Who’s tired of sweating in the kitchen for hours making meals? Or waiting hours after you get home from work to finally eat dinner? Do you ever abandon your weekly meal plan to get takeout or eat at a restaurant because you don’t have the energy to cook at home? If the answer to any of these questions is a resounding “yes”, you may need a slow cooker.
Slow cookers are truly hero countertop appliances. They’re easy to use, safe, and trustworthy. The best part? The meals require no manual effort and very minimal cleanup.
To find the best slow cooker for you, consider factors such as overall size, capacity, temperature settings, timer settings, and more. This comprehensive guide will investigate the best slow cookers in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let’s dive right into our top five products.
The Best Slow Cookers Right Now
- Top Pick: Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Portable 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
- 2-in-1 Pick: Crock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cooker
- Versatile Pick: Ninja MC1001C Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5-Quart Multi-Cooker
- Compact Pick: Courant CSC-1524K 1.6-Quart Slow Cooker
- Budget Pick: Crock-Pot SCV700B-CN Manual 7-Quart Slow Cooker
Our Top Pick for The Best Slow Cooker
Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Portable 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker Review
What We Think of the Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Portable 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
In our opinion, the Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Portable 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker is the best one out there. A manual mode lets you cook without a timer, a programmable mode lets you set a timer and a cooking temperature, and the FlexCook mode lets you set a cook cycle with two temperatures for two different durations. You can’t beat that!
That’s not all we love about this option, though. If you like to travel to other people’s houses for dinners, and you’re the kind of guest who loves to bring food, this is your best option. The clip-on gasket lid will keep your food safe without letting any heat escape during your travels. Plus, the backlit LCD can’t be beat.
It was pretty difficult to find anything wrong with this option, but no product can ever be perfect for everybody. It only has two temperature settings, so if you prefer to play around with medium heat during your slow-cooking adventures, you’ll be disappointed. Otherwise, it’s a great model.
- Performance: 5/5
- Usability: 5/5
- Price: 5/5
- Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Portable 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Reviewers could not be happier with the Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Portable 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker. It cooks every meal perfectly (the FlexCook mode is a huge hit), and the warming feature is amazing, too. People love how secure the lid is for travelling to potluck dinners.
Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Portable 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- You want a flexible slow cooker with a “FlexCook” mode that lets you program two temperatures and two cooking timers
- You prefer the option to run it manually without a timer
- You often transport meals and appreciate large handles plus a clip-on gasket lid to avoid spills
- You like a backlit LCD screen for easy reading
Don’t Buy If…
- You need a slow cooker with a true medium-temperature setting
Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Portable 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker Specifications
- Dimensions: 10.9” x 17.1” x 11.2”
- Weight: 11.2 lbs
- Colour: Silver
- Capacity: 6 qt
- Temperature Settings: 2
- Timer: Yes
- Automatic Shutoff: Yes to warm setting
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- Warranty: 5 years
Our 2-in-1 Pick
Crock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cooker Review
What We Think of the Crock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cooker
The Crock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cooker has a pretty unique design. Instead of only one large pot, you’ll also get two smaller pots that can be used together — yep, you can make two different dishes at once! And with the intelligent DualSync technology, they’ll always finish at the same time, no matter how different the cook times are.
We’re also really pleased with the versatility on this one. Different temperature settings allow you to slow cook, sear/sauté, and steam, all in one. The pots can even go in the oven for a well-rounded finish. You won’t need any other kitchen appliances once you have this one! The steam rack, lids, and pots are all dishwasher-safe, too. No more scrubbing by hand!
One of the only downsides to choosing this slow cooker is its complexity. With multiple pots and multiple cook options, the controls aren’t as set-it-and-go as other slow cookers. If simplicity is what you’re after, there are better choices. The higher price of this option might be another deterrent for folks shopping on a budget.
Overall, the Crock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cooker has a wonderful list of features that’ll make your kitchen life a whole lot easier. Whether you’re looking for a slow cooker with multiple pots, multiple cook styles, or easy cleaning, this is a great choice.
- Performance: 5/5
- Usability: 4.5/5
- Price: 3/5
- Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Crock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cooker
Reviewers are quite pleased with their Crock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cookers. They enjoy being able to cook in so many different ways, and they haven’t run into any trouble with cleanup. The best part is being able to cook two different dishes at once and have them finish together automatically. They highly recommend this one.
