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The best slow cookers for families in 2024 – tested and top-rated

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The best slow cookers for families in 2024 – tested and top-rated

We've picked the 10 best family-friendly slow cookers for busy parents, including budget options, multi-cookers, and large-capacity models perfect for batch cooking.

Best slow cookers for families

Ruairidh Pritchard

Published: October 11, 2024 at 10:34 AM

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Busy parents know the value of having a nutritious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Slow cookers make family mealtimes easier by allowing you to prep meals in advance, letting them cook throughout the day, and coming home to a ready-to-eat dinner.

Whether you're after something simple or a more versatile multi-cooker, these models—tested by Good Food’s experts—offer something for every family.

The team at our sister site Good Food has been testing slow cookers for more than five years, ensuring every model we recommend has been tried and tested by their experts.

With these ten slow cookers, you’ll have more time to focus on your family, while dinner practically cooks itself!

Why slow cookers are a must-have for families

Slow cookers let you make the most of affordable ingredients, save energy compared to traditional ovens, and batch-cook meals—perfect for those nights when homework runs late or you’ve got activities to juggle.

The Good Food team has tested each of these models, and we've selected the best for family-friendly performance, focusing on features like ease of use, safety, and quality of meals produced.

The best slow cookers for families - at a glance

Best slow cooker for large families: Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker 8-in-1 Slow Cooker, £119.99
Best slow cooker for families with young children: Lakeland 6.5L Searing Slow Cooker, £129.99
Best multi-cooker for family meals: Ninja 9-in-1 Multi-Cooker OP350UK, £139
Best slow cooker for hands-off cooking: Morphy Richards EasyTime Slow Cooker, £79
Best slow cooker for entertaining: GreenPan 8-in-1 Slow Cooker, £200
Best compact slow cooker for small families: CrockPot Lift & Serve Digital Slow Cooker, £50
Best budget slow cooker for small families: Daewoo Stainless Steel Slow Cooker 1.5L, £14.99
Best hob-to-slow cooking option: CrockPot Sizzle & Stew Slow Cooker, £79.99
Best slow cooker with automatic functions: CrockPot TimeSelect Digital Slow Cooker, £75
Best no-fuss slow cooker for small families: Tower 3.5L Cavaletto Slow Cooker, £34.99

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The best slow cookers for families - our top picks

1. Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker 8-in-1 Slow Cooker

Best for large families

Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker 8-in-1 Slow Cooker

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Capacity: 8L
Pros: Multi-function cooker with sear/sauté options, perfect for batch cooking. Comes with a steam rack and serving spoon, and features fully recyclable packaging.
Cons: Large countertop footprint, exterior can get hot.

With its 8L capacity, this cooker is perfect for large families or meal prepping. You can sear meats directly in the pot, reducing the amount of washing-up—a huge bonus for busy parents!

In testing, the team thought it was great for making large family meals like curries or pulled pork. The extra-large pot made feeding the whole family a breeze.

Good Food Star rating: 5/5

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2. Lakeland 6.5L Searing Slow Cooker

Best for families with young children

Lakeland 6.5L Searing Slow Cooker

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Capacity: 6.5L
Pros: Searing and sautéing functions, easy-to-use controls, cool-touch exterior.
Cons: Large footprint, loud timer.

This slow cooker’s cool-touch exterior is ideal for families with young children, making the kitchen safer while preparing large meals.

In testing it performed excellently in cooking family favourites like beef stew, with tender meat and well-cooked vegetables. The safety features were a big hit for those with little ones around.

Good Food Star rating: 5/5

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3. Ninja 9-in-1 Multi-Cooker OP350UK

Best multi-cooker for family meals

Ninja 9-in-1 Multi-Cooker OP350UK

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Capacity: 6L
Pros: Nine functions, including slow cooking, air-frying, and grilling.
Cons: Large for storage, requires a separate lid for slow cooking.

This multi-tasker is perfect for families who need a versatile kitchen gadget. It handles everything from pressure cooking to air-frying, saving you time and space by replacing other appliances.

With clear instructions and impressive results, the team loved how easy it was to switch between functions. Great for trying out new recipes with the kids!

Good Food Star rating: 5/5

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4. Morphy Richards EasyTime Slow Cooker

Best for hands-off cooking

Morphy Richards EasyTime Slow Cooker

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Capacity: 6.5L
Pros: Countdown timer, auto-keep warm, hob-safe pot.
Cons: Not induction hob-compatible.

This slow cooker’s countdown timer and automatic keep-warm function make it ideal for parents with unpredictable schedules. Your food stays hot even if you’re running late from school pick-up.

The Good Food testing team loved the auto-keep warm function, which kept meals at the perfect temperature for hours—ideal for busy families.

Good Food Star rating: 5/5

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5. GreenPan 8-in-1 Slow Cooker

Best for entertaining

GreenPan 8-in-1 Slow Cooker

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Capacity: 6.5L
Pros: Elegant design, searing function, intuitive controls.
Cons: Higher price point, inconsistent timer.

