We love a good slow-cooked meal. Not only is it a calming and peaceful way to cap off a busy day (by the time you’re ready to eat, any time putting the meal together is a distant memory), but it’s incredibly versatile—cooking up everything from dump-and-go dinners to impressive meals for company. That means if you don’t already have a slow cooker, it’s high time you got one (yes, even if you already have an Instant Pot). But what is the best slow cooker for your particular needs? Keep reading and we’ll show you how to find the best slow cooker for your lifestyle.
Things to consider before you buy a slow cooker
Gone are the days of the little round pot with a hand-cranked timer. These days, you have tons of choices. Before you head to the store, get to know the features slow cookers have to offer.
Shape
Slow cookers can be found in two main shapes round and oval (we even know of one that’s double-decker). Round slow cookers tend to be on the smaller size, ranging from about 1.5 to 4-quarts, which makes them perfect for keeping dips or other appetizers warm at a party. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a slow cooker to help out with roasts and other big family meals, the oval shape will come in handy.
Lid
Your slow cooker should have sturdy handles with a clear lid that lets you watch the progress of your meal without removing the lid. Some slow cookers have a spill-proof lining on the lid which pulls double-duty by ensuring none of the hot steam that helps cook your meal can escape. If transportation is a big deal for you, definitely look for a slow cooker that has a secure locking lid. Check out these other handy slow cooker accessories, too.
Insert
Most slow cookers have a removable pot (aka insert) made of either ceramic or metal. Some are nonstick, while others are not. There are oven-safe inner pots which come in handy if you want to brown the top of your dish under the broiler as well as stove-top-safe pots that allow you to brown foods before slow-cooking them. Some inner pots are slow dishwasher-safe, which might or might not be very important to you.
Not sure of the best way to clean your slow cooker? Here are our favorite methods.
Control panel
The most basic of slow cookers have an on-off button, or a choice of “low” versus “high” and “warm” settings. If you’re interested in greater control, a more expensive slow cooker will allow you to program the cooking time and the temperature to ensure your meal is perfectly cooked. If ease to cleaning is important to you, you should look for a slow cooker with touchpad controls, rather than knobs or buttons, as they clean up with a wipe.
Price
Just like when buying pretty much anything, price is a major factor. For the most part, a standard slow cooker will run from about $30-$50, depending on its features, like a lockable lid or ability to program temperature. Smaller slow cookers, 2 quarts or less, are even more affordable, ranging from $10-$20. Of course, you can splurge on a slow cooker with some brands charging $80-$300, but keep in mind that there isn’t a considerable difference in performance from higher-prices, as explained by Consumer Reports.
Size
Slow cookers generally come in small (as small as 2 quarts), medium (4-5 quarts), and large sizes (as much as 8.5 quarts). The smaller sizes are perfect for dinners that serve one or two, whereas the large 8.5-quart size can make a meal that’ll feed a family of five. In addition to the size of the recipes you’ll be using the slow cooker for, you should consider where you’ll be able to store it and if you’re interested in a slow cooker that is easy to transport.
If you own a slow cooker, here are the 6 things you should know.
Slow cookers we recommend
For the family cook
Crock-Pot 6-Quart Programmable Cook & Carry Slow Cooker with Digital Timer
- Six-quart capacity will feed about 7.
- Lockable lid makes moving a full slow cooker around incredibly easy.
- Digital controls with program cooking times for anywhere from 30 minutes to 20 hours and automatically switched to the warm setting for truly hands-free cooking.
For the cook on the go
Crock-Pot Manual Cook & Carry Oval Slow Cooker
- Spill-proof and lockable lid that makes taking your recipe to go stress (and leak) free.
- 6-quart capacity allows you to feed a whole party.
For the cook who’s feeding the whole family
Crock-Pot SCV800-B, 8-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- This 8-quart capacity slow cooker will feed 10+ people and is one of the biggest you can get your hands on.
- Dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot make it easy to clean.
For the cook who loves one-pot recipes
Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Programmable Searing Slow Cooker
- Stovetop-safe inner pot allows you to go from brown and sear meats right on the stovetop to slow cooking without dirtying an additional pan.
