Equipment Review: Best Slow Cookers ("Crock Pots") & Our Testing Winner

Buy our Co-Winning Slow Cooker: bit.ly/4bIXSpf
Buy our other Co-Winning Slow Cooker: bit.ly/3yrRKCR
Buy our Best Buy Slow Cooker: bit.ly/3yvO8Qf
Behind the Testing: cooks.io/2hmwlBS
Full testing details and ranking chart: cooks.io/2hmE2Ia
Recipes & tips in our slow cooker guide: cooks.io/2krSikq
We tested eight 6- to 7-quart slow cookers to find the best one:
KitchenAid 6-Quart Slow Cooker With Solid Glass Lid
Cuisinart 6-Quart 3-in-1 Cook Central
Ninja 3-in-1 Cooking System
Crock-Pot 6-Quart Slow Cooker with Stovetop-Safe Cooking Pot
Hamilton Beach Stay or Go 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Crock-Pot Smart Wifi-Enabled WeMo 6-Quart Slow Cooker
Gourmia SlowSmart Express 7 Qt Digital Programmable Slow Cooker
Black + Decker 7-Quart Slow Cooker-Teal
Can machines designed for the same simple purpose-cooking food slowly enough that you can walk away-be all that different? You'd be surprised.
We review the best (and worst) rimmed baking sheets:
• Equipment Review: Best...
Curious about carbon-steel skillets? Watch our review:
• Equipment Review: Best...
WINNING TRAITS OF A GOOD SLOW COOKER
At least 6- to 7-quart stated capacity and nearly the same in actual, usable capacity
Oval shape that can accommodate roasts
Digital and programmable; automatically switches to warming mode when cooking is done
Glass lid and countdown timer to let you check progress
Easy, intuitive display and controls that give unambiguous feedback to user
Internal temperature sensor that automatically maintains temperature control to prevent boiling
Internal insulation that prevents hot spots and maximizes cooking efficiency
Handles that are large and easy to grip and that stay cool
WHAT WE EXAMINED
We tested eight 6- to 7-quart slow cookers, preparing a variety of recipes using both low and high temperature settings and varied cooking times. We used temperature probes to map heating patterns, and a panel of testers evaluated how easy the cookers were to use and clean. We also dismantled a set of the cookers to understand the placement and type of heating elements they contained. All slow cookers were purchased online.
COOKING
We prepared boneless, skinless chicken breasts; whole bone-in turkey breast; and pot roast. We evaluated the texture and flavor of the food and rated the cookers on the uniformity of cooking. We did a final round to test the built-in browning function, when available. We gave highest marks to cookers that produced evenly cooked, juicy, and tender foods every time.
EASE OF USE
We evaluated how easy the cookers were to fill, set, and maneuver, including the intuitiveness of controls, displays to monitor cooking, weight of the crock, size and shape of handles, and whether the handles became hot.
CLEANUP
We washed each model six times by hand and 10 times in the dishwasher (unless the manual instructed not to do so). We gave high marks to models that were easy to clean, with few nooks and crannies to trap food or water. We also gave preference to pots and lids that were dishwasher-safe and emerged from 10 dishwasher cycles good as new.
HEATING PATTERNS
To map heating patterns, we used temperature probes to track the temperature of each cooker’s contents as it heated 4 quarts of room-temperature water over a period of 6 hours on high and 12 hours on low.
ABOUT US: Located in Boston’s Seaport District in the historic Innovation and Design Building, America's Test Kitchen features 15,000 square feet of kitchen space including multiple photography and video studios. It is the home of Cook’s Illustrated magazine and Cook’s Country magazine and is the workday destination for more than 60 test cooks, editors, and cookware specialists. Our mission is to test recipes over and over again until we understand how and why they work and until we arrive at the best version.
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[@leanderpaulboucher2004]

I would like to see an updated review on Slow Cookers. This is the most negatively reviewed product on Amazon that's been recommended by ATK.

[@davidf2244]

I'm currently frustrated and astounded that there is not a single crockpot for sale on amazon that meets my entirely reasonable standards. I just want something big, with a ceramic insert, which is good enough. Like how Crockpot was thirty years ago. There's literally NOTHING in this space right now. I'm willing to overpay like crazy just to get something good that works, and I LITERALLY can't. There isn't a single option on the market that isn't either crap, or else stuffed with fake and/or bought reviews. I don't understand. Do people just not use slow-cookers anymore? Aren't people turning away from teflon in general?? WHAT IS GOING ON I've tried bestbuy and walmart and so on -- they don't have anything either. All Crockpot or Hamilton Beach or hugely overpriced models by other companies with horrible reviews.

