Which Slow Cooker Size Do You Need? We're Breaking Down the Options! (2024)

Updated: Jun. 25, 2019

You don't want to buy the wrong slow cooker and end up with endless leftovers—or not have enough food to go around! Take a closer look at the slow cooker sizes below to find one that's right for you.

Slow cookers are absolutely dreamy. You load them up with meats, veggies and spices, then a few hours later you have a hot meal! But when it comes to slow cooker sizes, which one is right for you?

There are a couple of factors to consider as you choose: How many people are you cooking for? Are you banking on having leftovers? What kind of meat are you making? Do you already own a small cooking appliance, like an Instant Pot?

Keep those questions in mind as you discover which crock is best suited for your specific needs.

What size should I get?

The 6- or 7-quart models are among the most popular, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best choice for everyone. (By the way, here’s our favorite slow cooker brand.) Find yourself among the descriptions below to learn which slow cooker we’d recommend for you.

The Small-Batch Queen: 2- or 3-quart slow cooker

If you’re most often cooking for one or two people, opt for a 2- or 3-quart slow cooker. These are great for small-batch cooking, as they prep just enough food for a couple of people. You won’t be able to fit larger cuts of meat in this model, so if you cook for two people, but like cooking roasts, opt for a larger model. Otherwise, if you’re sticking to soups and small dinners, this is the perfect choice for you. These recipes fit perfectly in a 3-quart slow cooker.

Purchase a 3-quart slow cooker here.

The Family Chef: 4- or 5-quart slow cooker

Larger families are well-suited for 4- or 5-quart slow cookers, which can feed up to six people. It’s a great choice for bigger dishes—like casseroles, stews and full dinners—and it can fit a roast! Not a huge one—stick to a 3–4 lb. roast for this size, and if you need a larger cut, you’ll need a bigger slow cooker. Once you have your new appliance, give these 5-quart slow cooker recipes a try.

Purchase a 5-quart slow cooker here.

The Leftover Lover: 6-quart slow cooker

The 6-quart slow cooker is very popular, and with good reason—it can feed a crowd and leave you with leftovers for the week. That’s every chef’s dream! This model is ideal for roasts and large-batch recipes. Fill your crock with these recipes designed for a 6-quart slow cooker.

Purchase a 6-quart slow cooker here.

Ever the Entertainer: 7- or 8-quart slow cooker

If you’re known as Patsy the Potluck Princess, the 7- or 8-quart models are made for you. Larger slow cooker sizes are meant for crowds of 12+ people, whether you’re bringing food to a sporting event or cooking for a holiday party.

Purchase an 8-quart slow cooker here.

Psst! Here’s how to convert your slow cooker recipes to fit any size crock.

What features do I need?

Regardless of size, slow cookers come equipped with various features that may help you on your culinary journey. As you consider which sizes are best for your family, don’t forget to look at features and accessories that can make cooking easier and tastier:

  • Smartphone syncing: On some slow cooker models, you can sync your smartphone, meaning you can start and stop cooking from the touch of your screen.
  • Lid locks: If you travel often with your slow cooker—like to potlucks or picnics—get a lock that will keep everything secure as you go. And check out a few more life-changing slow cooker accessories.
  • Automatic stirrer: Slow cooker lids are made for accessories, and if you make soups, sauces or mashed potatoes in yours, you should check out the automatic stirrer, which can prevent heat from escaping when you open the lid to stir (because it stirs for you!).

Our Most Impressive Slow Cooker Recipes

1 / 47

Stuffed Chicken Rolls Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Stuffed Chicken RollsJust thinking about this dish sparks my appetite. The ham and cheese rolled inside are a tasty surprise. Leftovers reheat well and make a perfect lunch with a green salad. —Jean Sherwood, Kenneth City, Florida

Go to Recipe

Slow-Cooked Blueberry GruntIf you love blueberries, then you can't go wrong with this easy dessert. For a special treat, serve it warm with vanilla ice cream. —Cleo Gonske, Redding, California

Go to Recipe

Slow-Roasted Lemon Dill ChickenThe lemon and dill in this slow-cooked recipe give the chicken a bright, fresh taste. Pair the entree with a side of noodles or a mixed green salad. —Lori Lockrey, Pickering, Ontario

Go to Recipe

Slow-Cooked Sirloin Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Slow-Cooker Sirloin SteakMaking sirloin steak in a Crockpot is a simple, fool-proof method that gives youtender, fall-apart meat with plenty of gravy and none of the messy grease splatter.

