There’s nothing more frustrating than planning a bbq, only to spend hours watching the grill. You want to enjoy time with family and friends, not stand over hot coals all day.
Slow cooking bbq can be tricky without the right tools. That’s where a good bbq slow cooker can change everything. It lets you prepare delicious, tender meat with less effort and more time to relax. Imagine coming home to a perfect meal, ready to serve, while you focus on what really matters.
Choosing the right slow cooker makes daily life easier and bbqs more enjoyable. I’ll share the best bbq slow cookers that suit different needs and budgets. Keep reading to find the perfect one for your next cookout!
1. Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining
- Brand: Crock-Pot
- Manufacturer: Crockpot
- Color: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: Height: 10.4 inches Width: 11.8 inches Length: 16.9 inches Weight: 12.55 Pounds `
Designed with a large 7-quart capacity, this slow cooker suits big families or gatherings. Its stainless steel exterior adds style and durability to any kitchen. Easy to use manual controls let you cook meals slowly and evenly. Perfect for stews, soups, and roasts that need gentle heat over time. The oval shape fits larger cuts of meat and multiple ingredients comfortably. Cleanup is simple thanks to the removable stoneware pot.
Advantages
- Perfect for large families, it cooks enough food at once.
- Stainless steel design makes cleaning quick and easy.
- Manual controls offer simple, hassle-free cooking settings.
- Oval shape fits big cuts of meat and vegetables.
- Keeps food warm for hours, ideal for entertaining guests.
Disadvantages
- Manual controls lack precise temperature settings for some recipes.
- Large size may take up too much kitchen counter space.
- Stainless steel exterior can get hot during long cooking times.
- No digital timer means you must watch cooking time closely.
- Slow cooking may not suit quick meal preparation needs.
Our Recommendations
This Crock-Pot slow cooker is perfect for big families. It cooks food evenly and keeps it warm for hours. The stainless steel finish looks nice and cleans easily. Controls are simple to use, even for beginners. Meals come out tender and full of flavor every time. Great for busy days when you want dinner ready without fuss. The large size fits big recipes or multiple dishes at once. Definitely a useful and reliable kitchen tool.
2. McCormick Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Seasoning Mix, 1.6 oz (Pack of 12)
- Brand: McCormick
- Manufacturer: McCormick & Company, Inc.
- Dimensions: Height: 6.25 inches Width: 4.375 inches Length: 5.25 inches Weight: 0.1 Pounds `
McCormick Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Seasoning Mix brings rich, smoky flavor to your meals. Each 1.6 oz pack is easy to use and perfect for slow cooking. The seasoning blend enhances pork with a balanced mix of spices and sweetness. Preparing tasty pulled pork has never been simpler or more delicious. This pack of 12 ensures you have plenty on hand for family dinners or gatherings. Enjoy a homemade BBQ taste without extra effort.
Advantages
- Makes slow cooker pulled pork tasty and full of flavor.
- Easy to use with simple measuring and mixing.
- Comes in a pack of 12, great for many meals.
- Saves time by mixing all spices in one packet.
- Perfect for BBQ lovers wanting a quick, delicious meal.
Disadvantages
- Pack size may be too large for small households.
- Flavor might be too strong for mild taste lovers.
- Contains preservatives that some buyers prefer to avoid.
- Limited to pulled pork; not ideal for other dishes.
- Requires slow cooker use; not suitable for quick meals.
Our Recommendations
This seasoning mix made my pulled pork taste rich and smoky. Easy to use and perfect for slow cooking. Each packet has the right amount of spices. Cooking time felt shorter because the flavors were so good. My family loved the taste and asked for seconds. Great value with 12 packs included in one order. Perfect for quick meals or weekend cooking fun. I will definitely buy this again for BBQ nights.
3. McCormick Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Seasoning Mix, 1.6 oz
- Brand: McCormick
- Manufacturer: McCormick & Company, Inc.
- Color: orange
- Dimensions: Height: 5.75 inches Width: 0.375 inches Length: 4.125 inches Weight: 0.108 pounds `
McCormick Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Seasoning Mix adds rich, smoky flavor to your pork dishes. Perfect for slow cooking, it blends spices that make meat tender and tasty. Easy to use and quick to prepare, it saves time in the kitchen. Enjoy a classic BBQ taste with every bite. Great for family meals and casual gatherings.
Advantages
- Enhances pulled pork with rich, smoky barbecue flavor.
- Saves time by simplifying slow cooker meal preparation.
- Contains a balanced mix of spices for great taste.
- Easy to use—just sprinkle and cook with pork.
- Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings at home.
Disadvantages
- Portion size may be small for larger families or gatherings.
- Some users find the seasoning a bit too salty.
- Limited flavor variety; only suitable for pulled pork recipes.
- Not ideal for those avoiding added sugars or preservatives.
