If you’re in the market for a new slow cooker but you’re on a tight budget, this list is for you. We’ve identified the best bargains available from top brands that we know and love. Although there aren’t a lot of fancy settings in the under-thirty-bucks price range, there are some durable appliances that will help you make a variety of amazing entrées, sides and desserts.
Owning a slow cooker is a must if you love eating warm, homemade meals but you don’t actually love spending hours in the kitchen. Especially if you follow a strict diet that makes use of only certain kinds of ingredients–such as gluten-free, vegan-friendly or organic products–preparing your own dishes can be a great way to ensure that only healthy and safe foods are going into your body. Plus, the upfront cost of a slow cooker can end up saving you a ton on meals in the long run.
You can also check out other price ranges for the 5-6 quart capacity. We’ve reviewed mid-range slow cookers as well as premium slow cookers that you can browse to find the perfect design to match your kitchen and price to match your budget.
- Crock-Pot Cook ‘N Carry
- Brand: Crock-Pot
Material: Stoneware
Capacity: 6 Quart
Colors: Silver/Red
Price: - Tested
Reviewed
Recommended - Rank: #1
- Hamilton Beach Stay or Go
- Brand: Hamilton Beach
Material: Stoneware
Capacity: 6 Quart
Colors: Silver/White/Copper
Price: - Tested
Reviewed
Recommended - Rank: #2
- West Bend Versatility
- Brand: West Bend
Material: Non-stick Aluminum
Capacity: 5 Quart
Colors: Green/Red/Blue
Price: - Tested
Reviewed
Recommended - Rank: #3
Crock-Pot Cook ‘N Carry Oval Manual Portable Slow Cooker in Stainless Steel
- Brand: Crock-Pot
- Model Number: SCCPVL600S
- Size: 6-Quart Capacity
Manufactured by Crock-Pot, this slow cooker has high, low and warm manual settings to accommodate a variety of different recipes and scheduling constraints. Whether you need a meal ready in four hours or eight, you can make use of the ideal heat setting accordingly. The appliance features a secure-fit lid as well as a lid-mounted locking system to maximize convenience when transporting food. The oval stoneware crock and glass lid are dishwasher safe
In the world of countertop cookers, the Cook and Carry model is a bestseller and we understand why. The six-quart size is perfect for dinner parties and everyday family life, the locking lid with a rubber gasket enables worry-free traveling and the Crock-Pot brand itself makes us confident that the appliance will last for years to come. There isn’t a timer so you have to manually position the dial to “warm” or “off” when you’re ready to serve, but we wouldn’t expect anything else at this steal-of-a-deal price point.
==> Read The Full Review Here
Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Slow Cooker in Metallic
- Brand: Hamilton Beach
- Model Number: 33262A
- Size: 6-Quart Capacity
This six-quart manual cooker from Hamilton Beach can be set to high, low or warm. There’s a clip-tight sealed lid that locks onto the slow cooker to prevent mess whether you’re simply carrying the cooker from your kitchen counter to your dining room table or driving the food-filled appliance across town for a community potluck. When it’s time to clean up, just throw the stoneware crock and glass lid in the dishwasher.
The portability features of this model are well thought out and the manual control is easy to use. Sized to hold a six-pound chicken or four-pound roast, the appliance can be used when preparing a wide-variety of dishes for a handful of guests. The simplicity of the model may leave you wanting more since it’s not a multi-cooker like Hamilton Beach’s higher-end models, but if you’re not looking for additional steam and sauté functions, this appliance will serve you well.
==> Read The Full Review Here
West Bend Versatility Slow Cooker with Insulated Tote and Transport Lid in Green
- Brand: West Bend
- Model Number: 84915G
- Size: 5-Quart Capacity
With an adjustable temperature control that ranges from one to five, this West Bend slow cooker offers flexibility. The five-quart non-stick cooking pot can go in the oven, on the stove and in the freezer while the non-stick electric base can double as a light-duty griddle. The accompanying insulated transport tote can keep food warm for up to two hours and the transport lid can be snapped on to help prevent spills. Both the cooking pot and glass lid are dishwasher friendly.
