The Low-Tox Guide to Choosing a Safer Slow Cooker

There’s nothing like the convenience of a slow cooker – throw in your ingredients, set, and forget. But here’s the dirty little secret: not all slow cookers are as innocent as they seem. Many are quietly serving up a side of hidden toxins along with your dinner. So, let’s lift the lid (literally) and talk about what’s really cooking in your kitchen.

What's Hiding in Your Slow Cooker?

When it comes to slow cookers, there are a few common offenders that can leach nasties into your meals over time:

Lead: Found in the glaze of some ceramic inserts. Lead can leach into food, especially with acidic recipes or long cook times. There is no safe level of lead exposure, as it builds up in the body and harms the brain, nervous system, and more.

Cadmium: Used to colour some ceramic glazes (especially bright reds and oranges). Cadmium is toxic to kidneys and bones and can increase cancer risk when ingested.

PFOA & PFAS: Synthetic chemicals used in older non-stick coatings. Known as "forever chemicals," they don't break down easily and have been linked to hormone disruption, immune system issues, and increased cancer risk.

PTFE (aka Teflon): Found in non-stick coatings. While stable at low temps, if scratched or overheated, PTFE can release harmful fumes.

Nickel (from stainless steel): Stainless steel contains nickel, which can leach during long cooks or with acidic foods. Generally safe for most people, but can be an issue for those with nickel sensitivity.

Plastic components: Poor quality plastic lids or housing may off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when heated.

What to Look for When Choosing a Low-Tox Slow Cooker

Before you hit “add to cart,” keep these tips in mind:

1. Stainless steel bowls are a great option because they’re free from toxic glazes and chemical coatings, and they’re super durable.

2. If purchasing ceramic, make sure the brand guarantees no lead or cadmium in the glaze – especially for coloured inserts.

3. Avoid non-stick coatings like PTFE or Teflon, as they can release harmful fumes if scratched or overheated.

4. Choose a cooker with good temperature control to avoid overheating, which can increase chemical leaching.

5. Look for brands with replaceable parts, like seals and lids, to extend the life of your appliance and reduce waste.

   
   
   
   

Ceramic vs Stainless Steel inserts?

When it comes to choosing between ceramic and stainless steel inserts for your slow cooker, stainless steel comes out on top for both safety and durability. While ceramic slow cookers can seem like a natural choice, the hidden risk lies in the glaze. Even if a ceramic insert is labelled "lead-free" or "cadmium-free," surface scratches, cracks, or prolonged acidic cooking can cause the protective glaze to wear down, exposing the underlying materials and increasing the risk of heavy metals leaching into your food over time. And unfortunately, there’s no way to visually detect when this starts to happen.

On the other hand, stainless steel avoids this risk altogether. It’s non-porous, free from glazes and coatings, and designed for long-term use. While it’s true that stainless steel contains nickel, and trace amounts can migrate into food (particularly with acidic dishes or long cook times), multiple studies, including one published in Food Additives & Contaminants (2007), have found that the amount of nickel released is extremely low — typically less than what’s naturally present in many common foods like nuts, chocolate, or even leafy greens. For most people, this amount is not a concern, especially when weighed against the risks of heavy metals leaching from damaged ceramic glazes. Unless you have a known nickel sensitivity, stainless steel is one of the safest, most reliable choices for everyday cooking, and it also offers the bonus of longevity, withstanding decades of use without compromising safety.

My Top Low-Tox Slow Cooker Picks (With Pros & Cons!)

Here’s your quick-reference cheat sheet of the best options I’ve researched:

VitaClay Smart Organic Multicooker

Pros:

• Pure, natural unglazed clay (lead + cadmium free)

• Naturally mineral-enhancing cooking

• Cooks 2–3x faster than traditional slow cookers

Cons:

• Needs careful handling (no thermal shock)

• Not as "set and forget" as other models

Best for: Natural material purists + flavour lovers

Instant Pot

Pros:

• Stainless steel insert, no coatings

• Multi-functional (slow cook, pressure, sauté, steam + more)

• Affordable, easy to find, lots of spare parts & accessories

Cons:

• Slight nickel leaching (normal for stainless steel)

• Slow cook function runs hotter than traditional slow cookers

Best for: Busy mums wanting versatility + safer materials

Buffalo Smart Cooker

Pros:

• Premium surgical-grade stainless steel (no coatings)

• Super durable + long lifespan

• Great for rice, steaming, and manual slow cooking

Cons:

• No dedicated "slow cook" button (manual settings needed)

• Higher price point

Best for: Luxe kitchens + long-term investment

GreenPan Multi Cooker

Pros:

• Ceramic non-stick coating (Thermolon), no PFAS, PFOA, lead, or cadmium

• Sleek design, multi-functional cooking

• Safer non-stick option

Cons:

• Coating can wear over time (avoid metal utensils)

• Needs gentle care to stay non-toxic

Best for: Non-stick fans wanting safer swaps

Cuisinart 3-in-1 Multicooker

Pros:

• Stainless steel insert, no coatings

• Simple, reliable, multi-functional

• Well-built and accessible

Cons:

• Less premium than Buffalo or Instant Pot

• Fewer accessories

Best for: No-fuss, safer slow cooking

Baccarat Smart Chef Multi Cooker

Pros:

• Stainless steel insert, no coatings

• Budget-friendly, multi-functional

Cons:

• Basic build quality, fewer spare parts

• Not as durable long-term

Best for: Affordable entry point for low-tox swaps

Final Thoughts

Your slow cooker should make mealtimes easier, not serve up a side of hidden toxins. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen or just getting started on your low-tox journey, these tips and top picks will help you make an informed choice you can feel good about.