Hosting a birthday party or big family dinner? This slow cooker has multiple settings and a sleek design that looks great on the counter, making it ideal for entertaining.

The Good Food team loved its intuitive design and the fact that it keeps the food warm without overheating the kitchen—perfect for when the kids are running around during a party.

Good Food Star rating: 4.5/5

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6. CrockPot Lift & Serve Digital Slow Cooker

Best compact slow cooker for small families

CrockPot Lift & Serve Digital Slow Cooker

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Capacity: 3.5L
Pros: Compact size, hinged lid for easy serving, long timer.
Cons: Quiet beeper, controls can be confusing.

Ideal for small families or those with limited kitchen space. The hinged lid means no more mess when serving, perfect when you’ve got toddlers to feed and limited counter space.

In testing, the team found it excellent for smaller meals, with easy clean-up, making it a great addition for families with younger children.

Good Food Star rating: 4.5/5

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7. Daewoo Stainless Steel Slow Cooker

Best for small families on a budget

Daewoo Stainless Steel Slow Cooker

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Capacity: 1.5L
Pros: Affordable, three heat settings, dishwasher-safe.
Cons: Keep-warm setting isn’t very strong.

Budget-conscious parents will love this reliable, simple slow cooker. It’s ideal for small family meals and perfect for soups or stews on cold evenings.

Despite its low price, the team found it excellent for cooking overnight meals, such as tender beef stew, with minimal fuss.

Good Food Star rating: 4.5/5

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8. CrockPot Sizzle & Stew Slow Cooker

Best for hob-to-slow cooking

CrockPot Sizzle & Stew Slow Cooker

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Capacity: 6.5L
Pros: Hob-safe pot, dishwasher-safe components.
Cons: No recipes included.

The ability to sear meat on the hob and then transfer it directly to the slow cooker makes this a time-saving option for busy parents. Plus, its large capacity is ideal for family dinners.

It performed exceptionally well in batch cooking and meal-prepping tests, making it a favourite for families with multiple hungry mouths to feed.

Good Food Star rating: 4.5/5

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9. CrockPot TimeSelect Digital Slow Cooker

Best for automatic meal prep

CrockPot TimeSelect Digital Slow Cooker

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Capacity: 5.6L
Pros: Automated functions, bowl and lid are dishwasher and oven-safe.
Cons: No recipes in the manual.

This model is perfect for busy parents who need meals ready at a specific time. The automatic functions adjust cooking times and temperatures based on your input, making it almost foolproof.

The Good Food team were impressed by how well it handled family meals without needing much intervention—perfect for busy school nights.

Good Food Star rating: 4.5/5

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10. Tower 3.5L Cavaletto Slow Cooker

Best no-fuss option for small families

Tower 3.5L Cavaletto Slow Cooker

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Capacity: 3.5L
Pros: Simple to use, compact design, dishwasher-safe.
Cons: Basic features, no advanced functions.

This no-frills option is great for small families or when you just need to whip up a quick, hearty meal. The compact size makes it easy to store, even in smaller kitchens.

The Good Food testing team found it ideal for cooking simple family favourites like chilli or casseroles with minimal fuss.

Good Food Star rating: 4/5

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Why slow cookers are perfect for families

As a parent, slow cookers offer an effortless way to make delicious meals that the whole family will love. They’re not just for casseroles; everything from porridge to desserts can be cooked slowly for maximum flavour. Whether you're prepping meals for the week or just trying to get a hearty dinner on the table with minimal effort, a slow cooker is a must-have kitchen gadget for busy families.

Tips for parents

Get the kids involved: Let them help measure ingredients or stir the pot—it’s a great way to introduce them to cooking.
Plan ahead: Batch cooking in a slow cooker can save you from last-minute dinner stress.
Safety first: Many slow cookers come with cool-touch exteriors, but always keep them away from curious little hands.

Pot roast, in a crock pot, resting in front of fresh vegetables. Critical focus is on the roast.

What to look for when buying a slow cooker

Choosing the right slow cooker for your family can feel overwhelming with so many options out there, especially if you're trying to stick to a budget. Here are some key factors to consider to make sure you pick one that meets the needs of your busy family life without breaking the bank.

1. Design: simple or versatile?

If you’re a budget-conscious parent, the first thing to decide is whether you need a basic slow cooker or one with extra functions. For most family meals, a simple slow cooker that does the job well will be perfect. These budget-friendly models are great for stews, soups, and casseroles—ideal for busy parents who need to throw ingredients in before school pick-ups or bath time.

However, if you want something more versatile, there are models that also pressure-cook, sous-vide, or even bake. Keep in mind, though, that these features will bump up the price. For most families, the extra cost may not be necessary unless you really enjoy trying new cooking techniques.

2. Size: how much food does your family need?

Slow cookers come in a range of sizes, and choosing the right one depends on how many people you’re cooking for. The smallest sizes, around 1.5 litres, are best for one or two people—so probably not practical for most families, but great for making meals just for the kids. For a family of four, a 3-4.5 litre slow cooker is usually the sweet spot. This size is perfect for making enough to feed everyone, with a little left over for lunches or freezing.

