You don’t have to break the bank to get a decent slow cooker. These cheap slow cookers are ideal for college students and anyone else who wants a convenient way to cook food and keep it warm without breaking the bank. This list includes a variety of sizes, from less than 2 quarts up to 4 quarts or more. You may give up a few bells and whistles by purchasing a less expensive slow cooker, but the following appliances will certainly get the job done.
If this list doesn’t have what you need, browse a wider selection of cheap slow cookers on Amazon for more options.
1. Proctor-Silex 33043 4-Quart Slow Cooker
You don’t have to spend much money to get a basic slow cooker. The Proctor-Silex 33043 4-Quart Slow Cooker comes with a glass lid so that you can easily keep track of the meal’s progress without removing the lid. The lid is also dishwasher safe. A keep warm setting makes it easy to reheat food or keep it warm after cooking. A removable stoneware makes cleaning up simpler.
Price: $17.80 (6 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Proctor-Silex 33043 4-Quart Slow Cooker here.
Pros:
- 4 quart capacity
- Dishwasher safe components
- Keep warm setting
Cons:
- No indicator light
- Glass lid could be tighter
- Some say the capacity is closer to 3 quarts
Find more Proctor-Silex 33043 4-Quart Slow Cooker information and reviews here.
2. Crock-Pot 3-Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker
The Crock-Pot 3-Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker has a cooking capacity for up to three people. It can also hold enough room for a three pound roast. Both the lid and stoneware are dishwasher safe. Choose between low, warm, and high settings for optimal results. The slow cooker is ideal for making sauces, stews, chili, and more.
Price: $16.79 (33 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Crock-Pot 3-Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker here.
Pros:
- Multiple heat settings
- Dishwasher safe
- Holds enough for a three pound roast
Cons:
- Lacks auto-off
- Doesn’t have a timer
- Some wish the heat was lower
Find more Crock-Pot 3-Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker information and reviews here.
3. Elite Platinum EWMST-325 Maxi-Matic Triple Slow Cooker
Highlights of the Elite Platinum Maxi-Matic Triple Slow Cooker include a power indicator light to let you know that the unit is on, along with cool touch handles so that you can safely transport the cooker even when it’s hot. The removable 1.5 quart ceramic insert pot is easy to clean, and is dishwasher safe. The user-friendly design includes low, warm, high, and off settings. The slow cooker also comes with a tempered glass lid.
Price: $12.29
Buy the Elite Platinum EWMST-325 Maxi-Matic Triple Slow Cooker here.
Pros:
- Power indicator light
- Cool touch handles
- Removable 1.5 quart ceramic insert pot
Cons:
- Initial factory smell
- Short power cord
- A few complain of hot spots when cooking
Find more Elite Platinum EWMST-325 Maxi-Matic Triple Slow Cooker information and reviews here.
4. Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget Programmable Slow Cooker
This slow cooker is slightly pricier and larger than others on the list, but it’s a solid choice for those who want a larger cooking capacity and more features. Some examples of what this slow cooker offers include a thermometer probe that displays the meat temperature as it cooks, and full-grip handles for easier transportation. The lid also clips tightly in place to seal in moisture and flavors. There are three automatic cooking settings for optimal results.
Price: $49.00
Buy the Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget Programmable Slow Cooker here.
Pros:
- Thermometer probe displays meat temperature
- Full-grip handles
- Lid clips tightly in place
Cons:
- Rubber gasket can retain odors
- A few mention the lid could be tighter
- Short power cord
Find more Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget Programmable Slow Cooker information and reviews here.
5. Focus Electrics West Bend 84905 Oblong Slow Cooker
This slow cooker features adjustable temperature controls along with a 5 quart capacity. It’s also safe for use in the freezer, oven, and range top. A glass lid is included. As an added bonus, the heating base can be used as a nonstick griddle. To use the cooker, simply add the desired ingredients and select a temperature.
Price: $44.99
Buy the Focus Electrics West Bend 84905 Oblong Slow Cooker here.
