On the hunt for the best thermal cooker to help you save time time and energy on cooking? Choosing the right model can be tricky. Here you will find what I consider the best thermal cookers to suit your needs and budget.
Related post: What is a Thermal Cooker and Why it is a Kitchen Must-Have
Table of Contents
- What To Look For In A Thermal Cooker
- Thermal Cookers Under $70
- Thermal Cookers Under $120
- Thermal Cookers Under $150
- Thermal Cookers Under $180
- Thermal Cookers Above $200
What To Look For In A Thermal Cooker
These are the top 4 things to consider when buying a thermal cooker:
1. Insulation Method
Vacuum insulation trumps foam insulation. On average, foam insulation method loses heat at around 6 – 8 degrees per hour whereas vacuum insulation releases 3 – 4 degrees per hour. Vacuum insulated thermal cookers are also totally sealed against potential molds and bacteria.
2. Size
When it comes to thermal cookers, bigger does not mean better. This is a very important factor when choosing a suitable thermal cooker as it works on the principle of cooking with retained heat inside an insulated container. The fuller the inner pot is with food and liquid, the more heat is trapped and you’ll achieve better results with the cooker. Choose a pot size that is just right to hold what you would usually cook.
3. Number of inner pots
Are you wanting to cook two dishes at the same time? Then a thermal cooker that has a second inner pan would be a great choice. Note that not all thermal cookers come with a second inner pan. If you’re only using 1 pan to cook, fill the other pan with hot boiling water to maintain a hot temperature for the longest time possible.
4. Budget
Vacuum insulated thermal cookers are more expensive compared to foam insulated ones. However, foam insulated thermal cookers have also gotten good reviews from many verified buyers in Amazon. Established brands such as Thermos and Tiger will cost more but with good reason.
Thermal Cookers Under $70
Tayama TXM-50CF Energy-Saving Thermal Cooker
Capacity: 5L
Insulation Type: Foam
Price: $42.88
Where To Buy: Amazon
Pros: Easy to use and clean. Great value for the money.
Cons: Label on the outer pot is hard to remove.
Induction Compatible: Yes
My overall opinion: If you’re looking for an affordable and efficient thermal cooker, look no further than the Tayama TXM-50CF. It is one of the best thermal cookers in this category that won’t break your bank. Makes stew, soup, porridge, broth and more while saving time and 80% of electricity and gas. For users who plan to experiment, the Tayama is also great for making yogurt. It is a suitable size for a family of 3 to 5.
>> Click here to read more reviews about Tayama TXM-50CF in Amazon <<<
Wonderbag Non-Electric Portable Slow Cooker with Recipe Cookbook
Capacity: Depends on the pot’s size (pot is not included). Use the right pot size according to the meal you cook.
Insulation Type: Cloth fabric and repurposed foam chips.
Price: $69.99
Where To Buy: Amazon
Pros: Great for slow cooking. Keeps food simmering at low temperature.
Cons: Bulky and takes up a lot of space when not in use. Hard to clean.
My overall opinion: To be honest, this is not a thermal cooker that I would personally use. My biggest gripe is its large size as I have limited storage space in my kitchen. It is not a typical thermal cooker but an insulated bag that slow cooks and keeps food warm. It works best with an enameled cast iron pot with short handles and you have to use a right-sized pot for the best results. Still, the reviews by those who bought the Wonderbag are mostly favorable. The biggest plus point for me is that for every Wonderbag purchased in the US, one is donated to a family in need in Africa.
Thermal Cookers Under $120
1. Thermos Shuttle Chef 1.6L Apricot KBF-1600
Capacity: 1.6 L
Insulation Type: Vacuum
Price: $85.01
Where To Buy: Amazon
Pros: Compact yet sufficient to cook for 2 – 3 persons. Also available in pink, off-white and more.
Cons: Inner pot lid is stainless steel and not glass so you can’t see the contents while cooking. Outer pot lid does not screw down.
Induction Compatible: Yes
My overall opinion: This Thermos Shuttle Chef 1.6L is so cute, I just want one in my kitchen whether I use it or not. But seriously, it is an efficient little cooker that will not take up much space in your kitchen. Obviously, you will not be able to cook a big amount of food in this Shuttle Chef 1.6L but the small size is perfect for making breakfast, side dishes, dessert or meals for 2-3 persons. And because of its small size, it can also double up as a rice cooker for small families. Food stays warm up to 6 hours. It is also available in a wide range of colors so you will likely be able to find one that suits your kitchen.
>>> Click here to read more reviews about Thermos 1.6L Apricot KBF-1600 in Amazon <<<
2. Saratoga Jacks 5.5L Thermal Cooker
Capacity: 5.5 L
Insulation Type: Foam
Price: $119.00
Where to buy: Amazon
Pros: Includes a second 2L inner pot for the option of cooking a side dish.
