Family Tested Slow Cookers

All hail the slow cooker—our favourite secret weapon for the kitchen. More energy-efficient than an oven, these appliances make easy work of mealtime so you can enjoy a hot meal with little prep on a chilly day. We tested four brands to help you find the perfect fit for your family.

6.5-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

This sleek, stainless steel slow cooker has a 24-hour LCD countdown-cooking timer, high, low and simmer cooking modes, retractable cord and an insert that doubles as a serving dish. $130, Cuisinart.

Family Tested

“I made a Spanish bean chorizo soup from the cookbook that came with the slow cooker and it turned out perfectly. The beans had texture and the potatoes were tender, but still whole. The retractable cord is genius and makes storage so much simpler. The cooking rack that came with it was perfect for testing the pumpkin cheesecake recipe and making baked potatoes.” LeeAnne Wright, CF’s Food Editor and mom of Jordan, 17, and Cailey, 13, Toronto