Top-Rated Crockpots for Beginner Cooks: An Actionable Guide

Crockpots, also known as slow cookers, are a must-have kitchen appliance, especially for beginner cooks looking for simplicity and ease in preparing delicious meals. These versatile appliances allow you to cook meals slowly over several hours, which helps to tenderize ingredients and blend flavors effortlessly. Whether you're making soups, stews, meats, or even desserts, a crockpot can make the process simple and foolproof.

In this guide, we'll explore the best crockpots for beginners, taking into account ease of use, size, features, and affordability. By the end of this guide, you'll have all the information you need to choose the perfect crockpot to suit your cooking needs.

Why a Crockpot is Perfect for Beginner Cooks

Crockpots are ideal for beginner cooks because they are essentially a "set it and forget it" appliance. Here's why they're perfect for novices:

1. Minimal Prep Required

Unlike stove-top or oven cooking, a crockpot requires little preparation. Simply add your ingredients, set the temperature, and wait. The slow cooking process does the rest, making it a great option for those who may not have much experience in the kitchen.

2. One-Pot Cooking

Crockpots allow for one-pot cooking, meaning there's less to clean up afterward. This feature is perfect for anyone who wants a hassle-free meal and easy cleanup, especially if you're new to cooking.

3. Hands-Off Cooking

Once the ingredients are in the crockpot, there's very little attention needed. You can leave the house or focus on other tasks while your meal is being prepared, reducing the chances of burning or overcooking.

4. Tender and Flavorful Meals

Slow cooking allows ingredients to absorb each other's flavors, resulting in tender meats and rich, flavorful dishes. The long cooking times allow tougher cuts of meat to become soft and juicy, making them perfect for beginner cooks who might not know how to handle these ingredients otherwise.

Key Features to Look for in a Crockpot for Beginners

When choosing a crockpot as a beginner cook, certain features can enhance your cooking experience. Below are the key features to keep an eye out for:

1. Size

The size of your crockpot will largely depend on the number of people you're cooking for. Crockpots come in various sizes, from small (1.5 to 3 quarts) to large (6 quarts or more). A 3- to 5-quart size is ideal for most beginners and small families, as it can handle everything from soups to casseroles, without taking up too much counter space.

2. Ease of Use

For beginner cooks, an easy-to-use crockpot is a must. Look for models with simple controls, such as a few buttons or a dial for low, medium, and high settings. Some crockpots also feature a "keep warm" setting, which helps maintain the temperature of the food until you're ready to serve.

3. Temperature Settings

Make sure your crockpot offers a range of temperature settings, typically low, high, and keep warm. This will allow you to cook at the appropriate temperature depending on the dish you're making. Some crockpots even have timers, allowing you to set the cooking time and avoid overcooking.

4. Dishwasher-Safe Parts

For easy cleanup, look for a crockpot with removable, dishwasher-safe parts, particularly the stoneware insert. This feature makes it easier to clean after cooking without requiring a lot of elbow grease.

5. Lid and Seal

A good seal on the lid helps trap moisture, which is essential for slow cooking. Some crockpots come with a locking lid or a tighter-fitting lid to prevent spills and keep the heat in. This is particularly useful if you plan to travel with the crockpot to a potluck or party.

6. Programmable Settings

Some of the more advanced models come with programmable features, allowing you to set cooking times and temperatures ahead of time. These models can be ideal for those who want a little more control over the cooking process but still appreciate the hands-off nature of crockpot cooking.

Top-Rated Crockpots for Beginner Cooks

Here are some of the top-rated crockpots for beginners, each offering different features and benefits to suit your needs.

1. Crock-Pot 6-Quart Programmable Cook & Carry Slow Cooker

• Size: 6 Quarts

• Key Features:

  • Programmable time settings (up to 20 hours).
  • Keep warm function automatically kicks in once cooking time ends.
  • Easy-to-use digital control panel.
  • Lid latch for spill-proof transport.
  • Dishwasher-safe removable stoneware insert and glass lid.

• Why It's Great for Beginners: This model is perfect for those who want a reliable and easy-to-use slow cooker. The programmable settings allow you to set the cooking time in advance, while the "keep warm" feature ensures that your food stays at the right temperature without overcooking. The 6-quart size is perfect for families or for meal prepping, and the locking lid ensures you can take it with you to potlucks or gatherings.

2. Hamilton Beach 3-Quart Slow Cooker

• Size: 3 Quarts

• Key Features:

  • Simple dial control with low, high, and keep warm settings.
  • Removable, dishwasher-safe stoneware insert.
  • Compact size perfect for smaller households.
  • Lid rest for easy storage of the lid during stirring.

• Why It's Great for Beginners: If you're just starting out or cooking for a smaller household, the Hamilton Beach 3-Quart Slow Cooker is an excellent choice. Its straightforward controls make it easy to use, and the compact size makes it convenient for smaller meals or for those new to cooking. The removable stoneware insert ensures easy cleanup, and the lid rest feature helps when stirring.

3. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

• Size: 6 Quarts

• Key Features:

  • 7-in-1 functionality (slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté, yogurt maker, and warmer).
  • Programmable settings and customizable cooking times.
  • Easy-to-use digital interface.
  • Stainless steel exterior with a non-stick inner pot.

• Why It's Great for Beginners: The Instant Pot Duo is perfect for beginners who want a versatile appliance. Not only does it function as a slow cooker, but it also offers pressure cooking, sautéing, and more, making it a great tool for experimenting with different cooking techniques. The simple interface allows beginners to quickly understand how to use it, and it offers time-saving features that are perfect for those on a tight schedule.

4. KitchenAid 6-Quart Slow Cooker

• Size: 6 Quarts

• Key Features:

  • Digital controls with multiple cooking settings.
  • Removable ceramic insert for easy cleaning.
  • Warm setting to keep food at the perfect serving temperature.
  • Programmable with a built-in timer.

• Why It's Great for Beginners: The KitchenAid 6-Quart Slow Cooker offers a great balance between performance and simplicity. Its digital controls are intuitive, and the ceramic insert is both durable and easy to clean. The large size is great for families, and the warm setting ensures your food stays hot and ready to serve without overcooking.

5. Crock-Pot 4-Quart Manual Slow Cooker

• Size: 4 Quarts

• Key Features:

  • Manual control with low, high, and warm settings.
  • Compact size perfect for smaller meals.
  • Removable, dishwasher-safe stoneware insert.
  • Affordable and straightforward to use.

• Why It's Great for Beginners: For those just starting, the Crock-Pot 4-Quart Manual Slow Cooker is a simple and affordable option. The manual dial makes it easy to adjust the settings, and the 4-quart capacity is ideal for smaller families or couples. It's an affordable way to get started with slow cooking without any complicated features.

Conclusion

A crockpot is an excellent choice for beginner cooks who want to create flavorful, tender meals with minimal effort. Whether you prefer a basic manual model or a more advanced programmable one, there's a crockpot that will meet your needs. Look for one with simple controls, a dishwasher-safe insert, and the right size for your household. With the right crockpot, you'll be able to enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals with ease.