[@tomt2020]

This. I live in Japan and was prepared to pay double to get hold of it…. Luckily I read the reviews first!! Made me doubt this whole channel…

[@chris...9497]

Oval Shapes are more versatile as to what you cook in a slow cooker, meaning you can do roasts and loaves. But round allows for more consistent cooking by avoiding cold spots. The cooking occurs from heating elements wrapped around the well that the ceramic bowl sits in; heat travels in from the outer surface of the ceramic bowl, so obviously a stretched (oval) shape will affect the cooking. Six to Eight quarts may allow more versatility by allowing roasts and loaves, but it also means a HUGE appliance footprint that may be impractical or impossible for a small/tiny kitchen. If you have an oven, leave roasts and loaves for baking there. Also, very small kitchens are also usually burdened with very small freezers and refrigerators, so slow-cooking in volume usually results in leftovers difficult to store. One rule of thumb says slow cooker volume should equal 1 quart per person in the household plus 1 quart more; so a 3-person home would need a 4qt slow cooker and someone living alone could get by with a 2 or 2.5 qt slow cooker. The biggest issue for slow cookers is that any slow cooker less than 4qts is unlikely to have a timer or shut-off mechanism. That means you can't risk the fire hazard of leaving a 3qt slow cooker to cook all day while you're at work or in class. Slow cookers under 4qt have just the On/Off, High, Low, Warm settings, requiring you be present to monitor how 'done' the contents become AND manually change the setting (they aren't automatic), to avoid burning the food. Manufacturers are missing an important market of singles (retirees, chronically-ill, students, single parents) who would love AT LEAST the safety feature of an auto-shutoff feature. This would increase the utility and desirability of small-volume slow cookers as well as protect customers (who may upgrade their slow cookers in the future) who had to go out or had fallen asleep while the slow cooker was on. For safety's sake, it's a good idea to always plug your slow cooker into a timing device, to shut the appliance off after a period of your choosing. Outlet-positioned timing devices are marketed to fool potential thieves into believing someone's home because the lights come on (while you're actually away); they can be applied in these instances to provide protection.

[@agreetodisagree4751]

Hear! Hear! You make several valid and important observations.

[@angeldelight1810]

Very confused, I love all things Kitchenaid in general and was thrilled to see they won this review, however on reading the reviews by users of this machine they seem far from enamoured by the Kitchenaid slow cooker and it's now unavailbale from Amazon. Whilst ATC do wonderful tests in general, I really feel they should return to their tested machines and see if they're still performing well.

[@coasttal123]

I am a mech. engr. and I love when you take things apart to show how they work and why they do a good job. Just telling me something is best, but not knowing why, is sometimes a let down. I do appreciate the methods you use to determine the best item.

[@Ayudado]

Happens everyday for me. If I don't understand how it fully works and the functions of the product in detail I start to disengage from the product and think about the interests of retailers and all the chain... I want to fully understand what I have with me and be sure Im getting the best for my needs

[@Commander_HW]

oh my god! This is the BEST review i've ever watched! So detailed, so scientific! Computer monitor? MIT engineer? Hell yea! That's the review i wanna see! Use data to speak the truth!

[@DanOfMystery]

Incredibly unhelpful video not naming the any of the good or bad slow cookers except your overall winner.

[@DekutheGreatku]

The second she said she brought in an engineer, I was like "I'm going to buy her winning choice no matter what".

[@vitalsteve1]

because it takes an engineer to remove 4 screws?

[@originalresqme]

@@MSBowen-pk6ww Amazon reviews are more dubious; actually downright scandalous, even from so-called "verified purchasers".

[@artman02458]

@@MSBowen-pk6ww you are absolutely right!!!

[@t_c5266]

I'm a mechanical engineer. She should have got an electrical engineer.

[@angellover02171]

@@MSBowen-pk6ww America's Test Kitchen prides itself with not doing advertising or taking donations from the companies they test.

[@frazk2427]

I love the rigorous nature of your testing. I have based quite a few of my kitchen decisions on your videos. I hope you keep making these great videos.

[@purplesage2621]

Based on this and other reviews I ended up buying the Kitchenaid. It works well, but just know that you have to add a lot more cooking time for almost all recipes. Anything that calls for a low setting I use medium and add up to 2 more hours. Anything on high can take an extra hour or two, as well. The cooker didn't come with a recipe book so it's been a difficult time trying to adjust timing. It took me 10 hours to cook a 3 lb chuck roast and still wasn't as tender as I've seen others. We were famished by then so we just ate it as is. I wish it had come with a guide booklet.

