Slow Cooker Size Guide: What Size Crock Pot do You Need

Looking for a new Crockpot or slow cooker? Buying the correct size Crockpot or slow cooker can seem daunting. In this slow cooker size guide, we’ll discuss crockpot sizes and their corresponding uses.

I’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the perfect size crockpot for your needs. So whether you’re just starting out with crockpot cooking and require a smaller crockpot or you’re looking to upgrade to a bigger pot, read on for all the information you need!

Crock pots and slow cookers range from 1 quart to 2 quarts suitable for one person or dips, sauces, and condiments. 3-quart feeds 1 to 2 people. 4-quart to 5-quart feeds 2 to 3 people. 6-quart feeds a family and is the most popular size slow cooker. 8-quart to 10-quart slow cookers are best for large cuts of meat or feeding a crowd.

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Crock Pot Sizes and Slow Cooker Sizes Available

Crock-Pot is the go-to for slow cooking. The brand has become so well known that it’s now synonymous with all other types of cookers, regardless of whether they’re made by CROCK-POT or not!

Simply put: A Crock-Pot is a brand name that produces a slow cooker. Other brands also produce slow cookers including Instant Pot, Black and Decker, Cuisinart, All-Clad, Breville, and Zojirushi. In fact, most well-known brands produce various types of kitchen appliances apart from slow cookers including pressure cookers, multi-function cookers, and rice cookers.

Ever wondered about crockpots vs slow cookers read my article the Difference Between a Crockpot and a Slow Cooker.

The following is a quick reference guide for Crock-Pot sizes and other brands of slow cooker sizes available complete with a link to check out the brands.

Brand (various finishes, shapes, and styles, manual and programmable available)	Slow Cooker Sizes (Variety of sizes)	Dimensions (Vary)
Crock-Pot Slow Cooker Sizes	1.5-qt, 2-qt, 2.5-qt, 3-qt, 3.5-qt, 4-qt, 4.5-qt, 5-qt, 6-qt, 7-qt, 8-qt	round, oval & square
Hamilton Beach	3-qt, 4-qt, 5-qt, 6-qt, 7-qt, 8-qt , 10-qt	oval & square
Elite Gourmet	1.5-qt, 2-qt, 3.5-qt, 8.5-qt,	round, oval & square
Cuisinart	3.5-qt, 4-qt, 6-qt, 6.5-qt, 7-qt,	oval & square
KitchenAid	4-qt, 6-qt	round & oval

How to Choose the Right Size Crockpot or Slow Cooker

The following are the most important factors that should be considered when choosing a crockpot or slow cooker to buy for your special needs or cooking preferences.

The Number of People You Will Be Feeding

You need to work out whether you need small crockpots for one, a couple, a small family, a large size for large roasts, or an extra-large cooker for entertaining.

Maybe you are the meal prepper that cooks all day Sunday requiring enough food to smash out a huge batch of healthy hearty meals in preparation for your busy week ahead.

What types of food you will be preparing? Meat on the bone or slow cooker stews, casseroles, and soups?

You will be surprised at what a mini slow cooker can actually do in how big is a 1.5-quart slow cooker

Slow Cooker – Capacity – Servings

A slow cookers measurement refers to the capacity, quarts, or liters, of the cookers cooking pot also known as an insert, can hold.

Crock-Pot inserts are made from ceramic, other brands use various materials for their inserts including stainless steel and non-stick coatings.

Crockpot Sizes Chart

This slow cooker and crockpot sizes chart gives you the quart and liter capacity, numbers of servings, and ideas of the types of dishes you can prepare in each size cooker. Choosing what size slow cooker you should buy will be a breeze.

