5 Best Multi-Function Slow Cookers to Buy in 2026

For those who prioritize simplicity and capacity in a dedicated slow cooker, the Crock-Pot B07DFVY29X delivers a straightforward, reliable experience. Its massive 8-quart capacity makes it an essential tool for large family meals or holiday entertaining, easily feeding over 10 people. Featuring a programmable digital timer up to 20 hours and an automatic Auto Warm setting, this unit handles long cooking cycles with minimal fuss, addressing the common pain point of needing to manually switch settings after cooking finishes.

Performance is exactly what you’d expect from a classic Crock-Pot: consistent, low-and-slow heat perfect for tenderizing large cuts of meat or developing deep flavors in stews. The 8-quart stoneware pot is substantial, fitting a whole chicken or large roast comfortably. While it excels at its core function, it doesn’t offer the searing or pressure cooking modes found in more complex multi-cookers, focusing solely on traditional slow cooking and warming.

Compared to multi-functional units like the CARORI 9-in-1 or GreenPan Elite, the Crock-Pot B07DFVY29X is significantly less versatile but unbeatably simple for its primary purpose. It’s ideal for the user who only needs a large-capacity slow cooker without the added complexity of numerous functions. While others offer a wide array of cooking methods, this Crock-Pot provides focused performance and generous size.

The CARORI B0DF7M2JCW stands out as a remarkably versatile 9-in-1 multi-cooker, packing a wide array of cooking functions into a single appliance, making it a strong contender for the budget-conscious kitchen warrior. Its high-definition IMD touchscreen provides an intuitive interface for selecting from 12 cooking programs, a step up from traditional button controls and surprisingly premium for its class. With functions ranging from pressure cooking and slow cooking to sautéing and sterilizing, this cooker aims to replace multiple gadgets and simplify meal preparation.

Equipped with 1000W of power, the CARORI B0DF7M2JCW handles both fast pressure cooking (up to 70% faster) and traditional slow cooking effectively. The 6-quart capacity is suitable for families up to 6 people, accommodating average-sized roasts or multiple portions. It boasts over 16 built-in safety features, including a safer steam release button and lid lock, addressing common user concerns about pressure cooker safety. While its core functions perform reliably, the specific performance of less common modes like ‘bakery’ might vary compared to dedicated appliances.

Positioned against the Hamilton Beach 9-in-1 or GreenPan Elite, the CARORI B0DF7M2JCW offers a comparable breadth of functions at a significantly lower cost. While it features a non-stick ceramic pot like the Hamilton Beach, its touchscreen interface feels more modern. It might lack the premium build quality or specific searing performance of the GreenPan, but for users seeking maximum functionality without breaking the bank, this CARORI unit offers exceptional value and a user-friendly touchscreen experience.

The Hamilton Beach 33604 is a highly capable 9-in-1 multi-cooker designed to handle a wide variety of cooking tasks with notable convenience, positioning it as a solid mid-range performer. Its standout feature is the ability to sear or brown ingredients directly in the pot before slow cooking or roasting, a significant advantage that enhances flavor and simplifies cleanup by eliminating the need for a separate pan. With presets for slow cooking, searing, roasting, steaming, and more, this appliance is built for users who want versatility without excessive complexity.

Performance is robust across its core functions. The 6-quart rectangular pot is uniquely shaped, perfect for larger roasts or fitting more food compared to standard round pots of the same volume. The delay start function is particularly useful for rice, grains, or steaming, allowing users to schedule meals up to 15 hours in advance. While searing works well for adding color, achieving a deep, even brown might require managing batch sizes due to the pot’s heating characteristics.

Competing with the CARORI 9-in-1 and GreenPan Elite, the Hamilton Beach 33604 offers a strong balance of features and performance. It shares the 9-in-1 functionality and non-stick ceramic pot of the CARORI but adds the valuable in-pot searing capability. While it may not have the premium hard-anodized pot of the GreenPan, its unique rectangular shape and integrated searing provide distinct advantages, making it a compelling choice for those prioritizing one-pot convenience and roast capacity.

The GreenPan Elite 8-in-1 distinguishes itself with a focus on premium materials and healthy cooking, making it an exceptional overall performer in the multi-cooker category. It features GreenPan’s signature Thermolon Volt ceramic nonstick coating, infused with diamonds for enhanced durability and easy cleaning, ensuring a PFAS-free cooking surface. The removable 6QT hard anodized pot is metal utensil safe and provides incredibly fast, even heating, addressing concerns about hot spots common in other pots.

Performance is top-tier, particularly for searing, sautéing, and roasting, thanks to the pot’s superior construction and the in-pot browning function. The large 6-quart capacity is ample for family meals, easily accommodating 5-6 lbs of meat. Its 8 powerful one-touch presets cover essential functions like slow cook, steam, bake, and reheat, displayed on an easy-to-read XL LCD display. While it may offer one fewer function than a 9-in-1, the quality and performance of its core modes are consistently high.

Compared to the Hamilton Beach 9-in-1 or CARORI 9-in-1, the GreenPan Elite B0B8F38J2B stands out due to its superior build quality and healthy nonstick technology. It offers similar in-pot searing to the Hamilton Beach but with a more durable hard anodized pot. While it comes at a higher cost than both, its premium materials, even heating, and PFAS-free coating make it the ideal choice for users prioritizing health, durability, and high-performance cooking.

The Hamilton Beach 37561 is a highly versatile appliance uniquely positioned as a premier rice cooker that also incorporates several other useful functions, including slow cooking. It’s designed for users who primarily need a reliable rice cooker but desire the added flexibility of steaming, making hard-boiled eggs, and preparing simple slow-cooked dishes. The 12-cup cooked rice capacity is generous enough for most families, and the included steam and rinse basket adds practicality for grains and vegetables.

Performance shines brightest in its core function: cooking rice and grains consistently with an automatic switch to keep warm. The nonstick pot ensures rice doesn’t stick, and cleanup is straightforward. While it does offer a slow cook function, it’s more basic compared to dedicated slow cookers or multi-cookers like the Crock-Pot B07DFVY29X or CARORI B0DF7M2JCW, lacking specific temperature controls beyond basic low/high or specific time settings offered by more advanced units.

Unlike the 9-in-1 multi-cookers that prioritize pressure cooking and a broad range of functions, the Hamilton Beach 37561 specializes in rice and steaming while offering slow cook as a convenient bonus. It doesn’t compete with the searing capabilities of the Hamilton Beach 33604 or the premium build of the GreenPan Elite. This unit is best suited for small households or individuals where rice is a staple and supplemental slow cooking/steaming is desired, offering focused utility and convenience at a lower cost than full multi-cookers.