Go to Recipe

Slow-Cooker Pork Chops Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Slow-Cooker Pork ChopsEveryone will enjoy these fork-tender, slow-cooker pork chops with a creamy, light gravy. Serve with a green vegetable, mashed potatoes and coleslaw or a salad. These are the best slow cooker pork chops. —Sue Bingham, Madisonville, Tennessee

Go to Recipe

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos

[rms_recipe id= 48040 slide_no=2 ]

[rms_recipe id= 2071 slide_no=2 ]

[rms_recipe id= 74477 slide_no=3 ]

[rms_recipe id="164053" /]

[rms_recipe id="11588" title="Slow-Cooker Lasagna" cta_text="Go to Recipe" image="https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Slow-Cooker-Lasagna_EXPS_FT23_11588_ST_1003_5.jpg" image_alt_text="Slow-Cooker Lasagna Recipe photo by Taste of Home" link="https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/slow-cooker-lasagna/"]Convenient no-cook lasagna noodles take the work out of this traditional favorite adapted for the slow cooker. It's so easy to assemble for workdays or weekends. We like it accompanied by Parmesan bread or garlic cheese toast. —Lisa Micheletti, Collierville, Tennessee

Go to Recipe

Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Slow-Cooker BBQ ChickenOf all the recipes I make in my slow cooker, this Crock-Pot BBQ chicken is my most treasured. If you enjoy your BBQ sweet with a little spice, this will be your new favorite, too. —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington

Go to Recipe

Contest-Winning Mushroom Pot RoastPacked with wholesome veggies and tender beef, this is one company-special entree all ages will like. Serve mashed potatoes alongside to soak up every last drop of the beefy gravy. —Angie Stewart, Topeka, Kansas

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Fudgy Peanut Butter CakeI clipped this easy peanut butter cake recipe from a newspaper years ago. The house smells fantastic while it's slow cooking. My husband and son enjoy the cake with ice cream and nuts on top. —Bonnie Evans, Norcross, Georgia

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Chicken Sliders with Sesame SlawEveryone loves barbecue chicken sliders. My version has an Asian twist, with spicy, tangy flavors. At our potlucks, they quickly vanish. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California

Go to Recipe

Pink Grapefruit CheesecakeCheesecake in a slow cooker? It's true! I experimented a few times to turn this iconic dessert into a slow-cooker classic. Give it a try. I promise you'll be absolutely amazed by the results! —Krista Lanphier Milwaukee, WI

Go to Recipe

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Hot Spinach Artichoke DipOne taste of this outrageously delicious hot spinach artichoke dip and your guests will not stop eating it until it's gone. The savory blend of artichokes, spinach and Parmesan cheese is positively addictive! It tastes even better if you make it the night before and chill it in the fridge before baking. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California

Go to Recipe

Glazed Spiced CarrotsGlazed carrots are a classic side dish for all kinds of special occasions. They're the perfect accompaniment for all kinds of main entrees. This recipe is very easy to put together, leaving your oven and stove top free for other cooking creations. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Go to Recipe

Italian Shrimp 'n' Pasta Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Italian Shrimp 'n' PastaThis dish will remind you a bit of classic shrimp Creole, but it has a surprise Italian twist. Slow cooking gives it hands-off ease—perfect for company. —Karen Edwards, Sanford, Maine

Go to Recipe

Maple-Walnut Sweet Potatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Maple-Walnut Sweet PotatoesTopped with dried cherries and walnuts, this side is downright delicious. Even people who aren't into sweet potatoes will grab a second scoop. —Sarah Herse, Brooklyn, New York

