7 Slow Cookers That Will Save Your Thanksgiving (And Which One to Buy 2025)
The dreaded Thanksgiving juggle. The turkey’s in the oven, but the mashed potatoes are cold, the green bean casserole won’t fit, and you’re a total mess. 😫
Imagine the side dishes simmering perfectly on their own, staying warm, while you actually enjoy a glass of wine. That’s the dream, right? 😊
I’m Nancy, and I’ve tested them all. I’m here to help you find the exact right partner to save your holiday. 🤝
My Top Picks
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 6-Qt | Best Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price |
| Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker Pro 8.5-Qt | Best Large Capacity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Check Price |
| Crock-Pot 6-Qt Cook & Carry | Best for Potlucks | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Check Price |
The 7 Best Slow Cookers I’ve Tested in 2025
1. Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 6-Quart Programmable
My #1 Pick for a Stress-Free HolidayWhy I Love It ❤️
Okay, this one is my favorite. The game-changer is the temperature probe! I made a turkey breast for a smaller Friendsgiving, stuck the probe in, set it to 165°F, and walked away. The cooker automatically switched to ‘Warm’ when it was done. No more dry, overcooked meat. Perfection!
What’s Great
- Temperature Probe: Guarantees food is cooked perfectly and not a minute more.
- Set & Forget: Simple programming for time or temp.
- Travel-Friendly: The lid clips down tight to prevent spills in the car.
What’s Not
- The 6-quart size is great, but maybe small for a 20-person crowd’s main dish.
- The probe port can let a little steam escape.
2. Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker Pro 8.5-Quart
Best for Feeding the Whole Extended FamilyWhy I Love It 🤩
This thing is a beast… in the best way! 8.5 quarts is massive. I fit an entire batch of chili for 15 people in here with room to spare. But the best part? It has a sear function! I browned my beef right in the pot before slow cooking. Fewer dishes on Thanksgiving? Yes, please!
What’s Great
- Huge Capacity: At 8.5 quarts, it’s one of the biggest on the market.
- Multi-Cooker: It can sear, sauté, steam, and slow cook.
- Oven-Safe Pot: The insert can go straight into the oven (up to 500°F).
What’s Not
- It’s expensive. This is a premium appliance.
- It’s very large and heavy, so storage is a consideration.
3. Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Programmable
Best for Taking Your Famous Dish on the RoadWhy I Love It ❤️
This is the potluck king. If you are ever the person who has to bring the mac & cheese or the meatballs, you need this. I drove this to my sister’s house (who drives way too fast 😫), and when I got there… not one drip. The locking lid is a total lifesaver.
What’s Great
- The Locking Lid: The rubber gasket and clamps are incredibly secure.
- Simple Programming: Set it for 4 or 6 hours on high, 8 or 10 on low. It’s simple.
- Great Value: Often on sale and a fantastic price for a programmable model.
What’s Not
- The programming is very basic (no specific minute-by-minute timer).
- The outside can get quite hot to the touch.
4. Cuisinart Cook Central 3-in-1 6-Quart Multi-Cooker
Best for the “One-Pot-Wonder” HostWhy I Love It 🤩
This is the cooker for people who hate washing extra pans. Like the Ninja, its main selling point is the ability to brown and sauté. I made my Thanksgiving gravy starter in this—sautéed the onions and celery, then switched to slow cook. It’s so convenient and the nonstick pot is super easy to clean.
What’s Great
- 3-in-1: It can slow cook, steam, and sauté/brown.
- Easy to Clean: The nonstick insert is a dream to wipe down.
- 24-Hour Timer: Very flexible programming and a large, clear screen.
What’s Not
- The nonstick coating means you have to be careful with metal spoons.
- It’s a bit bulkier than a standard Crock-Pot.
5. Crock-Pot 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Best Budget Pick for a Big CrowdWhy I Love It 😊
Need a ton of space but don’t want to drop $150? This is your guy. It’s a simple, straightforward 8-quart cooker. I use this one for my “set it and forget it” mashed potatoes. I make a huge batch in the morning, and it just keeps them perfectly warm until dinner. It’s a no-brainer second cooker to own.
What’s Great
- Excellent Value: 8 quarts of capacity for a very low price.
- Digital Timer: Program your cook time, and it switches to ‘Warm’ automatically.
- Dishwasher Safe: The big stoneware insert and lid clean up easily.
What’s Not
- It’s very basic. No probe, no sear, no fancy features.
- The oval shape is wide and takes up a lot of counter space.
6. Hamilton Beach Defrost & Go 6-Quart
Best for Saving You From Holiday PanicWhy I Love It 😱
You know that moment of panic? It’s 10 AM on Thanksgiving, and you realize the roast is still frozen solid. This cooker is your hero. It has a special “Defrost” setting that safely thaws the meat and then automatically switches to slow cooking. I tested it with a frozen chicken, and it worked flawlessly.
What’s Great
- Defrost Setting: Safely cooks frozen meat without you hovering over it.
- Smart Programming: Just tell it the weight of the meat, and it does the rest.
- Also a Great Regular Cooker: It works perfectly as a standard programmable cooker, too.
What’s Not
- It’s a specific feature, so it costs more than a basic model.
- Takes longer (obviously) than cooking from thawed.
7. Crock-Pot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
Best Simple, No-Frills WorkhorseWhy I Love It 🤝
Sometimes, you just need a big bucket that gets hot. This is it. No screens, no timers, just a reliable dial: Off, Low, High, Warm. This is my go-to for things like mulled apple cider or a big batch of sweet potatoes. It’s dirt cheap and indestructible. Every host should have one as a backup.
What’s Great
- Extremely Affordable: You can’t beat the price for this size.
- Dead Simple: Impossible to mess up.
- Large Capacity: 7 quarts is plenty for almost any side dish.
What’s Not
- No Timer: You have to be home to turn it off or switch it to warm.
- No bells or whistles at all.
How to Choose the Best Slow Cooker for You (My Tips!)
When I’m testing, I’m not just looking at features; I’m looking for what will actually make your life easier on the most stressful cooking day of the year.
Features That Really Matter:
- A “Keep Warm” Function: This is non-negotiable. The last thing you want is cold gravy. A cooker that automatically switches to ‘Warm’ after the cook time is done is a lifesaver.
- Programmability: Being able to set a timer for 6 hours and walk away is true freedom.
- Lid Fit: A flimsy lid lets heat and moisture escape, drying out your food. A good, heavy lid (or a locking one!) is key.
Price vs. Performance:
Is an expensive $200 model actually worth it? My answer: only if you’ll use the extra features. A $70 Crock-Pot will slow cook just as well as a $250 multi-cooker. You’re paying extra for features like searing, sous vide, or a temperature probe. If you already have a great pan for searing, save your money!
Who Each Type Suits Best:
- If you’re the main host: Get a programmable model with a probe, like the Hamilton Beach Set & Forget.
- If you’re a potluck guest: Get the Crock-Pot Cook & Carry. Don’t even think about driving with a regular lid.
- If you have a huge family: Go for size. The 8.5-quart Ninja or the 8-quart Crock-Pot are your best bets.
- If you hate doing dishes: Get a multi-cooker with a sear function like the Cuisinart or Ninja.
🍂 My Final Verdict
Each of these slow cookers is fantastic, but for saving your Thanksgiving, you need reliability and features that reduce stress, not add to it.
My number one recommendation for most people is the:
Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Whether you’re looking to perfect your side dishes or just keep the mulled cider warm, I truly don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Happy cooking!