Crock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cooker Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- You’d like to make two different dishes at once
- You’d appreciate pots that can go in the oven
- Multiple functions would be helpful
- Easy cleanup is a priority for you
Don’t Buy If…
- You’re looking for something budget-friendly
- A simple control panel is more your style
Crock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cooker Specifications
- Dimensions: 12.2” x 18” x 9.25”
- Colour: Oat milk
- Capacity: One 8-quart pot and two 3.7-quart pots
- Temperature Settings: 3
- Timer: Yes
- Automatic Shutoff: Yes, to warm setting
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Our Versatile Pick
Ninja MC1001C Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5-Quart Multi-Cooker Review
What We Think of the Ninja MC1001C Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5-Quart Multi-Cooker
There are lots of things to like about the Ninja MC1001C Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5-Quart Multi-Cooker, and that’s largely due to how many ways it can cook your food. It can bake, steam, slow cook, braise, and so much more. Plus, since it uses three different types of heat (steam heat, side heat, and bottom heat), it can actually cook faster than your oven with the right settings!
The slow cooker function offers two different heat settings, but other functions, like baking, offer precise temperature control so you get perfect results every time. You’ll get a recipe book included for new ideas, and it even comes with a 2-in-1 cooking utensil so you can get started right away. Plus, since the pot can go in the oven and be used as a serving dish, this is truly the best all-in-one slow cooker out there.
The only issue you might have with this slow cooker is the price. Due to its extra functionality, it’s one of the most expensive options currently available. As a result, it won’t fit well into every budget. You get what you pay for with this one, we promise, but it just won’t be accessible to everyone. It might also feel a bit overwhelming at first, especially if you’ve never used a slow cooker before, but its versatility will become a good thing as soon as you figure it all out!
All in all, we think the Ninja MC1001C Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5-Quart Multi-Cooker will blend perfectly into every family home. With exceptional versatility, a large capacity, and dishwasher-safe parts, it’ll make every kitchen task feel effortless.
- Performance: 5/5
- Usability: 5/5
- Price: 4/5
- Quality: 4.5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Ninja MC1001C Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5-Quart Multi-Cooker
Reviewers are very happy with the functionality of the Ninja MC1001C Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5-Quart Multi-Cooker. They love being able to use the slow cooker in so many different ways — it bakes, sears, steams, slow cooks, and can even go in the oven. The included utensil and recipe book are really helpful, too. They’d all choose this one again.
Ninja MC1001C Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5-Quart Multi-Cooker Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- You want a slow cooker that can do everything
- Precise control of the temperature appeals to you
- You’d love the option to cook fast or slow
- An all-in-one set would be nice
Don’t Buy If…
- You aren’t willing or able to spend a lot on a slow cooker
- You’re new to slow cookers
Ninja MC1001C Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5-Quart Multi-Cooker Specifications
- Dimensions: 12.6” x 18” x 10.6”
- Weight: 12.6 lbs
- Colour: Sea salt grey
- Capacity: 8.5 quarts
- Temperature Settings: 2 for slow cook, variable for other functions
- Timer: 12 hrs maximum
- Automatic Shutoff: Yes, to warm setting
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- Warranty: 1 year
Our Compact Pick
Courant CSC-1524K 1.6-Quart Slow Cooker Review
What We Think of the Courant CSC-1524K 1.6-Quart Slow Cooker
We are incredibly fond of the Courant CSC-1524K 1.6-Quart Slow Cooker, and we think you’ll love it, too. It’s one of the most affordable slow cookers out there, and it’s also one of the most user-friendly. One of the reasons for that is its simplicity — a single three-option dial controls the temperature, and that’s all you need to get the slow cooker working. It also has stay-cool handles for your safety. Nice touch, literally.
Of course, as our compact pick, the small size of this slow cooker is one of its most compelling features. You’ll be able to tuck it in a corner on your counter or stow it in your kitchen cupboards without much hassle. Since the lid and pot are both dishwasher safe, you won’t even have to worry about a difficult cleanup process. What a relief!
There are a few shortcomings you need to be aware of before you fall completely in love with this little slow cooker. First, it doesn’t have a built-in timer, so you’ll need to monitor the cooking time some other way and set it to the keep warm function yourself. The capacity is also predictably small for such a compact slow cooker, so it won’t feed more than one or two people.
Overall, the Courant CSC-1524K 1.6-Quart Slow Cooker is the ideal choice for people who are short on counter space or storage space, nostalgic for traditional slow cooking, and shopping on a budget. It might not be fancy, but it sure turns out delicious meals.
- Performance: 5/5
- Usability: 4/5
- Price: 5/5
- Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Courant CSC-1524K 1.6-Quart Slow Cooker
Reviewers have great things to say about the Courant CSC-1524K 1.6-Quart Slow Cooker. Its simplicity makes it incredibly easy to use, and they find it to be the perfect size for seniors, singles, and couples. The pot and lid clean perfectly in the dishwasher, and the small size makes it easy to store, even in smaller kitchens. They’re all very happy with their choice and recommend it to others.