Pros:
- Adjustable temperature controls
- Safe for the oven, range, and freezer
- Heating base can be used as a griddle
Cons:
- Lacks an “off” setting
- Some say the nonstick coating can wear off over time
- Several note the lid is a bit loose
Find more Focus Electrics West Bend 84905 Oblong Slow Cooker information and reviews here.
6. Chefman Slow Cooker
The Chefman Slow Cooker has a 5 quart capacity along with a naturally nonstick stoneware insert. You can use the stoneware to saute, steam, or sear foods oven an open flame. It also comes in handy for reheating or roasting foods in the oven. This slow cooker is safe for the refrigerator and dishwasher.
Price: $39.99 (50 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Chefman Slow Cooker here.
Pros:
- Naturally nonstick stoneware insert
- Ideal for reheating and roasting foods
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Exterior gets very hot
- Doesn’t have a timer
- A bit heavy
Find more Chefman Slow Cooker information and reviews here.
7. Proctor Silex 33116Y Portable Oval Slow Cooker
This small, budget-friendly slow cooker features a 1.5 quart capacity. Its compact size makes it a solid addition to any dorm room or areas with limited space. The lid has a rubber seal to help prevent leaks. There’s also a removable oval stoneware and lid. Both the stoneware and lid are dishwasher safe. Choose between low and high temperature settings or use the warm setting to keep food warm until it’s time to eat.
Price: $15.03
Buy the Proctor Silex 33116Y Portable Oval Slow Cooker here.
Pros:
- Compact size
- Rubber seal in lid keeps contents from spilling
- Keep warm setting
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a timer
- Lacks a medium heat setting
- Rubber lid seal can retain food odors
Find more Proctor Silex 33116Y Portable Oval Slow Cooker information and reviews here.
8. Hamilton Beach 33454 Shimmer Finish Slow Cooker
Its shimmer finish makes this Hamilton Beach slow cooker a fun choice for dorm rooms. Aside from purple, the cooker is also available in red and silver. There’s enough space on the inside for a five pound chicken or a three pound roast. Choose between high and low heats along with a warm setting to keep food warm until it’s time to eat. Other highlights include full-grip handles and a sealed lid to help prevent spills.
Price: $21.07
Buy the Hamilton Beach 33454 Shimmer Finish Slow Cooker here.
Pros:
- Shimmer finish in three colors
- Full-grip handles
- Sealed lid
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a timer
- Some say the capacity seems smaller than 5 quarts
- A few mention the red color looks pink
Find more Hamilton Beach 33454 Shimmer Finish Slow Cooker information and reviews here.
9. BLACK+DECKER SC1004D 4 Quart Slow Cooker
The budget-friendly BLACK+DECKER SC1004D 4 Quart Slow Cooker features three heat settings along with a stoneware pot and cool-touch handles. It’s also available in three color variations. The lower heat setting is ideal for cooking food for eight to nine hours, while the higher setting is ideal for three to four hours. The tempered glass lid makes it easy to see the meal’s progress without removing the lid.
Price: $19.99 (20 percent off MSRP)
Buy the BLACK+DECKER SC1004D 4 Quart Slow Cooker here.
Pros:
- Three heat settings
- Cool-touch handles
- Tempered glass lid
Cons:
- No indicator light
- Exterior gets very hot
- Some say the lid feels flimsy
Find more BLACK+DECKER SC1004D 4 Quart Slow Cooker information and reviews here.
10. Nesco SC-150V Oval Slow Cooker
If you like the looks of the larger Hamilton Beach 33454 Shimmer Finish Slow Cooker but don’t need quite so much space, consider the 1.5 quart Nesco SC-150V Oval Slow Cooker. This slow cooker comes in blue, violet, and red. It also has a removable crock, which is safe for the refrigerator and oven. Both the lid and crock are dishwasher safe. There are low, high, and auto heat settings.
Price: $20.01 (9 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Nesco SC-150V Oval Slow Cooker here.
Pros:
- Lid and crock are dishwasher safe
- Removable crock
- Available in several colors
Cons:
- Only has a two prong plug
- Needs to be manually switched to auto setting
- A few mention the knob can fall off easily
Find more Nesco SC-150V Oval Slow Cooker information and reviews here.