Non-toxic slow cookers make life way easier (and healthier), but not if you pick the wrong one… Hence why I began with non-toxic.
The truth is, some slow cooker inserts bathe food in toxins like lead and PFAS chemicals.
Even worse, several manufacturers hide their safety testing information – that is, if they’ve even tested their crock pots.
So, which slow cookers are lead-free? You’re in the right place to find out.
Below, you’ll discover the crock pots to avoid, how to tell if a slow cooker is toxic, and the seven best non-toxic slow cookers reviewed!
Let’s get started.
5 Reasons Why You Should Use a Slow Cooker in the First Place
1. Saves time (although the name states otherwise). Think about it; you can prepare your ingredients in the unit, go to work, then come home to a hot meal!
2. Ease of cleaning: Not only is dinner waiting for you after work, but you only have one pot to clean, not several. I don’t know about you, but I hate doing dishes!
3. Efficiency & comfort: A cranked oven on hot days becomes a power-wasting, sweaty battle with your AC. Yet, a slow cooker runs unnoticed.
The following reason directly conflicts with a common slow-cooking myth—
Does slow cooking destroy nutrients?
Slow cooking does not kill nutrition (necessarily), although long cook times can squeeze nutrients out of your food. However, lost nutrients stay trapped in the pot! That leads us to reason #4—
4. Better nutrition: When slow cooking, lost nutrients have nowhere to escape – they’re sealed in a pot for hours. So inevitably, lost nutrients absorb back into your meal rather than down the drain (when boiling, for example).
According to Healthline, slow cooking also helps lessen AGE (glycotoxin) production when cooking meat. AGEs link to a heightened risk of heart and kidney disease.
5. Better flavor & texture: Along with nutrition, food soaks up more spices over long cook times, improving taste. Also, trapped steam bastes and tenderizes meat beautifully, giving cheaper cuts a 5-star-like texture.
To sum it up, slow cookers save time and stress yet boost flavor and nutrition. Let’s move on.
The following two sections will show you which slow cookers to dodge and why. Then, how to avoid these types when shopping.
The Risk of Non-Stick Slow Cookers (Coated Inserts)
Manufacturers use Teflon (PTFE) to coat many kitchen tools, from non-stick slow cooker inserts and air fryers to cookware.
Teflon is convenient, but are the PFAS chemicals used to make it safe?
EPA lab studies in animals show PFOA (a PFAS chemical used in Teflon) contributes to reproductive, developmental, liver, and kidney damage.
So, nowadays, non-stick slow cookers contain other PFAS chemicals (like GenX) instead of PFOA. They display the label “PFOA-free,” but this is misleading regarding safety.
The EPA’s toxicity assessment shows PFOA-free Teflon shares the same health risks as the original. So, you never truly know how safe these coatings are.
The good news is we’ll cover a simple trick to find safer non-stick finishes shortly!
How non-stick coatings leach into your food
Heat, long cook times, and acidic foods can leach PFAS from worn-out non-stick coatings… Right into your food.
In fact, studies from NHANES (a national health program) show 98% of humans have PFAS in their blood.
Also, once a non-stick slow cooker becomes scratched, the exposed aluminum base metal can alter your food’s flavor and appearance. Not cool.
Ceramic Crock Pot Pitfalls
While ceramic crock pots have their place, a huge concern is the crock pot’s lead glaze.
I mean, why is there lead in crock pots in the first place?
Here’s why.
Manufacturers use lead glaze to seal porous ceramic. This way, the clay holds food without absorbing liquid.
Now, when adequately baked in a kiln, the ceramic’s lead glaze won’t leach. It’s sealed inside. But, if baked wrong, lead can run loose like a river through a faulty water dam.
How lead leaches from faulty slow cooker glaze
Apart from faulty manufacturing, once a slow cooker’s surface gets scratched or cracked, lead leaches much easier.
But that’s not all. Several other factors contribute to leaching…
For example, slow cooking acidic foods like chili will leach lead faster.
And, according to PubMed, high heat speeds the process too, but even temperatures as low as 176℉ can release toxic metals.
They state lengthy cook times are another factor.
So, slow cookers, although less hot than other cooking methods, are a prime suspect.