Courant CSC-1524K 1.6-Quart Slow Cooker Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- You’re short on counter room and/or cupboard storage space
- Ease of use is a priority for you
- You don’t want to clean anything by hand
- An affordable price tag would be a nice touch
Don’t Buy If…
- You need to serve more than 1-2 people
- You’re looking for some level of automation
Courant CSC-1524K 1.6-Quart Slow Cooker Specifications
- Dimensions: 7” x 7” x 7”
- Weight: 4.9 lbs
- Colour: Black or red
- Capacity: 1.6 quarts
- Temperature Settings: 3 (2 cook temperatures + keep warm)
- Timer: No
- Automatic Shutoff: No
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Our Budget Pick
Crock-Pot SCV700B-CN Manual 7-Quart Slow Cooker Review
What We Think of the Crock-Pot SCV700B-CN Manual 7-Quart Slow Cooker
The Crock-Pot SCV700B-CN Manual 7-Quart Slow Cooker is a perfectly traditional choice, and we think it’s perfect for most kitchens. One of the reasons for that is its affordability. Even people shopping on a tight budget will be able to enjoy the convenience of a large slow cooker. You’ll be able to feed your family or do meal prep in bulk without spending a ton of money.
The cooking pot is oven-safe, too, so you’ll be able to finish your dishes up in the oven for a crispy top or a quick cheese melt whenever you feel like it. Since the pot and lid are both dishwasher safe, you’ll be able to skip cleanup and spend more time doing the things that matter to you.
The only reasons you might not love this slow cooker as much as we do are if you’re looking for some automation or some extra functionality. There’s no timer or automatic shutoff built into this slow cooker, and it’s only good for slow cooking. You won’t be able to bake, steam, sauté, or anything else in this one. Hopefully, those aren’t dealbreakers for you.
All in all, the Crock-Pot SCV700B-CN Manual 7-Quart Slow Cooker is an easy favourite for us this year, and we think you’ll love it too. Especially if you’re shopping on a budget. It might not have any bells and whistles, but it cooks all sorts of dishes perfectly, and it seriously could not be easier to use.
- Performance: 5/5
- Usability: 4/5
- Price: 5/5
- Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Crock-Pot SCV700B-CN Manual 7-Quart Slow Cooker
Reviewers have a high opinion of the Crock-Pot SCV700B-CN Manual 7-Quart Slow Cooker. The capacity is perfect for larger families and weekly meal prep, and they appreciate being able to clean it in the dishwasher instead of by hand. The controls are really simple to use, too. Some people would prefer that it had a timer, too, but most are okay with the limited features.
Crock-Pot SCV700B-CN Manual 7-Quart Slow Cooker Pros and Cons
Buy If…
- A budget-friendly price is a top priority
- You need to feed a large family, or you like to cook in bulk
- You’d prefer to avoid handwashing
- You’d love to finish some of your dishes in the oven
Don’t Buy If…
- You’re looking for some cooking automation
- Versatile cooking options are a priority
Crock-Pot SCV700B-CN Manual 7-Quart Slow Cooker Specifications
- Dimensions: 10” x 14.8” x 15”
- Colour: Black
- Capacity: 7 quarts
- Temperature Settings: 3 (2 cook temperatures + keep warm)
- Timer: No
- Automatic Shutoff: No
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- Warranty: 1 year
Why Trust Shopping Trends?
At Shopping Trends, every product we review goes through rigorous hands-on testing to ensure we’re recommending only the best for Canadian households. With over a decade of experience in product evaluation and consumer reporting, I personally oversee each test and comparison.
Our process is transparent, methodical, and grounded in real-world usage. Whether it’s a cordless vacuum, a 4K TV, or a hammock for your next camping trip, we evaluate items the way you’d use them at home. When needed, we also consult Canadian industry experts to offer context and help readers make confident, informed decisions. Every “top pick” featured in our guides has earned its spot through careful analysis, not sponsorship.
How to Properly Choose Your Slow Cooker
Price
Slow cookers can be priced as low as $30 for a manual unit or $200+ for something fancier. Most people can find a great option for less than $100, though. In general, more expensive slow cookers will be larger and will offer more versatility.
Temperature Settings
The number of temperature settings a slow cooker has will affect how long your food takes to cook and what types of food you can cook. All slow cookers will at least have two settings, but some include a third for extra versatility.
Capacity
Slow cookers will range in size from one quart to over six quarts. Larger capacities will come with a higher price tag, but will allow you to batch cook more easily. Most families can get away with a three or four-quart pot.
Dishwasher Safe Parts
Most slow cookers will have dishwasher-safe lids and cooking pots, and if you plan on using yours regularly, you might appreciate the added convenience of a lower-effort cleanup.
Auto Off/Keep Warm
Since many people put slow cookers on while they’re at work or asleep, it’s usually important to have an automated off or keep-warm function. Not only is this a safety thing, but it also makes sure the food is as delicious as it’s supposed to be when you’re ready to eat it.
