Best Slow Cooker UK: What Size to Buy and Our Top Picks
Quick answer: the best slow cooker for most UK families is a 3.5L to 4.7L model with a removable ceramic pot, glass lid and at least three heat settings. Choose 1.5L for one person, 3.5L for two to four people, and 6L or more for families of five or more and batch cooking. A digital timer that switches to keep warm is worth paying for if you are out all day.
A slow cooker is one of the cheapest ways to cook a hot meal in winter. You add the ingredients in the morning and come home to a stew, curry or pulled pork. This guide explains what size to buy, which features are worth it, what they cost to run, and compares the slow cookers and multi-cookers we sell.
What size slow cooker do I need?
| Capacity | Serves | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5L | 1 to 2 | Single portions, dips, small batches |
| 3.5L | 2 to 4 | Couples and small families, most recipes |
| 4.5L to 5L | 4 to 6 | Family meals, a whole chicken |
| 6L to 6.5L | 6 to 8 or more | Batch cooking for the freezer, large joints, entertaining |
Fill a slow cooker between half and two thirds full for the best results. Too little food can overcook, and too much may not reach a safe temperature in time.
Our slow cooker picks
| Slow cooker | Capacity | Key features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swan 1.5L Oval Slow Cooker | 1.5L | 3 settings, 120W | £18.99 |
| Quest 3.5L Slow Cooker | 3.5L | 3 settings, ceramic pot, glass lid, 200W | £26.99 |
| Swan Nordic 3.5L Slow Cooker | 3.5L | 3 settings, ceramic pot, glass lid | £33.00 |
| Crock-Pot 6.5L Slow Cooker | 6.5L | 3 settings, ceramic bowl, 8+ people | £49.99 |
| Crock-Pot Lift and Serve 4.7L Digital | 4.7L | Digital countdown timer, hinged lid | £82.23 |
Slow cooker or multi-cooker?
A multi-cooker can slow cook, but it can also pressure cook, steam, sauté and cook rice in one pot. Pressure cooking makes a stew in under an hour instead of eight, which helps on busy days. The trade-off is price and a more complex control panel. If you only want to slow cook, a simple slow cooker is cheaper and easier.
| Multi-cooker | Capacity | Functions | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot 3.8L Multi-Cooker | 3.8L | 7-in-1 including pressure and slow cook | £78.00 |
| Bertelin Digi Cooker 6L | 6L | Pressure, slow cook, steam, sauté, sous vide, yoghurt | £63.99 |
| Hisense HMC6SBUK 6L Multi-Cooker | 6L | 10 programmes including pressure, slow and rice | £108.00 |
See all multi-cookers and pressure cookers.
Features worth paying for
- Removable ceramic pot: easy to wash and can go to the table. Some can go in the oven or dishwasher, so check the manual.
- Glass lid: lets you check food without lifting the lid, which loses heat and adds cooking time.
- Keep warm setting: holds food at a safe temperature without overcooking.
- Digital timer: switches to keep warm when cooking ends. Ideal if you work long days.
- Sear or sauté function: browns meat in the same pot, so there is one less pan to wash.
How much does a slow cooker cost to run?
Slow cookers use little power. A 200W slow cooker running for 8 hours uses at most 1.6kWh, and less in practice because the heater cycles on and off once it is hot. At a unit rate of around 25p per kWh, that is under 40p for a full day's cooking. Check your own tariff for an exact figure.
Slow cooker safety tips
- Thaw frozen meat fully before slow cooking, so it passes quickly through the temperature range where bacteria grow.
- Soak dried red kidney beans, then boil them hard for at least 10 minutes before adding them. Slow cooking alone does not make them safe.
- Do not reheat leftovers in the slow cooker. Reheat on the hob or in the microwave until piping hot, then keep warm if needed.
- Stand the slow cooker on a heat-resistant surface, away from the edge of the worktop.
Browse every slow cooker in our range.
Frequently asked questions
What size slow cooker is best for a family of four?
A 3.5L to 4.7L slow cooker suits most families of four. Choose 6L if you like to batch cook or freeze portions.
Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on all day?
Yes, slow cookers are designed to run unattended for many hours. Stand it on a heat-resistant surface and follow the manual.
Can you put raw meat in a slow cooker?
Yes. Raw meat cooks safely in a slow cooker as long as it is fully defrosted first. Browning it first adds flavour but is optional.
How much electricity does a slow cooker use?
A 200W slow cooker uses at most 1.6kWh over 8 hours, usually less, which is under 40p at around 25p per kWh.
Is a multi-cooker better than a slow cooker?
A multi-cooker is more versatile and much faster with its pressure function, but costs more. A slow cooker is simpler and cheaper if you only slow cook.
