10 Best Budget Slow Cookers: Delicious Meals on a Dime

Looking for the best budget slow cooker? Real users share their experiences to help you find the perfect one for home-cooked meals and easy cleanup.

Slow cookers make it easy to create delicious meals with little effort. They help busy people enjoy home-cooked food without much work.

Many people love how budget slow cookers save money on meals. They fit in any kitchen and are simple to use. Users share that easy cleanup keeps their time free.

Real users enjoy cooking roasts and stews all day. One user said their slow cooker made a perfect dinner for eight people. They feel sure our guide will help find the best one for their needs.

List of Top 10 Budget Slow Cookers

Image Title Best For Price
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining

This 7-quart slow cooker is perfect for big families with 9 or more people to feed or anyone hosting large events. It’s also ideal for busy workers who need easy meals that cook hands-free and stay warm for serving.

Crockpot SCV700-CH-BR Slow Cooker 7 quarts Charcoal Crockpot SCV700-CH-BR Slow Cooker 7 quarts Charcoal

This slow cooker is perfect for busy families and anyone who wants easy, one-pot meals. With a 7-quart capacity, it serves 8+ people or fits a 6-lb roast; you can cook on high or low and use the warm setting.

Elite Gourmet MST-250XS Electric Slow Cooker Ceramic Pot, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock, 1.5 Quart, Stainless Steel Elite Gourmet MST-250XS Electric Slow Cooker Ceramic Pot, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock, 1.5 Quart, Stainless Steel

This 1.5 quart slow cooker is perfect for small households or one or two people. With adjustable low/high/keep warm, cool-touch handles, and easy cleanup, you can set it and forget it.

Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black

Looking for a small and easy slow cooker? This Crockpot is perfect for singles, couples, or anyone with a small kitchen. It’s just right for dips, sides, and smaller meals, so you can enjoy delicious food without the fuss!

Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware Crock & Glass Lid, Stainless Steel (33140G) Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware Crock & Glass Lid, Stainless Steel (33140G)

This slow cooker is perfect for busy families and home cooks who want easy meals with great flavor and little work. It’s ideal for anyone making one-pot dishes that feed 4 or more people.

Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1 Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1

This Crock-Pot slow cooker is perfect for busy people who want to prep meals ahead for potlucks or long meetings, and for families that need to feed seven or more with easy, set-it-and-forget-it cooking.

Elite Gourmet MST-900D 8.5Qt Digital Programmable XL Jumbo Slow Cooker, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock, Stainless Steel Elite Gourmet MST-900D 8.5Qt Digital Programmable XL Jumbo Slow Cooker, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock, Stainless Steel

This 8.5-quart slow cooker is perfect for big families who feed a crowd or host guests. It’s also ideal for busy cooks who want easy meals with less work.

Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195) Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195)

Perfect for large families or meal prepping in bulk. Great for people who want a portable, easy-to-clean slow cooker. Ideal for anyone needing extra-large capacity for soups, stews, or roasts.

Crock-Pot® Manual Design Series 4.5 Quart Slow Cooker, Macaroon Blue Crock-Pot® Manual Design Series 4.5 Quart Slow Cooker, Macaroon Blue

This slow cooker is perfect for busy families who want easy meals with less kitchen fuss. It holds 4.5-quarts, serves 5+ people, and keeps food warm until you’re ready to eat.

Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker with 6 Quart Stovetop-Safe Sear & Cook Crock & Travel Lid Lock for Portable Transport, Silver (33663) Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker with 6 Quart Stovetop-Safe Sear & Cook Crock & Travel Lid Lock for Portable Transport, Silver (33663)

This slow cooker is perfect for families who love to cook big, tasty meals without much hassle, whether you’re searing meat on the stove and then letting it simmer slowly. It’s also great for people who need to carry food to parties or trips, thanks to its sealed lid that stops spills.

Detailed Reviews

Discover the top 10 budget slow cookers, picked by smart experts and happy users. Each one gets a deep look at its strong points, how it works, and why it’s a great deal. Read on to find the perfect pick for your kitchen needs.

1. Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining

The Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker is big. It serves 9+ people or fits a 7-pound roast.

Choose High or Low. Use the Warm setting. Set it and forget it.

One-pot cooking means fewer dishes. Removable stoneware is microwave-safe and oven-safe to 400°F; the lid is dishwasher safe.

Pros Cons
  • Huge 7-quart size feeds a crowd of 9 or more.
  • Easy high, low, and warm settings for perfect cooking.
  • Set it and forget it to cook while you work.
  • Simple one-pot meal means less dishes to wash.
  • Versatile pot works in oven up to 400 degrees.
  • Manual only: No automatic timer for easy cooking.
  • Bulky size: Takes up much counter and storage space.
  • Fingerprint marks: Stainless steel shows dirt and smudges fast.

Perfect For:

This 7-quart slow cooker is perfect for big families with 9 or more people to feed or anyone hosting large events. It’s also ideal for busy workers who need easy meals that cook hands-free and stay warm for serving.

Ready to Purchase?

2. Crockpot SCV700-CH-BR Slow Cooker 7 quarts Charcoal

Crockpot SCV700-CH-BR Slow Cooker 7 quarts Charcoal

The Crockpot SCV700-CH-BR Slow Cooker is a 7-quart charcoal model. It cooks big meals with ease.

This spacious cooker serves 8+ people. It fits a 6-lb. roast just right. You get hearty portions every time.

Set it on high for a quick hot meal. Use low to cook while you work. The warm setting keeps food ready to serve.

One-pot cooking means fewer dishes. The lid and stoneware are dishwasher safe. Cleanup stays simple and fast.

Pros Cons
  • Huge 7-quart capacity feeds 8+ people easily.
  • Cook high for fast meals or low while you work.
  • Stay warm setting keeps food hot for hours.
  • One-pot meals mean less cleanup every time.
  • Lid and pot are fully dishwasher safe.
  • It’s very heavy and hard to store.
  • No auto timer means manual watching needed.
  • Stoneware can crack easy if not handled right.

Perfect For:

This slow cooker is perfect for busy families and anyone who wants easy, one-pot meals. With a 7-quart capacity, it serves 8+ people or fits a 6-lb roast; you can cook on high or low and use the warm setting.

Ready to Purchase?

3. Elite Gourmet MST-250XS Electric Slow Cooker Ceramic Pot, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock, 1.5 Quart, Stainless Steel

Elite Gourmet MST-250XS Electric Slow Cooker Ceramic Pot, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock, 1.5 Quart, Stainless Steel

Need a personal slow cooker? The Elite Gourmet 1.5 Quart Slow Cooker makes cooking easy and convenient!

It features adjustable settings for ultimate meal control. Cleanup is a breeze with its dishwasher-safe parts. Enjoy the sleek stainless steel design.

Pros Cons
  • Perfect for cooking small meals and dips.
  • Easy cleanup with dishwasher-safe parts.
  • Features adjustable settings for versatile cooking.
  • Stylish and easy-to-clean stainless steel design.
  • From a trusted brand with 40 years of experience.
  • Small, only 1.5 quarts limits large meals.
  • May be too basic for advanced cooking needs.
  • No timer, so you have to watch it yourself.

Perfect For:

This 1.5 quart slow cooker is perfect for small households or one or two people. With adjustable low/high/keep warm, cool-touch handles, and easy cleanup, you can set it and forget it.

Ready to Purchase?

4. Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black

Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black

Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker makes meals easy. Pick from high, low, or warm heat settings for any dish. Its 2-quart size feeds two or more with small meals and sides.

The removable stoneware is oven-safe up to 400 degrees F. It is dishwasher-safe for quick clean-up, with a sleek black finish that looks great.