Cons: Flat handle of the inner 5.5 L pot may be uncomfortable to hold. The smaller nesting inner pot does not have a triple layer bottom.
Induction Compatible: Yes (only for the larger pot)
My overall opinion: If you want a thermal cooker that is ideal for travelling, the Saratoga Jacks 5.5L Thermal Cooker is for you. Its outer container locks in place making it great for travelling, vacations, camping, potluck and outdoor cooking. As long as the cooker does not tip over and is not jostled excessively, even soup can be transported without too much mess inside the cooker and none on the outside. This is also true for the Saratoga Jacks 7L Thermal Cooker. A big plus for me is the double inner pots which will offer greater flexibility in cooking. Some users love this cooker so much that they bought both sizes. This cooker is wonderful for making stews, soups, yogurt and any food with lots of liquid. On top of that, food that can be cooked in a slow cooker can also be done in this cooker with slight modifications.
>>> Click here to read more reviews about Saratoga Jacks 5.5L Thermal Cooker in Amazon <<<
Thermal Cookers Under $150
1. Saratoga Jacks 7L Thermal Cooker
Insulation Type: Foam
Price: $129.00
Where To Buy: Amazon
Pros: Comes with 2 inner pots (7L and 2.5L), good heat retention, cooks everything well including beans. Both inner pots have a triple layer bottom.
Cons: Flat handle of the inner 7 L pot may be uncomfortable to hold.
Induction compatible: Yes
My overall opinion: Users have asked about the difference between this Saratoga Jacks 7L Thermal Cooker and the smaller Saratoga Jacks 5.5L Thermal Cooker as the price difference is not much. For many, this is where size is the deal breaker. There are two school of thoughts for this. For smaller families or if you don’t intend to cook a lot of food, the Saratoga Jacks 5.5L Thermal Cooker would be better to keep small portions of food hot longer as thermal cookers work best when they are adequately filled. On the other hand, if plan to get the bigger Saratoga Jacks 7L Thermal Cooker, cook small amount of food in the smaller pot and fill the bigger one with enough boiling water. Or vice versa. Put food in the large pot and fill the smaller pot with boiling water to retain as much heat as possible. An added advantage of the bigger cooker is it has thick bottoms for both inner pots and for some, it is easier to open and close.
>>> Click here to read more reviews about Saratoga Jacks 7L Thermal Cooker in Amazon <<<
2. TIGER NFH-G450 Thermal Slow Cooker
Capacity: 4.75qts / 4.5L
Insulation Type: Vacuum
Price: $136.99
Where To Buy: Amazon
Pros: Cooks efficiently, both the inner and outer pots are washable.
Cons: A few users complained that the metal discolored after several uses
Induction Compatible: Yes
My overall opinion: TIGER NFH-G450 is a sturdy and well made thermal cooker that cooks efficiently and is easy to use and clean. If you have tried TIGER’s products before, you won’t be disappointed with this cooker. The size is suitable for 3 to 5 people and small to medium sized families. Good results for cooking soup, beans, potatoes, porridge, steel-cut oats and more. The vibrant red color will definitely add a pop of color in your kitchen and if you prefer, it is also available in silver.
>>> Click here to read more reviews about TIGER NFH-G450 Thermal Cooker in Amazon <<<
Thermal Cookers Under $180
1. Thermos CC-4500P Thermal Cookware and Carry
Capacity: 4.5L
Insulation Type: Vacuum
Price: $179.99
Where To Buy: Amazon
Pros: Lid locks tightly for safe transportation, thick inner pot
Cons: It only has a single inner pot
Induction Compatible: Yes
My overall opinion: The Thermos CC-4500P is a great addition to your kitchen and even more so if you need to take food out for yourself or for others. It is lightweight yet sturdy and highly portable. It also has double wall vacuum insulation to preserve heat and flavor for hours, making it very handy for get-togethers, potlucks and emergency preparedness. Not only does this cooker save energy, it doesn’t heat up the kitchen and delivers a great meal with minimal effort. All in all, it is highly durable, efficient and easy to cook and clean.
>>> Click here to read more reviews about Thermos CC-4500P in Amazon <<<
2. Thermos Shuttle Chef RPC-4500 4.5L
Capacity: 4.75qts / 4.5L,
Insulation Type: Vacuum
Price: $170.00
Where To Buy: Amazon
Pros: Good quality inner pots with solid construction, quick to heat up
Cons: Only one inner pot
Induction Compatible: Yes
My overall opinion: With a history that dates back more than 110 years ago, Thermos is one of the most popular names for quality insulated food and beverage products. This Thermos RPC-4500 4.5L uses the same technology as the famous ‘Thermos flask. The thermal cooker is vacuum insulated for long lasting heat or cold retention. I like that the inner pot is thick and induction stove top ready. The bail handle will lock lid down securely for easy transport. Meats get tender without disintegrating while vegetables that have been cooked for hours maintain their shape, color, texture and most importantly taste. Although it is on the expensive side, many users are pleased with this cooker and it is money well spent.
