What Is the Difference Between a Slow Cooker and a Crockpot?

People often use the words slow cooker and Crockpot like they mean the same thing-and honestly, most of the time, they do. But here’s the thing: Crockpot isn’t just another name for a slow cooker. It’s a brand. And that small detail trips up a lot of folks when they’re shopping for one or trying to figure out why their friend’s recipe calls for a Crockpot and not just any slow cooker.

It’s All About the Brand

Crockpot is a brand name, like Kleenex or Band-Aid. It was invented in the 1970s by an American company called Rival. The original Crockpot had a ceramic pot inside a metal housing with a heating element wrapped around it. That design became so popular that people started calling every slow cooker a Crockpot-even if it wasn’t made by Rival.

Today, Crockpot is owned by Newell Brands and still makes slow cookers. But there are dozens of other brands too: Instant Pot, Ninja, Hamilton Beach, All-Clad, and more. So if someone says they’re using a Crockpot, they might be using a real Crockpot. Or they might just be using any slow cooker and saying Crockpot because that’s what they grew up calling it.

Functionally? Almost Identical

From a cooking standpoint, there’s no real difference between a Crockpot and any other slow cooker. Both work the same way: low, steady heat over many hours. You toss in ingredients, set the temperature-usually low, high, or keep-warm-and walk away. The result? Tender meat, rich stews, and meals that practically make themselves.

Whether you’re cooking beef bourguignon for eight hours on low or chicken thighs with salsa for four on high, the process doesn’t change based on the brand. The heat circulates around the ceramic pot, gently breaking down connective tissue in meat and blending flavors over time. That’s the magic of slow cooking, no matter the label on the box.

Design Differences You Might Notice

While the core function is the same, different brands do tweak the details. A real Crockpot often has a rounded ceramic insert with a slightly narrower opening. Some newer models come with programmable timers, auto-shutoff, and even Wi-Fi connectivity. Other brands might offer oval-shaped pots that fit a whole chicken better, or removable lids that are dishwasher-safe.

Some cheaper slow cookers have thinner ceramic inserts that crack more easily. Higher-end models, like those from All-Clad or Le Creuset, use thicker, more durable stoneware. Crockpot’s mid-range models are generally reliable but don’t always match the build quality of premium brands.

Here’s what you’ll typically find across brands:

• Ceramic insert: The cooking pot. Most are dishwasher-safe.
• Heating base: The metal housing with the element. This doesn’t get hot to the touch on most models.
• Lid: Usually glass or plastic. Glass lets you peek without lifting it-important because lifting releases steam and slows cooking.
• Temperature settings: Low, high, and often keep-warm. Some have precise temperature control.
• Size: Common sizes are 3.5L, 5.5L, and 7L. A 5.5L is ideal for a family of four.

Why Does This Even Matter?

If you’re just trying to make a pot of chili or pulled pork, it doesn’t matter. But if you’re reading a recipe that says "use a Crockpot," you might be wondering if you need to buy one specifically. The answer? No. Unless the recipe mentions a specific feature-like a programmable timer or a particular size-you can use any slow cooker.

Here’s a real example: A popular recipe online says, "Cook on low for 8 hours in a Crockpot." That’s just the author’s habit. It’s not a technical requirement. Your Hamilton Beach slow cooker will do the same job. The only time you need to be careful is if the recipe calls for a very small or very large pot. A 3.5L slow cooker might overflow if you double the recipe. A 7L might leave you with dry meat if you only cook for two people.

What to Look for When Buying

Don’t get sucked into the brand name. Focus on what you actually need:

• Size: 5.5L is the sweet spot for most households.
• Removable insert: Makes cleaning way easier.
• Lid fit: Should seal snugly. A loose lid means longer cook times and watery food.
• Timer and auto-shutoff: Handy if you’re away from home all day.
• Warranty: Better brands offer 1-3 years. Avoid ones with no warranty at all.

Price-wise, you can find decent slow cookers for £25-£40. Crockpot models usually sit in that range. If you’re spending over £80, you’re paying for brand prestige or extra features like sous-vide settings or pressure cooking-those are more about versatility than slow cooking itself.

Myth Busting

Let’s clear up a few myths you’ve probably heard:

• "Crockpots cook better." No. The cooking results depend on your recipe and timing, not the brand.
• "You need a Crockpot for authentic recipes." False. Most slow cooker recipes were written for generic machines.
• "Crockpots use less electricity." All slow cookers use about the same amount-roughly the same as a lightbulb on low.
• "Crockpot inserts are special." They’re ceramic. So are most others. Any reputable brand’s insert will work fine.

Bottom Line

A Crockpot is a type of slow cooker. Not all slow cookers are Crockpots, but all Crockpots are slow cookers. If you’ve got a slow cooker at home, you’re already set. No need to buy a Crockpot unless you like the brand’s design or you’re replacing a broken one and want the same model.

For slow cooker recipes, what matters is your timing, your ingredients, and how often you peek. The brand? It’s just a label.

Next time you’re making a stew or braised short ribs, remember: it’s not about the pot. It’s about the patience.