[@jamessims9475]

i noticed that the amazon reviews mention missing rubber gaskets and very poorly fitting lids. i bet that's what is messing up the cook times. i was going to get this model because of ATK recommendation but after seeing this type of review im getting very "meh" on this model

[@Jerry-me1fy]

Yeah I ordered this model too and it dose not get hot enough to cook anything I put some carrots and water in this crock pot for 15 hours on high and they were still raw

[@MattHeinbaugh]

I nominate America's Test Kitchen to definitively find out if Russia influenced the election, seriously its super sad that this level of journalistic rigor is so rare

[@serbzarni]

i just laughed out loud hahaha

[@chiefjudge8456]

They did. Crooked Trump is a Russian puppet.

[@Eth3realwarrior]

Matthew Heinbaugh OMG! I try to watch this stuff to avoid fake news! Left right or center! I don't CARE! I don't drop political narrative on the shows I watch that aren't dam politics!!! So STFU!!!!!!!

[@ThePeopleSing]

Yes, I voted for Trump because of Russian influence.

[@Nmethyltransferase]

I voted for Trump because he sleeps with Putin more often than he does with his wife!

[@Pwn3dbyth3n00b]

It's funny how a Crock-Pot didn't even win the best Crock-Pot competition.

[@seikibrian8641]

Yeah, Crock-Pot branded slow cookers came in 4th (Recommended With Reservations) and 6th (Not Recommended) places of the eight slow cookers tested.

[@stephentashiro5177]

The review failed to say what happens to the fancy digital models if there is a momentary power outage - as so often happens in thunderstorms. The Crock-Pots with manual controls turn themselves back on.

[@bigpapi2658]

Crockpot brand quality has declined over the years.

[@seikibrian8641]

@@stephentashiro5177 One possible problem with that is that if you're not home when the power goes out, if the machine turns itself back on you might not know that your food was in the danger zone for an hour or more. If the machine stays off, you'd know to toss the food.

[@AustinSlack]

@@seikibrian8641 Yeah, I wouldn't WANT me slow cooker to come back on at that point.

[@bobosmith2083]

4 quart from walmart cost 6 dollars had about 3 years now works great use it for everything !!!!

[@AyngeMackay]

Your thoroughness delights me. I love you guys. ♥

[@slimsfo]

Aynge Mackay c

[@MrEquusQuagga]

Aynge Mackay c

[@slowgynman1234.]

Aynge Mackay & I was thinking blah blah blah 🙄

[@yuamymartinez1557]

Nice video, you may also want to checkout the review of Winning America Now on my blog here at *gohonestreviews. com/winning-america-now-review/* Thanks, Ginger.

[@happierquotes7400]

Same!

[@4tun8nanette]

Is there an update to this? Its been 6 years since this review was made.

[@ginawiggles918]

*@4tun8Nanette:* Hi Nanette, I too asked for a *CROCK POT* update today (Feb 2, 2024) and since they didn't listen to you, I'm sure they won't listen to me either. The more recent reviews for their "winner" are pretty dismal as far a quality control at Kitchen Aid. I'm not willing to take a chance. Let me know if you ever found one you like.❤

[@4tun8nanette]

@@ginawiggles918 When needed I use my Instant Pot as a slow cooker. Good to have a two for one appliance, also.

[@kockgunner]

I love how she said the buttons were satisfying to click and that the timer started counting down to let you know it’s working. These are the details I’m interested in!

[@Hypatia4242]

From what I understand Kitchenaid hires a heck of a lot of engineers who are interested in performance, whereas the other companies (I'm looking at you Hamilton Beach) hire a lot of marketing dweebs to try and 'push' whatever rumbles off their assembly line. It's the difference between trying to understand and meet demand and trying to force demand.

[@lordgarion514]

Not really. The difference is in how much they charge. You can just sell better stuff when you charge 2-5 times more. Not everyone can afford really expensive stuff, or they hardly use the item and don't want to pay so much for something they rarely use. But I'll bet Kitchen aid makes a higher percentage of profit per item. If you double the quality of most items, you're really only increasing the cost to actually manufacture it by 10-20 percent max. So when it costs twice as much, most of that extra cost is just going into their pockets. Some of extra money is what they use to hire extra engineers and research more stuff. It has absolutely nothing to do with demand. Each company is servicing a different market. If 90% of your cooking is opening boxes and cans(majority of people), it's retarded to own a KitchenAid, or any other high end kitchen equipment.

[@KW-cq4yr]

Well we been through two kitchen aids and there junk crockpots! First one 4 months quit kitchen aid gladly sent another around 10 months and it quit it also doesn’t seem to be a very hot crockpot had to cook usually longer times compared to other crockpots. The engineers need to find better quality parts and manufacturing because it isn’t there in the kitchen aid.

[@purplesage2621]

@@KW-cq4yr, I just left a similar comment. I wish it had come with a guide booklet because it's been an ordeal trying to figure out the cooking times. Everything takes so much longer to cook, and I gave up using the low setting at all. If mine breaks down I won't buy another Kitchenaid.

