Quick picks
- Best all-rounderNinja Foodi PossibleCooker (MC1001UK)8L, 8 functions, and the pot is oven-safe up to 240°C.
- Best multi-cookerNinja Speedi (ON500UK)12-in-1, including air fry, steam and slow cook; Ninja quotes 15-minute meals.
- Best big slow cookerLakeland 6.5L Searing Slow CookerFive browning settings and a locking lid for taking dinner to someone else's.
- Best simple slow cookerLakeland 3.5L Digital Slow CookerTouchscreen, keep-warm and a delay start of up to 12 hours.
- Best budget pickMorphy Richards 3.5L Sear & StewBrown on the hob in the same pot, then slow cook.
Comparison table
Specs as published by SharkNinja UK and Lakeland. Capacities are total pot sizes unless stated. "Portions" are the brands' own estimates.
| Model | Capacity | Sears in the pot? | Functions | Timer / keep warm | Stand-out "do less" feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja PossibleCooker (MC1001UK) | 8L (up to 8 portions) | Yes | 8: slow cook, sear/sauté, steam, braise, simmer, bake, prove, keep warm | Up to 12 hrs; keep warm up to 12 hrs | Oven-safe pot to 240°C |
| Ninja Speedi (ON500UK) | 5.7L (up to 4 portions) | Yes (sear/sauté) | 12, including air fry, steam and slow cook | Digital controls | Layered one-pot meals; air fryer built in |
| Lakeland 6.5L Searing | 6.5L | Yes (5 browning settings) | Low, High, Steam Cook, Yoghurt | Not specified | Locking lid for transport |
| Lakeland 3.5L Digital | 3.5L | No | Low, High, Warm, Delay | Low 6 to 14 hrs; warm up to 12 hrs; delay up to 12 hrs | Delay start |
| Morphy Richards Sear & Stew | 3.5L (2.5L working) | Yes, on the hob (not induction) | Low, Medium, High | Not specified | Hob-safe, dishwasher-safe pot |
The picks in detail
Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 PossibleCooker (MC1001UK)
The PossibleCooker is a slow cooker that also behaves like a hob. You can sear, sauté and braise in the pot, then switch to slow cook or simmer without moving anything to another pan. Ninja lists eight functions in all: slow cook (up to 12 hours), sear/sauté, steam, braise, simmer, bake, prove and keep warm.
It's a big one: an 8L pot that Ninja says cooks up to eight portions of stew or casserole. The cooking pot is oven-safe up to 240°C, so you can top a stew with pastry and finish it in the oven. There's also an integrated spoon, a steam rack, and up to 12 hours of keep-warm for late arrivals.
- 8L pot (up to 8 portions, per Ninja); up to 1,200W
- 8 functions including slow cook and braise up to 12 hours
- Oven-safe cooking pot up to 240°C; glass lid
- Auto keep warm up to 12 hours; digital controls
- Includes integrated spoon and steam rack; 2-year warranty
Why it's lazy-approved
- Brown and slow cook in one pot: less washing up
- Huge batch-cooking capacity
- Goes straight in the oven for pies
Worth knowing
- Big on the worktop, and too big for one or two people
- No pressure cooking or air frying
Specs: SharkNinja UK product page.
Ninja Speedi 12-in-1 Multi-Cooker, Air Fryer & Slow Cooker (ON500UK)
The Speedi is for people who want one appliance to cover most of dinner. Ninja says it works like a hob, slow cooker, air fryer, oven, steamer, grill and sauté pan. Its party trick is "Speedi Meals": you layer rice or pasta at the bottom with veg and protein on the tray above, and Ninja says a three-part meal can be ready in 15 minutes (not counting pre-heat).
It's sized for smaller households, with a 5.7L pot that Ninja says suits up to four portions, or a 1.6kg chicken. If you already own an air fryer, the Speedi could replace both that and a slow cooker, which frees up the worktop.
- 12 functions, including slow cook, air fry, steam and sear/sauté
- 5.7L non-stick ceramic pot plus Cook & Crisp tray
- Up to 4 portions; fits a 1.6kg chicken (Ninja's figures)
- 35.5 × 38.9 × 38.9cm (H × W × D); 7.4kg
- 2-year guarantee on registration
Why it's lazy-approved
- A whole meal in one pot, fast
- Replaces several appliances
Worth knowing
- Smaller capacity than a family slow cooker
- More buttons to learn than a basic slow cooker
Specs: SharkNinja UK product page.
Lakeland 6.5L Searing Slow Cooker
Lakeland's Searing Slow Cooker is a traditional slow cooker with one big upgrade: you can brown your meat and veg in the pot first. It has five browning settings (Gentle, Low, Medium, Sauté and High Sear), then four cooking settings: Low, High, Steam Cook and even Yoghurt.