Pros Cons
  • Compact size serves 2+ people.
  • 3 heat settings for flexible cooking.
  • Keep warm keeps meals ready.
  • Oven-safe stoneware up to 400°F.
  • Dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
  • Small 2-quart size may not feed larger families
  • Manual controls lack programmable or timer features
  • Black finish can show fingerprints and smudges easily

Perfect For:

Looking for a small and easy slow cooker? This Crockpot is perfect for singles, couples, or anyone with a small kitchen. It’s just right for dips, sides, and smaller meals, so you can enjoy delicious food without the fuss!

Ready to Purchase?

5. Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware Crock & Glass Lid, Stainless Steel (33140G)

Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware Crock & Glass Lid, Stainless Steel (33140G)

Easily cook flavorful meals with this Hamilton Beach 4-quart slow cooker. It has simple manual controls, so you just turn the dial and let it work.

This slow cooker feeds the whole family. The stoneware crock holds a 4 lb. chicken or 2 lb. roast and serves 4+ people.

Maintain the ideal temperature on low or high. Then switch to keep warm until you’re ready to eat. It’s perfect for one-pot meals.

Pros Cons
  • Simple controls for flavorful cooking.
  • Feeds 4+ people easily.
  • Keeps meals warm perfectly.
  • Easy serving with removable crock.
  • Dishwasher-safe for quick cleaning.
  • Limited capacity for big meals.
  • No timer or auto-shutoff.
  • Manual controls limit precision.

Perfect For:

This slow cooker is perfect for busy families and home cooks who want easy meals with great flavor and little work. It’s ideal for anyone making one-pot dishes that feed 4 or more people.

Ready to Purchase?

6. Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1

Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1

This slow cooker has a programmable digital timer that lets you set times from 30 minutes to 20 hours. It is a 6 quart model that serves 7 plus people.
Lock the lid tight for easy transport with no spills. Use it in the oven up to 400 degrees F or in the microwave. It is energy efficient at just 240 watts.
The body is made of stainless steel with some aluminum. This design saves power and helps the environment.

Pros Cons
  • Programmable timer lets you set cooking times easily up to 20 hours.
  • 6-quart size feeds 7 people or more with ease.
  • Locking lid stops spills during travel.
  • Oven-safe design lets you bake at up to 400 degrees.
  • Energy-efficient at just 240 watts for lower bills.
  • Slow cooking takes longer mealtime.
  • Heavy weight makes handling tough.
  • Bulky size eats up counter space.

Perfect For:

This Crock-Pot slow cooker is perfect for busy people who want to prep meals ahead for potlucks or long meetings, and for families that need to feed seven or more with easy, set-it-and-forget-it cooking.

Ready to Purchase?

7. Elite Gourmet MST-900D 8.5Qt Digital Programmable XL Jumbo Slow Cooker, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock, Stainless Steel

Elite Gourmet MST-900D 8.5Qt Digital Programmable XL Jumbo Slow Cooker, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock, Stainless Steel

The Elite Gourmet MST-900D is an 8.5Qt jumbo slow cooker. It cooks roasts, stews, and sauces with ease. It has cool-touch handles for safe carrying.

You can program up to 20 hours with Low, High, and Keep Warm. The clear glass lid lets you check food without losing heat.

The removable stoneware crock is dishwasher safe for fast clean up. The brushed stainless steel look fits any kitchen.

Pros Cons
  • Massive 8.5 quart size feeds crowds easily.
  • Programmable up to 20 hours lets you set and forget.
  • Dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup fast.
  • Cool handles keep hands safe from burns.
  • Stainless steel finish looks elegant and stylish.
  • Bulky for small kitchens
  • Large footprint on counters
  • Heavy when full to lift safely

Perfect For:

This 8.5-quart slow cooker is perfect for big families who feed a crowd or host guests. It’s also ideal for busy cooks who want easy meals with less work.

Ready to Purchase?

8. Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195)

Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195)

This extra large slow cooker holds 10 quarts, perfect for feeding a crowd of 12 or more at big events. It easily cooks a whole turkey or a roast without much fuss.

The portable design with lid lock stops spills, so you can carry hot meals safely to parties or serve at the table. Just turn the simple dial for three heat settings—low, high, or warm—to get great results fast.

