There’s nothing quite like the rich, savory flavor of au jus to elevate a meal. While traditionally made by deglazing a pan after roasting meat, achieving that perfect au jus at home can seem a bit daunting. But what if I told you that your trusty slow cooker could be your secret weapon for effortless, delicious slow cooker au jus? That’s right! We’ve rounded up some fantastic slow cooker options that will help you create this flavorful sauce with minimal fuss, making your roasts, dips, and even sandwiches sing.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Slow Cooker Au Jus Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware Crock & Gla…
The Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Slow Cooker is a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to make delicious slow cooker au jus. Its simple controls and reliable performance make it a go-to for busy home cooks. This slow cooker offers exceptional quality and performance, making it perfect for daily use with outstanding durability and reliability.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓Easy Flavorful Meals: Simple manual controls make creating delicious meals a breeze.
- ✓Family-Sized Capacity: The 4-quart stoneware crock is perfect for a 4 lb. chicken or one-pot meals.
- ✓Temperature Control: Switch between Low, High, and Keep Warm settings to maintain the ideal temperature.
Why We Recommend It
This Hamilton Beach slow cooker is a winner because it delivers consistent results without any complicated settings. It’s the perfect size for small families or meal prepping, and it’s incredibly easy to use, even for beginners. It’s a reliable workhorse for creating all sorts of slow cooker dishes, including that sought-after au jus.
Best For
Beginners and small to medium-sized households looking for a straightforward and dependable slow cooker for everyday meals and flavorful sauces.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- User-friendly manual controls
- Dishwasher-safe stoneware crock for easy cleanup
- Versatile temperature settings (Low, High, Warm)
- Durable and reliable performance
Cons:
- Lacks programmable features
- Exterior can get warm during use
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This 6 quart slow cooker is a good size for a small family. Not too big or too small. Can fit a whole chicken in it! It has 4 settings: on, off, low,& high, and all settings work as they should. A very easy appliance to use.I recently used it for a chili cookout & it kept chili at a consistent low t
Customer Review: Excellent product as long as you have reasonable expectations. This is a “no frills” slow cooker. It has a single selector switch and doesn’t even have a power LED. It’s as old school analog as it gets. There are no programable features, so if you want that, you need to look at another model and
2. Sunvivi 2-Quart Small Slow Cooker with Removable Ceramic Pot and 3 Settings
The Sunvivi 2-Quart Small Slow Cooker is perfect for whipping up smaller batches of your favorite au jus or gravy. Its compact size and multiple settings make it incredibly versatile for singles or small families. This slow cooker offers exceptional quality and performance, making it perfect for daily use with outstanding durability and reliability.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓Compact Design: Ideal for 2 to 4 people, it’s space-efficient for smaller kitchens.
- ✓3 Heating Settings: Choose from Low, High, and Keep Warm for precise cooking.
- ✓Safe & Reliable: Features electroplated handles and knob for enhanced durability and heat resistance.
Why We Recommend It
We love the Sunvivi for its convenience and perfect sizing for smaller portions. It heats evenly and efficiently, making it a fantastic choice for sauces, dips, or even small roasts. It’s a great way to get that slow-cooked flavor without making a huge batch.
Best For
Individuals, couples, or small families who need a compact slow cooker for smaller recipes, sauces, and dips.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact and space-saving
- Easy to use with three heat settings
- Durable and heat-resistant handles
- Removable ceramic pot for easy cleaning
Cons:
- Small capacity might not be enough for larger families
- Outer base is not dishwasher-safe
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Great little slow cooker. This is great to make smaller meals just for yourself. I use it to make chili so I have it for the week to take to work. Works great! Does not get hot too fast like some brands. Nice to have at an office break room because it’s small enough.
Customer Review: While this slow cooker is small at only 2qts., it is perfect for a small dinner party (say 6-8 people) for sauces, small appetizers, dips, etc. Heats well too.
3. Campbell’s Au Jus Gravy, 10.5 Oz Can
While not a slow cooker itself, Campbell’s Au Jus Gravy is a fantastic budget-friendly shortcut to delicious au jus. You can easily heat this in a saucepan or even a small slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting for a quick and easy flavor boost. It offers exceptional quality and performance, making it perfect for adding a touch of comfort to your cooking.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓Quick & Convenient: Ready to use straight from the can.
- ✓Savory Flavor: Made with real beef stock and expertly seasoned for a homemade taste.
- ✓Versatile Use: Perfect for dipping, gravy, or as a base for other sauces.
Why We Recommend It
For those moments when you need instant au jus flavor without the time commitment, Campbell’s is a lifesaver. It’s incredibly affordable and delivers a consistent, satisfying taste that pairs beautifully with roasts and sandwiches. It’s a pantry staple for quick flavor enhancement.
Best For
Budget-conscious cooks and anyone seeking a fast and easy way to add authentic au jus flavor to their meals.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Saves significant preparation time
- Consistent, familiar flavor
- Easy to heat and serve
Cons:
- Canned product, not fresh
- Sodium content can be high
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: (Content omitted due to technical limitations of scraping certain review formats.)
Customer Review: (Content omitted due to technical limitations of scraping certain review formats.)
4. Elite Gourmet Electric Slow Cooker with Adjustable Temp for Entrees and Sauces
The Elite Gourmet Electric Slow Cooker is a versatile appliance that’s excellent for making rich, flavorful au jus. With adjustable temperature settings, you have full control over your cooking process, ensuring your sauce is perfectly developed. This model offers exceptional quality and performance, making it perfect for daily use with outstanding durability and reliability.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓Adjustable Settings: Versatile Low, High, and Keep Warm settings provide ultimate control.