The 6.5-litre capacity is big enough for batch cooking or a crowd. The glass lid locks with two sliding catches, so you can carry a chilli to a party without wearing it. You can also see how things are going without lifting the lid and losing the heat.
- 6.5L capacity
- 5 browning settings: Gentle, Low, Medium, Sauté, High Sear
- 4 cooking settings: Low, High, Steam Cook, Yoghurt
- Sealed glass lid with two locking catches
Why it's lazy-approved
- No separate frying pan to wash
- Big enough for leftovers for days
- Lockable lid for transporting dinner
Worth knowing
- Lakeland's page doesn't list a timer or delay start
- Takes up a fair bit of cupboard space
Specs: Lakeland product page.
Lakeland 3.5L Digital Slow Cooker
Sometimes you just want to put the ingredients in, press a button and leave. This digital slow cooker keeps things simple with four settings. Low cooks for 6 to 14 hours. High takes about half the time. Warm holds dinner at serving temperature for up to 12 hours.
The lazy-person feature is Delay. You can prep in the morning and programme it to start cooking up to 12 hours later, so dinner isn't overdone when you're running late. The touchscreen is easy to read, and the glass lid lets you check on things without losing heat.
- 3.5L: Lakeland pitches it for families or midweek batch cooking
- Low (6 to 14 hours), High, Warm (up to 12 hours) and Delay (up to 12 hours)
- Digital touchscreen; glass lid
- Aluminium insert (not suitable for the microwave)
Why it's lazy-approved
- Delay start means it fits round your day
- Keep-warm covers late arrivals
Worth knowing
- No searing, so browning means a frying pan
- 3.5L is tight for big families
Specs: Lakeland product page.
Morphy Richards 3.5L Sear & Stew Slow Cooker (460002)
The Sear & Stew is the budget way to skip the frying pan. Its non-stick aluminium pot goes on the hob for browning (but not on induction), then back on the base to slow cook. When you're done, it can go to the table to serve, then into the dishwasher.
There are three heat settings (Low, Medium and High) and a glass lid. The pot is 3.5 litres in total, with a 2.5-litre working capacity, and its oval shape fits small joints of meat as well as stews and curries.
- 3.5L oval pot (2.5L working capacity)
- Hob-safe for searing (not induction); dishwasher-safe
- Low, Medium and High settings; safety shut-off
- Glass lid
Why it's lazy-approved
- One pot from hob to table to dishwasher
- The cheapest searing option in this guide
Worth knowing
- No digital timer or delay start
- Won't work on induction hobs
Specs: Lakeland product page.
How to choose a slow cooker or multi-cooker
1. Slow cooker or multi-cooker?
A slow cooker does one thing well and costs less. A multi-cooker like the Ninja Speedi adds air frying, steaming and faster cooking, and can replace other gadgets. If you already have an air fryer, a straightforward slow cooker may be all you need.
2. Size it right
About 3.5L suits two to four people. Go for 6L or more for families, batch cooking or freezing portions. Many manuals give minimum and maximum fill levels, so check yours before you buy a giant pot for small portions.
3. Searing saves washing up
Browning meat first adds flavour. A pot that sears (on its own base or on the hob) means one less pan to wash.
4. Timers and keep-warm
Delay start and automatic keep-warm are the features that let you walk away for the day. Check the timer range against your working hours.
5. Finish the job
Slow cookers make plenty of dishes. A countertop dishwasher deals with them if you don't have room for a full-size one.
FAQ
Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on while I’m out?
Slow cookers are designed to cook unattended over long periods. Follow the manufacturer's safety advice: put it on a stable, heat-safe surface away from the wall, don't overfill it, and keep the cable tidy.
What size slow cooker do I need?
Roughly 3.5L for two to four people, 6L or more for families and batch cooking. Ninja says the 8L PossibleCooker makes up to eight portions.
Do I need to brown meat before slow cooking?
You don't have to, but it adds flavour. Searing slow cookers like the Lakeland 6.5L, Ninja PossibleCooker and Morphy Richards Sear & Stew let you do it without a separate pan.
Is a slow cooker cheap to run?
Slow cookers use relatively little power for their long cooking times, and can be cheaper than heating a full oven. Exact costs depend on the model, the setting and your tariff.
Can a multi-cooker replace a slow cooker?
Yes, if it has a slow cook function, as both Ninjas here do. A multi-cooker can also replace an air fryer or steamer, though dedicated slow cookers are often bigger and simpler.
Have you tested these slow cookers?
No. These are research-based picks. We've read the manufacturers' and retailers' specs and published UK reviews so you don't have to. We don't publish made-up scores.