- Programmable temperatures assure your meal is cooked at the proper temperature for the right amount of time.
For the cook who’s cooking for two
Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, 3-Quart
- Three-quart capacity is large enough to cook a stew, soup or small chicken or roast.
- Dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot allow for a hands-free cleanup.
- High, low and warm temperature settings let you cook and keep your meal at the perfect temperature.
Bottom line: There are many, many options out there when it comes to answering the question what is the best slow cooker. It just depends on your needs. Decide what’s important to you, and have fun slow-cooking!
When you finally get your hands on your new slow cooker, make sure you don’t miss these common slow cooker mistakes (and how to avoid them).
Be Sure to Try Our 100 Best Slow Cooker Recipes
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100: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
What could be more comforting (or easy!) than a slow cooker mac and cheese? Nothing! This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish, and I've never met anyone who didn't ask for second helpings of the cheesy dish. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
99: 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
98: Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Everyone will enjoy these fork-tender, slow cooker pork chops with a creamy, light gravy. Serve with a green vegetable, mashed potatoes and coleslaw or a salad. These are the best slow cooker pork chops. —Sue Bingham, Madisonville, Tennessee
97: 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
96: Minister's Delight
A friend gave me this recipe several years ago. She said a local minister's wife fixed it every Sunday, so she named it accordingly —Mary Ann Potter, Blue Springs, Missouri
95: Slow Cooker Spaghetti & Meatballs
I’ve been cooking 50 years and this dish is still one that guests ask for frequently. My No. 1 standby slow cooker meatballs recipe also makes amazing hero sandwiches, and the sauce works for any pasta. —Jane McMillan, Dania Beach, Florida
94: Slow-Cooked Sweet 'n' Sour Pork
Even though a co-worker gave me this recipe more than 20 years ago, my family still enjoys it today. -Martha Nickerson of Hancock, Maine
93: Tuscan Pork Stew
Tender chunks of pork slowly cook in a nicely seasoned, wine-infused sauce. Add some crushed red pepper flakes to this pork stew for a little extra kick.—Penny Hawkins, Mebane, North Carolina
92: Seafood Cioppino
If you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic fish stew is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
91: Pork Chop Potato Dinner
Tender chops cook on a bed of creamy potatoes in this all-in-one meal. It's a snap to assemble, thanks to frozen hash browns, canned soup, shredded cheese and french-fried onions. —Dawn Huizinga, Owatonna, Minnesota
90: Flavorful Lemon Chicken
This easy and attractive meal is bound to become a staple in your home. Made with everyday ingredients, there's nothing complicated or fancy about this great find. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba
89: 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
88: Slow-Cooked Ham
Entertaining doesn't get much easier than serving this tasty five-ingredient ham from the slow cooker. Bonus: The leftovers are delicious in casseroles! —Heather Spring, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas
87: Buffalo Wing Dip
If you like spice, you'll love this dip. It's super cheesy, full of rich flavor and really has that Buffalo wing taste! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
86: Pork Chili 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
85: Easy Chow Mein
Our daughter welcomed me home from a hospital stay some years ago with this Asian dish and a copy of the recipe. Now, I freeze leftovers for fast future meals. —Kay Bade, Mitchell, South Dakota
84: Fudgy Peanut Butter Cake
I clipped this recipe from a newspaper years ago. The house smells fantastic while it's slow-cooking. My husband and son enjoy the cake with ice cream and nuts on top. —Bonnie Evans, Norcross, Georgia
83: Green Chile Chicken Chili
The prep work for this chili is easy thanks to several pantry staples. It’s loaded with shredded chicken and beans. The spicy heat can be tamed a bit by cool sour cream. —Fred Lockwood, Plano, Texas
82: Slow-Cooked Chicken a La King
When I know I'll be having a busy day with little time for cooking, I prepare this tasty main dish. Brimming with tender chicken and colorful vegetables, it smells so good while cooking. —Eleanor Mielke, Snohomish, Washington
81: Raisin Nut Oatmeal
