Using frozen meat in a slow cooker is not recommended. Frozen meat and poultry should be thawed before using in a slow cooker recipe. While some frozen vegetables can be added to a soup or stew in a slow cooker without issue, frozen meat and poultry will increase the cook time needed and may not cook evenly.

The manual advises that the ceramic pots (but not the lid) are oven proof and microwave safe, but never heat when empty.

What's Included

Below you'll find the best slow cookers according to our experts, as well as everything you need to know before shopping – from must-have features to their energy efficiency. How we test slow cookers The real winner on this slow cooker though, is the handles. The trapezoid shape makes them easy to grab and lift, while the silicone covering ensures you can carry it without wearing gloves, making it easy to transport without worrying about the hot temperature or the 13.7-pound weight. Slow cookers range in capacity, from a compact 1.5 litres up to 7 litres. As a general guide, a 1.5 to 2.3-litre capacity is great for two people, a larger 4 to 4.5 litres will feed four, and 5.5 to 7 litres is ideal for four to six people. Many slow cookers let you program times and temperatures. When the cooking time is up, they’ll automatically go into a keep-warm mode. Some models have additional features, too, like the ability to brown food, or thermometers that help cook to a specific internal temperature.

But if you don’t need 6.5 litres then consider buying the Sage Risotto Plus which has similar features but also steams, cooks rice and even makes a great no-stir risotto. VerdictWhen we tested its slow cooking mode we found that it's almost too good at retaining moisture. Recipes that came out more saucy in some slow cookers were a little less rich because it's also designed to be an airtight pressure cooker. That can be remedied though by adding less liquid or taking into account the liquid that will come out of meat and veggies when you add them. For the large cut of meat trial, we recorded how long it took to become tender on low heat. During the additional food tests, we observed whether we had to interact with the slow cooker, the performance of the slow cooker at both low and high temperatures, and the outcome of the dishes prepared on each. Finally, we evaluated even cooking and noticeable hot spots or scorching.

Then came the usability tests. For these, we evaluated how the shape of the insert affected what foods could be cooked, how tightly and securely the lid fit, and how roomy we found the capacity of the slow cooker. We documented our experience interacting with the control panel’s buttons and settings, and how much control we had over the temperature. We also recorded how the “keep warm” function performed, and if there were particular features that helped make the cooking experience easier. The glass lid and stoneware insert are dishwasher safe, but the size of the insert may be hard to load. The good news is even without a dishwasher, this model cleans up easily by hand and no drips or buildup were observed between the interior and exterior.

Product Specification

Slow Cook delicious stews, chilli, bolognaise, casseroles, hot pots and more for up to 12 hours, with tender results ready just when you want them. Cook low and slow for melt-in-your-mouth pot roasts. The easy-to-read digital display shows how much cooking time is left, as well as the temperature setting. We found it to be a very intuitive appliance. For storage, the cord stores on the bottom of the cooker. If you don’t need to use your slow cooker on a buffet, there is a similar model with a solid glass lid. With its brushed stainless-steel finish, the KitchenAid 6-Quart Slow Cooker is attractive and solidly designed. It’s strictly a slow cooker, with low, medium, high, and warm settings. You can program it for a specific time, after which it will automatically keep food warm for up to four hours. Finished results: the tenderness of the meat and vegetables, the consistency of the cooked sauce and the heat of the food when serving