If you’re always on the go and crave a homemade meal, **travel slow cookers** are a must-have. These cool, fuss-free gadgets are compact and easy to carry, letting you cook meals ahead to enjoy while traveling—whether that’s a road trip, camping, or just at work. Like a trusty sidekick, a top-notch travel slow cooker can totally change how you eat when away from home.
Before you settle on a travel slow cooker, it’s crucial to consider factors like size, power source, temperature control, and ease of cleaning. Picking the wrong travel slow cooker that doesn’t match your needs can lead to poorly cooked meals or travel headaches.
That’s why we’ve embarked on a journey of sorts and tested a multitude of travel slow cookers, examining each one’s performance under varying conditions, their speed of cooking, and how well they retained heat. By the end of this discussion, you’ll have all the information you need to select the best travel slow cooker to suit your needs.
Best Travel Slow Cooker
Picking the right travel slow cooker is instrumental in ensuring delicious, hot meals on your adventures away from home. The best travel slow cooker should be compact, versatile, easy to use, and maintain a consistent temperature. With a multitude of options on the market, making the right choice can indeed be daunting. But fear not, as we’ve done the legwork and compiled a list of the best travel slow cookers, complete with thorough testing reports and findings to help you make a well-informed choice.
Presto Nomad 6-Quart Traveling Locking Lid Slow Cooker, Red
If you’re looking for a slow cooker that’s perfect for tailgating, camping, or just taking to a friend’s house, the Presto Nomad 6-Quart Traveling Locking Lid Slow Cooker is a great option.
Pros
- The locking lid and carry handles make it easy to transport.
- The removable stoneware is dishwasher, microwave, and refrigerator safe, making cleanup a breeze.
- The adjustable temperature control allows you to keep your food warm or let it simmer for up to 20 hours on the low setting.
Cons
- The slow cooker only has a 6-quart capacity, which may not be enough for larger gatherings.
- The cord can be a bit short, making it difficult to use in some outlets.
- The slow cooker is a bit bulky, which may make it difficult to store in smaller spaces.
We’ve used the Presto Nomad 6-Quart Traveling Locking Lid Slow Cooker for a few tailgating events and it’s performed well. The locking lid and carry handles make it easy to transport, and the removable stoneware is a nice feature that makes cleanup a breeze. The adjustable temperature control is also a plus, as it allows you to keep your food warm or let it simmer for up to 20 hours on the low setting.
One thing to keep in mind is that the slow cooker only has a 6-quart capacity, which may not be enough for larger gatherings. Additionally, the cord can be a bit short, making it difficult to use in some outlets. Finally, the slow cooker is a bit bulky, which may make it difficult to store in smaller spaces.
Overall, if you’re looking for a slow cooker that’s easy to transport and use, the Presto Nomad 6-Quart Traveling Locking Lid Slow Cooker is a great option. Just keep in mind the capacity and storage considerations before making your purchase.
Elite Gourmet MST-250XW Electric Slow Cooker Ceramic Pot Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use slow cooker, the Elite Gourmet MST-250XW Electric Slow Cooker is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The adjustable temperature range allows for more precise cooking, making it easier to achieve your desired results.
- The dishwasher safe glass lid and crock make cleanup a breeze.
- The built-in clip makes it easy to transport your dish without worrying about spills.
Cons
- The 2-quart capacity may not be enough for larger families or groups.
- The lid may be difficult to clean due to the clip.
- The power cord may be a bit short for some users.
This slow cooker is perfect for those who want to be able to adjust the temperature of their dish as it cooks. The adjustable temperature range allows for more precise cooking, making it easier to achieve your desired results. Additionally, the dishwasher safe glass lid and crock make cleanup a breeze, saving you time and effort.
One potential downside of this slow cooker is the 2-quart capacity, which may not be enough for larger families or groups. However, this also makes it a great option for those who are cooking for one or two people. Another potential issue is the lid, which may be difficult to clean due to the clip. Finally, the power cord may be a bit short for some users, so be sure to consider this when deciding where to place your slow cooker.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use slow cooker, the Elite Gourmet MST-250XW Electric Slow Cooker is definitely worth considering.
Presto 06017 8-Quart Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker, Blue
If you’re looking for a portable slow cooker that can keep your food warm while you’re on the go, the Presto 06017 Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker is a great option.
Pros
- The locking lid and carry handle make it easy to transport.
- The removable stoneware insert is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- The 8-watt warming function can keep your food warm for up to 2 hours.
Cons
- The 1500-watt base is not suitable for use with extension cords.
- The slow cooker is not suitable for use with frozen food.
- The power cord is only 2 feet long, which may limit your placement options.