Go to Recipe

Italian Chicken Chardonnay Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Italian Chicken ChardonnayOne day I needed to have dinner ready when we walked in the door after work and school. I altered a skillet dish that my family likes, creating this delicious slow-cooker meal. It's perfect for a weeknight but nice enough for company too. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

Go to Recipe

Spring-Thyme Chicken StewDuring a long winter (and spring), my husband and I were in need of something warm, comforting and bright. This chicken was the perfect thing. It fills the house with the smell of home when Mom would make chicken soup, with a little something extra. —Amy Chase, Vanderhoof, British Columbia

Go to Recipe

Garden Chicken Cacciatore Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Slow-Cooker Chicken CacciatoreThis dump-and-go chicken cacciatore recipe is just the slow cooker meal you need for busy weeknights.

Go to Recipe

Seafood Cheese DipThis cheesy recipe has an ideal combination of seafood flavors and clings beautifully to slices of bread. —Michelle Domm, Atlanta, New York

Taste of Home

Thai Coconut BeefMy husband and I love Thai food, but going out on weeknights can be challenging with busy schedules. I wanted to create a Thai-inspired dinner that could double as an easy lunch the following day. The beef is fantastic in this dish, but chicken or pork would be equally delicious! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Simple Vegetarian Slow-Cooked BeansWhen I have a hungry family to feed, these tasty beans with spinach, tomatoes and carrots are a go-to dish. This veggie delight is frequently on our menu. —Jennifer Reid, Farmington, Maine

Go to Recipe

Gooey Peanut Butter-Chocolate Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Gooey Peanut Butter-Chocolate CakeHere in Wisconsin, winter weather is extreme. A hot dessert is just the thing to warm us up. This slow-cooked chocolate cake gets its crunch from a sprinkling of peanuts. —Lisa Erickson, Ripon, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Slow Cooker Rotisserie-Style ChickenYou wouldn't believe this golden brown chicken was made in the slow cooker. Packed with flavor, the meat is moist, the carrots are tender, and the juices are perfect for gravy. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Pumpkin Pie PuddingMy husband loves anything pumpkin, and this creamy, comforting pumpkin pudding recipe is one of his favorites. We make our easy pudding all year long, but it's especially nice in the fall. —Andrea Schaak, Bloomington, Minnesota

Go to Recipe

Slow-Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Slow-Cooker Corned Beef and CabbageSlow-cooker corned beef is packed with cabbage and other hearty vegetables. It's easy to pull together for St. Patrick's Day, but you can enjoy it any time of year.

Go to Recipe

When I've got a lot going on, my slow cooker is my go-to tool for cooking veggies. The sweetness of the squash and carrots really complements the spicy seasonings. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Go to Recipe

Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Slow Cooker Caramel Apple CiderSpiced with cinnamon sticks, allspice and caramel, this warm-you-up sipper will chase away winter's chill. Serve brimming mugs alongside a platter of festive cookies at your next holiday gathering. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Go to Recipe

Moroccan Vegetable Chicken Tagine Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Moroccan Vegetable Chicken TagineTake a trip to Morocco with this rich, exotic dish. A tagine is a North African slow-cooked stew named after the pot it’s cooked in.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Go to Recipe

Burgundy Pears Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Burgundy PearsThese warm spiced pears elevate slow cooking to a new level of elegance, yet they're incredibly easy to make. Your friends won't believe this fancy-looking dessert came from a slow cooker. —Elizabeth Hanes, Peralta, New Mexico

Go to Recipe

Parmesan Pork RoastGreat sweet, savory flavor comes from just a few pantry staples in this easy roast. —Karen Warner, Louisville, Ohio

Go to Recipe

It's a cinch to jazz up instant mashed potatoes with sour cream and cream cheese, then cook and serve them from a slow cooker. For a special touch, sprinkle this creamy mashed potatoes recipe with chopped fresh chives, canned french-fried onions or fresh grated Parmesan cheese. —Donna Bardocz, Howell, Michigan

