This is the cheapest thing I’ve ever seen that actually pulls off real dinner miracles. I’ve stuck with slow cookers under $50 because they don’t wreck the budget or the weeknights, and I think you’ll find at least one that fits your schedule. From compact units to roomy 6-quart models, these picks cover hands-off meals without the fuss. Curious which one I’d grab for chili or pulled pork? Let’s jump in.
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- 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
If you’re stocking up on budget-friendly dinners, this 7-quart Crock-Pot is a standout because it feeds a crowd without breaking the bank. I’ve found it fits a 7-pound roast easily, and it still leaves room for veggies. You’ve got High or Low, plus a Warm setting so you can serve it at the right temp. It’s the kind of set-it-and-forget-it unit that actually delivers. One-pot cooking means fewer dishes, which I love. The lid and stoneware are dishwasher safe, and the stoneware is microwave or oven safe up to 400°F, which is handy. It’s simple, reliable, and worth it.
Best For: Budget-conscious families or groups who need to feed 9+ people with easy, one-pot meals.
Pros:
- Large 7-quart capacity feeds 9+ people.
- Set-it-and-forget-it convenience with High/Low and Warm settings.
- Easy cleanup with dishwasher-safe lid and stoneware (stoneware microwave/oven safe up to 400°F).
Cons:
- Takes up counter space.
- No programmable timer beyond High/Low and Warm.
- Stoneware oven/safe up to 400°F may limit some recipes.
Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black
- 3 Manual Heat Settings: Choose from high, low, and warm, for cooking flexibility no matter what you're making
- 2-Quart Capacity: Feeds 2+ people and is perfectly sized for preparing small meals, dips, and sides
- Keep Warm Setting: The manual warm setting allows you to keep your food at serving temperature when it's time to eat
- Oven-Safe Stoneware: Removable stoneware is oven-safe up to 400 degrees F
- Dishwasher-Safe: Stoneware and lid are both dishwasher-safe, for easy cleaning
This Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker is a perfect pick for budget-friendly dinners if you’re feeding 1–3 people and want something compact that won’t crowd your counter.
I’m impressed by its simple, three-setting control and that warm function keeps leftovers ready.
The stoneware is oven-safe to 400 degrees, and it’s dishwasher-safe too, which makes cleanup a breeze.
At 825 watts, it heats reliably, and the round 2-quart size fits dorms, small kitchens, or meal prep for a few servings.
Honestly, I’d keep it handy for dips, soups, or warming lunches, and it’s light enough to stash away, quite well.
Best For: Busy individuals or small households looking for a compact, budget-friendly slow cooker for dips, soups, and warming meals for 1–3 servings.
Pros:
- Compact 2-quart size fits small kitchens, dorms, or meal prep for 1–3 servings.
- Easy three-setting controls plus keep-warm function and dishwasher-safe stoneware.
- Oven-safe stoneware up to 400°F and reliable performance for a variety of tasks like dips and soups.
Cons:
- Small capacity may not suit larger families or big batch cooking.
- Some users report lid noise during heating and cooling cycles.
- Not suitable for regions with different electrical plugs or voltages (e.g., UK).
Bella 6.0 Qt Manual Slow Cooker with Ceramic Nonstick Coating
- Big-Batch Brilliance: With a 6 qt capacity, our slow cookers are ideal for making large batches of soups, chili, or a whole roast chicken. They're perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping, making every meal an effortless and delicious experience
- Healthy Coating: The electric cooker features an EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating, free from PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, and cadmium. Enjoy healthier cooking, easy food release and quick cleanup, and spend more time savoring your meals than scrubbing
- Versatile Temperature Settings: Achieve perfect results every time with three heat settings—low, medium, and high. Whether slow-cooking a stew or speeding up dinner, with this electric pressure cooker you can cook your favorite dishes to perfection
- Clear View Cooking: This portable cooker features a durable, shatter-resistant glass lid, allowing you to monitor your meal without lifting the lid and losing heat. Keep an eye on your food as it cooks, ensuring perfect results every time
- Convenience & Comfort: Designed with cool-touch handles, non-skid feet, and a clutter-free cord wrap, this electric cooking pot is both safe and easy to use. Plus, the dishwasher-safe stoneware pot and tempered glass lid make cleanup a breeze
When you’re feeding a crowd on a dime, the Bella 6.0 Qt Manual Slow Cooker with Ceramic Nonstick Coating stands out as a practical choice. I love its 6-quart capacity for soups, chili, or a whole roast chicken, perfect for meal prep and feeding a hungry crew. The EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating is PFAS-, PFOA-, PTFE-free and lead-free, so I feel better about what lands on the table. It’s versatile with low, medium, and high settings, letting me slow-cook stews or speed up dinners when needed. The glass lid helps me peek without losing heat, and handles stay cool.
Best For: Families or meal-preppers who need to feed a crowd on a budget and want a 6-quart slow cooker with a ceramic nonstick coating for easy cleanup.
Pros:
- Large 6-quart capacity ideal for soups, chili, stews, or a whole roast chicken.
