Sweet potatoes are a versatile and nutritious ingredient, perfect for a variety of dishes. Whether you’re craving a sweet dessert or a savory side, a slow cooker can make preparing them a breeze. Forget the long baking times; with a slow cooker, you can achieve perfectly tender, flavorful sweet potatoes with minimal effort. We’ve rounded up some of the best slow cookers and microwave cookers that excel at transforming this humble root vegetable into a culinary delight.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 4 Slow Cooker For Sweet Potatoes Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Crock-Pot Oval Manual Slow Cooker
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.6/5
The Crock-Pot Oval Manual Slow Cooker in a 7-quart stainless steel finish is a fantastic choice for families or anyone who loves to cook in larger batches. Its generous capacity means you can easily prepare meals for a crowd, and the manual settings are straightforward to use. It’s designed for those who appreciate simplicity and reliable performance in their kitchen appliances.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Large 7-quart capacity perfect for families or entertaining
- ✓ High and low heat settings for versatile cooking options
- ✓ Convenient ‘warm’ setting for serving flexibility
- ✓ Simple, user-friendly manual controls
Why We Recommend It
This Crock-Pot is a workhorse that consistently delivers delicious results. It’s perfect for busy households because you can load it up in the morning and come home to a fully cooked meal. Its straightforward operation makes it accessible even for beginner cooks, and the oval shape is ideal for larger cuts of meat and whole sweet potatoes.
Best For
Families and individuals who need a reliable, large-capacity slow cooker for everyday meals and entertaining.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Generous capacity ideal for big batches.
- Easy to use with simple manual controls.
- Durable stainless steel exterior.
- Consistent and even cooking.
Cons:
- Lacks programmable features.
- Can be a bit bulky for smaller kitchens.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This crock pot is a great value for money and works great. I’ve used it several times to prepare a pot roast and it’s turned out great each time. It’s easy to clean and ready to use for next time! It cooks low and slow on the low heat setting. It’s perfect to put a meal in, set to low, go to work, and come home to a perfectly cooked meal.
— Happy Cooker
Customer Review: I bought those lovely bags that you can use in these cookers, and boy, are they awesome! They save a lot of time, scrubbing, and headaches. This is a good cooker, similar to the red one I bought here a while back on my other account, which I tossed because I got sick of everything sticking to it. Be aware that the lid is glass and the handles on the cooker and lid get hot, so be careful.
— Practical User
2. Microwave Potato Cooker Steamer
Rating: ★★★☆☆ 3.4/5
For those who need a quick fix, this Microwave Potato Cooker Steamer is a game-changer. Designed for speed and convenience, it uses steam circulation to cook potatoes in mere minutes. Made from food-grade, BPA-free plastic, it’s both safe and easy to clean, even being dishwasher safe. It’s the ideal solution when you’re short on time but still crave that perfect baked potato.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Cooks potatoes in just minutes using microwave steam
- ✓ Made from food-grade, BPA-free, heat-resistant plastic
- ✓ Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
- ✓ Features a steam valve and raised bottom for efficient cooking
Why We Recommend It
This cooker is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It delivers perfectly cooked, fluffy sweet potatoes without the need for a conventional oven, saving both time and energy. If you’re looking for the fastest way to enjoy a baked sweet potato, this is your go-to gadget.
Best For
Individuals or small households who prioritize speed and convenience for preparing baked potatoes.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely fast cooking time.
- Simple to use and clean.
- Compact design.
Cons:
- Some users reported issues with durability or damage during shipping.
- May not be ideal for very large sweet potatoes.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I never thought I’d be writing a love letter to a piece of plastic, but here we are. This potato steamer is not just well made—it’s basically the Rolls Royce of tuber technology. I put in a potato, and what came out was so fluffy it could’ve been mistaken for a cloud auditioning for a Pixar movie.Be
— Happy User
Customer Review: Did not like it. It was partially crushed when it came and would not close. Sent back
— Disappointed Customer
3. Microwave Potato Cooker Steamer
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5/5
The Effortless Microwave Potato Cooker & Steamer is an affordable and efficient way to make perfect baked potatoes. It cooks them in just 3-5 minutes, which is significantly faster than traditional methods or even other microwave gadgets. This cooker is made from safe, durable PP material and is versatile enough to steam other vegetables, making it a multi-purpose kitchen tool.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Rapid cooking time of 3-5 minutes for baked potatoes
- ✓ Made from food-grade PP material for safety and durability
- ✓ Multifunctional: can steam vegetables as well
- ✓ No preheating required
Why We Recommend It
This microwave cooker is a fantastic budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on performance. It’s incredibly easy to use and clean, making it ideal for quick meals and snacks. If you’re looking for an economical way to enjoy perfect baked sweet potatoes, this is an excellent choice.
Best For
Budget-conscious individuals and those who need a fast and simple way to cook potatoes.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable.
- Achieves perfect texture quickly.
- Safe and easy to handle.
- Versatile for steaming other vegetables.
Cons:
- Can only cook a few potatoes at a time.