There’s no better feeling than waking up to a hot, ready-to-eat breakfast. The oats, fruit and spices in this homey meal cook together while you sleep! —Valerie Sauber, Adelanto, California
80: Shrimp Chowder
I simmer my rich and creamy shrimp soup in the slow cooker. Because the chowder is ready in less than four hours, it can be prepared in the afternoon and served to dinner guests that night. —Will Zunio, Gretna, Louisiana
79: Slow Cooker Cider
There's no last-minute rush before the party when you slowly simmer this punch. It has all the tantalizing flavors of fall. —Alpha Wilson, Roswell, New Mexico
78: Autumn Pumpkin Chili
We have this turkey pumpkin chili often because everyone loves it, even the most finicky grandchildren. It’s a definite “keeper” in my book! —Kimberly Nagy, Port Hadlock, Washington
77: Slow-Cooked Sirloin
My family of five likes to eat beef, so this recipe is a favorite. I usually serve it with homemade bread or rolls to soak up the tasty gravy. —Vicki Tormaschy, Dickinson, North Dakota
76: Slow-Cooked Curry Chicken
Our three children all love the spicy flavors found in this dish. Add more or less curry depending on your taste preferences. —Helen Toulantis, Wantagh, New York
75: Slow-Cooked Swiss Steak
This is one of my favorite recipes to make because I can flour and season the steaks and refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, I just put all the ingredients in the slow cooker, and I have a delicious dinner waiting when I arrive home from work. —Sarah Burks, Wathena, Kansas
74: Everything Stuffing
Of all the stuffing recipes, my husband and father both go crazy for this particular dish! The leftovers freeze well so we can enjoy it long after Thanksgiving has passed. —Bette Votral, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
73: 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
72: Beef in Onion Gravy
I double this super recipe to feed our family of four so I'm sure to have leftovers to send with my husband to work for lunch. His co-workers tell him he's lucky to have someone who fixes him such special meals. It's our secret that it's an easy slow cooker dinner! —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois
71: Makeover Slow-Cooked Mac 'n' Cheese
This recipe is a clear example of comfort food at its finest; it's rich, hearty and extra cheesy. And because it's made in the slow cooker, it's also extremely easy. —Shelby Molina, Whitewater, Wisconsin
70: Slow-Cooked Turkey Sloppy Joes
This tangy sandwich filling is so easy to prepare in the slow cooker, and it goes over well at gatherings large and small. I frequently take it to potlucks, and I'm always asked for my secret ingredient. —Marylou LaRue, Freeland, Michigan
69: French Dip Sandwich with Onions
When I want to impress company, these satisfying sandwiches are my first pick for the menu. I serve them with the cooking juices in individual bowls for easy use. —Florence Robinson, Lenox, Iowa
68: Italian Mushrooms
Only four ingredients create a rich and flavorful side dish that we love to eat with beef and mashed potatoes. —Kim Reichert, St. Paul, Minnesota
67: Slow-Roasted Chicken with Vegetables
Even a beginner cook could make this slow cooked chicken and have it turn out perfectly. This recipe could not be easier. A few minutes of prep and you'll come home to a delicious dinner. —Anita Bell, Hermitage, Tennessee
66: Paddy's Reuben Dip
This slow-cooked spread tastes just like the popular Reuben sandwich. Even when I double the recipe, I end up with an empty dish. —Mary Jane Kimmes, Hastings, Minnesota
65: Sweet 'n' Tangy Pot Roast
I fixed this roast the first time I cooked for my husband-to-be more than 20 years ago. For dessert, I made chocolate pudding spooned over marshmallow. He thought he'd died and gone to heaven! —Carol Mulligan, Honeoye Falls, New York
64: Slow Cooker Berry Cobbler
I adapted my mom's yummy cobbler recipe for slow cooking. With the hot summers here in Arizona, we can still enjoy this comforting dessert, and I don't have to turn on the oven. —Karen Jarocki, Yuma, Arizona
63: 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
62: Chipotle Shredded Beef
This beef is delicious whether you serve it all rolled up in a tortilla, with corn salsa in a burrito, in a bun or over rice or mashed potatoes. So many options! —Darcy Williams, Omaha, Nebraska
61: Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup
What a treat to come home from work and have this savory soup ready to eat. It's a nice traditional beef soup with old-fashioned goodness. We pair it with crusty rolls topped with melted mozzarella cheese. — Heather Thurmeier, Pense, Saskatchewan
60: Steak Stroganoff
