Best Slow Cookers at Walmart
Best Slow Cookers at Walmart: Top Picks in 2025
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or slow-simmering Sunday dinner, a dependable slow cooker is a must-have in any kitchen. In 2025, Walmart continues to offer some of the most affordable and reliable models on the market—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook. This guide covers everything you need to know to choose the right slow cooker at Walmart this year—from best features to exact models I’ve tested and trust.
Why Shop for a Slow Cooker at Walmart in 2025
Wide Selection for Every Budget and Kitchen Size
One of the main reasons I recommend Walmart is the sheer range of options. Whether you’re looking for a compact 1.5-quart cooker for single servings or a full-size 8-quart model for big-batch chili, there’s something for every home cook. Walmart stocks well-known brands like Crock-Pot and Hamilton Beach, as well as their own Mainstays line—usually at a lower price point than most competitors.
Here’s a quick comparison of sizes and suggested uses:
| Size | Ideal For | Average Price at Walmart |
| 1.5–2 qt | Dips, sauces, single servings | $12–$20 |
| 4–5 qt | Couples, small families | $25–$40 |
| 6–7 qt | Families, batch cooking | $35–$70 |
| 8+ qt | Large gatherings, roasts | $60–$100+ |
Exclusive Walmart Models Worth Checking Out
Walmart carries some exclusive versions of brand-name models that you won’t always find elsewhere. For instance, the Crock-Pot 7-Quart Manual Slow Cooker in Matte Black is a Walmart-exclusive colorway with great reviews. The Mainstays 6-Quart Cooker is another affordable Walmart-only option that performs surprisingly well for its price.
These exclusives often feature:
- Custom colors and finishes
- Bundled accessories (like liners or serving spoons)
- Better prices on multi-unit packs
Online vs. In-Store – Where I Found the Best Deals
While I love browsing the aisle in-store, most of the best slow cooker deals I’ve found have been online. The Walmart website often features clearance sales, bundles, and Rollbacks not available in-store. That said, if you want to inspect the weight or inner pot material firsthand, the store’s kitchen aisle is worth a visit.
Pro tip: Watch for online-only bundles around holiday weekends—they often include slow cooker liners or recipe booklets.
My Top 5 Best Slow Cookers at Walmart This Year
After testing over a dozen models in 2025, these five stand out for ease of use, cooking performance, and value.
Best Overall – Crock-Pot 7-Quart Manual Slow Cooker
Simple, reliable, and spacious. This manual model doesn’t have fancy settings, but that’s exactly what makes it so dependable. It has low, high, and warm settings and cooks evenly every time. Ideal for soups, roasts, pulled pork—you name it.
- Capacity: 7 quarts
- Settings: Manual (Low/High/Warm)
- Price: Around $40
- Why I Love It: Easy to clean, no learning curve, perfect for beginners.
Best Budget – Mainstays 6-Quart Slow Cooker
If you’re new to slow cooking or need a second unit for side dishes, this Mainstays cooker delivers surprising quality for the price. It’s no-frills, but cooks evenly and has a removable stoneware insert that cleans up easily.
- Capacity: 6 quarts
- Settings: Manual dial
- Price: Under $25
- Why I Love It: Budget-friendly and great for basic cooking needs.
Best Programmable – Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 6-Quart
This one has a digital display and a temperature probe, which is ideal for meats. You can program it to switch to “warm” once the food hits a set temp—perfect for hands-off cooking.
- Capacity: 6 quarts
- Settings: Digital control with probe
- Price: Around $70
- Why I Love It: Precise control, especially useful for roasts or chicken.
Best for Small Kitchens – Elite Gourmet 1.5-Quart Mini Cooker
Compact and super handy for dips, sauces, or overnight oats. It doesn’t take up much space and is great for small households or dorm kitchens.
- Capacity: 1.5 quarts
- Settings: Low, high, warm
- Price: Around $15
- Why I Love It: Fits anywhere, great for snacks and sides.
Best Multi-Function – Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Air Fryer
Not a traditional slow cooker, but it does have a slow cook setting—and much more. It’s a pressure cooker, air fryer, sauté pan, and dehydrator all in one. If you want versatility, this is the one.
- Capacity: 8 quarts
- Settings: 11-in-1 programmable
- Price: $120–$150
- Why I Love It: All-in-one machine with slow cook mode that actually works well.
How I Tested and Compared These Slow Cookers
When choosing the best slow cookers at Walmart in 2025, I didn’t just read specs and reviews—I cooked with each one. From soups and stews to pulled pork and apple crisp, I ran every model through real-life recipes. Here’s how I broke down my evaluation.
Cooking Performance – Even Heat and Consistency
The number one thing I looked for was even heating. No one wants burnt edges and cold centers. I tested low and high settings across recipes that required long cook times and checked for:
- Hot spots (none on the top models)
- Temperature accuracy (especially important for meats)
- Texture of the final dish—no mushy veggies or dry proteins
I also used a meat thermometer during every test to make sure proteins hit food-safe temps without overcooking.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
It’s not just about cooking—cleanup matters too. I gave high marks to models with:
- Removable stoneware inserts (preferably dishwasher-safe)
- Cool-touch handles (a lifesaver during serving)
- Intuitive dials or buttons that didn’t require a manual
Some budget models had metal inserts that cooked faster but stuck more and weren’t dishwasher safe. I noted those trade-offs in my reviews.
Features That Actually Matter (and Which to Skip)
You don’t need 30 settings to make a great stew. Here’s what I found truly helpful:
- Keep Warm function – keeps food at serving temp without drying it out
- Digital timer with auto-warm – especially for busy days
- Temperature probe – for meats, this was a game-changer
- Locking lid – great if you transport food often
Skip: Complicated touch panels, app-based controls, or pre-programmed modes you’ll never use.
