10 Best Slow Cookers 2025 in Canada

The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines multiple cooking functions, including slow cooking, in one unit. Its 6-quart (about 5.7 liters) stainless steel pot offers a good capacity for families or meal prepping, fitting well within the common range for slow cookers. The pot has a round shape, which is typical and suitable for even cooking. Temperature control is managed through 14 smart programs, making it very user-friendly—just choose your setting, like Slow Cook, Meat/Stew, or Soup, and the microprocessor adjusts heating and timing automatically for consistent results. This level of programmability is a big advantage over basic slow cookers that often have just low, medium, and high settings.

The inner cooking pot is stainless steel without any chemical coatings, which is healthier and easier to clean. It is removable and dishwasher safe, simplifying cleanup. The lid is designed to seal tightly, maintaining heat and moisture, which is essential for slow cooking, though it is a locking pressure cooker lid rather than a traditional glass lid many slow cookers have; this may feel different but also offers safety benefits. Some users who want a clear view of their food during cooking might miss a glass lid, but the Instant Pot compensates with its sealed environment to lock in flavors.

The appliance’s size and weight are on the heavier side compared to simpler slow cookers, reflecting its multi-cooker nature. It excels in versatility and precision, but if you’re looking solely for a straightforward slow cooker with basic controls, this might be more complex than needed. If you want a slow cooker that can also pressure cook, steam, sauté, and more, with modern programmability and safety features, the Instant Pot Duo is a strong choice.

The Ninja MC1001C Foodi PossibleCooker PRO is a versatile 8.5-quart multi-cooker that works well as a slow cooker for large families or entertaining groups, thanks to its generous capacity that can handle meals for 20 or more people. Its cast iron cooking pot is durable and oven safe up to 500°F, allowing you to start cooking with slow heat and finish with a crisp top in the oven, which is a nice bonus not found in many slow cookers. The shape is practical for large batches, and the included glass lid lets you easily check on your food without lifting it. You can also sear and sauté directly in the pot, saving time and extra pans. The cooker offers multiple temperature settings and a 'keep warm' feature, but it doesn’t highlight advanced programmability like timer presets or app control that some slow cookers offer. The removable insert is dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup simpler.

Its triple fusion heat technology cooks faster than traditional slow cookers, which is great if you want flexibility, but if you prefer very low and slow cooking over many hours, this might alter the traditional slow cooker experience slightly. Weighing about 5.7 kg, it’s a bit on the heavier side due to its cast iron pot, so it’s less portable than lighter models. This Ninja cooker combines the slow cooker with several other cooking tools and is ideal for those who want one appliance to do many jobs, including slow cooking large meals, but it may be more complex and heavier than basic slow cookers.