This slow cooker recipe makes a traditional dinner completely fuss-free. Tender sirloin steak with a flavorful gravy is served over noodles for a home-style meal. Your whole family is sure to request it time and again. —Lisa VanEgmond, Annapolis, Illinois
59: 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
58: 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
57: Sweet 'n' Tangy Chicken Wings
This slow cooker recipe is perfect for parties. Start the wings in before you prepare for the party, and in a few hours, you'll have wonderful appetizers! —Ida Tuey, Kokomo, Indiana
56: Contest-Winning Chicken Cacciatore
My husband and I own and operate a busy farm. There are days when there's just no time left for cooking! It's really nice to be able to come into the house at night and smell this wonderful slow cooker chicken cacciatore. —Aggie Arnold-Norman, Liberty, Pennsylvania
55: Slow-Cooked Caribbean Pot Roast
This dish is definitely a year-round recipe. Sweet potatoes, orange zest and baking cocoa are my surprise ingredients. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
54: 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
53: 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
52: Chili Coney Dogs
From the smallest kids to the oldest adults, everyone in our family loves these hot dogs. They’re so easy to throw together in the morning or even the night before. —Michele Harris, Vicksburg, Michigan
51: Slow Cooker Beef Stew
When there's a chill in the air, nothing beats this stew. Seasoned with thyme and dry mustard, the hearty slow-cooked stew is chock-full of tender carrots, potatoes and beef.—Earnestine Wilson, Waco, Texas
50: Sirloin Roast with Gravy
This recipe is perfect for my husband, who is a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy. The peppery, fork-tender roast combined with the rich gravy creates a tasty centerpiece for any meal. —Rita Clark, Monument, Colorado
49: Slow Cooker Beef Vegetable Stew
Come home to warm comfort food! This vegetable beef stew is based on my mom’s wonderful recipe, but I adjusted it for the slow cooker. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan to each bowl for a nice finishing touch. —Marcella West, Washburn, Illinois
48: Tomato Hamburger Soup
As a full-time teacher, I only have time to cook from scratch a few nights each week. This recipe makes a big enough batch to feed my family for two nights. —Julie Kruger, St. Cloud, Minnesota
47: Moist & Tender Turkey Breast
This easy turkey recipe is sure to be popular in your home. Everyone will love the taste, and you'll love how quickly it comes together. —Heidi Vawdrey, Riverton, Utah
46: Barbecued Pork Chop Supper
I start these slow cooker BBQ pork chops in the morning and enjoy a tasty supper later with no last-minute work. We just get to eat! —Jacqueline Jones, Round Lake Beach, Illinois
45: Beef Barley Lentil Soup
I serve this soup often to family and friends on cold nights, along with homemade rolls and a green salad. For variety, you can substitute jicama for the potatoes. —Judy Metzentine, The Dalles, Oregon
44: Sunday Pot Roast
With the help of a slow cooker, you can prepare a down-home dinner any day of the week, not just on Sundays. The roast turns out tender and savory every time. —Brandy Schaefer, Glen Carbon, Illinois
43: 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
42: Crock-Pot Pizza
Always a hit at our church dinners, this hearty casserole keeps folks coming back for more. —Julie Sterchi from Jackson, Missouri
41: 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
40: 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
39: 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
38: Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Every year my Mom made cream cheese mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving. I tailored the recipe to my family's taste and carried on the tradition. I make them a day ahead and use my slow cooker to free up oven space for other dishes. —Ann Nolte, Tampa, Florida
37: Rich French Onion Soup
When entertaining guests, I bring out this savory soup while we're waiting for the main course. It's simple to make—just saute the onions early in the day and let the soup simmer until dinner-time. In winter, big bowls of it make a warming supper with a salad and biscuits. —Linda Adolph, Edmonton, Alberta
36: Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake
Everyone who tries this dessert falls in love with it. Using a slow cooker liner makes cleanup a breeze. —Latona Dwyer, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
35: Slow Cooker Cinnamon Roll Recipe
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
34: Slow-Cooked Pork Tacos