Price vs. Value – What’s Really Worth It?
A higher price doesn’t always mean better food. Some of the best-performing cookers were under $40. I rated value based on:
- Build quality
- Useful features
- Consistency in cooking
- Warranty and brand support
My budget pick (Mainstays 6-Quart) performed almost as well as the $100+ programmable models—and that’s saying something.
What to Look for When Buying a Slow Cooker in 2025
If you’re shopping for a slow cooker this year, here’s what I recommend you consider based on your kitchen, budget, and cooking habits.
Manual vs. Digital Controls – Which Is Better?
- Manual (dial-based) cookers are reliable, simple, and cheaper. Great for beginners.
- Digital models give you timers, auto-shutoff, and programmable options. Ideal for busy schedules or precise recipes.
My take: Go manual if you’re cooking at home and around to monitor it. Go digital if you want to “set it and forget it.”
Size Guide – What Quart Size Do You Need?
| Household Size | Recommended Size | Example Uses |
| 1–2 people | 1.5–4 quarts | Dips, small stews, sides |
| 3–4 people | 5–6 quarts | Family meals, chicken, chili |
| 5+ people | 7–8+ quarts | Roasts, big-batch meals, entertaining |
Always choose a size that lets you fill the pot at least halfway (but not over ¾ full) for best results.
Removable Stoneware vs. Nonstick Metal Insert
- Stoneware inserts retain heat better and cook more evenly. They’re usually dishwasher-safe and preferred for flavor and texture.
- Metal inserts heat up quicker and can be used for browning on the stovetop—but they’re not always nonstick and can be harder to clean.
My pick: Stoneware, unless you need stovetop searing in the same pot.
Keep Warm, Delay Start, and Other Must-Have Features
Here are the few features I find truly useful:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
| Keep Warm | Prevents food from overcooking post-timer |
| Delay Start | Helpful for early prep and later dinners |
| Locking Lid | Great for potlucks and travel |
| Temperature Probe | Perfect for meats—no guesswork |
You don’t need dozens of presets. Focus on ease, durability, and how it fits into your actual routine.
Walmart’s Best Slow Cooker Brands in 2025
Walmart carries dozens of brands, but after years of cooking and testing, a few names stand out in 2025. Whether you want simple or smart, these are the brands I trust most when buying a slow cooker.
Crock-Pot – Still the Classic for a Reason
Crock-Pot invented the slow cooker—and in 2025, they’re still making some of the best. Their models are:
- Reliable and durable
- Consistent in temperature control
- Available in a wide range of sizes
I especially like their 7-quart manual model for no-fuss cooking. It does exactly what you need, and it does it well.
Hamilton Beach – Affordable with Reliable Features
Hamilton Beach consistently delivers performance at a good price. Their Set & Forget 6-quart model includes:
- Digital controls with timer
- A built-in temperature probe
- A locking lid for easy transport
It’s great for cooks who want more features without paying premium prices.
Instant Pot – More Than Just a Pressure Cooker
If you want multi-functionality, Instant Pot’s Duo Crisp with Air Fryer is worth a look. It slow cooks, pressure cooks, sautés, steams, and air fries—all in one appliance. Ideal for:
- Small kitchens with limited space
- People who want fewer gadgets on the counter
- Adventurous home cooks
While it’s more expensive, you’re getting much more than just a slow cooker.
Mainstays – Best for Simple, Budget-Friendly Cooking
Mainstays is Walmart’s own brand, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by their 6-quart slow cooker. It’s:
- Under $30
- Easy to use (just one dial!)
- Lightweight and simple to clean
Perfect for beginners, college students, or anyone who just needs the basics without the bells and whistles.
15+ FAQs About Buying Slow Cookers at Walmart
1. What size slow cooker should I get?
For 1–2 people, a 3- or 4-quart. For families, 5–6 quarts. For parties or meal prep, 7+ quarts.
2. Are Walmart slow cookers good quality?
Yes—especially trusted brands like Crock-Pot, Hamilton Beach, and Instant Pot.
3. Can I return a slow cooker if it doesn’t work?
Yes, Walmart has a standard return policy. Check the receipt for the timeframe (usually 30–90 days).
4. What’s the cheapest good slow cooker at Walmart?
The Mainstays 6-Quart Manual Slow Cooker—usually under $30 and works great for basic meals.
5. Are Instant Pots also slow cookers?
Yes, most models have a slow cook function, though it’s slightly different in heat distribution.
6. Should I get manual or digital?
Manual for simplicity, digital if you want timers, auto-warm, or programmable settings.
7. What’s the best brand overall?
For reliability: Crock-Pot. For features: Hamilton Beach. For versatility: Instant Pot.
8. Can I use a slow cooker to meal prep?
Absolutely. Make large batches of chili, shredded chicken, soups, and freeze them.
9. How long do slow cookers last?
Most last 5–10 years with regular use and good care.
10. Do all slow cookers come with a removable pot?
Most mid-range and premium models do. Check the product description before buying.
11. Are there any slow cookers under $20?
Mini models (like the Mainstays 1.5-quart) sometimes dip below $20 during sales.
12. Can I cook frozen meat in a slow cooker?
It’s not recommended. Thaw meat first for food safety and even cooking.
13. Do they use a lot of electricity?
No. Most slow cookers use less energy than a standard oven or stovetop.
14. Can I put the pot in the oven?
Some ceramic inserts are oven-safe. Check your model’s manual to be sure.
15. Is nonstick coating safe?
Generally yes, but ceramic stoneware is more durable and chemical-free.
