AS we finally exit January, many of us are still feeling the financial pinch after the holiday season. That’s where the best slow cookers truly shine.
It’s a game-changer for creating satisfying meals without breaking the bank.
With just a little prep, you can transform budget-friendly cuts of meat, pulses, and even frozen vegetables into hearty dishes that cook themselves while you go about your day.
Plus, using a slow cooker can be more energy-efficient than firing up the oven.
If you’re considering investing in one, be sure to check the latest prices at Amazon, Argos, Lakeland, and John Lewis, where you’ll often find longer guarantees and a hassle-free return policy.
I’ve tested several of the best slow cookers available in the UK, and I’m excited to share which ones are truly worth your investment.
Best slow cookers at a glance
The best slow cookers in 2026, reviewed
1. Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker 8-in-1 Slow Cooker
Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker 8-in-1 Slow Cooker, £149.99
Pros: Huge 8L capacity; eight functions; oven-safe removeable pot
Cons: Takes up lots of counter space, heavy
Rating: 5/5
The large capacity of this slow cooker makes it perfect for batch cooking, hosting dinner parties, or feeding a big family.
It’s not just the biggest slow cooker I’ve tried; it’s also the most stylish.
The sleek black-and-blue design adds a touch of elegance, something I’ve come to expect from Ninja.
Functionality is where this appliance shines with an amazing eight cooking options, including Simmer, Bake, Prove, and Keep Warm.
Despite the many features, it’s surprisingly user-friendly, thanks to a simple dial-controlled panel.
Once you choose your function, you can easily adjust the temperature and time, with a handy recipe guide for extra support.
One of my favourite features is the removable cooking pot, which can go straight from the oven to the table.
This not only saves on dishes but also allows for seamless serving.
I used it to whip up BBQ pulled pork for a fantastic Friday dinner, resulting in perfectly soft and juicy meat.
It’s also brilliant for saucy dishes – one of my favourite dishes ever is chilli con carne in the slow cooker, and this made a huge batch of it, which was perfect for freezing and having throughout the week.
The only downside is its size; it requires ample counter space, but given how versatile it is, it’s a fair trade-off.
| Cooking pot capacity | 8L |
| Size | H:28 x W:42 x D:29cm |
| Functions | slow cook, keep warm, steam, braise, prove, sear/saute, simmer, bake |
2. Russell Hobbs Good To Go Multi Cooker
Russell Hobbs Good To Go Multi Cooker, £49
Pros: Excellent value; large 6.5L capacity; lightweight and easy to move around
Cons: Nothing
Rating: 4.5/5
Given its reasonable price point, it has a sleek design with a copper-and-black theme.
The Russell Hobbs model has a unique setup: a cooking pot that plugs into the control panel, so you can serve straight to the table.
With a generous 6.5L capacity, it effortlessly cooks 6 to 7 portions, making it perfect for family dinners.
Plus, it’s surprisingly lightweight, making it much easier to move around than most larger models — even when it’s full.
I recently made a delicious slow cooker chicken curry, and the whole process was a breeze.
I simply seared the meat, added the remaining ingredients, and let it work its magic.
Once it was done, it automatically switched to a keep-warm mode for up to four hours, so I could relax without worrying about rushing back to the kitchen.
| Cooking pot capacity | 6.5L |
| Size | H:24.4, W:45.8, D:29.9cm |
| Functions | roast, sous vide, steam, cook rice, keep warm, sear, slow cook and boil |
3. Morphy Richards 3.5l Sear and Stew Slow Cooker
Morphy Richards 3.5l Sear and Stew Slow Cooker, £59.99
Pros: Very easy to use; hob-safe pot; affordable and good size
Cons: No keep warm function, no delay mode
Rating: 4/5
This simple slow cooker is a solid option for fuss-free cooking.
It has a simple dial at the front for adjusting the temperature (low, medium and high settings).
One of the standout features is the hob-safe pot, which lets you brown ingredients on the stove before slow-cooking.
This not only saves on washing up but also helps develop rich flavours — perfect for those who enjoy cooking from scratch.
With a 3.5L capacity, it’s smaller than some others on the market, but still comfortably serves up to four portions.
Its lightweight design makes it easy to lift the inner pot in and out.
I recently tried making a chicken and chorizo casserole, and it turned out perfectly.
The only downside is the lack of a timer, a keep-warm function, or a delay mode, so you’ll need to keep an eye on it.
I wouldn’t recommend leaving it unattended for long.
| Cooking pot capacity | 3.5L |
| Size | H:20 x W:33 x D:25cm |
| Functions | low, medium and high heat settings |
4. Lakeland 6.5L Searing Slow Cooker
Lakeland 6.5L Searing Slow Cooker, £99.99
Pros: Large capacity, searing function; clear controls and countdown timer
Cons: Not dishwasher safe; bulky
Rating: 4/5
Lakeland’s searing slow cooker is perfect for larger households and entertaining, boasting a spacious 6.5L capacity that can easily feed six people.
However, if you usually cook for just two to four, this size might feel a bit excessive.
One of its standout features is the sear function, which offers five temperature settings for precise control — almost like cooking on the hob.
I found that it heated up quickly, browning the chicken beautifully and softening the onions in no time, which is just what you need before slow-cooking.
Using it daily is a breeze. The controls are intuitive, and the countdown timer keeps you informed.
Plus, it automatically switches to a keep-warm setting for up to four hours, making it a lifesaver on busy evenings.
I also appreciated the lockable lid that prevents spills during cooking and makes it easy to transport.