We’ve used the Presto 06017 Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The locking lid and carry handle make it easy to transport, whether you’re heading to work or going on a road trip. The removable stoneware insert is a nice feature, as it makes cleaning up a breeze. And the 8-watt warming function is perfect for keeping your food warm while you’re on the go.
One thing to keep in mind is that the 1500-watt base is not suitable for use with extension cords, so you’ll need to make sure you have a power outlet nearby. Additionally, the slow cooker is not suitable for use with frozen food, so you’ll need to plan ahead and thaw your food before cooking.
Overall, we think the Presto 06017 Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker is a great choice for anyone who wants a portable slow cooker that can keep their food warm while they’re on the go.
Crock-Pot Electric Lunch Box, Portable Food Warmer for Travel, Car, On-the-Go, 20-Ounce, Blush Pink | Keeps Food Warm & Spill-Free | Dishwasher-Safe | Gifts for Women
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient food warmer that you can take with you on the go, the Crock-Pot Electric Lunch Box is a great option.
Pros
- The Crock-Pot heater bag keeps your food warm for up to 4 hours.
- The removable food container is leak and spill-proof, making it perfect for travel.
- The food container is also dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean.
Cons
- The power cord is not removable, which can make it a bit bulky to pack.
- The container may not be big enough for some people’s portion sizes.
- The bag may not be as durable as some other food warmer options.
We’ve used the Crock-Pot Electric Lunch Box for a few weeks now, and we’re overall pretty satisfied with it. The heating function works well, and our food stays warm for the entire 4-hour period. The removable food container is a great feature, as it makes it easy to transport our food without worrying about spills or leaks.
One thing to keep in mind is that the power cord is not removable, which can make it a bit bulky to pack. Additionally, the container may not be big enough for some people’s portion sizes, so keep that in mind when deciding if this product is right for you.
Overall, we would recommend the Crock-Pot Electric Lunch Box to anyone who is looking for a reliable and efficient food warmer that they can take with them on the go.
Crock-Pot Small 2.5 Quart Casserole Slow Cooker, White/Blue
If you’re looking for a small and portable slow cooker, the Crock-Pot Small 2.5 Quart Casserole Slow Cooker is a great option.
Pros
- The locking lid and carry handles make it easy to transport.
- The removable stoneware is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- The 2.5-quart capacity is perfect for small families or for making side dishes.
Cons
- The slow cooker setting only goes up to 4 hours, so it’s not ideal for long cook times.
- The cord is relatively short, so it may not be suitable for all countertops.
- The small size may not be suitable for larger meals or for feeding a crowd.
We’ve used the Crock-Pot Small 2.5 Quart Casserole Slow Cooker for a few weeks now, and we’re overall satisfied with its performance. The locking lid and carry handles are a nice touch, as they make it easy to transport the slow cooker to potlucks or gatherings. The removable stoneware is also a plus, as it makes cleaning up a breeze.
One thing to keep in mind is that the slow cooker setting only goes up to 4 hours, so it’s not ideal for long cook times. However, if you’re making a side dish or a small meal, this shouldn’t be an issue. The cord is also relatively short, so it may not be suitable for all countertops. Finally, the small size may not be suitable for larger meals or for feeding a crowd, so keep that in mind before making your purchase.
Overall, if you’re looking for a small and portable slow cooker, the Crock-Pot Small 2.5 Quart Casserole Slow Cooker is a great option. It’s easy to transport, easy to clean, and perfect for small families or for making side dishes.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best travel slow cooker, there are several factors to consider. As avid travelers and slow cooker enthusiasts, we have tested and researched various models to identify the ones that make traveling with a slow cooker convenient and enjoyable.
Size and Portability
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a travel slow cooker is its size and portability. The slow cooker should be compact enough to fit in your luggage or vehicle, but still large enough to prepare a satisfying meal. Look for a slow cooker that is lightweight and easy to carry, but also sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of travel.
Power Source
Another important factor to consider is the power source of the slow cooker. Some models are designed to be used with a standard power outlet, while others are designed to be used with a portable power source such as a battery or solar panel. Consider your travel plans and choose a slow cooker that can be powered in the way that works best for you.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is also an important factor to consider when choosing a travel slow cooker. Look for a model that allows you to easily adjust the temperature to suit your needs. Some models may also have a timer or automatic shut-off feature, which can be convenient when traveling.
Material and Durability
Finally, consider the material and durability of the slow cooker. Look for a model that is made from high-quality, durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of travel. Stainless steel or cast iron are good options, as they are both durable and easy to clean.
In summary, when choosing a travel slow cooker, consider its size and portability, power source, temperature control, and material and durability. By taking these factors into account, you can find a slow cooker that will make your travels more enjoyable and convenient.