Mix all of that with poorly manufactured ceramic; you get a recipe for disaster.
Health concerns of lead from faulty crock pots
Lead accumulates in your body. So, even small amounts of routine exposure from slow cooking may cause long-term problems.
In fact, lead levels in your blood as low as five micrograms can impact your health – according to the WHO.
Effects from lead poisoning include:
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Decreased intelligence
- Learning problems
- High blood pressure
- Kidney impairment
But the good news is you can protect your family from lead exposure with a few simple steps.
5 Tips to Discover Lead-Free Ceramic Slow Cookers (& Avoid Suspicious Non-Stick Coatings)
Of course, the quickest fix is to choose one of the lead-free crock pots below.
But, if you want to browse online for yourself, follow the tips below to identify lead and cadmium-free crock pots.
1. Check for California’s Proposition 65 labeling:
Since 1971, the FDA has enforced a three parts per million lead limit in ceramics (for food use).
California’s Proposition 65 has even stricter requirements than the FDA. The ceramic cannot leach past 0.226 parts per million. If it does, the piece must show a warning label (pictured above).
If you see that label, take caution.
Also, you might not always see a Prop 65 label, but you may notice the following:
Now, you shouldn’t worry about this much with modern crock pots.
But suppose you grab an old ceramic bean pot from a flea market for slow cooking. In that case, always check for phrases on the pot like, “For Decorative Purposes Only,” or “Not for Food Use.”
2. As a general rule, avoid these higher-risk crock pots when you can’t find labeling:
- Old ceramic crock pots or bean pots from relatives or found at thrift stores/ garage sales… Especially if you’re not sure who created the piece. As the slow cooker ages, its lead hazard increases.
- Handmade/ hand-painted crock pots with irregular shapes and imperfections in the glaze. Here’s where “improperly baked” & “faulty manufacturing” comes into play.
- Slow cookers with worn-out, cracked glaze.
- Bright red, orange, or yellow ceramic. Ceramics with these rich colors often contain higher lead amounts.
3. Be wary of (some) crock pots made in China:
Some companies do not test goods before exporting to the US. And, in China, several factories aren’t registered with the FDA.
So, suppose the US importer doesn’t test their products for safety upon arrival. In that case, unsafe ceramics from non-regulated factories may reach the US consumer – according to PubMed.
But, not all ceramic slow cookers from China are unsafe. Most meet FDA approval standards. And as long as you buy from a reputable brand (whom conducts proper lead testing), you’re fine.
4. Use Amazon’s Customer questions & answers section:
Visit the slow cooker’s Amazon listing and scroll until you see “Customer questions & answers.” You’ll find a search bar there.
To discover (quickly) if a slow cooker has lead complaints – or if it passed US testing requirements:
- Type in phrases like lead, cadmium, FDA, tested/ testing, Proposition 65, etc.
- This will highlight any mention on the page, including customer questions or complaints. It’ll also show the company’s answer to that question or complaint.
To find complaints of “questionable” non-stick coatings (or find safer non-stick options):
- Type in phrases like non-stick, Teflon, PFOA, PTFE, PFAS, *coating, peeling, chipping, etc.
- If you see the words “PFOA-free,” message the seller. Ask if the coating is free from all PFAS chemicals, not just PFOA.
- *Complaints of the coating chipping or peeling may signify a lack of quality, not necessarily that it’s unsafe.
5. When in doubt, test it out:
Are you staring at an old ceramic crock pot in your cabinet and questioning its safety? You can find lead testing kits online for a low price.
Simply rub the inside of the crock pot in question, and the swab turns red if there’s leachable lead.
So, now you know all about crock pot safety and lead in crock pot stoneware.
Next up, we’re getting into the review portion.
Before you dive in, consider the following bullets to help you pick the best non-toxic slow cooker for your personal needs.
How to Pick Your Non-Toxic Slow Cooker – Buying Considerations
- Manual Vs. Programmable slow cookers: Manual crocks are the old-school types with three or four settings— Low, Medium (or Warm), High, & Off. Programmable slow cookers do the work for you with automated technology & food-specific cook settings.
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend? You can pay as little as $30 – $40 for a manual slow cooker. And up to $200-$300 for quality programmable versions.