This wonderful taco filling also tastes great wrapped in Bibb lettuce leaves. I like to use any leftovers to make burritos the next day. —Kathleen Wolf, Naperville, Illinois
33: 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
32: 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
31: Shredded Beef au Jus
My mom found this recipe in a farm journal soon after she and my dad got married. The tender beef has been a family favorite for years, and my dad often requests it. —Danielle Brandt, Ruthton, Minnesota
30: 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
29: Easy Corned Beef and Cabbage
This corned beef and cabbage slow cooker recipe is a fuss-free way to cook the traditional dish. I tried it for St. Patrick's Day a few years ago. Now it's a regular in my menu planning. This is terrific with Dijon mustard and crusty bread. —Karen Waters, Laurel, Maryland
28: 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
27: 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
26: 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
25: Slow-Cooked Lemon Chicken
Garlic, oregano and lemon juice give spark to this memorable main dish. It's easy to fix—just brown the chicken in a skillet, then let the slow cooker do the work. I like to serve this dish to company. —Walter Powell, Wilmington, Delaware
24: Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole
A comforting casserole with mass appeal is just what you need when cooking for a crowd. For added convenience, it stays warm in a slow cooker. —Virginia Krites, Cridersville, Ohio
23: 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
22: Slow-Cooked Carnitas
Simmer up succulent pork the slow-cooker way. Sometimes, instead of using tortillas, I put the seasoned meat on top of shredded lettuce for a tasty salad. —Lisa Glogow, Aliso Viejo, California
21: Slow-Cooker Pot Roast
I work full time, so this slow cooker roast beef is my go-to when I want a hearty, home cooked meal. It’s a comfort to walk in and smell this simmering slow cooker pot roast that I know will be fall-apart tender and delicious. —Gina Jackson, Ogdensburg, New York
20: 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
19: French Dip
For a sandwich with more pizzazz than the traditional French dip, give this recipe a try. The seasonings give the broth a wonderful flavor, and the meat cooks up tender and juicy. This slow-cooked version will soon be a favorite at your house, too. —Margaret McNeil, Germantown, Tennessee
18: Secret's in the Sauce BBQ Ribs
A sweet, rich sauce makes this BBQ ribs recipe so tender that the meat literally falls off the bones. And the aroma is wonderful. Yum! —Tanya Reid, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
17: All-Day Apple Butter
I make several batches of this simple and delicious homemade apple butter recipe to freeze in jars. Depending on the sweetness of the apples used, you can adjust the sugar to taste. —Betty Ruenholl, Syracuse, Nebraska
16: 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
15: 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
14: Potluck Macaroni and Cheese
This is a great way to make America's most popular comfort food. The dish turns out cheesy, rich and creamy. —Jennifer Babcock, Chicopee, Massachusetts
13: 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
12: 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
11: 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
10: 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
9: 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
8: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Of all the recipes I make in my slow cooker, this is my favorite. If you like your barbecue sweet with a little spice, this will be your new favorite, too. —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington
7: Stamp-of-Approval Spaghetti Sauce
My father is very opinionated, especially about food. This recipe received his almost unreachable stamp of approval. I have yet to hear a disagreement from anyone who has tried it! —Melissa Taylor, Higley, Arizona
6: 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
5: Slow Cooker Lasagna
Convenient no-cook lasagna noodles take the work out of this traditional favorite adapted for the slow cooker. It's so easy to assemble for workdays or weekends. We like it accompanied by Parmesan bread or garlic cheese toast. —Lisa Micheletti, Collierville, Tennessee
4: 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
3: 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
2: 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
1: 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
The post Which Is the Best Slow Cooker for You? Our Guide Is Here to Help. appeared first on Taste of Home.
Lauren Cahn