- Plastic construction might not appeal to everyone.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Works perfectly! Five minutes and you have a perfectly baked potato. Increase time depending on the size of the potato or if you are cooking more than one. No need to prick the potato with a fork. It comes out perfect, with no dry or rubbery spots. It is so easy and FAST! Even an air fryer would take longer.
— Speedy Cook
Customer Review: Works perfectly! The potatoes come out fluffy and moist in no time! Wish I had discovered this sooner!
— Delighted Home Cook
4. Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.6/5
While known for pressure cooking, the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 also features an excellent slow cook function, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen. Its 6-quart capacity is great for families, and the ability to pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, and steam means it can replace multiple appliances. If you’re looking for an appliance that can do more than just sweet potatoes, the Instant Pot is a top contender.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Multi-functional: pressure cooker, slow cooker, sauté, steam, rice cooker, yogurt maker, and warmer
- ✓ 13 one-touch programs for various recipes
- ✓ 6-quart size is suitable for most families
- ✓ Safe and easy steam release
Why We Recommend It
The Instant Pot Duo is incredibly efficient and convenient, especially its slow cook setting which yields tender results. It’s a fantastic investment for anyone looking to streamline their cooking process and expand their recipe repertoire. Preparing sweet potatoes is just one of the many things this appliance excels at.
Best For
Home cooks who want an all-in-one appliance that can handle various cooking methods, including slow cooking.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Versatile with multiple cooking functions.
- Large capacity for big meals.
- Numerous pre-set programs simplify cooking.
- Reliable performance for both pressure and slow cooking.
Cons:
- Can have a learning curve due to its many functions.
- Takes up more counter space than a dedicated slow cooker.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I think it’s time for review this product after using for almost a year now. I absolutely love this 7-in-1 pressure cooker! I’ve had the 3-quart size for almost 6 years, and it’s still going strong now. I bought it because it might be time to upgrade to a larger one. It’s very easy to use, cooks food perfectly, and I love being able to sauté and then slow cook in the same pot.
— Loyal Customer
Customer Review: I received my Instant Pot right before the end of the year as I had pre-ordered it. I had done a good amount of research on the previous model and was convinced it could replace my small slow cooker as well as diversify my cooking and reduce my time in the kitchen. The main improvements I liked on this model were the easy steam release and the additional pre-set buttons.
— Tech-Savvy Cook
Complete Buying Guide for Slow Cooker For Sweet Potatoes
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best slow cooker for sweet potatoes, we look at several key factors. First, capacity is crucial; you need a size that can accommodate whole sweet potatoes or large portions. Ease of cleaning is also a major consideration, as is the range of temperature settings – typically high, low, and warm. Durability and build quality are paramount, ensuring the appliance will last for years. Finally, for those with limited time, microwave potato cookers offer an incredibly fast alternative, providing perfectly cooked potatoes in minutes.
Budget Planning
The price range for slow cookers and microwave potato cookers varies significantly. Basic manual slow cookers, like the Crock-Pot model reviewed, are generally very affordable, making them excellent value for money. Microwave potato cookers are typically the least expensive option, often costing less than $20. Programmable slow cookers or multi-function appliances like the Instant Pot will be a higher investment, but their versatility can justify the cost. Consider how you plan to use the appliance most often to determine the best budget for your needs.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer the hands-off approach of a slow cooker or the lightning speed of a microwave cooker, there’s a perfect tool for preparing sweet potatoes. For large families and batch cooking, a spacious slow cooker like the Crock-Pot is ideal. For quick, individual servings, the microwave potato cookers are unbeatable. And for those who want maximum versatility, an appliance like the Instant Pot offers numerous cooking options, including reliable slow cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I cook sweet potatoes directly in a slow cooker without peeling?
A: Yes, you can cook whole sweet potatoes in a slow cooker with the skin on. Simply wash them thoroughly, and they will soften during the cooking process, making them easy to peel or eat with the skin.
Q: How long does it take to cook sweet potatoes in a slow cooker?
A: Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the sweet potatoes and the setting used. Typically, on low heat, it takes 4-6 hours, and on high heat, it takes 2-3 hours for medium-sized sweet potatoes.
Q: What is the difference between a slow cooker and a microwave potato cooker for sweet potatoes?
A: A slow cooker cooks food at a low temperature over a long period, resulting in tender, moist sweet potatoes perfect for mashing or baking. A microwave potato cooker uses steam and microwave energy to cook potatoes very quickly, usually in minutes, often resulting in a texture similar to oven-baked potatoes.
Q: Are microwave potato cookers safe to use?
A: Yes, most microwave potato cookers are made from food-grade, BPA-free plastics that are designed to be safe for use in microwave ovens. Always ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.
Preparing delicious sweet potatoes has never been easier, thanks to the convenience of modern kitchen appliances. Whether you’re using a trusty slow cooker for tender, melt-in-your-mouth results or a speedy microwave cooker for instant gratification, these tools are invaluable. Explore the options above and find the perfect fit for your kitchen and your sweet potato cravings. Happy cooking!