>>> Click here to read more reviews about Thermos RPC-4500 4.5L in Amazon <<<
Thermal Cookers Above $200
1. Tiger NFI-A800 Vacuum Insulated Non-Electric Thermal Cooker
Capacity: 8L
Insulation Type: Vacuum
Price: $219.99
Where To Buy: Amazon
Pros: Good size for large families, washable inner and outer pots, easy to clean, cooks and retains heat well
Cons: Pricey
Induction Compatible: Yes
My overall opinion: At this price, I would expect the Tiger NFI-A800 Thermal Cooker to come with a second inner pot but unfortunately, it does not. However, many users are happy with this cooker and how it turns out delicious soups, stews, chili, stock, etc. It is a good quality product and I would not expect anything less from TIGER as I personally use their thermal cooker (review here) in my kitchen. In households where making soup is almost a daily affair, this large cooker is a good investment for bigger families.
>>> Click here to read more reviews about Tiger NFI-A800 Thermal Cooker in Amazon <<<
2. Thermos 6.0L RPC-6000
Capacity: 6L
Insulation Type: Vacuum
Price: $229.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Pros: Comes with 2 stainless steel 3L inner pots, good construction and high quality, food stays hot for up to 8 hours
Cons: Pricey
Induction Compatible: Yes
My overall opinion: If you are not on a budget, consider this Thermos 6.0L RPC-6000 with 2 stainless steel inner pots. Although there are other more affordable cookers with 2 inner pots, what I like about this cooker is its inner pots have carbon steel plates sandwiched into the heavy stainless steel bases. They’re also of the same sizes so cooking food of similar quantities will be a breeze. If you’re always on the move or live off-the-grid, this would be an ideal cooker. Besides their exceptional vacuum insulation that will keep food hot for the longest length of time, Thermos saucepans also have the heaviest base so they will last you a long time. For those that want the absolute best when it comes to thermal cookers and are willing to pay for it, look no further than the Thermos 6.0L RPC-6000.
>>> Click here to read more reviews about Thermos 6.0L RPC-6000 in Amazon <<<
Conclusion
Ultimately, all thermal cookers are a great device to help you save on time and energy. It is a useful cooking device for busy couples and individuals to the elderly, families with children, those who live in remote areas with erratic electricity supply and just about anyone who does outdoor cooking. However, there isn’t a single thermal cooker that is a perfect fit for everyone. What is important is choosing the cooker that best suits your needs and budget. Hopefully, this article will help you to narrow down which model to consider. Happy thermal cooking!
–>> See all other thermal cookers on Amazon. <<–
I think you could really add some value to your review by indicating which inner pots are compatible with induction cook tops. Unless I’m mistaken, tiger is and thermos isn’t. Sort of important to know if your range is induction.
Hi Chloe, thanks for your valuable feedback. The review did indicate whether the inner pots were induction stove top compatible but perhaps they were not very obvious. I’ve now moved it up and placed it under the ‘pros and cons’. Hopefully, they’re more prominent now. By the way, Thermos thermal cookers are compatible with induction cookers. Thanks for writing in. 🙂
I personally like the Tayama TXM simply because the price is in my budget. I see that this is a 5 L thermal cooker. Will this be a good size to feel a family of 2 to 3 and still have left overs? As you know, I am ready to buy and was hoping this one would be big enough, because I love the price 🙂
Hi Leahrae,
It depends on what you’re making and the quantity each person consumes. For myself, I am using a 5.2 L thermal cooker (I have a family of 2 adults with 3 kids) and we always have leftovers when I cook dishes like curries and stews. For soup, I prefer to finish it on the same day. I find that a 5 L cooker is adequate for 2 to 3 people. But if you like bigger cookers, the Tayama TXM also comes in a larger 7 qt size.
I have been considering investing in a thermal cooker for a while now, so this post was really informative and helped with my product research. You have been very thorough without giving more information than needed!
Also, thank you for the “bigger doesn’t mean better” tip. I honestly probably would have ended up buying a giant one that I didn’t really need if it weren’t for that helpful hint.
Hi Britanney,
I’m glad you found that tip useful. I wish that I knew about this too before I bought my first thermal cooker. Anyways, a thermal cooker is a wonderful investment and if I have more space in my kitchen, I would not hesitate to get another one! 🙂