- Cooking pot size: 2-3 quarts should be fine for 1-2 people. Families of 5-6 should grab 6 quarts (most versatile size). You can use 8-10 quarts for big parties or cooking large roasts & turkeys. IMPORTANT: You should only fill your crock ¾ full at most. So, a 6-quart pot holds about 4.5-quarts of food.
- Cooking pot shape: Large cuts of meat fit better in oval crock pots.
- Countertop space: If you have limited free space, a 10-quart slow cooker isn’t too practical – unless you have a spare storage cabinet.
- Other features to consider: Do you want to sear meats or saute, not just slow cook? How about automated temperature probes that cook meat to precise temperatures? Or automatic shut-off for set-&-forget operation, etc.
- Consider the lid: If you plan to transport food to gatherings, look for lockable lids & side handles for carrying.
- Consider cleaning & handling: How much time (or desire) do you have for cleaning? Do you want something dishwasher-safe or lightweight? For me, slow cookers with stainless steel inserts are ideal as they’re lightweight, durable, & easy to clean.
7 Best Lead-free Slow Cookers Reviewed
Now let’s look at the seven best lead-free slow cookers in three materials – ceramic, stainless steel, and unglazed clay. You’ll also find a single non-toxic, non-stick option for those wanting ultimate cleaning ease.
We researched several brand’s testing data, reputations, and actual customer experiences to bring you only the best and safest crock pot picks.
So, you can choose any in total confidence – these will not leach lead into your food 🙂
- Best for Tailgating/ Travel: Crock-Pot Cook & Carry Lead-Free Slow Cooker
- Best for Meat: Hamilton Beach Lead-Free Crock Pot with Temperature Probe
- Most Budget-Friendly: Crock-Pot SCV700 Non-Toxic Slow Cooker with Ceramic Insert
- Best for Feeding a Crowd: Hamilton Beach XL Crock Pot with Ceramic Insert
- Most Versatile: Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Lead-Free Pressure Cooker without Teflon
- Safest Non-Stick Insert: Calphalon Non-Stick Ceramic Slow Cooker
- Best for Rice: VitaClay Eco-Friendly Crock Pot/ Multi-Cooker
Best Lead-free Ceramic Crock Pots
#1
- Programmable
- Removable lead-free ceramic slow cooker pot; oval
- 7-quart (28-cup) capacity — serves 7-9 people
- 15.1” L x 9.4” W x 14.8” H | 16.18 lbs
- Price (at time of publishing): $92.99
- Care: Lid & crock pot insert are dishwasher-safe
Since 1941, Crock-Pot (the brand) has churned out reliable non-toxic slow cookers with top-notch ratings.
A few key benefits set this crock apart in safety and convenience:
For one, Crock-Pot tests its products regularly, and the results speak for themselves… This company doesn’t add lead to their quartz-ceramic glaze.
This model also sports a tight clamping lid with airtight cover and stay-cool handles. Take full meals anywhere without arriving in gravy-soaked clothes!
Unlike Crock Pot’s SCV700-S-BR (#3 below), this unit’s programmable settings help take the guesswork out of slow cooking… Not enough features to confuse you, yet the digital countdown timer offers more simplicity.
You can set your cook time from 30 minutes up to 20 hours on High and Low settings. Then, the unit switches to Keep Warm for up to 6 hours when finished.
So, you can set your Crock Pot in the morning before work. When you get home, remove the lid and enjoy a hot, fresh dinner.
Highlights:
- Metal utensil-safe. Fridge, microwave & oven/ heat-safe insert (up to 400℉).
- Locking tempered glass lid with a cool-touch loop handle. An airtight rubber lid gasket prevents hot spills during cooking or transport.
- A digital display shows the remaining cook time so you can track progress easily.
- Handy temperature mode Select button (Hot, Low, Warm) plus Up & Down arrows to adjust cook time – helpful for smaller portions.
- Manually adjustable cook times (30-minute increments) up to 20 hours.
- Up to 6-hour automatic Keep Warm mode (can also use it manually for buffet-style serving).
- Non-slip base to prevent mishaps.
- Other sizes available: 6-quart & 8-quart models available (no locking lid on the 8-quart version).
- 1-year warranty.
