Comparison: Best Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili (Updated | Feb 3rd)

For a standard family of 4, a 6-quart slow cooker is ideal, allowing for leftovers. If you’re cooking for a crowd or prefer to batch-cook and freeze, an 8-quart model offers more flexibility. For individuals or couples, a smaller 3-4 quart cooker is sufficient and prevents the chili from drying out.

Yes, a programmable model is highly recommended for chili as it prevents overcooking. You can set the cooking time, and it will automatically switch to a ‘keep warm’ setting, ensuring your vegetables and beans don’t turn to mush if you’re not home to turn it off manually. This feature provides convenience and guarantees a perfectly cooked meal every time.

The main differences lie in temperature control, features, and construction. Premium models often offer more accurate low and high settings, a ‘keep warm’ function, and a digital timer, whereas basic models may just have a simple dial. High-end cookers also typically feature a more durable, non-stick ceramic insert that distributes heat more evenly.

A browning function is a valuable feature for deepening the flavor of your vegetarian chili. It allows you to sauté onions and spices directly in the cooker pot before adding the other ingredients, creating a richer, more complex base. While not essential, it saves you from using an extra pan on the stove and enhances the final taste.

For the best value, prioritize a programmable timer and a ‘keep warm’ setting over fancy presets. A removable, dishwasher-safe stoneware insert is a must for easy cleanup. Consider a model from a reputable brand with a good warranty, as it indicates a more durable and reliable appliance.

A slow cooker excels at developing deep, slow-simmered flavors with minimal effort, which is perfect for chili. A multi-cooker is more versatile, offering pressure cooking to significantly reduce cooking time, but the flavor profile can be slightly different. If your primary goal is set-it-and-forget-it chili, a traditional slow cooker is simpler and often more affordable.

An oval-shaped slow cooker is generally more versatile than a round one. While a round pot is perfectly fine for chili, an oval one gives you more room to stir ingredients and can better accommodate larger cuts of vegetables if you decide to get creative with your recipe. For chili specifically, either shape will work well.

To avoid watery chili, be mindful of the liquid content, as slow cookers trap moisture and don’t allow for much evaporation. Use less broth or water than you would in a stovetop recipe, and consider rinsing your canned beans to remove excess sodium and starch. You can also thicken the chili at the end by mashing some of the beans or stirring in a cornstarch slurry.