For those who live a busy life yet want to eat home-cooked meals, simplicity is the key. Sometimes, being able to start the meal early in the morning so that it is ready to eat when you get home is the only way people are going to be able to eat. Finding ways to increase your efficiency in the kitchen becomes your battle cry.

In this article, we cover:
- Top 6 slow cookers
- Top 7 slow cooker accessories

This cooker is versatile! At the hit of a button, you can brown meat, sauté and slow cook -- all in one device. Keep in mind, most slow cookers don't have the "browning" feature at all. It also has a removable liner, so it's easy to clean. Who doesn't love multi-functional abilities? It's available for purchase here.

This slow cooker is programmable and includes a 'keep warm' setting, and the lid also locks into place to reduce any messes, making it easy to carry. The 6-quart size makes it very versatile (yes, you can make a 6-lb roast).

On top of that, this slow cooker has been tested in our Cooktop Cove Test Kitchen. We've made this wonderful pork and gravy recipe with it.

This slow cooker is available for purchase here.

3. Hamilton Beach 6-quart slow cooker

With 15 heating options and the ability to serve 7, this slow cooker does it all. It's simple to clean and place on the table for serving. This Hamilton Beach slow cooker is available for purchase here.

This is one of the most versatile and affordable slow cookers on the market. You can cook a dinner for two or serve a crowd. It's also one you can take on the go as it comes with an insulated tote and cover. This is available for purchase here.

For those who love cooking big meals, this is the slow cooker for you. This one fits a 10-pound turkey or 12-pound roast! Available for purchase here.

For those who are looking for a smaller size, this 3-quart option from Elite Gourmet is the way to go. Available for purchase here.

Perfect for simple clean-up, placing a liner in the crock means you don't have to wash the Crock-pot when you're done.

Purchase it here.

If your family is big into yogurt, having a yogurt maker would be great. With the slow cooker yogurt maker, you can start your yogurt in the morning and have it finished in the evening.

Purchase it here.

Often, Crock-pots are put to use for potlucks, and potlucks mean carrying in food. The 7-quart travel bag is designed to keep the food warm and safe while traveling to the end destination.
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Purchase it here.

Lifting the hot center crock out of any slow cooker can be tricky. Heat-resistant oven mitts have grip, so you won't drop the crock, and they will keep you from burning your hands at the same time.

Purchase these gloves here.

This is a warming crock, perfect for keeping your sauces warm. The server is removable, so it's easy to pour the sauce out.

Purchase it here.

If you have a number of Crock-pots out, a slow cooker lid holder keeps the lids with the correct pots without taking up valuable counter space.

Purchase it here.

The triple dipper has three removable crocks. It's ideal for keeping hors d'oeuvres warm at a party. The crocks are dishwasher safe.

Purchase it here.

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