- ✓Compact Size: The 1.5-quart capacity is ideal for smaller portions and precise cooking.
- ✓Easy Cleanup: Features a dishwasher-safe glass lid and removable stoneware pot.
Why We Recommend It
This Elite Gourmet slow cooker is great for its precise temperature control, which is crucial for developing deep flavors in au jus. It’s small enough for counter-top use and simple enough for daily cooking tasks. The ease of cleaning is a huge plus, too!
Best For
Individuals or couples who want precise control over their cooking for sauces, gravies, and small meals.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent temperature regulation
- Compact and space-saving design
- Easy to clean, especially the stoneware pot
- Suitable for a variety of small dishes and sauces
Cons:
- Small capacity might be limiting for larger recipes
- Exterior may get warm
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I ordered 2 of these crockpots last minute for a Christmas party as I had 2 Queso dips I wanted to keep warm but my 2 large crockpots were way too big. These smaller crockpots were perfect. They heated up well and has 4 settings. I appreciated the “warm” was actually what it said and not too hot. The
Customer Review: I love this lil crockpot. It did have a little chunk missing on the ceramic inner pot but not big enough to affect functionality and not visible since it sets inside the outer pot. It works great and is perfect for one or two people. Please be advised though that because it’s more compact, cooking
5. Elite Gourmet 2-Quart Oval Slow Cooker for Entrees, Sauces, Stews and Dips
The Elite Gourmet 2-Quart Oval Slow Cooker is another excellent choice for making delicious slow cooker au jus and other sauces. Its oval shape is great for accommodating cuts of meat or larger batches of sauce, while still maintaining that precise temperature control we love. This model offers exceptional quality and performance, making it perfect for daily use with outstanding durability and reliability.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓Oval Shape: Perfect for roasts and larger sauce quantities.
- ✓Adjustable Settings: Low, High, and Keep Warm settings ensure perfect results.
- ✓Easy to Clean: Removable stoneware pot and dishwasher-safe lid.
Why We Recommend It
We appreciate the flexibility the 2-quart oval size offers. It’s large enough for a small roast to create drippings for au jus, or for making a generous batch of sauce. The consistent heating and simple operation make it a joy to use.
Best For
Home cooks who want a slightly larger capacity for small roasts or a good amount of sauce, with the benefit of precise temperature control.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good capacity for small roasts or sauces
- Precise temperature controls
- Easy cleanup
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Exterior can get hot
- Basic design without advanced features
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I ordered 2 of these crockpots last minute for a Christmas party as I had 2 Queso dips I wanted to keep warm but my 2 large crockpots were way too big. These smaller crockpots were perfect. They heated up well and has 4 settings. I appreciated the “warm” was actually what it said and not too hot. The
Customer Review: I love this lil crockpot. It did have a little chunk missing on the ceramic inner pot but not big enough to affect functionality and not visible since it sets inside the outer pot. It works great and is perfect for one or two people. Please be advised though that because it’s more compact, cooking
Complete Buying Guide for Slow Cooker Au Jus
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best slow cooker for making au jus, we look for a few key things. First, consistent and reliable temperature control is paramount; you need your au jus to simmer gently and develop flavor without burning. Easy-to-use settings are also crucial, especially if you’re a beginner. We also consider the capacity – whether you need a small one for a quick sauce or a larger one for a roast that will yield drippings. Finally, ease of cleaning is always a major factor in our decision-making. A removable, dishwasher-safe pot makes all the difference.
Budget Planning
Slow cookers for au jus can range from very affordable basic models to more feature-rich, pricier options. For pure au jus, you don’t necessarily need all the bells and whistles. Many budget-friendly slow cookers offer the essential functions like Low, High, and Keep Warm settings, which are perfect for creating delicious au jus. You can find excellent options for under $50 that will serve your au jus needs beautifully. Remember to factor in any additional ingredients you might need for your au jus recipe itself.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best slow cooker for au jus is one that fits your budget, your kitchen space, and your cooking habits. Whether you opt for a simple, no-frills model or one with a few more features, the slow cooker method is a game-changer for achieving rich, homemade au jus without the constant stovetop monitoring. Experiment with different drippings and seasonings to find your perfect flavor profile!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make au jus directly in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! You can create a flavorful au jus by slow cooking beef broth, aromatics like onions and garlic, and herbs. Or, if you’re roasting a meat in your slow cooker, you can often use the drippings to create your au jus right in the same pot.
Q: What are the best ingredients to use for slow cooker au jus?
A: Classic ingredients include beef broth, onions, garlic, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. For a richer flavor, you can also add beef bouillon or a bit of red wine.
Q: How long does it take to make au jus in a slow cooker?
A: The cooking time can vary depending on your recipe and slow cooker settings, but typically it takes 4-8 hours on Low or 2-4 hours on High. If you’re using drippings from a slow-cooked roast, the au jus can be ready in about 1-2 hours on Low.
Q: Can I make au jus ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make au jus ahead of time. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Q: How do I thicken my slow cooker au jus if it’s too thin?
A: To thicken your au jus, you can create a slurry by mixing cornstarch or flour with a little cold water, then stirring it into the simmering au jus. Let it cook for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Creating delicious, savory slow cooker au jus at home has never been easier. With the right slow cooker, you can achieve restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. We’ve explored some of the best options that cater to different needs and budgets. Ready to elevate your meals with the perfect au jus? Click on any of the ‘Check Price on Amazon’ buttons above to find the slow cooker that’s perfect for your kitchen and start your delicious journey!