The stylish design and versatile features make this model an all-around great pick. The five-quart capacity is on the small side if you’re anticipating feeding a big crowd, but the size works well if you plan on mostly just serving family or a few friends. Consumers who don’t want to pay a fortune for a savvy appliance with multi-cooking capabilities should snatch this product up right away.
==> Read The Full Review Here
You can also view another similar model in the Top Five slow cookers under for a mid-range price!
Chefman Slow Cooker with Carry Handle in Grey
- Brand: Chefman
- Model Number: RJ15-5-LCH-RED
- Size: 5-Quart Capacity
This standard manual slow cooker comes with high, low and warm settings. The no-spill lid locks into place for on-the-go convenience and also has a hinge, which enables the lid to sit upright so serving time can be a breeze. There’s a leak-proof gasket and a sturdy carry handle as well as dishwasher-safe removable parts.
You may not be as familiar with the brand Chefman as you are with Crock-Pot or Hamilton Beach, but the lesser-known company does manufacture an impressive line of kitchen appliances based on a mission to offer high-quality products at consumer-friendly prices. If you love the carry handle and are willing to give this manufacturer a chance, this model is likely to serve you well.
==> Read The Full Review Here!
Maximatic Elite Cuisine Multi-Cooker and Deep Fryer in Silver
- Brand: MaxiMatic
- Model Number: EDF-1300M
- Size: 5-Quart Capacity
With a five-quart enamel-coated inner pot, a brushed stainless steel exterior and an adjustable thermostat control, this appliance is a multifunctional cooker that can warm, steam, cook and fry. Whether you want to slow cook a stew, prepare rice or deep fry some breaded meat, this model is designed to do it all. The product also comes with a removable basket that has a detachable handle.
Although this multi-purpose pick comes with directions on how to effectively use the product as a slow cooker, some consumers have reported that the model’s capabilities don’t actually mesh well with every slow-cook recipe. Hence, if you want a true slow cooker, this multi-cooker probably isn’t for you. On other other hand, if you like the idea of having one go-to countertop appliance, you may be interested in giving this product a chance.
- Crock-Pot Cook ‘N Carry
- Brand: Crock-Pot
Material: Stoneware
Capacity: 6 Quart
Colors: Silver/Red
Price: - Tested
Reviewed
Recommended - Rank: #1
- Hamilton Beach Stay or Go
- Brand: Hamilton Beach
Material: Stoneware
Capacity: 6 Quart
Colors: Silver/White/Copper
Price: - Tested
Reviewed
Recommended - Rank: #2
- West Bend Versatility
- Brand: West Bend
Material: Non-stick Aluminum
Capacity: 5 Quart
Colors: Green/Red/Blue
Price: - Tested
Reviewed
Recommended - Rank: #3
Top Pick
Although it’s hard to choose between the Crock-Pot Cook ‘N Carry Oval Manual Portable Slow Cooker and the Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Slow Cooker, which are highly comparable when it comes to cook settings, portability, capacity, price and even consumer ratings, the Crock-Pot model wins by a hair for having more consumer reviews that are overwhelmingly positive.
Based on real-life experience, the product has proven to be durable, transportable and easy to use. For a thirty-dollar appliance, we really couldn’t ask for anything more: the six-quart size is nice, the cook-and-carry features are helpful and the three temperature settings are more than enough.
Especially if you’re not yet convinced that a slow cooker is something that your family will use as often as once or twice a week, picking up an inexpensive model is a great idea. That way, you can get a feel for what slow cooking is like without making a huge investment. Until you discover what high-end features are actually important given your individual circumstances, stick with a basic model since even non-programmable slow cookers are capable of delivering crowd-pleasing meals.
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