Quart Capacity	Liter Capacity	Servings	Food Preparation
1-quart	.9 ltr	1	Dips, oats, desserts, appropriate size slow cooker recipes
2-quart	1.8 ltr	1 to 2	Small meals, dips, sides, and desserts
3-quart	2.8 ltr	2 to 3	Casseroles, soups, stews, breakfasts, desserts
4-quart	3.7 ltr	3 to 4	Small family, dips, sides, oats, desserts
5-quart	4.7 ltr	4 to 5	Small roasts, whole chicken, casseroles, soups, stews, breakfasts, desserts
6-quart	5.6 ltr	5 to 6	Main courses, meat on the bone, stews, cobblers, international cuisine
7-quart	6.6 ltr	6 to 7	5-1b roast, 7-1b chicken, large cuts of meat, large lasagne
8-quart	7.5 ltr	7 to 8	Potlucks, chili, casserole, roasts, pulled meats pork/beef
10-quart	11.3 ltr	9 or more large families entertainers	10-pound turkey or 12-pound roast, meal prepping, gatherings, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Birthdays

Read about what the Best Size Slow Cooker for a Family is.

Energy Efficiency

Slow cookers are energy efficient if used correctly. Manufacturers advise a slow cooker works at optimum efficiency when the insert is filled halfway up and no more than two-thirds.

So using a large slow cooker will not only ruin your dish but the cooker is not energy efficient. This is another reason that the mid-range size of 6 quarts suits most households.

Learn about the energy efficiency of slow cookers

Versatility

Do you need a lid that locks? If you are traveling to potlucks or church socials with your slow cooker cook and carry models with lockable lids are available.

Technology

Technology – will you be satisfied with a traditional manual type slow cooker or do you like to keep up with technology – options!

Up Grading

Do you already have a slow cooker is this an extra one, a replacement, or an upgrade to a larger model? Technology and energy efficiency have improved over the years be sure to check out the extensive list of the crockpot and slow cooker brands below! There is a cooker for every budget.

Storage

Do you have storage in your kitchen or room on your kitchen countertop for a large model? Not sure where to store it? Appliance cupboards, large kitchen countertops, and kitchen cabinets low work best if you struggle to carry heavy items, pantry, laundry, or garage.

Make sure you check out the full dimensions of the crockpot and not just the capacity of the cooking insert and compare that with your storage solutions.

Price

As with every purchase, there is a slow cooker to suit every budget. Small manual slow cookers are usually the cheapest and depending upon the brand you can pick one up for around $25.

Premium brands can cost over $200 these models will have all the “bells and whistles” including Wi-Fi technology. Check out my article where I deep dive into the pros and cons of slow cookers Is a Slow Cooker Worth It?

My article how to choose a slow cooker with the feature you need makes it easy to choose the best slow cooker for your needs.

What is the Most Popular Size Slow Cooker

Kitchenware retailers have advised me that a 6-quart and above are the most popular slow cookers.

This is not because they are better than a smaller-size slow cooker. They will all cook meals as well as each other if liquid and ingredients quantities are followed for recipes in the correct size cooker.

It is because the majority of us out there who are using a 6-quart slow cooker are regularly preparing meals for families, bonus leftovers for the week ahead, or freezing. Some use various sizes for larger quantities required for entertaining.

You would be surprised about the number of slow cooking offers see my article Benefits of Slow Cookers for more information.

Slow Cooker Brand Size Guide: Capacity, Dimensions, Weight, Servings

This slow-cooker crockpot size guide gives you definitive slow cooker sizes for various brands along with capacities, dimensions, weight also serving sizes, and the types of meals you can prepare in the appropriate-sized slow cooker.

Brand	Quart Capacity	Liter Capacity	Dimensions	Weight	Servings	Food Preparation
Elite Gourmet Slow Cooker	1-2 qt	1.8 ltr	8.8 x 8.8 x 6 inches	5 lbs, 7 oz	1-2 singles couples	dips, oats, desserts, appropriate size slow cooker recipes
Crock-Pot 4.5 Quart Manual Slow Cooker	3-4 qt	4 ltr	8.7 x 12.2 x 12.2 inches	9 lbs, 5 oz	3-4 couples families	casseroles, soups, stews, breakfasts, desserts
Calphalon 5.3-Quart Digital Sauté Slow Cooker	5.3 qt	5 ltr	17.78 x 14.37 x 23.19 inches	9 lbs, 5 oz	5 families	roasts, whole chicken, casseroles, soups, stews, breakfasts, desserts
Crock-Pot 6-Quart Programmable Cook & Carry Slow Cooker	6 qt	5.6 ltr	10.4 x 16.5 x 11.4 inches	7 lbs, 9 oz	7	Meat on the bone, stews, international cuisine
Crock-Pot 7-Quart Manual Slow Cooker	7 qt	6.6 ltr	9.5 x 14.4 x 14.4 inches	8 lbs, 4 oz	6-7 large families entertainers	5-1b roast, 7-1b chicken, large cuts of meat, large lasagne
Hamilton Beach 10 Quart Slow Cooker	10 qt	11.3 ltr	12.5 x 15.75 x 11.5 inches	15 lbs, 6 oz	9 or more large families entertainers	10-pound turkey or 12-pound roast

