Updated: 3:50 PM EST Feb 1, 2021 Danielle St. Pierre Senior Food & Drink Editor Versatile and easy-to-use slow cookers are pretty much a gift from the culinary gods. Whether you're a busy parent who cooks for the whole family or you're constantly on the go and don't have time to meal prep during the week (who does?!), these multitasking kitchen appliances are here to back you up. For some quick background: Slow cookers gently simmer and cook your food low and slow over the course of the day, so you can spend just minutes preparing a meal that tastes like you've been in the kitchen for hours. And don't worry, it's completely safe to leave them on while you're gone (although there are a