Comparison: Best Slow Cooker Roast (Updated | Feb 3rd)
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There’s nothing quite like walking in the door to the irresistible aroma of a slow cooker roast simmering away, promising a tender, flavorful meal with minimal effort. But with so many recipes claiming to be the “best,” how do you choose the one that will truly deliver on that promise? We’ve done the hard work for you, testing and tasting to find the ultimate recipe that strikes the perfect balance of simplicity and savory satisfaction. Get ready to discover the slow cooker roast that will become your go-to for busy weeknights and cozy weekends alike.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for classic pot roast: McCormick Slow Cooker Savory Pot Roast Seasoning Mix
- Best for family size essential: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for multi-cooking versatility: Instant Pot Superior Cooker 7.5QT Slow Cooker and Multicooker
- Best for effortless cleanup: Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners
- Best for all-in-one cooking: Hamilton Beach 6 Quart 9-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker with Sear
- Best for ultimate multi-cooker: Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS | 8.5-qt – Sous Vide & Proof Multi-Cooker | Slow Cooker
- Best for tender roast mix: Orrington Farms Slow Cookers Seasoning Mix
- Best for ninja accessory essential: BYKITCHEN Roast and Steamer Rack Compatible with Ninja Foodi Possible Cooker Pro 8.5 Quart MC1000
- Best for large gathering cooker: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker
- Best for bulk cleanup solution: Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners
Product Comparison: Best Slow Cooker Roast
Classic Pot Roast
McCormick Slow Cooker Savory Pot Roast Seasoning Mix, 1.3 oz
McCormick
- HOMEMADE FLAVOR: Make homestyle pot roast with McCormick Slow Cooker Savory Pot Roast Seasoning Mix in your slow cooker or electric pressure cooker.
- OLD-FASHIONED FLAVOR: Satisfy your craving for old-fashioned comfort food with rich, flavorful pot roast. Made with onion, garlic, herbs, and spices.
- 10 MINUTES PREP: Trim a boneless chuck roast and chop up your choice of veggies like carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes. Combine with seasoning mix and water in a slow cooker or electric pressure cooker and simmer until tender.
- MAKES 10 SERVINGS: Perfect for a weeknight dinner with leftovers for casseroles, sandwiches, pasta, and soup. Also great for weekend meal prep and for cozy fall and winter get-togethers.
- PANTRY CONVENIENCE: Add convenience and variety to dinnertime with McCormick Seasoning Mixes. Try other tasty flavors such as Mississippi Roast and Hearty Beef Stew in your slow cooker or electric pressure cooker.
- No MSG
Family Size Essential
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining
Crock-Pot
- Generous Capacity: 7-quart slow cooker that comfortably serves 9+ people or fits a 7-pound roast
- Cooking Flexibility: High or low slow cooking settings, with convenient warm function for ideal serving temperature
- Convenient: Set it and forget it feature enables you to cook while at work or performing daily tasks
- Minimal Clean-Up: One-pot cooking reduces dishes; lid and removable stoneware are dishwasher safe
- Versatile: Removable stoneware insert can be used in the microwave or an oven up to 400°F
- Stylish: Stainless steel exterior with black accents and practical plastic handles
- Economical & Healthy: Provides a cost-efficient way to prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals
Multi-Cooking Versatility
Instant Pot Superior Cooker 7.5QT Slow Cooker and Multicooker, 4-in-1 Functions, Sears/Sauté, Slow Cooks/Roast, Steams and Warms, From The Makers of Instant Pot
Instant Pot
- 4 Cooking Functions: Slow cook, sauté, steam, and warm all in one compact appliance. Sear using the sauté function to lock in flavor before slow cooking, then reduce sauces afterward for rich, delicious results—all without switching pots
- Versatile & Lightweight: The aluminum inner pot is 80% lighter than ceramic pots of comparable size, making it easy to handle from prep to cleanup
- Family-Sized Capacity: With a 7.5-quart capacity and a deep skillet design, it offers more cooking area than a 12″ skillet—ideal for families, gatherings, meal prep, and batch cooking
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The non-stick ceramic-coated aluminum pot, dishwasher-safe glass lid and silicone accessories make washing up effortless
- Power-Packed Performance: 800 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
- Proven Peace of Mind: Includes overheat protection and stay-cool knobs and handles on the cooker base for worry-free cooking and carrying.