Popular Crock-Pots and Slow Cookers

This guide will help you navigate what new brands and the best slow cooker appliances are available in the market today. Especially if you are new to slow cooking or you are replacing or upgrading an existing slow cooker.

Small Slow Cooker

1 to 2-Quart Slow Cooker

Servings – 1 to 2 people

TRU Tru Stainless Steel Mini Crock .65-qt.

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This slow cooker is tiny and really only suitable for one person. Small and compact it does the job – just don’t expect any more… What you see in the image really is what you get.

There are plenty of single people out there – perfect for students or even someone who travels a lot. It could be used for heating food if there is no other food source! 

This is the best size slow cooker for a single person if they do not feed very many other people regularly.

Elite Gourmet MST-250XS Electric Slow Cooker Ceramic Pot, 1.5 Quart, Stainless Steel

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Who Is This Slow Cooker For

• Great for a single person/couple
• Side dishes
• When cooking main meals, serving them with accompaniments will stretch them further (rice, pasta, potatoes, vegetables)

What Food Can You Prepare in This Slow Cooker

• One-pot meals like stews, meatballs, and soups
• Prepare and keep appetizers such as dips warm
• Desserts are great in this cooker

Features of This Slow Cooker

• Silver in a brushed stainless steel finish with black cool-touch accents and black stoneware pot
• A tempered clear glass lid with a cool-touch knob
• The stoneware pot and glass lid are dishwasher-proof
• Settings for low, high, and keep warm

Can You Put a Slow Cooker in a Dishwasher? You would be surprised how much of a crock pot or slow cooker is compatible with your dishwasher!

Sizes and Colors Available

• The dimensions of this slow cooker are 8.8 inches x 8.8 inches x 6 inches 
• It comes in four colors available purple, red, turquoise, and silver
• It is available in 1.4-quart, 2-quart, 3-quart and 6-quart
• The oval shape is also available for large cuts of meat

Thoughts on This Slow Cooker

• Great for one or two people
• If you need a larger slow cooker, this mini slow cooker would certainly be handy to prepare dips, oats, desserts

Crock-Pot 2.5-Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker

Servings – 2 to 3 people

Crockpot® 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker, Small Slow Cooker, Black

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Who Is This Slow Cooker For

• Serves 2 to 3 plus people
• Newbies, singles, and couples

What Food Can You Prepare in This Slow Cooker

• Overnight oatmeal, sauces, dips, small meals, desserts

Features of This Slow Cooker

• Black sleek design with matching black handle glass lid and stylish metal trim
• High and Low cook settings
• The stoneware insert and glass lid are dishwasher safe
• Dimensions – 7.4 inches x 8.9 inches x 9 inches and it weighs 5 pounds
• The cord length 24 inches long

Thoughts on This Slow Cooker

A one-pot meal would say it would feed 2 people. Prepare accompaniments and you could stretch the dish to 3 people plus.

3 to 3.5-Quart Slow Cookers

Servings – 2, 3, or 4 people

Crock-Pot Small 3.5 Quart Casserole Manual Slow Cooker, Charcoal

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This Crock-Pot is certainly something a little different. It presents as a rectangle fashion appliance, it does not look at all like a traditional slow cooker which usually sports a brushed steel metal casing.

Who Is This Slow Cooker For

It will feed three plus hungry mouths.