Drawbacks:
- Limited programmable functions; no auto shut-off or delay start (can’t set the unit the night before to start at 7 am. You’ll need to switch it on that morning).
- Ceramic insert can break – let it cool before cleaning.
- Heavy.
#2
- Programmable
- Lead-free glazed ceramic insert; oval
- 6-quart (24-cup) capacity — serves 5-7 people
- 17.5” L x 11.25” W x 11.75″ H | 14.75 lbs
- Price (at time of publishing): 79.99
- Care: Lid & enamel slow cooker insert are dishwasher-safe
Hamilton Beach upholds strict safety standards – and has for 113 years now. Here’s what they say about their crock pots and lead:
“Hamilton Beach specifications applicable to all slow cookers (and their components) prohibits the product from containing any measurable amounts of lead.”
This slow cooker from Hamilton Beach offers significant advancements over its manual version. Sure, it provides safety and automation, but it’s an absolute game-changer for meat…
We can thank its Probe setting, which separates this crock from the rest. With the Probe, you can set a roast to cook until it reaches a precise internal temperature rather than a time limit.
Here’s how it works:
Slide the probe into your roast and tap the crock’s Probe setting. (Fits up to a 6 lb chicken or 4 lb roast.)
Then, set your desired temperature using the digital display. If you want medium-rare, set the crock to 130-140℉. This thing cooks the roast to perfection by itself. And once the meat reaches its goal temperature, the unit switches to Keep Warm for up to 14 hours.
So, instead of manually tracking your crock, you can set it before work and arrive home to a perfectly-cooked meat dish.
For other dishes besides meat, use the convenient Program and Manual settings for any cooking job.
Highlights:
- Metal utensil-safe. Microwave & oven/ heat-safe crock pot insert (up to 500℉). Also, refrigerator-safe for storing leftovers without extra containers.
- Locking tempered glass lid with airtight silicone gasket to prevent leaks.
- Digital display shows temperature & cooking time for easy tracking.
- Program setting: Set your food to cook at low, med, or high for up to 12 hours. Use the Up & Down arrows to adjust time in 30-minute increments.
- Manual setting: Your classic, non-programmable High, Low, & Warm settings.
- Probe setting: Cook meats to an exact desired temperature for consistent results. No more under or over-cooking.
- Automatically switches to Keep Warm for up to 14 hours (Probe & Program settings only) – perfect for when you’re not home.
- Auto shut-off after Keep Warm times out.
- Power interrupt technology: Keeps the slow cooker going after brief power outages (5 seconds or less) without resetting.
- Stay-cool handles for comfortable lifting & carrying.
- 1-year warranty.
Drawbacks:
- Small hole in the lid where the probe slides through; it can leak during transport if you’re not careful.
- I’ve found that the bottom of this cooker is a bit rough & may scratch certain countertops. Put a towel underneath to prevent this scenario.
- Ceramic insert can break – let it cool before cleaning.
- Heavy
Want to buy somewhere else? Get the programmable temperature probe slow cooker direct from Hamilton Beach (slightly different design).
#3
- Manual
- Lead-free, removable ceramic pot; oval
- 7-quart (28-cup) capacity — serves 7-9 people
- 16.8” L x 11.8” W x 10.3” H | 12.5 lbs
- Price (at time of publishing): $39.99
- Care: Lid & crock pot’s ceramic insert are dishwasher-safe
Don’t want all those fancy settings? Sometimes you just want a simple, reliable slow cooker instead. One that’s free from breakable controls and doesn’t cost a fortune.
That’s where this non-toxic crock pot comes in. It’s the manual version of Crock-Pot’s Cook & Carry above (#1), offering all the same quality and safety.
Here’s how it works:
Using the control knob, choose from Low, High, or Warm. Low and High both cook at 215℉ but cycle heat differently. (High cooks faster; low cooks slower and tenderizes meat better.)
Then, use the Warm setting (165-170℉) to keep food hot until dinner is served. Warm also doubles as a buffet-style serving mode.
Simple. Effective. And inexpensive.
There are also plenty of size options! The Cook & Carry (#1) is available in only three sizes: 6, 7, and 8-quart.