- A Little Extra: Includes a silicone storage lid for leftovers and an easy-lift steam sling for veggies, eggs, and more
Effortless Cleanup
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Reynolds
- SLOW COOKER LINERS: This package contains six Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, each measuring 13 x 21 inches to fit 3- to 8-quart round and oval slow cookers
- EASY CLEANUP: These strong, reliable slow cooker bags shorten your slow cooker cleanup to eight seconds or less, guaranteed
- NO SOAKING OR SCRUBBING: Line your slow cooker with these slow cooker bags to prevent stubborn, stuck-on messes
- BPA-FREE & SAFE FOR HIGH TEMPS: Each slow cooker bag is made with a BPA-free nylon-blend construction that’s safe for low, medium & high settings
- MAKE MEALS EASY: Use a Reynolds slow cooker liner next time you make chili, pulled pork, pot roasts, soups & more to spend less time scrubbing & more time with your loved ones
All-in-One Cooking
Hamilton Beach 6 Quart 9-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker with Sear, Browning, Rice, Steam, Sauté, Roast Delay Start & Keep Warm Functions, Nonstick PFAS-Free Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33604)
Hamilton Beach
- 9 COOKING OPTIONS: Cook multiple ways with one versatile appliance. As a slow cooker, choose high or low heat, or select white rice or whole grain to use as a rice cooker. You can also sear, brown, sauté, roast, steam or keep food warm.
- SEAR OR BROWN RIGHT IN THE POT: Sear or brown right in the ceramic nonstick pot — no stovetop necessary. Improve the color and flavor of every dish you make in this searing slow cooker by searing or browning before you roast or slow cook foods.
- SLOW COOK ONE-POT MEALS, SIDE DISHES, APPETIZERS AND DESSERTS: With our versatile slow cooker, you can make and serve everything from lasagna, meatballs and macaroni and cheese, to fruit cobblers and cakes. Choose low or high heat settings .
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY GATHERINGS AND ENTERTAINING: The Hamilton Beach slow cooker has a removable, 6 quart rectangular pot that fits a variety of foods. It will hold a 6 lb. chicken, 4 lb. roast or enough barbecue to make up to 25 sliders. Serves 7+ people.
- DELAY START FUNCTION FOR RICE, WHOLE GRAINS and STEAM: Delay start adds to this multi-cooker’s convenience and makes meal planning easier. You can set the delay cooking time from 1 to 15 hours to begin cooking rice or grains or steaming food while you are away from home or busy with other tasks.
- Thoughtfully Designed with Easy-Touch Controls The easy touch controls are intuitive to use. You can set your own time and temperature for most programs.
- The time counts down on the screen, so you can track the remaining cook time and know when food is ready. When food is ready, the slow cooker automatically switches to warm. Simply wipe the control panel to keep clean.
- Easy to Carry This slow cooker has full-grip handles that make it easy to lift and carry.
- Easy to Clean The removable, ceramic nonstick pot is PFAS free. The pot, roasting/steaming rack and glass lid and are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
- Great for roasting meat to the perfect tenderness every time. Place meat on top of the rack in the pot and set roasting time up to 3 hours. The timer countdown begins when the cooking temperature reaches 375°F (190°C), and when food is ready, the searing slow cooker automatically switches to warm.
Ultimate Multi-Cooker
Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS | 8.5-qt – Sous Vide & Proof Multi-Cooker | Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven & More | Glass Lid & Integrated Spoon | Nonstick | Oven Safe Pot to 500°F | Black | MC1010
Ninja
- REPLACES 12 COOKING TOOLS & APPLIANCES: This cooker replaces the need for a slow cooker, food warmer, nonstick pot, sauté pan, cast iron skillet, saucier, saucepan, stock pot, Dutch oven, roasting pan, bread maker, and utensil.