[@acninee]

And yet Kitchenaid has its failures. Silicon potholders... those got way too hot, way too soon to be useful. Some of the attachments that run on the mixers aren't that efficient. People complain that the more recent versions of their coffee grinder have underpowered motors. However.. the slow cooker does look like a win. My point isn't that nothing they do is good. Just that each product still needs to be investigated on it's own, like anything else.

[@mr.nmoney3554]

Robert Pruitt I know your comment is old but I agree with you on Hamilton beach. My home had 4 ceiling fans In it 3 Hamilton beach fans went out the first 4 years the 1 hunter fan in the living room is still ticking 12 years later..ridiculous

[@dav8388]

I bought the kitchen aid based on your test, and after over a year with it I love it. It cooks perfectly also I love that after the timer is done it automatically goes to keep warm. Which is nice for when I come home later than intended my food is not cold cause it shut off.

[@conned]

You should ask "Alexa...."cook from your smartphone

[@bryanmathew2079]

Thanks4 Kitchen Aid Comment Buying iT😊, & tttTurn That vvvVoice Listner Of😮.

[@vitalsteve1]

i get all of my slow cookers at the thrift store for close to $10.

[@TheGbab]

Its worth mentioning that only manual knob style slow cookers will work with seperate temperature controllers. These cheap controls from Inkbird and other brands can easily make a basic slow cooker into a precise Sous Vide water bath. Another use for your plain jane crock pot.

[@dondiezel]

Awesome review! Detailed, thorough and thoughtful. Thanks and I'm confident in buying these items when I have the money.

[@krankenheim13]

Is the Kitchen Aid slow cooker STILL the best choice in 2022??

[@Loachie90]

Nice teardown, that was insightful

[@HariOmRadhaKrishna]

We use our Crock-Pot brand slow cooker all Winter, & it's awesome. We are vegetarian, so maybe that's easier than cooking giant roasts.

[@heykidschultz2225]

I would like to see them test some of the small sizes of these items for those of us that are only cooking for 1 or 2 people. If I used a slow cooker that large I would be wasting a lot of food even with eating leftovers and freezing extra portions.

[@ArchieLovesMe]

Yikes Amazon reviews say otherwise on that winning pot. Think I’ll pass!

[@eponymousIme]

I really enjoyed the "dissection" of the various models so we could see their inner workings. Unfortunately, though, the winning KitchenAid model has enough articulate negative reviews on Amazon to warrant a second evaluation and testing. I certainly am not convinced that it's a good buy.

[@thisscreensucks]

this channel is amazing "we brought it an engineer to tear it apart" this is why i love their product reviews. they over of every detail, so if you cant find the one they recommend at least you know the specific qualities to look for .

[@WobblePizza]

From MIT no less. Hahah. Tells you what the job market is like. Dude was probably sitting around applying to jobs.

[@seikibrian8641]

" Dude was probably sitting around applying to jobs." More likely he has a full-time, tenured position teaching future engineers at MIT, which is just a stone's throw from ATK's test kitchen.

[@llunde22]

I was about to say the same thing, MIT engineers don't have troubles finding jobs.

[@vitalsteve1]

hey, this MIT engineer took time out of his busy schedule to remove the 4 screws from the thing to split it apart. dont rag on him.

[@xex2kok]

Except they didn't tell you anything but that. Would have been nice to hear more than they hired someone to look at a thing.

[@queenrocks77]

I just have a basic 7 qt Crock Pot that I bought on sale. It has one knob and I've never cooked a bad meal in it. $25

[@ivyhays6006]

joe b I know right 😭 I bought mine 6qt Crock-pot on clearance in the summer of 2007 for 12$ (It's a red 2006 Christmas special model). Simple low/high/warm knob. Never fail a meal. Can't justify buying a new one bc this one keeping on going.

[@bwp714]

7qt crockpot. I paid 32 bucks 5 years ago.. I use it every sunday.. Has never failed.

[@kalijasin]

@joe b, yeah, me too. generic crockpot with the one knob. It works perfect.

[@andrewcushmansr2]

Love the info. But what are the other top contenders? How about a top 5?????

[@78625amginE]

“An engineer from MIT.” I love this channel and the work you all do.

[@Pluviophile218]

I have a 4qt oval Crock-Pot. The outside of the thing is decorated with ivy and the crock is dark green. It has served me well for many many years. It was made in the US and I bought it at Wall-Mart for 19.95. One knob: High, Low, Off. Works great. It's all I need.

