There’s nothing quite like coming home to the comforting aroma of a meal slow-cooking to perfection. Slow cookers, often affectionately called crockpots, have become kitchen staples for busy families and culinary enthusiasts alike. They offer unparalleled convenience, allowing you to “set it and forget it,” but one common question often arises: “What’s the safest crockpot out there?”
When it comes to kitchen appliances that handle food for extended periods, safety is naturally a top concern. We’re talking about food safety, material safety, and even electrical safety. While modern slow cookers are designed with stringent safety standards in mind, choosing the right model can give you extra peace of mind.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up seven top-notch crockpots that blend convenience, performance, and features designed for safe and healthy cooking. We’ll explore what makes each one stand out, so you can confidently pick the perfect slow cooker for your home. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Slow Cooker Safety
Before we jump into our top picks, let’s quickly touch upon what makes a slow cooker “safe.” It’s not just about the brand; it’s about features that ensure proper cooking temperatures, materials that don’t leach harmful chemicals, and overall user-friendliness. Look for:
- Consistent Temperature Control: Essential for keeping food out of the “danger zone.”
- Durable, Food-Grade Materials: High-quality stoneware, stainless steel, and BPA-free plastics.
- Programmable Settings & Auto Warm: Reduces the risk of overcooking or keeping food at unsafe temperatures.
- Secure Lids: Especially important for portability to prevent spills and maintain consistent heat.
- Easy to Clean: Ensures no food residue harbors bacteria.
Now, let’s explore some fantastic options that check all these boxes!
Our Top Picks for the Safest Crockpots
1. Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto…
This 8-quart programmable slow cooker is a true workhorse, perfect for large families or entertaining. What truly makes it shine is its intelligent Memory Function, which remembers your settings in case of a power outage. This isn’t just a convenience; it’s a vital safety feature, ensuring your food continues to cook as intended without you having to restart the cycle and risk uneven cooking. Plus, the auto-warm function keeps your meal at a safe serving temperature until you’re ready to eat, without overcooking.
- Key Features:
- Cooking Capacity: Prepares food for over 10 people, making it a holiday dinner hosting essential.
- Digital Timer: Counts down cooking time up to 20 hours for easy monitoring.
- Auto Warm: Automatically keeps food warm after cooking for optimal serving temperature.
- Easy Cleanup: Features a removable, dishwasher-safe lid and stoneware pot for convenient cleaning.
- Memory Function: Resets to previous settings in case of a power outage.
- Elegant Design: Black stainless steel finish is stylish, easy to clean, and fits any kitchen decor.
- Pros:
- Huge capacity ideal for large gatherings.
- Programmable for hands-off cooking convenience.
- Memory function adds a layer of safety against power interruptions.
- Automatic warm setting prevents food from getting cold or overcooked.
- Dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a breeze.
- Cons:
- Might be too large for individuals or small families.
- Programmable features can feel complex for those who prefer simple manual controls.
- User Impressions: Users consistently praise its generous size and the invaluable memory function, especially for long cooking cycles. Many appreciate the sleek design and how easy it is to clean after a big meal. It’s often recommended as a reliable choice for big events.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel…
Sometimes, simplicity is key, and this 7-quart manual slow cooker delivers exactly that with robust reliability. It’s perfect for those who appreciate straightforward controls: high, low, and warm. Its standout feature is the versatile removable stoneware insert, which can safely go into the microwave or an oven up to 400°F. This adds an extra layer of utility and safety, allowing you to brown or finish dishes without transferring them to another pan, and simplifies handling hot food.
- Key Features:
- Generous Capacity: 7-quart slow cooker that comfortably serves 9+ people or fits a 7-pound roast.
- Cooking Flexibility: High or low slow cooking settings, with convenient warm function for ideal serving temperature.
- Convenient: Set it and forget it feature enables you to cook while at work or performing daily tasks.