Yet, Crock-Pot offers this model in 3-quart, 4-quart, 7-quart, and 8-quart versions. You can also choose from several color options, including black, charcoal, and turquoise exteriors.
Highlights:
- Very affordable.
- Metal utensil-safe. Microwave & oven/ heat-safe up to 400℉. Refrigerator-safe for easy leftover storage.
- Tempered glass lid with a cool-touch loop handle.
- Simple Low, High, Warm, & Off settings – less that can break down the road.
- Stay-cool handles for comfortable transport.
- Non-slip base to prevent accidental slipping on your counter.
- 1-year warranty.
Drawbacks:
- It’s a manual slow cooker, so there is no timer delay, auto keep-warm, or auto shut-off.
- No lid locks.
- Ceramic insert can break – let it cool before cleaning.
- Heavy.
#4
- Manual
- Lead-free, removable ceramic pot; oval
- 10-quart (40-cup) capacity — serves 9+ people
- Measures 15.75” L x 12.5” W x 11.5″ H | 15.66 lbs
- Price (at time of publishing): $89.99
- Care: Lid & slow cooker’s stoneware insert are dishwasher-safe
We already know Hamilton Beach crock pots are lead-free. No concerns there.
But what if you need to feed a crowd? With Hamilton Beach’s XL crock pot, you can slow-cook entire chickens, turkeys, and large 12 lb roasts.
Got a big sack of vegetables to cook too? Don’t dirty up another pot. Instead, dump everything in with your roast – it’ll fit.
Plus, the handles and locking lid make it easy to bring food to gatherings… Without spilling in your car.
Unlike Hamilton Beach’s Temperature Probe model (#2), these simple, standard controls have no learning curve. With the twist of a knob, choose High, Low, Warm, or Off.
Fewer settings also mean fewer chances to break. So, while the Probe model offers more automation and precision, Hamilton’s XL cooker is more resilient. Yet, lower cost.
Plus, the 10-quart size is more versatile:
For example, you can always prepare smaller portions in a large pot for fewer people. Yet for large gatherings, the 10-quart model makes food prep more manageable.
Highlights:
- Metal utensil-safe. Microwave & oven/ heat-safe up to 500℉. You can remove the pot from the base & stick leftovers right in your fridge (if it fits).
- Locking tempered glass lid with a cool-touch knob. A silicone seal prevents scalding hot spills during transport.
- Four controls: Off, Low, High, & Warm. Simple, cheaper, & longer-lasting than programmable slow cookers.
- Extra-large 10-quart capacity for large families or gatherings.
- Stay-cool handles for comfortable transport to potlucks.
- 1-year warranty.
Drawbacks:
- It’s manual, so there is no timer delay, auto keep-warm, or auto shut-off.
- The large pot might be harder to travel with or fit in your sink/ dishwasher to clean.
- Ceramic insert can break – let it cool before cleaning.
- Heavy.
Want to buy somewhere else? Grab this manual XL crock pot direct from Hamilton Beach.
Best Stainless Steel Crock Pot
#5
- Programmable
- Removable 18/8 stainless steel insert with conductive tri-ply bottom; round
- 6-quart (24-cup) capacity— serves 5-7 people
- Measures 13.4” x 12.2” x 12.5” | 12.3 lbs
- Price (at time of publishing): $129.95
- Care: Lid & stainless steel crock pot insert are dishwasher-safe
Although not a “slow cooker,” the Duo Plus multi-use pressure cooker has a slow cooking mode, among 14 others.
It’s also fitted with a non-ceramic crock pot insert, using an 18/8 stainless steel pot and inner lid instead. This means top-notch safety and easier, lighter-weight maneuvering.
Duo Plus has the same programs as our previously featured model – the Instant Pot Nova. These settings include Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Rice, Bean/ Grain, Steam, Saute (also used to boil water or sear), and Yogurt, to name only a few.
However, Duo Plus offers several new features, including Cake, Egg, and Sous Vide! And it couldn’t be easier to use:
Using the touchpad, select your mode and press Start. This unit’s microprocessor takes over, monitoring your food and making necessary cooking adjustments itself. A Cooking Progress bar shows your food’s status in its chosen setting (also new to the Plus)!
Want to prep ingredients Sunday night, head to work in the morning, and then come home to a fresh meal?