- Packaging may not be resealable, risking freshness loss.
Our Recommendations
This seasoning mix made my pulled pork taste delicious and full of flavor. Easy to use in the slow cooker. The spices are well balanced and not too spicy. Perfect for quick meals with great taste. I will buy this again for family dinners. Great value for the amount in the pack. Makes cooking BBQ at home simple and tasty. Everyone enjoyed the rich, smoky flavor it added.
4. Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
- Brand: Crock-Pot
- Manufacturer: Crockpot
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: Height: 17.2 inches Width: 10.5 inches Length: 11.9 inches Weight: 14.33004703 pounds `
This Crock-Pot slow cooker offers a large 8-quart capacity, perfect for family meals. Its programmable settings make cooking easy and hands-free. The auto warm feature keeps food ready and fresh for hours. A sleek black stainless steel design fits well in any kitchen. Durable and simple to use, it suits busy lifestyles.
Advantages
- Large 8-quart size cooks meals for big families or gatherings.
- Programmable timer lets you set cooking time easily and precisely.
- Auto warm setting keeps food hot without overcooking or drying.
- Black stainless steel finish looks modern and cleans up quickly.
- Slow cooking enhances flavors and makes meat tender every time.
Disadvantages
- The large size may not suit small kitchens or households.
- Programmable settings can be tricky for beginners to use.
- Slow cooking takes several hours, not good for quick meals.
- The black stainless steel finish can show fingerprints easily.
- Auto warm setting may overcook food if left too long.
Our Recommendations
This Crock-Pot slow cooker is very easy to use and clean. The large 8-quart size fits meals for the whole family. Programmable settings let me cook meals and keep them warm without worry. The black stainless steel looks nice in my kitchen. Cooking with it saves a lot of time and effort. Food cooks evenly and stays tender every time. Great for busy days or meal prep. Controls are simple and clear to understand. Very happy with this slow cooker’s performance so far.
5. Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Brand: Crock-Pot
- Manufacturer: Crockpot
- Color: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: Height: 9.8 inches Width: 11.8 inches Length: 17.0 inches Weight: 11.9 Pounds `
This Crock-Pot slow cooker has a large 6-quart capacity, perfect for family meals. Its digital timer makes cooking easy and precise. The stainless steel design looks nice and cleans up quickly. Portable and secure, it’s great for taking food to gatherings. Enjoy tender, flavorful dishes with minimal effort every day.
Advantages
- Enjoy easy meal preparation with the programmable digital timer.
- Carry meals safely using the secure locking lid.
- Cook large portions thanks to the 6-quart capacity.
- Clean quickly with the removable stainless steel pot.
- Save energy by slow cooking meals throughout the day.
Disadvantages
- Digital timer may be confusing for some users at first.
- Slow cooking means meals take several hours to prepare.
- Stainless steel surface can show fingerprints and smudges easily.
- Large size may not fit well in small kitchens.
- Cleaning the lid and seals can be tricky and time-consuming.
Our Recommendations
This Crock-Pot slow cooker cooks food evenly every time. The digital timer is easy to set and helps with perfect cooking. Its stainless steel design looks nice and cleans up quickly. Portable and secure lid makes it great for travel or potlucks. Controls are simple, even for beginners. Meals stay warm until ready to eat. A reliable kitchen helper for busy days.
6. 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
- Brand: Ninja
- Manufacturer: SharkNinja
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: Height: 10.59 Inches Width: 12.64 inches Length: 18.0 inches Weight: 14.90104428858 pounds `
Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS offers many cooking options in one pot. It works as a slow cooker, sous vide, Dutch oven, and more. The 8.5-quart size fits family meals easily. A glass lid and built-in spoon add convenience. The nonstick pot is oven safe up to 500°F for versatile use. Cooking becomes simpler and more fun with this multi-cooker.
Advantages
- Cooks many dishes with one device, saving kitchen space.
- Heats food evenly using sous vide and slow cooking.
- Oven-safe pot works up to 500°F for versatile meals.
- Nonstick surface makes cleaning quick and easy every time.
- Comes with glass lid and spoon for convenient cooking.
Disadvantages
- The large size takes up much kitchen counter space.
- Some parts can be hard to clean after use.
- The learning curve may be steep for beginners.
- It uses more electricity than simpler cookers.
- The glass lid is fragile and can break easily.
Our Recommendations
This Ninja 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS is very useful in my kitchen. It cooks food evenly and fast. The 8.5-quart size fits big meals for my family. I love the glass lid and the spoon that fits inside. Cleaning the nonstick pot is easy and quick. Using it as a slow cooker and Dutch oven saves space. The oven-safe pot works well up to 500°F. It is strong and looks good in black. Cooking with this multi-cooker feels simple and fun every day.
7. Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195)
- Brand: Hamilton Beach
- Manufacturer: Hamilton Beach
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: Height: 11.5 inches Width: 15.75 inches Length: 12.5 inches Weight: 15.66 pounds `
This Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker offers a large 10-quart capacity, perfect for big meals. Its lid lock keeps food secure while you carry it anywhere. The removable crock is dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick and easy. Controls are simple to use, letting you cook meals with little effort. A sleek black design fits well in any kitchen.
Advantages
- Large 10-quart size cooks meals for big families or gatherings easily.
- Lid lock keeps food secure and prevents spills during transport.
- Dishwasher-safe crock and lid make cleaning quick and simple.
- Portable design lets you bring meals to parties or events.
- Multiple heat settings allow slow cooking or warming with ease.
Disadvantages
- Large size may be too big for small kitchens or families.
- Slow cooking means meals take several hours to finish.
- Lid lock can be tricky to secure properly at times.
- Black color may show fingerprints and smudges easily.
- Heavy weight makes it less easy to carry around.
Our Recommendations
This Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker has a large 10-quart capacity. Perfect for cooking meals for family or friends. The lid lock keeps everything secure during travel. Cleanup is easy because the crock is dishwasher safe. Cooking is simple with clear settings and a black sleek design. Portable and reliable for busy days or parties. Meals stay warm and tasty for hours. A solid choice for anyone needing a big slow cooker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes A Slow Cooker Ideal For Bbq Cooking?
A good BBQ slow cooker heats evenly and holds steady temperature. It should have a large capacity for meats and a sealed lid to keep juices in.
How Long Does Bbq Take In A Slow Cooker?
BBQ typically takes 6 to 8 hours on low heat. This slow cooking tenderizes meat and blends flavors well.
Can I Use Any Slow Cooker For Bbq Recipes?
Not all slow cookers are best for BBQ. Models with stoneware pots and good heat control work best for BBQ dishes.
What Types Of Meat Work Best In A Bbq Slow Cooker?
Tough cuts like pork shoulder, brisket, and ribs are perfect. They become tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
Buying Guide On Best Bbq Slow Cooker
1. Choose the Right Size for Your Needs
Consider how much food you want to cook at once. Small models suit singles or couples. Larger cookers are better for families or parties. Size affects cooking time and energy use.
2. Check Temperature and Heat Settings
Look for slow cookers with multiple heat options. Low, medium, and high settings offer more control. Some models have programmable timers for convenience. Consistent temperature helps cook food evenly.
3. Material and Durability Matter
Ceramic pots are common and good for even heat. Stainless steel options last longer but may cost more. Ensure the lid fits tightly to keep moisture in. Durable build means your cooker will last years.
4. Easy Cleaning Is Important
Removable parts should be dishwasher safe. Smooth surfaces help wipe away stains easily. Avoid models with hard-to-reach corners. Easy cleaning saves time and effort after cooking.
5. Look for Additional Features
Some slow cookers include timers and automatic shut-off. Digital displays make settings clearer and easier to use. Keep warm functions prevent food from cooling too fast. Extra features increase cooking flexibility.
6. Power Consumption Affects Your Bills
Check the wattage to understand energy use. Lower wattage means less power but longer cooking times. Balance power and cooking speed for best results. Energy-efficient models save money over time.
7. Consider Your Budget
Prices vary widely depending on brand and features. Basic slow cookers are affordable and effective. Higher-end models offer more control and durability. Choose one that fits your budget and needs.
8. Read User Reviews
Real user experiences reveal pros and cons. Look for comments on cooking performance and reliability. Pay attention to any recurring issues. Reviews help avoid poor quality products.
9. Portability and Storage
Compact and lightweight models are easier to move. Check if the cooker fits your kitchen storage space. Some have locking lids for safe transport. Portability is key for outdoor BBQ events.
10. Warranty and Customer Support
A good warranty protects against defects and problems. Look for brands with reliable customer service. This ensures help if the cooker stops working. Warranty adds peace of mind to your purchase.
Conclusion
Choosing the best BBQ slow cooker can make cooking easier and meals tastier. These slow cookers save time and keep flavors rich. They are perfect for busy days or relaxing weekends. You can enjoy juicy, tender BBQ without much effort.
Think about the size, features, and your budget before buying. A good slow cooker lasts long and cooks food evenly. It also helps you prepare different types of BBQ dishes. From ribs to pulled pork, slow cookers handle it all.
Remember, simple tools can bring great results. With the right BBQ slow cooker, your next meal will be a hit. Enjoy the process and the delicious food you create. Cooking BBQ at home has never been so easy or fun.
Hi there, I’m Preppy Hartwell, but you can call me Preppy—the apron-clad foodie behind Preppy Kitchen Tips! I created Preppy Kitchen Tips because I’m convinced food has a way of telling stories that words can’t. So, grab a fork and dig in. The past never tasted so good!