- Minimal Clean-Up: One-pot cooking reduces dishes; lid and removable stoneware are dishwasher safe.
- Versatile: Removable stoneware insert can be used in the microwave or an oven up to 400°F.
- Stylish: Stainless steel exterior with black accents and practical plastic handles.
- Economical & Healthy: Provides a cost-efficient way to prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals.
- Pros:
- Simple, reliable manual operation.
- Oven and microwave-safe stoneware adds versatility.
- Large capacity handles roasts and big meals easily.
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts.
- Durable stainless steel design.
- Cons:
- Lacks programmable timer features.
- No automatic shut-off (requires manual setting to warm).
- User Impressions: Customers love this model for its no-fuss operation and durable build. It’s a go-to for many who want a dependable slow cooker without extra bells and whistles. The ability to use the stoneware in the oven is a frequently highlighted convenience.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Crockpot SCV700-CH-BR Slow Cooker 7 quarts Charcoal
This 7-quart manual slow cooker from Crockpot is another excellent choice for those who value straightforward, dependable performance. Its primary appeal lies in its utter simplicity: just three settings (high, low, warm). This makes it incredibly user-friendly and ensures that anyone can operate it without a fuss. It’s a fantastic example of a safest crockpot that prioritizes ease of use and consistent results over complex features.
- Key Features:
- Spacious 7-quart manual slow cooker serves 8+ people or fits a 6-lb. roast.
- Set cooking time to high and get a hot meal in no time or set it on low and tonight’s dinner can cook while you’re at work.
- Keep food at an ideal serving temperature for as long as you need to with the convenient warm setting.
- One-pot cooking means there are less dishes to clean, plus the lid and removable stoneware are dishwasher safe.
- Pros:
- Very easy to operate with simple manual controls.
- Large capacity for feeding families or parties.
- Warm setting keeps food ready without overcooking.
- Dishwasher-safe components for effortless cleanup.
- Cons:
- No digital timer or programmable options.
- Manual operation requires you to remember to switch to warm or turn off.
- User Impressions: Reviewers often highlight its robust, no-frills design, making it a reliable choice for everyday cooking. It’s praised for its ability to consistently cook delicious meals and for being incredibly easy to clean. Many consider it a foundational appliance for any kitchen.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with…
This portable and programmable 7-quart slow cooker is a dream come true for hosts and busy individuals. Its revolutionary MyTime technology is a true game-changer, allowing you to set when you want your meal ready, and it automatically adjusts the cooking cycle. This ensures your food is never overcooked and always perfectly done. Coupled with a leak-proof locking lid, it’s one of the most reliable and safest crockpots for both home use and travel.
- Key Features:
- Personalized Cooking: MyTime adjusts the cooking cycle so your meal is ready exactly when you want it.
- Leak-proof Lid: Travel-proof locking lid provides a tight seal to prevent leaks and spills.
- Large Capacity: Fitted with a 7-quart bowl that serves 7+ people – perfect for families or gatherings.
- Temperature Control: Auto-adjustment cooking cycle ensures meals are never overcooked but always flavor-filled.
- Intuitive Control: Flat digital control screen lets you schedule meal times, and manually control cook time and temperature.
- Convenient Handles: ‘Cook and Carry’ handles for hassle-free lifting and carrying.
- Sustainable Materials: Made of Aluminum, Stainless Steel (Iron, Chromium, Nickel, Manganese, Copper, Phosphorus), and is 100% recyclable.
- Pros:
- MyTime feature ensures perfectly cooked meals every time.
- Leak-proof lid is excellent for safe transportation.
- Generous capacity suitable for families and parties.
- Digital controls offer precision and ease of use.
- Durable and recyclable materials contribute to longevity and environmental consciousness.
- Cons:
- MyTime technology might take a couple of uses to fully master.
- Potentially a higher price point due to advanced features.