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

This filling Tex-Mex egg casserole is perfect for any meal of the day. I add a salad and dinner is on! —Gail Watkins, Norwalk, Califiornia

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Hot Spiced Lemon DrinkI received this recipe from a lady in our church who is an excellent cook. She has shared several slow-cooker recipes with us. We really enjoy the sweet-tangy flavor of this warm citrus punch. —Mandy Wright, Springville, Utah

Go to Recipe

Buffalo Chicken LasagnaThis recipe was inspired by my daughter's favorite food—Buffalo wings! It tastes as if it came from a restaurant. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina

Go to Recipe

Slow-Cooker Green Beans Recipe: How to Make It Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Slow-Cooked Green BeansI spent hours in search of sides for a cooking demo to present to women from my church. These easy green beans became my star attraction. —Alice White, Willow Spring, North Carolina

Go to Recipe

Mexican FondueA handful of items and a few moments of prep work are all you'll need for this festive fondue. Not only does it take advantage of canned goods and other convenience items, but the slow cooker does all the work. —Nella Parker, Hersey, Michigan

Go to Recipe

Shrimp Chowder Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Shrimp ChowderMove over, clam chowder! This shrimp chowder recipe is family-approved and ready to hit the table.

Go to Recipe

Viennese CoffeeThis isn't your regular cup of Joe! Dress it up with chocolate, whipped cream and more, making it a drink to savor! —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Slow-Cooker Berry Cobbler Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Slow-Cooker Berry CobblerI adapted my mom's yummy cobbler recipe for slow cooking. With the hot summers here in Arizona, we can still enjoy this comforting dessert, and I don't have to turn on the oven. —Karen Jarocki, Yuma, Arizona

Go to Recipe

Beef Stew ProvencalWhen I was young, my favorite food to order in a restaurant was beef stew. My mother and I decided to create our own and experimented with different ingredients until we came up with this recipe. Everyone liked this slow cooker version so much that now it's a tradition every time the whole family is together. —Chelsey Larsen, Sparks, Nevada

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Creamy Celery Beef StroganoffCream of celery soup adds richness to a recipe that has become a family favorite. It’s so simple to prepare and, oh, that flavor! —Kim Wallace, Dennison, Ohio

Go to Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Pumpkin OatmealThere's nothing like a bowl of warm oatmeal in the morning, and my spiced version works in a slow cooker. Store leftovers in the fridge. —Jordan Mason, Brookville, Pennsylvania

Go to Recipe

Note: Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links,wemay earn an affiliate commission.

Which Slow Cooker Size Do You Need? We're Breaking Down the Options! (2024)

FAQs

Which Slow Cooker Size Do You Need? We're Breaking Down the Options!? ›

If you're cooking for one or two, a 1.5-3 litre pot should give you plenty of space to create some tasty meals. A cooker that's 3-5l will serve three or four people. Any more guests than that (or just big appetites) and you'll need a dish with room for 5-6l.

What size of slow cooker do I need? ›

If you're cooking for one or two, a 1.5-3 litre pot should give you plenty of space to create some tasty meals. A cooker that's 3-5l will serve three or four people. Any more guests than that (or just big appetites) and you'll need a dish with room for 5-6l.

What size slow cooker do I need for meal prep? ›

If You Have a Larger Family or Love Leftovers: Buy a 5-Quart Slow Cooker. Whether your household includes three or four people, or you're a couple who actually loves leftovers, a 5-quart slow cooker is an ideal size for you. The moderate size accommodates everything from soups and stews to and chilis and casseroles.

How much meat can fit in a 6 quart slow cooker? ›

I can't speak for the 8qt, but in my 6qt I've done a 6lb boneless leg of lamb, a 5lb pot roast, and at least 5 pounds of pork shoulder (albeit, it was cut into smaller, serving size pieces).

