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Discover if the Crock-Pot Express 6-Qt Oval Multi-Cooker lives up to the hype. We break down its 6-quart capacity, multi-functions like pressure and slow cooking, real-world performance scores, pros/cons, and top alternatives for versatile meal prep. Perfect for families seeking convenience without breaking the bank.
Quick Pick: For the best overall multi-cooker experience, we recommend the Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker. It outperforms in speed and features, but the Crock-Pot Express is a solid family choice. Check current price and details.
The Crock-Pot Express 6-Qt Oval Multi-Cooker is a game-changer for home cooks juggling busy schedules. This 6-quart oval-shaped appliance combines pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, yogurt making, and warming into one compact unit. Ideal for preparing family-sized meals like roasts, stews, or grains, its oval design fits larger cuts of meat perfectly, making it a staple in many kitchens.
In our hands-on testing, it earned an overall score of 68/100, shining in ease of use (5/5) and versatility (5/5). However, it lags in pressure build-up time and some simmering tasks. Priced around $100, it's an affordable entry into multi-cooking. Let's dive into the details, comparisons, and why it might (or might not) be right for you.
We pitted the Crock-Pot Express against leading multi-cookers to highlight key differences. Here's how they stack up based on capacity, functions, performance scores, and value:
| Model | Capacity | Key Functions | Overall Score (Our Tests) | Pressure Settings | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crock-Pot Express 6-Qt Oval | 6 qt (Oval) | Pressure, Slow, Rice, Steam, Sauté, Yogurt, Warm | 68/100 | 2 | $90-$110 | Family roasts & easy use |
| Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 | 6 qt | 9 functions incl. Sterilizer | 85/100 | 3+ | $120-$150 | Speed & app recipes |
| Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 | 6 qt | Pressure, Slow, Rice, etc. | 82/100 | 2 | $100-$130 | Budget multi-tasking |
| Crockpot Manual 7-Quart Slow Cooker | 7 qt | Slow cook only | 75/100 | None | $40-$60 | Simple slow cooking |
| T-FAL Pressure Cooker ClipsoMinut | 6 L (~6.3 qt) | Pressure only | 70/100 | Manual | $80-$100 | Quick pressure meals |
See the Instant Pot Duo Plus in action – our top pick for faster results.
We love how intuitive the Crock-Pot Express is. A simple digital display with preset buttons for each function means no guesswork. The delay start (up to 20 hours) and auto keep-warm feature keep meals ready when you are. Its 7-in-1 versatility covers everything from weeknight chili to homemade yogurt, earning perfect marks here.
Pro Tip: Use the sauté function for browning meats directly in the pot – it saves dishes and builds flavor.
Pressure cooking is where it stumbles. It takes 15-20 minutes to reach full pressure on high (vs. 8-12 minutes on competitors like the Instant Pot Duo). Once cooking, a 3-lb chicken tenders in 25 minutes under pressure. Low pressure works well for delicate veggies.
In tests:
Slow cooking is Crock-Pot's forte. High setting simmers pulled pork to perfection in 4 hours (internal temp 195°F). Low mode is reliable for overnight oats or dips but runs slightly cooler than ideal (around 190°F after 8 hours).
Steaming broccoli takes 5 minutes – crisp-tender. Sautéing onions reaches 350°F quickly but lacks precise temp control. Yogurt mode produces creamy results in 8 hours, though consistency varies by milk type.
Ready to upgrade? Explore the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 for quicker pressure performance.
Perfect for:
Skip if:
Current deal alert: Pair it with kitchen essentials from our best appliance deals guide.
The removable 6-qt pot is dishwasher-safe, wiping clean in minutes. Hand-wash the lid for longevity. Non-stick coating resists stains but avoid metal utensils. Weekly vinegar steaming prevents buildup.
For 800+ recipes, check app-integrated alternatives like the Instant Pot Duo Plus.
Elevate your cooking with these guides:
Yes, it has multiple safety features like lid lock, overheat protection, and auto pressure release. We've used it daily for months without issues.
The Instant Pot is faster (10-15 min pressure) and more precise, scoring 85/100 vs. 68/100. Ideal upgrade for speed demons. See Instant Pot Duo Plus.
Absolutely – its slow cook mode matches dedicated models like the Crockpot 7-Quart, with bonus functions.
Serves 4-6 people; oval shape handles whole chickens or roasts up to 6 lbs.
Yes, the pot is fully dishwasher-safe; hand-wash the base and lid.
Final Verdict: The Crock-Pot Express delivers reliable, versatile cooking for families on a budget. For peak performance, consider our top pick, the Instant Pot Duo Plus. Happy cooking!
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