Before You Buy the Kmart 6.5L Slow Cooker: A Busy Mom's Honest Review

Is the $45 Kmart Slow Cooker Actually Worth It? A Busy Mom's Honest Review

If you live in Australia and you're a mom, you're probably no stranger to the aisles of Kmart. I don’t know what magic they work behind the scenes, but whenever I'm hesitant to splurge on something I might only use occasionally, they somehow have the perfect budget-friendly option waiting to jump into my cart.

Which brings me to today's review: their 6.5-litre slow cooker.

Scrolling through Instagram, I've been bombarded with endless videos claiming slow cookers are life-changing. As a perpetually time-starved parent, I was intrigued. With my French culinary background, I crave deep, rich flavours, and as a busy mum, anything that lets me toss ingredients in and walk away while dinner makes itself sounds like heaven. But is the budget Kmart version any good?

The Short Answer: After six months of using it relentlessly (at least twice a week!), my verdict is in. This isn't just a good slow cooker for the price; it's a genuinely great appliance, period. It has completely revolutionised our weeknight dinner routine.

What Exactly Is a Slow Cooker?

For those who aren't familiar, a slow cooker (often called a crock pot) is a countertop appliance that cooks food at a low, gentle temperature over several hours. This process develops beautiful, deep flavours and can make even the toughest cuts of meat incredibly tender. It's a lifesaver for busy people because you can prepare everything in the morning, set it, and come home to a perfectly cooked meal in the evening.

My Experience: A 6-Month Kmart Slow Cooker Road Test

Priced at just $45 AUD, my expectations were managed. I was admittedly skeptical, half-expecting it to conk out after a few weeks. But six months later, it's still performing flawlessly.

The interface couldn't be simpler—just a single dial to choose between Low (8 hours), High (4 hours), or Keep Warm. That’s it. It's so foolproof that even in my most sleep-deprived, zombie-parent state, I can still throw together a delicious meal.

My go-to recipe has been a rich, slow-simmered bolognese that turns out divine every single time. (I'll be sharing the full, easy recipe for that on the blog soon!) And the cleanup? It’s ridiculously simple.

What I Genuinely Love (The Pros)

• ✓ Incredibly Simple: There are no confusing buttons or digital menus. Just one dial that does exactly what you need it to do. It’s impossible to mess up.
• ✓ High-Quality Ceramic Pot: The internal pot is heavy, sturdy ceramic that distributes heat beautifully and evenly. It feels much more expensive than it is.
• ✓ Easy to Clean: The ceramic pot and glass lid are both removable and can go straight into the dishwasher. No scrubbing required.
• ✓ The 'Keep Warm' Function: This is a brilliant feature. Once the cooking time is up, it automatically switches to a 'keep warm' setting, so dinner stays at the perfect temperature until you're actually ready to serve.
• ✓ Clear Timer Display: A simple light indicates which setting is active, so there’s no guesswork.

The Downsides: Who Is This Slow Cooker NOT For?

A truly honest review also mentions the limitations. This cooker is not for everyone.

• If you're a chef who wants precise temperature controls for things like sous-vide, this isn't for you.
• If you want advanced features like a delayed-start timer or a "sear" function built-in, you'll need to look at a more expensive model.
• If you need to cook for more than 6-8 people regularly, the 6.5L capacity might be a bit tight.

Its beauty is its simplicity. It does one job, and it does that job perfectly.

The Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

Yes, absolutely. For our constantly-on-the-go family, this humble Kmart slow cooker has been nothing short of transformative. It has removed the stress from those frantic weekday evenings and allowed us to enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals without the chaos. For $45, the value is simply unbeatable.

Find it Online: Kmart 6.5 Litre Slow Cooker - $45

Your Questions Answered

Did you pay for it? Yes, with my own hard-earned money. This isn't a sponsored post—just a mom sharing what genuinely works for her family kitchen.

How long have you had it? As mentioned, it's been six months of regular use (twice a week) and it's still going strong.

Is it noisy? Not at all! It's whisper-quiet. You barely notice it's on, which is perfect when you're working from home or have little ones napping.

Would you recommend it to friends? 100% yes. I already have!