[@natlap1966]

Hihi!! I have the same one🤭 Also have a bigger one. They were cheap and never failed me👍

[@zach35614]

FYI to anyone looking at this video, the winning model (or whatever the link goes to) appears to have some quality control issues now or this review was a joke 6 years ago. The one I got came with lid that doesn't cover the entire pot, and the pot itself doesn't fit snuggly into the base. KitchenAid's website doesn't even accept the serial number when filling out a support request, so ended up just returning it.

[@Maltbrew]

"So we worked with a mechanical engineer from MIT" Nothing less could've done the job & the dorky glasses because who knows what might fly out and hit you in they face! You guys are so wonderfully extreme.

[@elainestephenson8334]

Maltbrew i

[@nickjohn2051]

Maltbrew Any engineer worth his salt would wear protective tools. Same as chemist that wear white lab coat even on the office.

[@TheIkaika777]

They use protective goggles and white lab coats so it gives the impression that they’re doing unbiased research when in reality the winners have already paid them for positive reviews.

[@gvahlg6001]

Lol for real, the glasses were absolute bs minions level humour. I hope it was intended as such.

[@KaneshaDi]

I have a Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker and I have not had any issues with it. It actually works quite well, I've made Chicken and Rice soup and also I've cooked Turkey Legs and they always came out great.

[@SpecialKate8]

Since this was done a few years ago, it would be really helpful to get an updated video. Now this model only comes with Alexa, but if that's not something we are interested in, it would be nice to know what non-Alexa/non-app based slow cooker is recommended.

[@AustinSlack]

Seeing "Alexa" and "slow cooker" in the same sentence is not one I ever thought I'd see.

[@fatdad64able]

"...and it has an unusual addition of extra insulation inside the housing ..." *points at bunched up aluminum foil*

[@adelechicken6356]

Take another look, please. The foil was surrounding some white insulation. You may need to go to full screen or bigger screen to really see it.

[@seikibrian8641]

If you watch it again, Anton, starting at 5:16, she's actually pulling back the foil and pointing to where the extra insulation, which is wrapped in the foil, would be. If you freeze the video at 5:22, you can get a better look at the insulation behind the yellow wires.

[@tylerescudero]

Hahahhaha they brought in someone from MIT. That is awesome. Awesome video guys, thank you so much!!

[@mikecole1664]

Y'all do such a professional and clear review of each product. I enjoy watching even if I'm not in the market for said item.

[@jewdd1989]

I have an Instapot my sister bought me years ago that has a slow cook “feature”… don’t expect it to work. I don’t think that was an option here but I had high hopes for mine to work as a slow cooker and it sucks! Never fully cooks or heats up enough. I’m very curious about the Ninja newest version of a slow cooker with 12 modes but it’s 8.5 and too massive. Unfortunately they don’t offer a 6-7qt size too bad because it offers a lot of functions

[@deeblack9393]

We have a good old-fashioned Crock Pot oval about 6 quarts with the dial for Off Low High and Warm and it works fine for us. To keep track of cooking time we just set a timer. We are actually using it slightly more often than our oven for meals.

[@carolynmyers2222]

Need to get a new one. I have had 5-6 of them.

[@jthebuffalo]

This is a really well done review. Thanks.

[@littlepinons]

One test I would add is if the power goes out briefly and comes back on. Does it resume or does it default back to waiting for instructions? I prefer mechanical over digital for that reason.

[@Nyx773]

That is a very good point. With any luck, that information would be on the outside of the box for the digital cooker. Or on the manufacturer's website.

[@aprilstutzman9231]

There are many newer options on the market today. It is time to repeat the testing. It would be nice to include some lead free/ healthier alternatives.

[@nakitahime]

I have the ninja crockpot that I got as a wedding gift 5 years ago and I love it. I use it all the time and it's never let me down.

[@saskiak2272]

My biggest concern, which was not addressed, is the level of toxicity in the inner pots for those who are looking for truly non-toxic cooking.

[@sergman94]

did anybody notice the video flash red?

[@Mekratrig]

Am attempting to learn some cookery. What is difference between a slow cooker and a pressure cooker? Am suspecting a pressure cooker does same as a slow, only fastar. When would you use one instead of the othar?

[@YupIStayConfused]

Finally an equipment review. Can we please start seeing more of these

[@seikibrian8641]

Subscribe to their Web site and you can see plenty of them. www.americastestkitchen.com/equipment_reviews

[@alexanderjamieson7971]

Looking at postings from customers on Amazon, Kitchen Aid is seriously lacking in quality control on this one. Either the croc doesn't fit, or the lid doesn't fit the croc, or both. Not everything ATK recommends is a winner.

[@kippaseo8027]

my Kenmore Elite slow cooker is pretty awesome and I'm wondering if it wasn't made by KitchenAid as many Kenmore Elite products are? the lower end Kenmore small appliances are made by Hamilton Beach butt many of the higher-end small appliances are KitchenAid influenced.

