I love walking into my home after a long day and smelling this lovely pot roast. You can add potatoes and carrots to round out the meal, and the leftover meat makes a comforting soup for the next night. —Susan Burkett, Monroeville, Pennsylvania
Slow-Cooked Blueberry French Toast
Your slow cooker can be your best friend on a busy morning. Just get this recipe going, run some errands and come back to the smell of French toast ready to eat. —Elizabeth Lorenz, Peru, Indiana
Turkey Chili
I've taken my mother's turkey chili recipe and made it thicker and more robust. It's a favorite, especially in fall and winter. —Celesta Zanger, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Crunchy Candy Clusters
These cereal and marshmallow clusters are so simple that I make them for the holidays each year, as my family looks forward to them. —Faye O'Bryan, Owensboro, Kentucky
Slow-Cooker Chicken Taco Salad
We use this super duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love helping measure seasonings. —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, Washington
Spaghetti & Meatball Soup
A couple of nights a week our family ends up eating in shifts because everyone is going every which way, all at the same time. Having a hearty soup simmering in the slow cooker is an easy way to give them all a warm meal. —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
Lemon Red Potatoes
Butter, lemon juice, parsley and chives enhance this simple side dish. I usually prepare these potatoes when I'm having company. Since they cook in the slow cooker, there's plenty of room on the stove for other dishes. —Tara Branham, Austin, Texas
Spiced Coffee
I’ve found that those who aren’t necessarily coffee fans often change their tune when they get a whiff of this chocolaty coffee drink. I like to serve up a big batch at parties. —Joanne Holt, Bowling Green, Ohio
Slow-Cooker Turkey Pesto Lasagna
My cheesy, noodle-y lasagna makes any slow-cooker skeptic a believer. It's easy to prep while my kids nap, and dinner's ready when their dad walks in the door at night. We bring more pesto and marinara to the table for our resident sauce lovers. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, VA
Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake
This dump cake recipe is wonderful topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. It works well with gluten-free and sugar-free cake mixes too. —Karin Gatewood, Dallas, Texas
Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
One of my favorite slow cooker recipes is this impressive buffalo chicken egg rolls appetizer. You can wrap the filling in egg roll wraps and bake, or, for a bite-size version, use smaller won ton wraps. —Tara Odegaard, Omaha, Nebraska
Slow-Cooker Pizza Dip
I created this dip for my daughter's pizza themed birthday party. It was an instant hit and I've continued to bring this along to other gatherings. Everyone loves it! —Stephanie Gates, Waterloo, Iowa
Rich & Creamy Mashed Potatoes
It's a cinch to jazz up instant mashed potatoes with sour cream and cream cheese, then cook and serve them from a slow cooker. For a special touch, sprinkle the perfect-for-party time potatoes with chopped fresh chives, canned french-fried onions or fresh grated Parmesan cheese. —Donna Bardocz, Howell, MichiganHow to Take Care of Your Slow Cooker
You may love your slow cooker (who doesn’t?), but are you taking care of it the right way? A little dish soap works wonders, and guess what: With our cleaning method, you won’t even have to remove the insert if you don’t want to!
The post The Best Slow Cooker Brands According to Our Test Kitchen appeared first on Taste of Home.
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