Use the Timer Delay to set starting time up to 24 hours in advance. Once your food finishes, the cooker switches to Keep Warm for up to 10 hours. After that, it shuts down for safety. Take that, Monday!
You can use this cooker manually, as well. Turn it on and adjust the pressure level, temperature, and cooking time using the + or – buttons. Then hit Start. You can use the Keep Warm setting by itself, too. Set it from 30 minutes to 10 hours.
Also available in 3-quart and 8-quart sizes. If you want even more control, check out the Pro and Pro Plus models for more advanced cook settings and smartphone integration!
Highlights:
- Blazing fast cooking speeds (see above image).
- One-touch cooking with 15 automated programs can replace up to nine appliances: A pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, saute pan, sterilizer, & food warmer – all that in one device.
- Metal utensils, fridge & freezer-safe insert.
- Twist-lock lid with improved steam-release switch (resets when lid closes) & airtight silicone seal to prevent leaks. Extra sealing ring included.
- Digital LCD shows your selected settings & time/ temp/ pressure inputs.
- 24-hour timer delay.
- A microprocessor monitors food & adjusts pressure, heat, & time to cook your meal perfectly as you relax.
- Ten innovative, UL-certified safety features for peace of mind: A Steam-release Button, Auto-locking Lid, Lid Position Detection (cooker won’t start if the lid isn’t applied right), Overheat Protection, Leaky Lid Protection, Auto Shut-Off & more.
- Includes free Instant Pot recipe App (800+ dishes).
- 1-year warranty.
Drawbacks:
- Pressure cooking has a slight learning curve (need to get water levels right for proper pressure).
- The steel insert is not microwave-safe.
- Some complaints of slow preheating (this may be due to receiving faulty units).
- Vague instructions for the Sous Vide setting. Search YouTube for demonstrations of using this setting.
Want to buy somewhere else? Get the Duo Plus direct from Instant Pot.
Best (& Safest) Non-Stick Slow Cooker
#6
- Programmable
- Removable PFAS-free non-stick ceramic pot; round
- 5.3-quarts (21.2-cup) capacity; round — serves 4-6 people
- Measures 14.3” L x 9.8” W x 14.6” H | 9.8 lbs
- Price (at time of publishing): $129.99
- Care: Hand-wash the lid & pot with hot, soapy water
Calphalon’s programmable slow cooker combines the safety of stainless steel with the lightweight, non-stick ease of Teflon.
That’s because this crock uses a ceramic-coated aluminum insert! Ceramic coatings ensure effortless cleaning, and aluminum provides unmatched even heating. Yet, it’s 100% Teflon-free (no lead, PFOA, PTFE, PFAS, etc.)!
Also, this isn’t just a slow cooker insert… Calphalon designed it to double as a multi-purpose one-pot cooking tool for maximum flavor.
For example, you can easily braise meals without the oven— Simply remove the insert and place it on your stovetop to brown or sear meat, then return to the base to slow cook!
Using the twist-dial selector, choose from classic Low, High, and Warm heat settings. Use each function manually (no set time limit), or use the programmable controls to select an automated cook time.
For automation, select your heat setting, then use the + or – buttons to adjust the cooking time. You can set times from 15 minutes to 20 hours in 15-minute increments. One button click = 15 minutes.
Once the unit reaches your set time, it automatically switches to Warm mode!
Highlights:
- Non-stick ease without unhealthy Teflon chemicals.
- Calphalon claims this coating is 11x more durable & heats 20% more evenly than standard non-stick options.
- Heats faster/ more evenly than solid ceramic & stainless steel crock pot inserts— also much easier to clean & lighter weight.
- Complete stovetop versatility: Use the insert for exceptional stovetop searing & browning. The insert comes with a steel base for gas, electric, & induction stove compatibility.
- Simple turn dial selector with three modes: Low, Warm, & High; LED lights help you identify your current setting.
- Automatic Keep-Warm after the set cooking time is reached. You can switch to Warm manually while not using the timer function.
- Tempered glass lid with airtight silicone seal.
- 3-year warranty.
Drawbacks:
- Slight learning curve (need to get water levels right for proper pressure cooking).
- The steel insert is not microwave-safe.