- SEAR & SAUTÉ DIRECTLY IN THE POT: Using the bottom heating elements, you are able to sear proteins and sauté vegetables right in the cooking pot—no need to transfer to the stovetop.
- OVEN SAFE TO 500°F: Removable cooking pot is oven safe up to 500°F, so you can finish your meal in the oven for a crispy top.
- PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING: 8.5-quart cooking capacity allows you to make chili for up to 20 people, 9 lbs of spaghetti and meatballs, or enough pulled pork for 30 sliders.
- TRIPLE FUSION HEAT TECHNOLOGY: Cook up to 30% faster* than conventional ovens by combining bottom, side, and steam heat. More heat, more possibilities. *Tested on 6-lb chickens.
- INCLUDED UTENSIL: Multi-functional utensil works as a ladle and pasta fork, plus it has its own utensil rest right in the lid handle.
- 6 COOKING FUNCTIONS: Slow Cook, Sear/Sauté, Keep Warm, Sous Vide, Braise, and Proof.
- EASY CLEANUP: Nonstick pot enables you to quickly wipe away messes and makes for a stress-free cleaning experience. Utensil & glass lid are dishwasher safe. Hand-washing pot recommended to extend its life.
- SAFE & EASY TO USE: Free of PFOA, cadmium, and lead.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: 8.5-Quart Cooking Pot, PossibleCooker Base Unit, Integrated Detachable Spoon-Ladle, Glass Cooking Lid, Chef Curated Recipe Guide.
Tender Roast Mix
Orrington Farms Slow Cookers Seasoning Mix, 2.5 Oz, Tender Pot Roast, 30 Oz (Pack of 12)
ORRINGTON FARMS
- Value Pack of 12; each pouch makes approx. 8 servings
- Made with premium ingredients including sea salt, onion, beef stock, pepper and garlic
- Make dinner easy with our slow cooker seasonings, perfect for any family meal
- Gluten Free; No Artificial Flavors; No Artificial Colors
- For Tender Pot Roast 1 1/2 cups water 1 pouch Orrington Farms Tender Pot Roast Seasoning 3-4 lbs chuck roast** 1 medium onion, chopped 2 medium celery stalks, chopped 2 cups baby carrots 3 large potatoes, chopped MIX water with 1 pouch Tender Pot Roast Seasoning in a small bowl until completely combined. PLACE meat and vegetables in slowcooker; pour sauce over. COVER and COOK on low 8 hours or on high 4 hours until beef is tender. Remove beef and slice. **Follow safe handling practices and cook meat thoroughly.
Ninja Accessory Essential
BYKITCHEN Roast and Steamer Rack Compatible with Ninja Foodi Possible Cooker Pro 8.5 Quart MC1000, MC1001, MC1010 Slow Cooker Crock, Ninja Possible Cooker Pro Accessories with Silicone Feet & Handles
BYKITCHEN
- Custom Fit: Designed to perfectly match Ninja Possible Cooker Pro models MC1000, MC1000WM, MC1001, MC1001A, MC1001C, MC1001Q, and MC1010 series 8.5 quart crockpots.
- Cooking Versatility: The steamer rack allows you to roast, steam, and bake with your Ninja crock pot, offering endless culinary possibilities.
- Easy Handling: The adjustable rack handle provides optimal control, and the rack can be folded flat for compact storage.
- High-Quality Materials: Constructed from durable stainless steel with silicone feet to safeguard non-stick cookware surfaces.
- Heat-resistant Handle: Silicone-coated handles provide safe handling, reducing the risk of burns when removing food.
- Must-Have Accessory: This essential accessory for Ninja Foodi Possible Cooker Pro enhances flavor and nutrition, making it indispensable for any kitchen.
Large Gathering Cooker
Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195)
Hamilton Beach
- PERFECT FOR A LARGE GATHERING: The 10 quart slow cooker lets you cook enough food for a gathering of 12 or more people and fits a 10 lb. turkey or a 12 lb. roast.