- User Impressions: This model receives high marks for its innovative MyTime feature and its travel-friendly design. Users appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing their food won’t overcook and that it can be transported securely to potlucks or gatherings.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black
Don’t let its compact size fool you; this 2-quart classic slow cooker is incredibly versatile and a perfect option for smaller households, couples, or anyone needing to prepare sides or dips. Its key differentiator is its oven-safe stoneware, which can withstand temperatures up to 400°F. This makes it ideal for finishing off a dish with a quick bake or keeping a small casserole warm. It’s a wonderful choice for those prioritizing a compact, multi-functional, and truly safest crockpot for smaller culinary adventures.
- Key Features:
- 3 Manual Heat Settings: Choose from high, low, and warm, for cooking flexibility no matter what you’re making.
- 2-Quart Capacity: Feeds 2+ people and is perfectly sized for preparing small meals, dips, and sides.
- Keep Warm Setting: The manual warm setting allows you to keep your food at serving temperature when it’s time to eat.
- Oven-Safe Stoneware: Removable stoneware is oven-safe up to 400 degrees F.
- Dishwasher-Safe: Stoneware and lid are both dishwasher-safe, for easy cleaning.
- Modern Look: Sleek black finish.
- Pros:
- Perfect size for small meals, dips, and appetizers.
- Oven-safe stoneware adds cooking flexibility.
- Simple manual controls are easy to use.
- Compact design makes it easy to store.
- Dishwasher-safe parts for quick cleanup.
- Cons:
- Too small for main meals for families of three or more.
- Lacks advanced programmable features.
- User Impressions: Customers adore this small slow cooker for its convenience and perfect size for individual or couple’s meals, or for keeping dips warm during parties. The oven-safe feature is a big hit, adding to its versatility. It’s often praised as an indispensable kitchen gadget.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Crockpot Manual 8-Quart Slow Cooker Black
If you need serious cooking capacity without any complicated tech, this 8-quart manual slow cooker is your answer. It’s designed to feed a crowd, serving 10+ people with ease. Its most notable feature is its massive 8-quart capacity combined with straightforward manual controls, making it an ultimate workhorse for large families, potlucks, and big batch cooking. For those who want ample space and dependable, simple operation, this model is a top contender for the safest crockpot in its class.
- Key Features:
- Serves 10+ people, 8-quart capacity.
- HIGH/LOW cook settings.
- Convenient WARM setting.
- Removable oval stoneware.
- Dishwasher-safe stoneware and glass lid.
- Black exterior and accents with plastic handles.
- Pros:
- Exceptional 8-quart capacity for large meals.
- Simple, intuitive manual controls (High, Low, Warm).
- Removable, dishwasher-safe stoneware for easy cleaning.
- Durable construction built for frequent use.
- Cons:
- No programmable timer or delayed start options.
- Its large size might be cumbersome for small kitchens or storage.
- User Impressions: Users rave about its ability to handle large cuts of meat and feed a substantial group. Many appreciate its no-nonsense design and reliability, making it a staple for holiday dinners and big family gatherings. It’s often described as a dependable classic.
- See it on Amazon here
7. Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker…
This 6-quart Cook & Carry model truly excels in portability and programming, making it ideal for anyone who loves to entertain or take their culinary creations on the go. Its key highlight is the secure locking lid with a rubber gasket, which provides an extra seal to prevent any spills during transport. Combined with a programmable digital timer (up to 20 hours), you get a versatile and reliable slow cooker that’s perfect for both setting at home and bringing to any event.
- Key Features:
- Programmable Digital Timer: Control cooking times from 30 minutes up to 20 hours.
- Serve a Crowd: 6 quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker serves 7 plus people.
- Locking Lid: Lid gasket provides extra seal for less mess during transport.
- Interactive Cooking: Safe for use in oven up to 400 degree F, and microwave.
- Worry-free Travel: Secure locking lid and rubber gasket prevent spills.
