A slow cooker is one of the handiest appliances to have in your kitchen. Also known as a Crockpot, this versatile device lets you prepare delicious home-cooked meals with minimal effort. Simply add your ingredients in the morning, turn it on, and come home to a ready meal after a long day.

However, like most appliances, slow cookers can be quite an investment. Prices range from affordable to expensive depending on size, features, and brand. So when is the best time to buy one to get the maximum value for your money? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Why Buy a Slow Cooker?

Before we dive into the ideal time for purchasing, let’s first go over why you should buy this handy kitchen gadget in the first place:

Saves Time and Effort

A slow cooker lets you cook an entire meal by simply preparing the ingredients, turning it on, and letting it do the work. No need to slave away in the kitchen after a tiring day.

More Affordable Home-Cooked Meals

Making meals at home is cheaper than eating out or buying pre-made food. Slow cookers stretch your budget by preparing economical dishes using cheaper cuts of meat.

Helps You Eat Healthier

When you know exactly what goes into your food, it’s easier to control ingredients and nutrients. Slow cooked meals made from scratch are often healthier than fast food or frozen pre-made meals.

Fits Various Diets and Preferences

You can easily tailor slow cooked dishes to be low-fat, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, paleo, low-carb, etc. It’s a versatile appliance.

Saves Energy

Slow cookers use less electricity than using the stove or oven. This makes them more energy-efficient.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Slow Cooker

The right time to purchase depends greatly on what type of slow cooker you need. Before deciding, consider these key factors:

Size and Capacity

How many people do you cook for? Choose the appropriate cooker capacity for your household size. Most range from 1.5 quarts to 7+ quarts. Get a smaller one for 1-3 people and a larger one for 4+ people.

Manual vs. Programmable

• Manual – Has basic Low, High, and Warm settings. Ideal for those who don’t need fancy functions.
• Programmable – Lets you time cook cycles and automatically switches to Warm when done. Convenient for busy schedules.

Additional Features

Consider convenient extras like a locking lid, digital display, timer, temperature probe, etc. Useful for tech-lovers.

Brand

Reputable brands like Crockpot, Hamilton Beach, and Instant Pot are pricier but have better quality and durability. Cheaper brands may need replacing sooner.

Budget

Slow cookers range from $15 for basic 3-quart manual ones to $150+ for high-tech 8-quart cookers with all the bells and whistles. Set a reasonable budget before shopping.

When to Buy a Slow Cooker

Armed with information on what to look for, now let’s get into the best times of year to purchase this handy kitchen gadget:

1. Early Fall (September – October)

The ideal time is early fall when stores want to clear out inventory before holiday items start rolling in. Slow cookers aren’t a hot holiday gift, so retailers discount prices to boost sales during this slower season.

You can snag decent discounts of 20-50% off around September and October, especially on last year’s models. Prices for basic manual cookers can dip below $20, while advanced multi-cookers drop to $60-80.

The added bonus is autumn is when people start making hearty stews, soups, roasts, and chili – perfect comfort foods for a slow cooker. You’ll get great use out of your new device to make delicious fall meals.

2. Post-Holiday Season (January – February)

Another prime time is January and February during post-holiday clearance sales. With Christmas gift returns and excess inventory, retailers heavily discount small appliances like slow cookers by 40-60%.

For example, a fancy 9-quart digital multi-cooker normally $140 may be marked down to $60 or even $50. This is an ideal time to upgrade to a higher-end brand or larger-capacity size for much cheaper.

Make sure to check for any gift cards or store credit you may have too. You could potentially buy a great slow cooker for a huge bargain or even free by combining discounts and credits.

3. Summer (June – August)

While less ideal than fall, summer has surprisingly good sales too. Retailers try to compete with prime vacation season by running promotions and discounts. You’ll find deals on par with early fall, with 20-50% off select models.

The caveat is selection is more limited so discounts apply mainly to basic models. But if you just need a no-frills manual cooker for cheap, summer bargains can save you $10-20. The leftover money could buy a nice roast or beef chuck to try delicious first recipes.

Honorable Mentions: Wedding Registries, Check Amazon Daily Deals

If you’re registering for wedding gifts, add a slow cooker to your list. Chances are you’ll get one for free or heavily discounted.

And don’t forget to check Amazon’s Today’s Deals page. Slow cookers often show up there at nearly half-price for 24 hours.

Where to Shop for the Best Slow Cooker Deals

Wondering which stores to hit up first? Here are the top retailers for scoring awesome discounts:

Department Stores

In-person shops like Macy’s, JCPenney, Kohl’s, and Target routinely slash prices on small kitchen appliances. Browse their clearance home goods sections and you’ll likely find great bargains year-round. Sign up for their promotional emails too.

Hardware Stores

Home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot have a surprisingly good selection of appliances. Shop their inventory closeouts and special buys to save up to 60%.

Amazon

The online mega-retailer offers lightning deals and daily discounts on slow cookers across all budgets. Check frequently for timed deals up to 50% off.

Manufacturer Websites

Don’t forget to check company websites like Crockpot.com, HamiltonBeach.com, and InstantPot.com. They often run online specials directly on their products that beat other retailers.

Saving Money Long-Term with Your Slow Cooker

The benefits of your budget slow cooker purchase can continue long after buying:

Make Cheap Cuts of Meat Tender

Chuck roast, rump roast, brisket, and pork shoulder become fall-apart tender after 8+ hours in a slow cooker. These inexpensive cuts taste amazing after slow cooking.

Get Multiple Meals from One Recipe

Most slow cooker meals make large batches. Freeze leftovers in portion sizes to reheat for easy meals all month long.

Use Less Energy Than Oven Cooking

Keep your kitchen cooler in summer by using the energy-efficient slow cooker instead of turning on the oven.

Buy Dried Beans in Bulk

Cook up bags of dried beans bought cheaply in bulk. Portion and freeze to add into recipes whenever you need pre-cooked beans.

Prep Ingredients in Advance

Chop veggies and measure ingredients out once a week. Store prepped ingredients in the fridge to throw together quick weekday meals.

Common Questions About Buying Slow Cookers

Still unsure about purchasing even with awesome deals? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Are cheaper slow cookers worth it?

It depends. Under $30 models won’t last as long but are fine for occasional use. Invest in a better-quality one if you plan to use it more regularly.

Should I get a manual or programmable one?

If you’ll be away for 8+ hours, splurge on a programmable model. Otherwise, a manual one works great for most people’s needs.

What size should I get?

• 1.5-3 quarts – Good for 1-2 people
• 4-5 quarts – Feeds families of 3-4
• 6-8 quarts – Ideal for 4+ people, meal prepping

Are slow cookers safe?

Yes, when used properly. Don’t overfill, leave on too long, or use with a damaged cord. Unplug immediately if you see sparks.

Can slow cookers really save money?

Absolutely! Home cooked meals are way cheaper than fast food or frozen pre-made meals. You end up eating out less.

Key Takeaways: Find the Best Deals

• Early fall and post-holiday winter have the biggest discounts
• Look for 20-60% off around September-October and January-February
• Check department stores, hardware shops, Amazon, and manufacturer websites
• Consider manual vs. programmable, size, brand, and budget
• Use a slow cooker to create healthy, budget-friendly meals at home

Investing in a good quality slow cooker, especially when found at a great bargain, can ultimately save you more money in the long run. Use to make inexpensive cuts of meat tender and get multiple meals out of leftovers. Follow these tips to find the perfect model at the best possible price!