Head-to-head · Best Slow Cookers

Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker vs Cuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Cuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.7 vs 3.9). Cuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker is best for: Cooks who want to brown, steam and slow cook in one pot and can accept a nonstick coating with durability complaints. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #5 in Best Slow Cookers

Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker

3.9

1 source$89.53as of Oct 12

The Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry does what its name promises: simple controls and a secure lid that makes moving a full pot painless. TechGearLab praised the intuitive programming and cooking performance, particularly with grains, vegetables, and meats. Foodal pointed to the large capacity and programmable settings as the big advantages, calling it a good fit for families and anyone cooking ahead for gatherings. Reviewers flagged the weight and hot sides, and said small portions aren't its strength. Larger households and people who regularly transport meals will get the most from it; anyone wanting something compact or light should skip it.

Strengths

— Intuitive programming with simple heat settings and time controls
— Large 6-quart capacity ideal for families or potlucks
— Secure locking lid with gasket prevents spills during transport

Watch-outs

— Unit is heavy and sides get very hot during use
— Not ideal for cooking small portions like just one cup of rice

$89.53 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Slow Cookers

Cuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker

4.7

1 source$129as of Oct 19

Searing, sautéing, and slow cooking all happen in one pot with the Cuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker, which is what reviewers like most about it. TechGearLab reviewers pointed to the stovetop- and oven-safe pot plus a steaming rack as the setup for one-pot meals. Durability of the nonstick coating is the recurring complaint: one reviewer described bubbling that pushed them to another brand. It still holds up as a solid pick for anyone who wants a slow cooker that does more than one job.

Strengths

— Browning and slow cooking in the same pot
— Lightweight aluminum insert that's easier to lift and carry
— Intuitive, easy-to-use controls and display

Watch-outs

— Nonstick surface not as durable as expected, with reports of bubbling issues
— Pricey compared to basic slow cookers

$129 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker

Like the Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 6 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker it has a locking lid and switches to warm automatically, and it costs more than that model. Both are heavy and get very hot on the sides.

Cuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker

The Cuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker browns and slow cooks in the same pot, and its aluminum insert is lightweight. It lists three cooking modes against 14 on the GreenPan Elite 6-Quart Slow Cooker, and it costs less than the GreenPan. Its nonstick surface has drawn reports of bubbling.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker	Cuisinart Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker
Capacity	6 quarts	6 Quarts
Cooking Modes	High, Low, Warm	Slow Cook, Brown/Sauté, Steam
Controls	Heat settings (High/Low/Warm) with timer	Easy-to-use display with buttons
Lid	Locking with gasket	Glass lid with cool-touch handle
Material	Stainless Steel	Cast Aluminum, Nonstick
Features	Locking lid, digital countdown control, auto-warm	Nonstick aluminum pot, steaming rack
Dimensions	17"D x 11.8"W x 9.8"H	20.5"D x 13.5"W x 9.75"H
Wattage	240 watts	960 watts
Voltage	120 volts	120 volts
Weight	3.6 kg	—
Temperature Settings	—	Low, High, Simmer, Warm

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