[@jenjentruecrime]

The reviews on Amazon for this crockpot are terrible. The lid doesn't fit correctly leaving a huge gap.

[@EAZ36588]

Any recommendations for a small but good slow cooker enough for maybe two servings something around 2 quarts?

[@кухня-ж7к]

Здравствуйте ! Посмотрев Ваш канал , понимаешь что есть к чему реально стремится . Спасибо за ваши видео !

[@jugajones]

The problem I have with the digital slow cookers is if the power blinks off just for a moment and the cooker is unattended it cuts off and you come home to raw food. this is not a problem with manual controls.

[@kylebavender5981]

That's a good point. Power loss, and it's all over. On the other hand, digital cookers will switch down to a "keep warm" mode after their timer countdown has finished. OK to leave the house and return later than intended without an overcooked meal. Ups & downs.

[@karlrovey]

Except slow cookers aren't supposed to get hot enough to over cook your food. It shouldn't bring water to a boil. Simmer (about 185 degrees Fahrenheit) yes, but not a boil. I have a second hand slow cooker that allows you to cook with or without the ceramic liner (allowing it to function as anything from a steamer to a deep fryer). It doesn't have your traditional "low" and "high" settings and instead has a temperature dial. You use 275-300 with the liner (this doesn't reflect the temperature on the inside of the liner). You can let it cook an extra hour or two if you want and it won't make much of a difference.

[@karlrovey]

@@gidget8717 The test recommended by new publications is to set it to low filled half-way with water. After 4 hours, the water should be 185°F. The cheaper low-quality manufacturers (e.g. crockpot) cook too hot just in order to be on the safe side while not having particularly good sensors. Crockpot may have invented the slow cooker, but they no longer have the best slow cookers.

[@latabrown6371]

Kitchenaid 6 quart slow cooker BEST KIND

[@talibaliuk]

Argh...not available in the UK...:'-( The inclusion of the engineer thus a science based product review sold me.

[@gujjubeauty]

Can you please test affordable programmable kettles or tea maker?

[@rachelnstephens]

Boiling water in a sauce pot that you already own is pretty cheap.

[@crystlangel]

My husband was gifted a $10 or $15 Hamilton Beach slow cooker 3 qt. back in college and we still use it to this day (over 10 years)...granted, the band broke but we've macgivered it with a stretchable keychain band, and sometimes, I wish it was programmable. However, for just us or for a small gathering of 5-6 people, we've made an assortment of beef roasts, beans, meatballs, pulled pork, and chicken recipes. It's turned out to be a very useful, lightweight kitchen appliance for its size, ease of use and durability.

[@clairressagoad2789]

I feel like it’s time to test slow cookers again and this time recommend a 2nd option…please…

[@LadyNicky007]

This video is now 5 years old!! 😕 Time to bring this video up-to-date!! *_2021_* Anyways..I always use a pressure cooker fo my meals.. It’s fast..all meats turn out tender, juicy & savoury no matter what Brand you use! Stews come out with the most exquisite flavours & the added plus is that veggies retain all their vitamins & minerals..whereas slow cooking just fuses out the nutrients!! Pressure Cookers can do no harm in my book & now with the new-comers such as mine, you can cook a tender juicy chicken or Pork Butt fast & after you can crisp a nice crusty skin on it.. The sky’s the limit with these new Pressure Cooker Crispers with Fryer bases. Bonus...Lower electric bills..🥳 I hardly use my oven anymore! Don’t even know why I’m looking at Slow Cookers! My son has a Cuisinart & he always winds up frustrated with the results mentioned in this video... What I’m searching for is a good little 2 person Rice Cooker & also a practical & efficiently simple Toaster Oven to cook pizzas, cookies & re-heat my leftover meals... I used to have a 1980’s Black & Decker T.Oven that was big & powerful enough to roast a 4 1/2 pound chicken & cook my pastries... It died 5 years ago & I’ve been buying & returning these new ovens ever since. Too many useless buttons that rapidly break down!! I want appliances that are Powerful & Efficient..not..Expensive & Frustrating! Whenever I think I’ve found that jewel of a T. Oven.. reviews much like in this video, crush my illusions!!🙁! Wish Black & Decker would come back to its 70’s & 80’s #1 spot... You’d do better going to every Brand’s WebSite to look at the latest user reviews!! Just my opinion no one asked for! 😉 I wish all of you luck finding your Slow Cooker.. 😉

[@VelvetCrone]

It's time to redo this, I'm thinking. Things have changed - whatcha got?

[@bwp714]

Lol you didn't test a single Crock Pot????