- PFAS-, PFOA-, PTFE-free EverGood ceramic nonstick coating for healthier cooking and easy release.
- Three heat settings (low, medium, high) with a durable glass lid for monitoring without heat loss.
Cons:
- No programmable timer or auto-warm feature; cooking requires manual attention.
- Ceramic coating requires careful handling to avoid scratching; dishwasher-safe but may be better with hand washing.
- Larger size may be impractical for small households or storage in compact kitchens.
Paris Hilton 6-Quart Manual Slow Cooker
- EASY TO USE: Simple manual controls to save you time. Plug it in, pick your settings and let it do the rest. Choose from Low, High, and Warm settings for perfectly cooked meals every time, whether it’s slow-simmered stews or quick-cooked dinners.
- NATURALLY NONSTICK: The stoneware insert provides a long-lasting naturally nonstick surface made without PFAS, PFOA, PTFE and PFOS.
- FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: With a 6-quart capacity, this slow cooker can feed 7+ people, making it ideal for large family meals, holiday gatherings, and meal prepping.
- ICONIC DESIGN: Featuring chic gold accents, this slow cooker is the perfect blend of style and functionality #ThatsHot! Add a touch of glam to your kitchen while creating epic meals for your loved ones.
- DISHWASHER-SAFE PARTS: Cleaning up is a breeze! The removable stoneware pot and tempered glass lid are dishwasher-safe for easy maintenance. Loves it!
Packed with a 6-quart capacity, this Paris Hilton manual slow cooker is perfect for big-family dinners or holiday gatherings, you know, when you’ve got a crowd to feed. I like that it runs on simple manual controls—plug in, pick Low or High, and let it do the simmering, with Warm for keeping things cozy. The stoneware is naturally nonstick and it’s free of PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, and PFOS, so I don’t worry about messy flavors sticking. With that 6-quart capacity, it feeds 7+ people, and the chic pink with gold accents screams, that’s hot in every festive kitchen moment.
Best For: Busy families or entertaining gatherings who want a large-capacity, easy-to-use slow cooker with simple manual controls and a stylish design.
Pros:
- Large 6-quart capacity feeds 7+ people, ideal for big family dinners and holidays
- Simple manual controls (Plug in, Low/High, Warm) for straightforward simmering
- Nonstick stoneware insert and dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup and safe materials
Cons:
- No programmable timer or auto shutoff beyond the Warm function
- Lacks advanced features beyond manual Low/High/Warm
- Bulky size may take up space in smaller kitchens or on crowded countertops
Bella 6.0 Qt Programmable Slow Cooker
- Big Batch Cooking: The 6-quart capacity is perfect for cooking large batches of soups, chili, or even a whole roast chicken. Ideal for family meals or meal prepping, this programmable crock pot makes feeding a crowd easy and stress-free
- Healthy Coating: Our EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating, free from PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, and cadmium, ensures a safe and easy cooking experience. Food slides out effortlessly, and cleanup is a breeze, making it a healthier choice for your kitchen
- Smart Cooking Presets: Four programmable presets (4, 6, 8, and 10 hours) let you plan ahead. When cooking is complete, the slow cooker & electric cooking pot switches to warm, keeping your meal perfectly ready to serve whenever you are
- Versatile Temperature Control: Choose from low, medium, or high temperature settings to cook your favorite dishes perfectly. Whether it’s a slow-simmered stew or a quick meal, this portable cooker provides precise control for delicious results
- Convenience & Style: With cool-touch handles, touch-activated displays, and non-skid feet, this stew pot is both functional and stylish. The dishwasher-safe stoneware pot and glass lid make cleanup easy, while the cord wrap keeps your kitchen tidy
The Bella 6.0 Qt Programmable Slow Cooker is a solid pick for budget dinners because its 6-quart capacity and four simple presets cover weekday stews to weekend roasts without breaking the bank. I like that it runs on 260 watts and offers Low, Medium, High plus preset durations of 4, 6, 8, or 10 hours. Auto warm kicks in when it finishes, and the EverGood nonstick coating helps food slide out, though I’ve heard stoneware pots are dishwasher safe. The cool-touch handles, touch display, non-skid feet, and cord wrap keep counters tidy, while the Oatmilk finish fits most kitchens.
Best For: Budget-minded cooks who want a versatile, entry-level slow cooker for weekday meals and casual entertaining, especially in apartments or college dorms.
Pros:
- 6-quart capacity is great for family meals or meal prepping.
- Four preset durations (4/6/8/10 hours) plus Low/Medium/High with auto warm for easy, hands-off cooking.
- Nonstick EverGood coating and cool-touch handles with a tidy cord wrap for easy cleanup and safe handling.
Cons:
- Some ambiguity about whether the stoneware pot is dishwasher safe in all notes.
- Fewer advanced features vs. higher-end models (no programmable timers beyond presets, no multi-cooker functionality).