If you’ve got a bigger family or want to batch-cook to save time later in the week, a larger 6-6.5 litre model will be ideal. This size is great for preparing bulk meals like Bolognese, chilli, or soups, so you have something ready when evenings get hectic.

Top tip for parents: Remember that the capacity listed by manufacturers is the size of the bowl, not the working capacity. Slow cookers should only be filled two-thirds full to cook effectively.

3. Space: how much room do you have?

With kids running around and limited counter space, the size and shape of the slow cooker are important considerations. Round, tall models take up less space, making them easier to store in smaller kitchens. Oval-shaped slow cookers are bulkier but offer more versatility—great for cooking larger cuts of meat like a whole chicken or a roast that’s perfect for a family Sunday lunch.

Pro tip: If counter or cupboard space is tight, consider where you’ll store your slow cooker when it’s not in use. Many budget-friendly models are compact enough to tuck away, leaving more room for the important things (like snacks and school projects!).

How to use a slow cooker (for busy parents)

1. Avoid extra liquid

When you’re adapting a family recipe for the slow cooker, reduce any added liquid by about a third. Slow cookers trap moisture, so your meals will stay juicy, and you won’t end up with watery casseroles.

2. Don't lift the lid!

It’s tempting to peek at your food, but every time you lift the lid, you lose heat. That means dinner might take longer to cook—something you definitely don’t want when you’re racing against the school run.

3. Prep in advance

If you’ve prepped the night before and stored the inner pot in the fridge, make sure to let it come to room temperature before turning the slow cooker on. This prevents the pot from cracking and ensures your meal cooks evenly.

Family-friendly tips for cooking with a slow cooker

Rice and pasta dishes: These are a favourite with kids, but they work best cooked on high for shorter periods. Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove starch, and use easy-cook rice for the best results.
Brown your meat well: Slow cookers are amazing for flavour, but the long cooking time can make meat lose its colour. By taking a few extra minutes to brown your meat in a pan first, you’ll make sure it looks as good as it tastes, especially for those fussy little eaters!
Pack in the flavour: Since liquid doesn’t reduce in a slow cooker, you’ll need to load up on seasoning at the beginning. This ensures your meal is packed with the kind of rich flavours that will have your family asking for seconds.

How to recycle a slow cooker

If your slow cooker has stopped working or you're upgrading to a newer model, it's important to dispose of it responsibly to reduce e-waste. Here’s how you can recycle or repurpose your old slow cooker:

Check the warranty: If your slow cooker has broken, start by checking if it's still under warranty. If it is, the manufacturer or retailer might repair or replace it for you.
Repair it: If the warranty has expired, consider taking it to a trusted local repair service. Repairing a single part could save you money and keep your slow cooker in use for longer.
Look for replacement parts: Many slow cooker brands sell spare parts like lids or inner pots. If only one component is damaged, swapping it out can extend the life of your appliance.
Donate it: If your slow cooker is still working well, consider donating it to a family, local charity, or community group. Slow cookers are a great tool for preparing budget-friendly meals, so passing it on could really help someone in need.
Recycle it: Large retailers like B&Q and Argos accept small electrical appliances, including slow cookers, for recycling. You can also visit the Reuse Network or Recycle Your Electricals to find local recycling options or organisations that accept unwanted gadgets.

By recycling or donating your slow cooker, you're making a positive impact on the environment and giving your old appliance a new life.

How we chose the best slow cookers for families

To make sure these slow cookers really deliver, the Good Food testing team put them through their paces with family-friendly recipes. They cooked up batches of hearty beef stew and venison madras, both of which required searing meat—a key step for enhancing flavour. They looked for three things: how tender the meat was, if the vegetables had a bit of bite, and whether the sauce was thick and full of flavour.

Here are the key features we tested:

Capacity and size: Does it hold enough to feed a family, and can you store it easily when not in use?
Heat retention: Is it safe to leave on the worktop with kids around? Does the food cook evenly without burning?
Ease of use: Can busy parents assemble and use it without having to dig through complicated manuals?
Functions: Extra functions like browning, reheating, and keeping food warm are a bonus for busy families.
Versatility: Can it handle a variety of family meals?
Material quality: Is it sturdy enough to handle the demands of family life, from dinner prep to dishwasher?
Design features: Are the handles, lids, and timers easy to use with one hand while juggling kids and chores?
Finished results: Did the slow cooker consistently produce tender meat, perfectly cooked veg, and delicious, family-friendly meals?

Cost-to-run tip: We also considered energy consumption, a major factor for budget-conscious families. Slow cookers use much less electricity than ovens, so they’re an economical way to prepare meals.

By considering these factors, you can make sure your next slow cooker is perfectly suited to your family’s needs, offering both convenience and value for money.

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Authors

Ruairidh PritchardDigital Growth Lead

Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.