- REDUCE SPILLS: The lid clips tightly to the slow cooker handles to reduce messy spills when transporting food. Carry hot meals to family gatherings, potlucks or to serve at the table without worrying about spills.
- COOK FLAVORFUL MEALS WITH MINIMAL EFFORT: This Hamilton Beach slow cooker has simple controls that make it easy for you to create flavorful meals with minimal effort and great results. Just turn the dial. No watching needed.
- MAINTAIN THE IDEAL TEMPERATURE WITH 3 HEAT SETTINGS: Just turn the dial to choose from 3 heat settings. Cook your meal on Low or High, and then switch to Warm when cooking is complete for food that’s warm and ready when it’s time to eat.
- EASY TO CARRY WITH FULL-GRIP HANDLES: The large slow cooker is easy to lift and hold onto when carrying to the table to serve a meal or when taking food to gatherings.
- SIMPLE TO CLEAN: The removable stoneware crock and glass lid are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
Bulk Cleanup Solution
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 20 Count
Reynolds
- SLOW COOKER LINERS: This package contains twenty Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, each measuring 13 x 21 inches to fit 3- to 8-quart round and oval slow cookers
- EASY CLEANUP: These strong, reliable slow cooker bags shorten your slow cooker cleanup to eight seconds or less, guaranteed
- NO SOAKING OR SCRUBBING: Line your slow cooker with these slow cooker bags to prevent stubborn, stuck-on messes
- BPA-FREE & SAFE FOR HIGH TEMPS: Each slow cooker bag is made with a BPA-free nylon-blend construction that’s safe for low, medium & high settings
- MAKE MEALS EASY: Use a Reynolds slow cooker liner next time you make chili, pulled pork, pot roasts, soups & more to spend less time scrubbing & more time with your loved ones
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What size slow cooker is best for a roast?
For a standard 3-4 lb roast, a 6-quart slow cooker is ideal as it provides ample space for the meat and vegetables without overcrowding. A smaller 4-quart model can work for a 2-3 lb roast, while an 8-quart is great for large cuts or batch cooking. Avoid using a pot that is too large, as it can cause the meat to cook unevenly and dry out.
What’s the difference between a manual and a programmable slow cooker for roasts?
A manual slow cooker has basic Low, High, and Warm settings, requiring you to switch it off manually. A programmable model allows you to set a specific cook time and will automatically switch to a ‘Keep Warm’ setting, preventing your roast from overcooking. For a perfectly tender roast without worry, a programmable model offers more convenience and control.
Are oval or round slow cookers better for roasts?
Oval slow cookers are generally better for roasts because their elongated shape more easily accommodates larger, irregular cuts of meat like a chuck roast or brisket. A round cooker can be restrictive, forcing you to use a smaller roast or cut the meat to fit. For versatility and even cooking of larger roasts, an oval shape is the superior choice.
How important is a ‘sear’ or ‘browning’ function for a roast?
A browning or sear function is highly valuable as it allows you to brown the meat directly in the slow cooker pot before starting the slow cook process. This step creates a rich, caramelized crust (Maillard reaction) that adds immense depth of flavor to the final dish. While you can sear the meat in a separate pan, an integrated function saves time and reduces cleanup.
What features indicate the best value in a slow cooker?
The best value comes from a combination of size, programmability, and durable construction. Look for a 6-quart programmable model with a digital timer, automatic ‘Keep Warm’ function, and a removable, dishwasher-safe stoneware insert. Features like a probe thermometer that monitors the roast’s internal temperature and switches to warm when done represent excellent value for ensuring perfect results.
What’s the difference between ‘Low’ and ‘High’ settings for cooking a roast?
The ‘Low’ setting cooks the roast at a lower temperature for a longer duration, typically 8-10 hours, which breaks down connective tissues for exceptionally tender, fall-apart meat. The ‘High’ setting cooks in about half the time, 4-6 hours, but may not render the fat as effectively. For the most succulent and tender results on tougher cuts of meat, the ‘Low’ setting is almost always recommended.