- Vague instructions for the Sous Vide setting. Search YouTube for demonstrations of using this setting.
- Round cooking inserts limit what shape goes inside (i.e., long, rectangular roasts fit easier in oval pots).
Top Unglazed Clay Non-Toxic Slow Cooker
#7
- Programmable
- Removable, unglazed non-toxic clay insert; round
- 4.2-quart (16.8-cup) capacity — serves 3-4 people
- Measures 12” L x 17.25” W x 13.5” H | 9.8 lbs
- Price (at time of publishing): $208
- Care: Hand-wash clay with hot, soapy water then dry promptly
Vitaclay’s unique slow cooker uses an unglazed Zisha clay inner pot – naturally free of lead and other toxic metals. A US-based lab test confirmed this, showing “None detected” for lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury.
Now, Vitaclay’s primary specialty is rice cooking. The same goes for our featured VM7900 multi-cooker. However, with seven programmable settings, it’s far more capable than VitaClay’s other models, like the VF7700.
And yet, it’s so simple to use. Here’s how:
Once plugged in, select your cook mode. For rice, press the Rice Cooking button. The screen cycles through the White Rice, Brown Rice, Sweet Rice, and Reheat settings with each button press.
Or, press the Slow Cooking button to filter through its low and slow modes: Stew, Soup, or Yogurt.
The VM7900 takes over from there, perfectly cooking your meal of choice. Once finished, the unit switches to Keep Warm automatically for up to 12 hours. You can also manually extend the preset cook times up to 12 additional hours.
Is Monday morning fast approaching?
Use the Delay function to prepare dinner the evening prior! Simply add your ingredients, select your program, and press the Delay button. Then, use the Hour and Minute buttons to set the *delay length (*hours/ minutes to pass until the unit turns on)…
After that, press Start, and that’s it! The unit turns on after your set delay, cooks while you’re out, then switches to Keep Warm. When you come home, a hot meal awaits!
This 4.2-quart multi-cooker also makes set-and-forget side dishes easy while you cook on your stovetop. For a larger capacity pot, check out Vitaclay’s 6-quart VM7800.
Highlights:
- Metal utensil safe pot. Also microwave, oven, & refrigerator-safe.
- Better flavor & faster cooking: Zisha clay retains & disperses heat evenly into food. Also, its porosity improves moisture circulation, bathing food in trapped steam & moisture for 50% faster cook times.
- Natural non-stick seasoning layer that builds over time, rather than degrades – like cast iron. No harmful chemicals, no coatings that peel, & no risk of aluminum or nickel leaching.
- Seven programmable functions: White Rice (also great for quinoa), Brown Rice (whole grain & wild rice too), Sweet Rice (includes sticky rice), Reheat (can also use to steam veggies), Stew, Soup, & Yogurt.
- Adjustable Timer Delay function: Delay the start time in 10-minute increments up to 12 hours.
- Cook time adjusts automatically based on the amount of food. For example, less rice = less time.
- Automatically switches to Keep Warm once your food finishes. Unless stopped manually, the Keep Warm mode shuts off after 12 hours for safety.
- LCD shows the cook mode & Delay Start time.
- 1-year warranty.
Drawbacks:
- Not dishwasher-safe (it’ll ruin the seasoning layer).
- No pot handles.
- Can break if dropped or exposed to rapid temperature changes.
- Pricey – Check out Vitaclay’s VM7800 for a comparable yet slightly cheaper model.
Conclusion
By now, you should have a thorough understanding of lead-free slow cookers. You know how to find them and what to avoid.
Plus, you discovered the seven top non-toxic slow cookers available.
Choose any from the list, or take the tips you read earlier with you as you shop around.
Happy slow cookin’!
P.S. Non-toxic slow cookers are worthless if you serve that fresh meal on the wrong dinner plate…
So, check out our guide on the safest dinnerware. You’ll see what to avoid, then discover the six best lead-free plates.
Hi there! I'm Adam, author and founder of TGL. Since 2016, I've produced and sold non-toxic kitchenware throughout the US. Today, I'm using my passion and experience in sustainable product manufacturing to help families avoid unsafe reusable foodware. When I'm not writing, you'll find me hiking or camping throughout Appalachia!
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