What Food Can You Prepare in This Slow Cooker

• Rectangle shape – traditional lasagna
• Casserole, ribs, shanks, or soups
• Desserts

Features of This Slow Cooker

• The stoneware insert is also conventional ovenproof, so you can cook your meal in the oven and then keep it warm in the crockpot by using the keep warm feature. As well as the keep warm setting this slow cooker has manual high and low settings.
• Rectangle stoneware insert is removable
• Cook and Carry locking lid system
• Dimensions – 9 inches x 13 inches

Sizes and Colors Available

• Black/White
• Charcoal
• Perfect Plum

Ever heard of a casserole crock pot? I explain all about them in my article What Is a Casserole Crock-Pot?

Thoughts on This Slow Cooker

After cooking you lock the lid so traveling does not become a messy adventure. When you arrive at the party you simply set the slow cooker to the keep-warm setting and wait for serving time.

It would certainly be a talking piece to present meals to family and friends in a very fashionable slow cooker.

TIP – A 3.5-quart slow cooker will hold a 3.5 to 4.5 pound whole chicken. It will take 2-3 hours on high setting or 4-5 hours on the low setting. When you cook whole chickens in a slow cooker they are juicy and the meat falls off the bone. Perfect for pulled-chicken…

4-Quart Slow Cookers

Servings – 3 to 4 people

Crock Pot 4.5 Quart Manual Slow Cooker, Damask Pattern, White

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Who Is This Slow Cooker For

• Serves 4+ people

What Food Can You Prepare in This Slow Cooker

Casseroles, stews, and soups are perfect in this size slow cooker.

Features of This Slow Cooker

• High and low cooking settings, as well as the keep warm setting
• Removable stoneware insert
• The stoneware insert and glass lid are safe for the dishwasher
• Unique exterior casing with border, accents, and plastic handles

What Is a Manual Slow Cooker? My article explains the differences between a manual and a programmable slow cooker.

Sizes and Colors Available

• Damask Pattern

Thoughts on This Slow Cooker

Versatile size for singles, couples, and small families.

5-Quart Slow Cookers

Servings – 4 people – families

Calphalon Slow Cooker with Digital Timer and Programmable Controls, 5.3 Quarts

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My first impressions of this family-sized slow cooker are WOW. Uniquely modern and slim looking with a family-size capacity.

Who Is This Slow Cooker For

• 4 or more people

What Food Can You Prepare in This Slow Cooker

• Pulled pork
• Curried chicken pieces
• Paella
• Small Roasts

Features of This Slow Cooker

• Searing/browning in one pot – then slow cook
• The cooking pot is oven safe and compatible with electric, gas, and induction cooktops
• LCD – Digital programmable controls
• Made from – Stainless Steel – PTFE- and PFOA-free
• Dimensions – 17.78 x 14.37 x 23.19 inches – Weight – 10.08 pounds

Sizes and Colors Available

• Color dark stainless steel
• Size one only

Thoughts on This Slow Cooker

I love the fact that you can brown it in the same pot as you slow-cook the dish. The flavors are enhanced when you are able to carry out the cooking method in a single cooking pot.

This slow cooker is a modern twist on an electric appliance that has been evolving for over 50 years.

6-Quart Slow Cookers

Servings – families

Crock-Pot 6 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker Works with Alexa, Stainless Steel

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This crock pot size offers the complete technology package.

Who Is This Slow Cooker For

• Family meals
• 7 or more people

What Food Can You Prepare in This Slow Cooker

Roasts

Features of This Slow Cooker

• Sleek oval design with a cool-touch handle and lid handle
• The stoneware insert – glass lid- dishwasher safe
• Will fit an oval baking pan
• Dimensions – 17.4 inches x 9.6 inches x 13.9 inches and weighs 14.9 pounds
• Built-in cord storage

Technology Requirements for This Slow Cooker

• This Crock-Pot is a smart Wi-Fi-Enabled WeMo 6-quart slow cooker
• Uses the WeMo Application which allows you to adjust cook time and temperature remotely also traditional controls on the cooker
• WeMo App – free to install on any Apple smart device with iOS7 or higher
• Android smart device with 4.0 or higher
• Wi-Fi router – internet connection

Check out my article for more information on the Crock-Pot SCCPWM600-V2 Wemo Smart Wifi-Enabled Slow Cooker, 6-Quart.

Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker

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This Crock Pot can literally do as its name suggests cook in it then carry it to where ever you are going.

Who Is This Slow Cooker For

• Feeds more than seven people
• People who entertain with potluck dinners

What Food Can You Prepare in This Slow Cooker

The large oval shape allows you to prepare just about any meal you can think of including;

• meat on the bone
• international dishes
• traditional stews etc,
• ham
• chicken

Features of This Slow Cooker

• Can be programmed for cooking times from 30 minutes to 20 hours
• Serve straight from removable oval stoneware insert
• A locking lid that has a gasket that gives a secure seal
• The removable crockery insert can be used in a conventional oven up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
• Crock insert is also safe to use in a microwave oven the lid
• Crock and lid dishwasher-safe
• Dimensions – 9.4 inches x 15.1 inches x 14.8 inches and it weighs 7.9 pounds

Sizes and Colors Available

• Brushed silver and black accents

Thoughts on This Large Slow Cooker

So versatile that you can either prepare all the ingredients in getting it to where you want to eat and then let the slow cooker do its thing. Or you can cook a dish at home then take it to the party and set it to keep warm.

I have a complete in-depth article with more information about the Crock-Pot 6-Quart Programmable Cook & Carry Slow Cooker with Digital Timer why not go over and check it out.

7-Quart or More Slow Cookers

Servings – families and entertainers

A large slow cooker like this will suit big families and families that love to entertain. Even an avid food prepper will get the maximum use out of a cooker this size.

These are two of my favorites. 

Firstly a manual slow cooker and secondly a large programmable slow cooker. 

Crockpot SCV700-CH-BR Slow Cooker, 7 quarts, Charcoal

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Who Is This Slow Cooker For

• This large slow cooker will feed more than 8 people

What Food Can You Prepare in this Large Slow Cooker

• Recipes are included with this slow cooker

Features of This Slow Cooker

• The crockpot is polished silver stainless steel with a stoneware insert and a safe glass lid
• Stylish black accents and plastic handles
• Low/High cook setting
• Warm setting to keep your meal warm until serving
• This cooker size will hold a baking dish or springform pan for baking
• The stoneware insert and lid – dishwasher safe
• Serve from the stoneware insert keeps food hot
• Dimensions – 9.5 inches x 14.4 inches x 14.4 inches and weigh 8.4 pounds

Sizes and Colors Available

• Black
• Silver
• Stainless Steel

Thoughts on This Slow Cooker

A great choice for feeding a large group of people.

More information about this slow cooker the Crock-Pot 7-Qt Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel can be seen in my full article.

Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker, 7 Quart, Silver

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Who Is This Large Slow Cooker For

• This 7-quart model will prepare 6-pound chicken or 4-pound beef roasts
• Meal prep is made easy in this crockpot-size
• Good choice for a large family

Features of This Slow Cooker

• Wrap-around heating element – even heating
• Programming – times ranging from 30 minutes to 18 hours
• Control panel with low, high, and warm heat settings
• Reverts automatically to warm setting
• The timer can countdown so you know how much longer the meal will take
• The removable stoneware pot and glass lid are totally dishwashable
• Large enough to hold a springform pan or baking dish for baking in this cooker size
• Dimensions – 11.7 inches x 17.6 inches x 9.9 inches and it weighs 12.3 pounds

Sizes and Colors Available

• Stainless only
• 4-quart
• 6-quart
• 7-quart

Thoughts on This Slow Cooker

This 7-quart slow cooker is definitely worth a closer look.

Multi Size Slow Cooker

After all the information you have gathered above – you are still unsure of what slow cooker is right for you?

I have it – a slow cooker where the crockpot stoneware insert is interchangeable.

Crock-pot Choose-A-Crock Programmable Slow Cooker

Servings – 1 or more…

Crock-Pot 6-Quart Countdown Programmable Oval Slow Cooker with Dipper, Stainless Steel, SCCPVC605-S

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Who Is This Slow Cooker For?

If you have the space to store it – it is for everyone. The interchangeable pots allow you to cook recipes for one up to as many as you need.