[@docriordan7787]

I can't get there from here so I'll post it here on crock pot ribs. If you add a ceramic coffee cup upside down in the crock pot it will produce a vacuum and prevent the ribs from getting soggy even better. Found it by accident trying to keep ribs upright in the crock pot. Love your show, watch often.....even if its reruns!! Best how to cooking show I can find!

[@KarynjeanD]

I would love an update on this! 6 years is a long time in the cooking/tech world.

[@xxphunguyenxx]

Excellent thoroughness but you never went into any detail on any of the specific cookers. I was hoping to get some input on the crockpot that you tested

[@SilviaSandinoNieto]

Yes me too

[@chazmiller1444]

Not bad but I'm somewhat conflicted I'm not sure this wasn't a commercial for KitchenAid out of what a dozen cookers there's no second or third?

[@lordgarion514]

How are people still continuously so dumb after all these years? This is not the full review. That is on their website, and requires joining, which is not free. They charge for membership because of the fact that they don't take money from companies whose products they review. So no, this is not an advertisement.

[@deniselisaolsen]

I sure wish ATK would update this research. Six years ago is too long for me to completely trust their recommendation.

[@MikehMike01]

The article was updated recently, still the same winner

[@davidwootton683]

A basic one is a must in a kitchen. I am on my second one. If you prepare your vegetables, saute and then add, the flavor is much better. With chowders, add the seafood at the end for the last 10 to 15 minutes. Aged steak floured and sauteed and added again at the end produces the best results. Many thanks for these wonderful videos. Kind regards and greetings from Africa.

[@williamfahey6066]

This is a wonderful video but, it is 5 years old. Do you think the new Kitchen Aid slow cooker is still the best? Or would it be best to wait for a new review? Thank you, Jeff

[@Ranis555]

Thank you for being the most in-depth and scientific review I've been able to find while I look for a slow cooker to buy. Everything else is just an advertisement.

[@lauriemclean1131]

Lots of great information on how slow cookers work. I would also love to see a review of countertop pressure cookers. Whether they are better and/or safer than the stove-top kind.

[@rozchristopherson648]

I have an Instant Pot and I love it. Much better than the old stovetop pressure cookers. I’m 62 so I’ve used several of the old stovetop ones. You have to time them, take great care if letting out steam or transporting to the sink to run cold water on them to cool them down. If you didn’t do it all just right, they could explode. I never had any of them explode but my high school friend had one explode, hit the ceiling, and land on her ankle, fracturing it. The Instant Pot has a digital timer display and a easy to use valve to let steam out. Much better that the old designs.

[@jerryhanson3903]

If you ignore the fact they quit working on you because of how cheap they're made the KitchenAid crock pot is a good one, I know. The 10th one I bought made it about 90% through a cooking cycle before it quit and if it kept working the dinner would have been great,nice and even cooking. Thanks KitchenAid

[@richardb7999]

I have the Crock Pot one that's controlled by an app. In addition to app control, there's also ONE manual button on the front of the unit that cycles through high, low, warm and off so it's odd these people had a hard time using it. Timer functions are accessed through the app exclusively which is very basic and lets you control any function of the slow cooker from a remote location. Since most people set these things and then take off, being able to control them remotely is a Godsend. It cooks great too.

[@jernigan007]

Working from home due to covid-19 pandemic. My old Rival Crockpot died. Good time to buy the KitchenAid.

[@silverdawn813]

i tried to purchase the kitchen aid slow cooker but they said they were phasing it out. /sad

[@dodgedabullet670]

I wish this woman would brush her hair once in awhile...

[@ericanker9049]

Maybe this test is thorough, but just outlining one brand as the best without saying anything about; nor in anyway grading the other products, gives you no credibility in my eyes.

[@lynhanna917]

looking to replace my 38 year old 4 qt crock pot with a still intact ceramic insert (no one is allowed to touch the insert - guess that is why it is still going strong) and was very glad to see your reviews. My new kitchenaid is on it's way, I will no longer have to cut a roast in half to get it in the crock pot.

[@nigeljohn6676]

But are these things energy efficient? can anyone answer?

[@t_c5266]

I disagree with the complication. Like. It's your slow cooker. you use it once or twice the "confusing" factor is gone.

[@ChefNutter]

This shit looks like a lot of work to cook with,..Think im just goin to stick to my microwave!

[@williameichin3701]

I suppose it's not obvious, but you missed the Nesco Roaster

[@kostasp1269]

Thank you for the video. I really like the products and methods you test - great job!

[@Christine-ix7tp]

I got the kitchen aide based on CR review and had several meals turn out very tough almost inedible. Call Ed kitchen aide and they said their slow cooker is VERY slow/low and would need to be cooked on high for 10-12 hours to accomplish same result as low for 8 hrs. Rep even recommended cooking overnight to accomplish 12 hour time frame. If I can set and cook while at work it kind of defeats the purpose. Very disappointed and would return but amazon return period is expired.