Get flavorful food with little work. Lift it with the easy handles. Clean the dishwasher safe parts in no time.

Pros Cons
  • Large 10-quart capacity for big meals
  • Lid clips tight to reduce spills
  • Easy dial controls for simple cooking
  • Three heat settings keep temps steady
  • Dishwasher-safe crock and lid for easy cleaning
  • Bulky size fits large kitchens only.
  • Lid clips help, but bumps can spill.
  • Heavy when full to lift.

Perfect For:

Perfect for large families or meal prepping in bulk. Great for people who want a portable, easy-to-clean slow cooker. Ideal for anyone needing extra-large capacity for soups, stews, or roasts.

Ready to Purchase?

9. Crock-Pot® Manual Design Series 4.5 Quart Slow Cooker, Macaroon Blue

Crock-Pot® Manual Design Series 4.5 Quart Slow Cooker, Macaroon Blue

Meet the Crock-Pot® Manual Design Series Slow Cooker. It’s beautiful and cooks great.

This slow cooker is easy to use. It has three simple settings. You can make meals for your family.

It’s also easy to clean. Get yours today.

Pros Cons
  • Macaroon Blue design fits any kitchen.
  • Manual Controls: High, Low, Warm.
  • Large 4.5-Quart capacity feeds 5+.
  • Warm Setting keeps food ready.
  • Dishwasher-safe stoneware and lid.
  • Limited to 3 settings
  • No programmable timer
  • No auto shut-off

Perfect For:

This slow cooker is perfect for busy families who want easy meals with less kitchen fuss. It holds 4.5-quarts, serves 5+ people, and keeps food warm until you’re ready to eat.

Ready to Purchase?

10. Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker with 6 Quart Stovetop-Safe Sear & Cook Crock & Travel Lid Lock for Portable Transport, Silver (33663)

Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker with 6 Quart Stovetop-Safe Sear & Cook Crock & Travel Lid Lock for Portable Transport, Silver (33663)

Cook delicious meals with the Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker. You can sear and cook in the same pot. It’s easy to use and clean.

This slow cooker has many heating options. It also keeps food warm after cooking.

Pros Cons
  • Sear meats right on the stovetop for better flavor.
  • Choose from 15 heating options to fit any recipe.
  • Clip-tight lid stops spills for easy travel.
  • 6 quart size feeds a big family meal.
  • Food stays warm after cooking ends.
  • Heavy pot tough to lift when hot.
  • Bulky size hard to store away.
  • Nonstick surface can wear down fast.

Perfect For:

This slow cooker is perfect for families who love to cook big, tasty meals without much hassle, whether you’re searing meat on the stove and then letting it simmer slowly. It’s also great for people who need to carry food to parties or trips, thanks to its sealed lid that stops spills.

Ready to Purchase?

Buying Guide

Slow cookers make it easy to create delicious meals with little effort. They help busy people enjoy home-cooked food without much work.

Real users love how budget slow cookers save money on meals. They fit in any kitchen and are simple to use. One user shared that their slow cooker made a perfect dinner for eight people by cooking a roast all day. Another user enjoys cooking stews and loves the easy cleanup that keeps their time free.

  • Size: Choose a size based on how many people you feed. A smaller 2-quart cooker works for two people. A larger 7-quart or 10-quart model fits big families or events.
  • Settings: Look for high, low, and warm options to control cooking. Some have a timer to set times from 30 minutes to 20 hours. This lets you cook while you work or play.
  • Capacity: Pick capacity for your needs like fitting a 4-pound chicken or 7-pound roast. Larger pots serve 7 or more people. Smaller ones handle sides or personal meals.
  • Cleanup: Go for a model with removable stoneware that is oven-safe and dishwasher-safe. This means fewer dishes and quick cleanups. Glass lids are also easy to wash.
  • Material: Stainless steel looks sleek and fits most kitchens. It is durable and saves energy. Some parts have aluminum for better cooking.
  • Portability: Check for lid locks and handles to carry meals safely. This stops spills when taking food to parties. It helps serve at the table without mess.