What walks like a cooler and talks like a slow cooker? The Presto Nomad looks like a toy, but it might just be the best slow cooker I've ever tried.
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As much as I love food, cooking on weekdays is perhaps my most dreaded chore. That’s why I lean heavily on appliances like my all-in-one oven. My favorite meal-making method is simple: chuck in food, turn on appliance, wait, eat.
Unfortunately—and very foolishly—I donated my crock pot years ago after convincing myself I’d use my Instant Pot instead. You know what they say: you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone.
The only downside to traditional slow cookers? They aren’t exactly travel-friendly. Just ask my sister, who once turned too sharply in the car with a slow cooker of Swedish meatballs in the backseat. As for me, I’ve also fallen victim to poorly planned meal mishaps. Whether it’s a leaky lid or a lack of insulation that leaves your appetizers cold and sad, nothing ruins a meal faster than a bad slow cooker.
Luckily for all of us tailgaters, the Presto Nomad slow cooker has travel covered—and it does it in style, too.
Presto Nomad Slow Cooker
The Presto Nomad takes slow cooking on the go with a secure, insulated design built for camping, picnics and potlucks.
What is the Presto Nomad slow cooker?
The Presto Nomad is, at its core, a slow cooker. But that’s hardly the most impressive thing about it. This little appliance is truly a game changer for folks like me who frequently spend time camping, picnicking or hiking.
The outer base of the Presto Nomad is a durable, stay-cool shell that also serves to insulate dishes when you’re out and about. At just eight pounds, it’s designed to safely haul meals. A removable lid features a glass window for easy viewing, plus a snap-on spoon holder for serving. The swing-up handle locks the lid securely in place.
Overall, the design feels purpose-built for trekking, which is exactly what I use it for. It tags along with me for everything from summer beach trips to park gatherings with family.
And here’s the best part: it comes complete with a small whiteboard and included dry-erase marker for labeling your potluck dish. No more guessing which slow cooker houses the mac and cheese!
While it still requires a power source for the three-prong plug (if you ever find a cordless slow cooker, please let me know), the cord retracts into a compartment in the back. This makes it even easier to tote the Presto Nomad around like a vintage cooler.
The Retro Appeal
Like most ’90s kids, I grew up with an Easy-Bake Oven. Admittedly, watching that little lightbulb slowly cook questionable desserts that were only a tenth as good as Mom’s felt a bit pointless. However, there’s one part of the experience that stuck with me: the aesthetic. Later on, as a food writer, this nostalgia is what first interested me in toy-like appliances like the Our Place Wonder Oven.
The Presto Nomad has all that same appeal and more. The green-and-yellow version I have features a bright, wacky, postmodern look that feels boldly nostalgic. It reminds me of a childhood toy—or perhaps a retro cooler my dad would haul to the beach. There’s just something so appealing about the bright hues, blocky build, and chunky handle that constantly draws compliments.
Sure, there’s no LED screen. It’s not covered in buttons, nor is it built with numerous functions. It doesn’t connect to an app or offer precise temperature settings like my Instant Pot. It also fits a bit less food than the advertised eight quarts. If you’re looking for something that can cook a mean rack of ribs or a whole chicken, this probably isn’t the appliance for you. But for folks like me who are sick of overly complex appliances, its analog charm is precisely what makes it so appealing.
While the Wonder Oven eventually fell short of my performance expectations, I’m pleased to say that the Presto Nomad hits the mark.
Set It And Forget It
The Presto Nomad fits the empty void left by my last slow cooker perfectly. It functions just like a classic slow cooker, down to the simple dial featuring three cooking modes: Warm, Low, and High. Much like my recently tested low-tech raclette grill, its simplicity is refreshing.
Plus, its predictable. I’ve made countless slow cooker meals in my Presto Nomad, from mac and cheese to potato chowder. Each recipe comes out just as expected—no hot spots or undercooked dumplings, ever.
Since bringing it into my life, the Presto Nomad has handled the lion’s share of dinners in my household, and I’m sure this number will only ratchet up as fall creeps closer.
While there aren’t any specific temperature settings or timers, that doesn’t bother me since my previous slow cooker was similarly stripped down. And if you’re worried about cooking temperatures for meats, you can always pop in a wireless probe for precise monitoring.
…And Cleanup Couldn’t Be Easier
While many of my colleagues have the patience to hand-wash their precious cookware (bless them), I’m a bit of a brute. My mentality is simple: if something isn’t easy to clean, it needs to go. Luckily, the removable porcelain-enameled cooking pot is dishwasher-safe. Plus, it’s PFAS-free as an added bonus.
Final Verdict
Sure, the Presto Nomad isn’t the most tech-forward appliance. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t groundbreaking, especially for frequent travelers. For me, its travel-friendly design, thoughtful features, and cool retro vibe earn it a permanent spot in my cupboard.
Unlike heavy, round slow cookers, this thing holds up to my chaotic lifestyle and looks darn good doing it. I never have to worry about it tipping and spilling, nor do I have to stress about the lid slipping off mid-trip. I just load it into my car and don’t give it a second thought until I arrive.
Not to mention all the constant compliments I receive whenever I take it out and about, which I can’t say about any other slow cooker I’ve hauled to a family function. If that’s what you’re looking for, the Presto Nomad is the appliance for you.
Where to Buy
Presto Nomad Slow Cooker
The Presto Nomad is a portable slow cooker designed for easy transport, making it ideal for camping, picnics and potlucks.
Frequent road trippers, tailgaters, and outdoorsy folks can find the fun, retro Presto Nomad slow cooker at Walmart, Kohl’s, Wayfair and Amazon. It retails for around $100, which includes the metal insert, durable outer shell, spoon rest, whiteboard, and marker. While it’s a bit on the pricey side, the peace of mind it offers is priceless—and so are the cool vibes you’ll bring to the party when you show up with your favorite dish.