What Food Can You Prepare in This Slow Cooker

A color cookbook is provided with this size slow cooker. The recipes included are portioned for all three sizes of stoneware.

Features of This Slow Cooker

• Three removable stoneware pots, 6-Quart, 4-Quart, and split 2.5-Qt capacity
• The universal lid fits all three stoneware pots
• Programmable countdown with count down the time from 1 to 20 hours
• The stoneware inserts and the lid are safe to place in the dishwasher
• The stoneware inserts nest into the heating base – providing a compact storage solution

Thoughts on This Slow Cooker

If you have space and are uncertain of what size you need – this is an option. It does not take up any more space than the average family-size cooker but provides you with more.

Not convinced that you even need a crockpot or slow cooker? Check out my article that offers you some great alternatives, a pressure cooker, for purchasing another kitchen appliance What Can I Use Instead of a Slow Cooker?

FAQs

Quick answers to common questions asked about crockpot and slow cooker sizes.

What are the most popular slow cookers

6-quart crockpot and above are the most popular slow cookers.

This is not because they are better than a smaller-size slow cooker. They will all cook meals as well as each other if liquid and ingredients quantities are followed for recipes in the correct size cooker.

It is because the majority of us out there using a slow cooker of this size are regularly preparing meals for families or need larger quantities for entertaining.

How do I know what size my crockpot is?

If you want to know the capacity or size of your crockpot fill it with cups of water. So 24 cups of water = 6 quarts.

What is the standard-size slow cooker?

A standard-size slow cooker is considered one between 5 quarts and 6 quarts. This is the size most families choose. Leftovers or second servings are left after dinner. A larger family should consider a 7-quart slow cooker or above.

How many pounds of meat will a 7-quart slow cooker hold?

A 7-quart slow cooker can hold a 7-pound whole chicken, a 5-pound roast, a 7-pound pork butt, or 6 pounds of chicken or turkey breast.

How much does a 7-quart crockpot hold?

A 7-quart crockpot holds 6.6 liters, between 5-7 pounds of meat and large lasagne, and provides 6-7 servings.

In my article learn more about the many Benefits of Slow Cookers

Wrap it Up – Slow Cooker Sizes What Size Crock Pot Do You Need?

Well, that is a lot to take in but I am pleased if you have made it to the end of this article! As it means I’ve done my job!

I am certain I have helped you with choosing the correct size slow cooker you need. The choice of sizes, shapes, functions (manual or programmable), brands, and prices are massive – there is literally something for everyone.

Find out about the original and affordable slow cooker in my article: What is a Manual Slow Cooker

Remember to consider the following when choosing a Crockpot or Slow Cooker;

• Research extensively the range of Crockpot and slow cooker sizes! The original Crockpot brand has slow cookers sized from 1.5-quarts to 8-quarts 11 in total. Other slow cooker brands have sizes up to 10 quarts and more for those needing large quantities of food.
• The number of people you will be preparing meals for in the cooker?
• What types of food you will be preparing? Meat on the bone or slow cooker stews, casseroles, and soups?
• Do you have storage space in your kitchen or room on your kitchen countertop for a large model? Check dimensions.
• Will you be traveling with your slow cooker? Do you need a lid that locks?
• Do you already have a slow cooker is this an extra one, a replacement, or an upgrade to a large model?
• Technology – will you be satisfied with a traditional manual type slow cooker or do you like to keep up with technology – options!

Before choosing the right one for you to make a list of your particular requirements and expectations of what you expect your new slow cooker to do for you.

Also what sorts of food you will be preparing and for how many hungry mouths? Having a detailed list will certainly assist you with purchasing the correct slow cooker for your needs.

If you require more information about slow cookers visit some well-known slow cooker brand websites like Crock-Pot or big-box retailers like Macy’s and Bed Bath and Beyond and read the many happy customer reviews.

Why not head over and check out my article on whether multi-cookers are any good? They have slow cooker functions as well as many more functions including pressure cooking.

I wrote an article that deep dives into common Slow Cooker Mistakes a very helpful read.

In this article, we talk about whether a 6-quart slow cooker is large enough for the average family.

One-Pot Cooking Rocks!