- Material: Contains Aluminum, Stainless Steel (Iron, Chromium, Nickel, Manganese, Copper, Phosphorus).
- Environmentally Friendly: Energy efficient at 240 Watts at 120V A.C; and 60Hz.
- Pros:
- Excellent for travel thanks to the secure locking lid.
- Programmable timer offers great convenience and flexibility.
- Good 6-quart capacity for family meals or gatherings.
- Stoneware is oven and microwave safe, adding versatility.
- Energy-efficient operation.
- Cons:
- Slightly smaller capacity than 7 or 8-quart models if you frequently feed very large crowds.
- Lid gasket requires proper cleaning to maintain seal over time.
- User Impressions: This slow cooker is a favorite for those who value both automation and portability. The locking lid is a frequently lauded feature, giving users confidence when transporting hot dishes. Its programmable nature also means less worry about overcooking during longer days.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions about Slow Cooker Safety
Q1: Are slow cookers safe to leave unattended all day?
A: Yes, modern slow cookers are generally designed to be safe for unattended cooking. They operate at low temperatures and are built with safety mechanisms. However, always ensure your slow cooker is on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from anything flammable, and plug it directly into a wall outlet (avoid extension cords if possible).
Q2: What materials are considered safest in a crockpot?
A: The safest materials are typically food-grade ceramic or stoneware for the cooking pot, and stainless steel for the exterior. Ensure that any plastic components, especially lids, are BPA-free. These materials are non-reactive and won’t leach harmful chemicals into your food.
Q3: How do I prevent food poisoning when using a slow cooker?
A: Follow these key food safety tips:
* Always thaw frozen meat completely before placing it in the slow cooker.
* Fill the slow cooker at least halfway, but no more than two-thirds full, for even heating.
* Don’t lift the lid too often, as this releases heat and extends cooking time, potentially allowing food to sit in the “danger zone.”
* Ensure food reaches safe internal temperatures (e.g., poultry 165°F, ground meat 160°F).
* Refrigerate leftovers promptly in shallow containers.
Q4: Can I put frozen meat directly into a slow cooker?
A: No, it’s generally not recommended to put frozen meat directly into a slow cooker. The slow cooking process might keep the meat in the “danger zone” (40°F-140°F) for too long, encouraging bacterial growth before it reaches a safe cooking temperature. Always thaw meat completely in the refrigerator before slow cooking.
Q5: How do I clean my crockpot safely?
A: Most modern slow cooker stoneware inserts and lids are dishwasher safe, making cleanup super easy. For manual cleaning, use warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Avoid harsh chemicals or scourers that could damage the glaze. Always unplug and allow the unit to cool completely before cleaning the heating base with a damp cloth.
Q6: Is there a significant difference in safety between manual and programmable slow cookers?
A: Both manual and programmable slow cookers are safe when used correctly. Programmable models often offer added convenience and a layer of safety by automatically switching to a ‘warm’ setting after cooking, preventing food from overcooking or getting cold. Manual models require you to be present to switch settings or turn them off, but they are equally safe if you follow instructions.
Q7: Are older crockpots less safe than new ones?
A: Older slow cookers might lack some of the advanced safety features of newer models, such as automatic warm settings, power outage memory, or leak-proof lids. While many older models are still functional, their materials or electrical components might not meet current safety standards. If you have a very old model, ensure it’s in good working order, has no frayed cords, and consider upgrading for enhanced safety and peace of mind.
Wrapping It Up
Choosing the safest crockpot means looking for a blend of reliable features, quality materials, and user-friendly design. Whether you prioritize a large capacity for family feasts, programmable settings for ultimate convenience, or a compact size for smaller meals and dips, there’s a slow cooker out there that fits your needs.
All the models we’ve reviewed from Crock-Pot are designed with safety and performance in mind, offering excellent options for worry-free slow cooking. We hope this guide helps you find your perfect kitchen companion and enjoy countless delicious, safely prepared meals!