[@angelaangella24]

Can you please review the all clad slow cooker

[@Uckertay]

Yeah, science!!! This was awesome!

[@sbnsbaker1]

“Brought to you by Kitchen Aid” Haha!!!

[@Moore2Lifepantrylovinprepper]

I had that Ninja Cooker and Loved it, the only problem was the non-stick coating like most other appliances flakes off. It heated in saute` mode as quick as a pan on a stove top ,so I don't know why you said it was slow. I used the bake function to cook many things and found it cooked evenly throughout. The other issue with the Ninja is the heating element is large so even tho it was a 6 qt I felt shorted on space, it was not as deep as I would have liked.

[@rezinrussell1689]

$100 for a slow cooker? Nope.

[@Mad5cout]

One thing they might be forgetting in these tests - longevity and quality control. Look at the Kitchenaid on Amazon and you will find 1/4 of the reviews are 1 star because this thing just breaks. Either the heating element fails, that fancy sensor gives out or the ceramic insert cracks. I got one of those Black and Deckers without all the fancy timers and it is 7 qts instead of 6. It's awesome. Need a timer? There is usually one on your stove...

[@MrsMegaDead]

Looking for a new slow cooker and thinking of buying one at oener.mba/atr34 do you recommend any?

[@kathconstance4684]

This is fantastic - please review pressure cookers, stove top then electric :D

[@seikibrian8641]

They have, and they prefer the stove-top models. Top rating to the Fissler Vitaquick 8½-Quart Pressure Cooker and Best Buy to the Fagor Duo 8-Quart. And while they didn't really like the electric ones, they gave "Recommended with Reservations" status to the Emeril 1,000-Watt 6-Quart Electric Pressure Cooker by T-fal.

[@MrEquusQuagga]

Hi imiKah K, I'm afraid they already did. Queng dem ovastand meh en Jamaicaton

[@TheIkaika777]

Best stove-top pressure cookers are made by Kuhn-Rikon from Switzerland.

[@johnsharpe6031]

All well and good...BUT.....!! Which slow cooker has a temperature adjustment? I found slow/medium/high setting may do not tell me the exact temperature. A very annoying problem. especially when I need to lock the temperature at, lets say, 145 degrees. I'd like you to do a 'do-over' and present slow cookers with temperature adjustments. Hint: There aren't many out there!!

[@Abyssaeon]

My KitchenAid slow cooker randomly ceased working last night and spoiled the pork I had in there. The “keep warm” setting simply stopped producing heat. I tried everything, and nothing got it working again. All the display lights still turn on, but no heat is produced. This unit is maybe 1-1.5 years old. I use it weekly. Bummer, as I’m unlikely to replace it with the same make/model, but don’t know what is better in 2022.

[@ajc5869]

In my experience, the best slow cookers are the vintage original Rival Crock Pots *without* the removable crock. I’ve taken them apart to find out what makes them so good, and the difference actually is that the heating wire in these models is wrapped around and bonded directly to the crock, it actually warms the entire crock evenly all up the sides. It truly makes a serious difference, these are the BEST crock pots. However, the downsides are definitely there. The small typically 3.5qt capacity is limiting and so is the tall cylindrical shape instead of a wide oval one. But if you ever see one in good shape at the thrift shop, it’s DEFINITELY worth picking up!

[@jajanesaddictions]

Please do this again in 2019 for the newest ones out. And Instant Pot cookers would be good too.

[@johnnykanoo]

Here is why you SHOULD NOT buy the Kitchen aid. I bought it because test kitchen recommended it. It was decent. I honestly felt that it didn't get quite hot enough, however it did the job and it was definitely consistent. I have two boys 11, and 13 who were horsing around and broke the insert. Well guess what? the insert is NOT available alone so I would have to buy the whole unit again, which is a pricey $119 !!! If you have young children or any situation where this pretty delicate porcelain like insert could brake then I would give this one a pass. I am very disappointed in this unit and kitchen aide overall for not making parts available especially considering there very hefty almost double the price cost over there competition

[@reginademasi5797]

I purchased this slow cooker based on this review and I must say I don’t feel it’s worth the price. Meats cook well, but vegetables don’t cook completely-“they still have a “bite” even when cooked on high for 8 hours. I still think my old $20 Crockpot brand from Walmart worked best.

[@caitlinlewis6320]

Hi Americas Test Kitchen, we love your channel and base our kitchen purchases on your recommendations. However we live in Ireland and both of your top recommendations for slow cookers (KitchenAid and Cuisinart) are not available! Any runners up you might recommend?!