Best Slow Cookers UK (2026)
A slow cooker turns cheap cuts of meat and store-cupboard ingredients into a proper meal for a few pence of electricity, with almost no hands-on effort. This guide compares slow cookers tested by Mumsnet's panel in real kitchens, from budget manual models to searing multi-cookers.
We have not hands-on tested these products. Our picks are based on published independent tests and reviews, listed at the bottom of this page. How we pick.
Our top pick
Crockpot Lift and Serve Digital Slow Cooker
Best overall
Mumsnet's overall winner. It has a digital display with a countdown timer and an automatic keep-warm function, and the bowl and lid are dishwasher-safe.
- Easy to use
- Digital display and countdown timer
- Automatic keep-warm
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Key spec | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crockpot Lift and Serve Digital Slow Cooker | Best overall | 4.7L, digital display, keep-warm | Check price |
| Russell Hobbs Good-to-Go Multicooker | Best for families | 6.5L, 8 functions, digital | Check price |
| Morphy Richards 461020 Sear and Stew | Best for searing meat | 6.5L, hob-safe pot | Check price |
| Cookworks 6.5L Slow Cooker | Best budget | 6.5L, manual dial | Check price |
| Swan Retro Slow Cooker | Best for style | 3.5L, retro design | Check price |
| Lakeland 3.5L Slow Cooker | Best traditional design | 3.5L, oven-safe ceramic to 150°C | Check price |
| Russell Hobbs Chalk Board Slow Cooker | Best for a fun family touch | 3.5L, hob-safe ceramic pot, chalkboard finish | Check price |
| Tefal RK302E15 8-in-1 Multi Cooker | Best all-in-one multi-cooker | 5L, digital, 8 modes including rice and steam | Check price |
Our picks in detail
Best overall
Crockpot Lift and Serve Digital Slow Cooker
Mumsnet's overall winner. It has a digital display with a countdown timer and an automatic keep-warm function, and the bowl and lid are dishwasher-safe.
- Capacity
- 4.7L
- Display
- Digital with countdown timer
- Keep-warm
- Automatic
- Settings
- 3
- Power
- 220W
- Price guide
- About £69
Pros
- Easy to use
- Digital display and countdown timer
- Automatic keep-warm
- Large capacity
Cons
- Bulky
- Hinged lid design lets condensation drip
Best for families
Russell Hobbs Good-to-Go Multicooker
A versatile multicooker with eight settings and a searing function, so meat can be browned in the same pot before it slow-cooks. Mumsnet rates it excellent value.
- Capacity
- 6.5L
- Display
- Digital
- Keep-warm
- Automatic
- Functions
- 8
- Power
- 750W
- Price guide
- About £90
Pros
- Eight settings
- Can sear meat in the same pot
- Large capacity
- Excellent value
Cons
- Bulky
- Control panel icons take getting used to
Best for searing meat
Morphy Richards 461020 Sear and Stew
A slow cooker with a hob-safe aluminium pot, so you can sear meat directly in it before switching to slow-cook mode, though it has no keep-warm setting.
- Capacity
- 6.5L
- Display
- Manual dial
- Keep-warm
- No
- Settings
- 3
- Power
- 290W
- Price guide
- About £70
Pros
- Large capacity
- Hob-safe pot for browning
- Dishwasher-safe pot and lid
Cons
- Pricey for the feature set
- No keep-warm function
Best budget
Cookworks 6.5L Slow Cooker
A large-capacity, low-cost slow cooker with a keep-warm setting, though it has no timer and the pot must be hand-washed.
- Capacity
- 6.5L
- Display
- Manual dial
- Keep-warm
- Yes
- Settings
- 3
- Power
- 320W
- Price guide
- About £33
Pros
- Excellent value
- Large capacity
- Easy to use
Cons
- Hand-wash only
- No timer
- No automatic keep-warm
Best for style
Swan Retro Slow Cooker
A stylish, smaller-capacity slow cooker at a low price, though its keep-warm setting is really just a low setting and the pot is not hob-safe.
- Capacity
- 3.5L
- Display
- Manual dial
- Settings
- 3
- Power
- 200W
- Price guide
- About £32
Pros
- Stylish retro design
- Excellent value
- Easy to use
Cons
- Small capacity
- "Keep warm" is just a low setting
- Pot is not hob-safe
Best traditional design
Lakeland 3.5L Slow Cooker
Expert Reviews' pick for small portions. Its ceramic pot retains heat well and the auto setting keeps food at serving temperature, and unlike most budget models here it is dishwasher-safe.
- Capacity
- 3.5L
- Display
- Manual dial (high/low/auto)
- Pot
- Oven-safe ceramic to 150°C, dishwasher-safe
Pros
- Retains heat well
- Auto setting maintains serving temperature
- Dishwasher-safe pot
Cons
- Not non-stick
- Heavier ceramic bowl
Best for a fun family touch
Russell Hobbs Chalk Board Slow Cooker
Expert Reviews highlights the writable chalkboard surface, with a hob-safe ceramic pot (gas or electric hobs only) and a dishwasher-safe glass lid.
- Capacity
- 3.5L (4 portions)
- Display
- Manual dial (high/low/keep-warm)
- Pot
- Hob-safe ceramic (not induction), dishwasher-safe
Pros
- Writable chalkboard surface
- Glass lid and ceramic pot both dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Lid seal lets condensation escape
- Exterior gets hot, needs oven gloves
Best all-in-one multi-cooker
Tefal RK302E15 8-in-1 Multi Cooker
Expert Reviews rates this excellent value for its versatility, with eight digital modes including slow cook, rice, steam and porridge, though its lightweight metal pot does not retain heat as well for serving.
- Capacity
- 5L
- Display
- Digital, 8 modes
- Pot
- Non-stick metal, dishwasher-safe
Pros
- Multiple functions in one appliance
- Excellent porridge setting
- Great value
Cons
- Lightweight metal pot doesn't retain heat well for serving
Buying guide
What size slow cooker do I need?
As a rough guide, 3-3.5L suits one or two people, 4.5-5L suits a small family, and 6.5L or more suits a larger household or anyone who wants to batch-cook and freeze portions.
Is a slow cooker cheap to run?
Slow cookers use relatively low wattage, typically 200-750W depending on the model, over several hours, which usually costs a few pence to a low number of pounds per use depending on your electricity tariff and cooking time.
Do I need a searing function?
Browning meat before it goes into the slow cooker improves flavour. Some models, like the Morphy Richards and Russell Hobbs here, let you sear directly in the pot, saving you from dirtying a separate frying pan.
Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on while out or overnight?
Slow cookers are designed for long, low-temperature unattended cooking, which is their main purpose, but always follow the manufacturer's instructions, place it on a heatproof surface away from anything flammable, and make sure the plug and cable are in good condition.
Sources
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