- 260 watts may be less powerful for very large or dense dishes compared with faster, higher-wattage models.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Slow Cooker Under $50
I think choosing a slow cooker under $50 means weighing how many people you’re feeding, because capacity for servings really changes weeknights. I also look at the number of settings and the size footprint, since a compact kitchen is great but you don’t want to outgrow it. And cleaning simplicity plus safe coatings matter—you don’t want stuck-on messes or questionable nonstick, right?
Capacity for Servings
Choosing the right capacity isn’t one-size-fits-all, and with slow cookers under $50, it’s really about your crowd. I’ll admit I think about who’s at the table before I pick size. A 2-quart model is perfect for small meals or dips, serving 2+ people, so it’s great for date nights or quick sides. If you’re feeding a crowd, a 6-quart can feed 7+ people and works well for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. A 7-quart oval fits a 7-pound roast and serves 9+ folks, which is handy for bigger gatherings. Capacities in the 6–7 quart range strike a balance between bulk cooking and countertop space. Overall, slow cookers vary from 2 quarts up to 7 quarts, covering many household sizes, for new cooks and busy.
Number of Settings
Three simple settings—High, Low, and Warm—are what you’ll typically find on budget slow cookers under $50. I think the big question is whether you want just those three knobs or if you’ll benefit from extra programmable presets. Some models add a Keep Warm function, which is handy if you’re busy and don’t want to switch meals. Programmable under-$50 options can offer 4, 6, 8, or 10 hours, giving you flexibility without buying a fancier unit. Even a few compact 2-quart units stay with the simple trio because of their basic design. When I’m choosing, I ask myself: do I need those extra presets, or is simple heat control enough to get dinner ready on time? In my experience, it’s really about your schedule needs.
Size Footprint
Size matters when you’re picking a slow cooker for a busy kitchen, because footprint actually changes how you use your counter. Smaller 2-quart models tuck into tight spots, while 6-quart units eat up space on counter. Shape matters, too—oval designs spread a bit wider front-to-back, which can push you to rearrange mugs or a toaster to fit. Concrete dimensions help you picture it: a 2-quart unit might be about 7.4 inches deep, 8.9 inches wide, and 9 inches tall, showing how really compact it can be. A 6-quart, on the hand, can measure around 11.82 inches deep, 16.16 inches wide, and 14.18 inches tall, affecting cabinet clearance and storage. If space’s tight, I’d seek smaller footprints or think vertical storage when not in use.
Cleaning Simplicity
Cleaning is where a lot of the real quick-win value shows up, and I’ve found it pays to look for dishwasher-safe stoneware and lids first. Removable stoneware lets me soak, scrub, and reheat without hauling a hot pot to the sink. Nonstick ceramic coatings help food release and cut down on scrubbing, which is huge on weeknights. Some models even specify dishwasher-safe stoneware, lid, and glass lids for clean cycles, which sounds effortless to me. For easier maintenance, I prefer a simple, single-pot design that minimizes lingering residues and odor transfer. I’m not saying every feature is move-in ready, but these little touches save time and hassle. Ultimately, cleaning simplicity isn’t glamorous, but it keeps weeknight dinners from turning into a chore every time.
Safe Coatings
I’m always checking the coating first, because safer materials mean less worry at mealtimes. A ceramic nonstick that’s PFAS-, PFOA-, and PTFE-free is my top pick, since I don’t want chemical exposure sneaking into soups. I also look for lead- and cadmium-free labels so trace metals don’t tag along with dinner. In my experience, ceramic coatings release food easily and wipe clean faster than older plastics—less scrubbing, more sipping coffee. Check that the insert and lid are dishwasher-safe so cleanups aren’t a pain. Look for explicit product specs about coating safety, like PFAS/PFOA/PTFE-free and lead/cadmium-free, and you’ll sleep better at night. Well, that’d be ideal, right? If you’re shopping, I’d start with those safety labels and a dishwasher-friendly set, then compare prices calmly online.
Durability Warranty
Even though I’m shopping on a budget, a solid durability warranty on a slow cooker under $50 matters more than fancy features. I look for a stated warranty period and what it covers to gauge long-term reliability, you know. Does it cover manufacturing defects only, or wear-and-tear and component failures as well? I also check if you need to register to activate it and whether proof of purchase is required. In my experience, some plans offer full replacement, others just repair or prorated parts over time, so it’s important to compare. Budget models often come with shorter terms, so I compare terms across options before buying rather than guessing. It’s not glamorous, but it saves headaches. That extra coverage might matter when problems hit.
Value per Dollar
A bigger slow cooker under $50 often means more servings per dollar, especially if you’re feeding 7–9 people. In my experience, a larger bowl is worth it when it saves trips to the store. Practical features like a warm setting keep things ready without extra equipment. Programmable or multiple heat options offer real value by stretching menus at a low price. Dishwasher-safe stoneware and lids cut cleaning time, lowering the total cost of ownership. PFAS/PFOA/PTFE-free nonstick coatings at budget prices add health benefits and easier food release. I’d rather not overpay for features I won’t use, so I look for balanced value. If it saves time cleaning and handles plenty of meals, I call it a win. That’s the value I chase every day.