In my own ‘kitchen carry test,’ there were no spills at all! Just a heads up, though: it’s not dishwasher-safe, so cleanup requires a bit of extra effort.
| Cooking pot capacity | 6.5L |
| Size | 46.5 x 32.5 x 26cm |
| Functions | 5 searing settings and low, high, steam and yoghurt functions |
5. Russell Hobbs Chalkboard Slow Cooker
Russell Hobbs Chalkboard Slow Cooker, £27
Pros: Great value for money, funky design; straightforward controls
Cons: No searing function; no timer
Rating: 3.5/5
Russell Hobbs’ chalkboard slow cooker is a great choice for creative or experimental cooks, allowing notes and doodles to be drawn on the side of the appliance with chalk.
It’s a nice design touch that also allows you to leave your family or housemates messages, such as ‘don’t eat my dinner!’
The 3.5L slow cooker is big enough to prepare around four portions and has a compact design that won’t take up too much cupboard space.
While it doesn’t include a searing function, so you’ll need a separate frying pan for browning meat, it is incredibly straightforward to use.
Just turn the dial to low, high, or warm, and let it do its thing.
In my experience, it heated up quickly, and my low-cooked curry turned out perfectly after six hours.
There is a keep-warm setting, but keep in mind that it lacks a timer, so you’ll need to manually switch modes when it’s done.
| Cooking pot capacity | 3.5L |
| Size | H:22.9cm |
| Functions | low, high and warm settings |
Fried and tested
9 best air fryers 2025 UK, tried and tested
nifty ninja
Ninja Foodi Mini 6-in-1 Multi-Cooker reviewed
How we tested
I utilised all the slow cookers to prepare different meals, taking full advantage of the sear and keep warm functions to get everything prepped and keep it at the perfect temperature.
While cooking, I kept several factors in mind: the overall taste of each dish, how much liquid was lost during the process, how easy each cooker was to use, and its capacity, size, and design.
I also made sure to assess their general functionality.
If you’re curious about how we evaluate our products, you can learn more about how our product reviews team test our products.
How to use a slow cooker
Using a slow cooker is straightforward, but the process may vary slightly depending on your model.
- Check your model: Begin by familiarising yourself with what your slow cooker can do. Choose the appropriate mode, whether it’s just slow cooking or includes options like searing or sautéing.
- Prep your ingredients: Most recipes benefit from a little extra flavour, so it’s common to start by searing or sautéing your meat and vegetables. If you have a basic slow cooker, do this step in a separate frying pan. However, if you’re lucky enough to have a multi-cooker, you can do it all in one pot.
- Load it up: Once your ingredients are ready, add everything to the cooking pot. Secure the lid, set your desired temperature, and adjust the cooking time according to your recipe, whether you prefer a low-and-slow approach or something quicker.
- Let it cook: After you set it, just leave it. When the cooking time is up, if your slow cooker has a ‘keep warm’ function, you can use that before serving.
Where to buy slow cookers and recipe books
You can find slow cookers at most major home retailers and online department stores.
If you want to explore a variety of options, brands like Ninja, Morphy Richards, and Russell Hobbs offer their products directly.
For great deals, Amazon is a fantastic choice.
When it comes to recipe inspiration, many slow cookers come with a handy booklet that outlines exact settings.
However, if you want to build a diverse collection of meals, dedicated cookbooks can be a lifesaver.
A popular pick is Good Food: Ultimate Slow Cooker Recipes, available for £15.63 and packed with 150 recipes.
For a healthier option, consider Bored of Lunch: The Healthy Slow Cooker Book, priced at £11.
They also make a genuinely useful gift.
Slow cooker FAQs
Are slow cookers safe?
Yes, slow cookers are generally safe when used correctly. Just ensure you have a modern model and follow basic food hygiene.
Here are some practical safety tips:
- Start clean: Always wash your hands, utensils, and prep surfaces before you begin.
- Use the right equipment: If your slow cooker is newer and in good condition, leaving it on throughout the day is considered safe, much like any other everyday small appliance.
- Plan for interruptions: If the power goes out, your cooked food can remain safe in the cooker for up to two hours, given that it was fully cooked before the outage.
- Check the pot: If your ceramic insert is scratched, it’s best to replace it to avoid any risk of lead leaching.
Which is better, a crockpot or a slow cooker?
Crock-Pot is a brand of slow cookers, not a completely different type.
So when it comes to the question of “Crockpot vs. slow cooker,” it’s really about the specific model in front of you.
Compare things like capacity, ease of use, and whether you want additional features such as a timer, a keep-warm function, or the ability to sear meat in the same pot.
If a Crock Pot model ticks those boxes at the right price, it is a great choice.
If not, other brands are just as competitive.
Can you cook rice in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook rice in a slow cooker, although it typically takes around two hours on high.
While this method is slower than boiling it on the stovetop, it’s easier for making fluffy, well-cooked rice, especially when you’re preparing a larger batch and don’t want to hover over a pan.
For the best results, rinse the rice, combine it with the appropriate amount of liquid in the pot, cover it, and let it cook until tender.
Fluff it with a fork and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
The Russell Hobbs Good to Go Multi Cooker is one example, with a specific rice button.
Can you cook pasta in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely cook pasta in a slow cooker, but timing is key.
You’re aiming for tender pasta, not a mushy mess.
This method works especially well for pasta bakes, where the pasta finishes cooking in the sauce.
Start by making your sauce and let it simmer until it’s rich in flavour.
Keep an eye on the liquid level; pasta needs plenty of moisture, so add a splash more stock or water if it looks dry.
Add the pasta towards the end of cooking, not at the beginning.
If necessary, switch to high heat, stir to prevent sticking, and cook until just done.
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
On a chaotic weeknight, it’s exactly the kind of low-fuss win I’m after, ideally enjoyed with a glass of something in hand.