Does the size of the slow cooker affect the cooking time? ›

Size of your Slow Cooker

When troubleshooting a meal-gone-wrong, often our first question is “How big is your slow cooker?” The size of your crockpot can affect the outcome of your meal. If your crockpot is smaller than what we recommend, you may need to cook your meal a little longer.

Is a 6.5 l slow cooker big enough? ›

The 6.5L slow cooker has a maximum working capacity of 4.5 litres – perfect for large families, entertaining or batch cooking.

What size Crockpot for 2 people? ›

3-4.5 quart

How do I tell what size my crockpot is? ›

How are slow cookers measured? Slow cookers are measured by quarts (4 cups in one quart) and usually range in size options from 1 quart to 10 quarts. Slow cookers will hold up to the stated quart amount, but they should not be filled with food right up to the brim.

What size rice cooker for meal prep? ›

Rice Cooker Size Guide
CapacityUncooked RiceNumber Of People
4 cup720ml1-4
5.5 cup1000ml1-5
8 cup1500ml1-8
10 cup1800ml1-10
3 more rows

How many people will a 4.5 qt crockpot feed? ›

The 4.5-quart capacity feeds 5+ people, making it perfect for family meals, soups, chilis, stews, and more. When you're finished cooking and serving, the removable stoneware pot and lid are both dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. For moments, memories, and meals worth sharing, make it with The Crock-Pot® Brand!

How much does a 4 quart crockpot hold? ›

The 4-quart capacity feeds 4+ people and is perfect for making family meals. Use the manual warm setting to keep food warm while you are serving, or for heating up leftovers.

How full is too full for a slow cooker? ›

"Ideally, you should only fill a slow cooker about three quarters full so there's room [for ingredients and liquid] to expand."

What is the most common size slow cooker? ›

A standard slow cooker size is 6 to 7-quarts and most slow cooker recipes are geared towards this common pot size. But sizes range from the smallest slow cooker, a 20-ounce mini crock pot, to the largest slow cooker on the market, a 10-quart extra large pot.

What are some of the mistakes people make using a slow cooker? ›

10 Slow Cooker Mistakes That Are Wasting Your Time
  • Adding Excess Liquid. ...
  • Not Defrosting First. ...
  • Cooking Meat on Too High. ...
  • Not Prepping Big Flavor Ingredients Properly. ...
  • Tossing in Veggies Too Early. ...
  • Overfilling the Slow Cooker. ...
  • Taking the Lid Off While the Dish Is Cooking. ...
  • Using a Tender Cut of Beef.
Sep 18, 2019

What size slow cooker should you buy? ›

Capacity – As a general rule, a 1.5-3l slow cooker will feed one or two people; 3-5l will serve three or four people; 5-5.5l will feed four to five people; and a 6.5l machine will feed six to eight.

Is a 4 qt slow cooker big enough? ›

If you'd like a little more room for leftovers or the ability to cook for a few guests now and then, a 3 1/2 to 4 1/2-quart pot is big enough for most medium-sized dishes. For a family of three to five or a leftover-obsessed couple, a 5 to 6-quart slow cooker is the perfect size.

How many people can fit in a 3.5 L slow cooker? ›

Whether you're cooking for two, or making a meal for the whole family, the slow cooker's generous 3.5 litre capacity can easily cook up to 4 portions at a time.

Is a 6-quart slow cooker too big for one person? ›

Number of People Serving

Most families will enjoy an average slow cooker size of 6 to 7-quarts. Even smaller families with big eaters (for example, one parent and two teens) will prefer this standard size slow cooker. If you're cooking for 1 to 2 people, then a 3 to 5-quart small slow cooker may be preferred.

How many people does a 7-quart Crockpot feed? ›

With a 7-quart capacity, it cooks meals for 9+ people, perfect for feeding a crowd. The stoneware bowl is removable and oven-safe. Cleaning this Crock-Pot® slow cooker is easy: the stoneware and the glass lid are dishwasher-safe.

Top Articles
How To Store Your Cakes: expert tips from Cakes & Bakes
White Spruce (Picea glauca):
Evil Dead Movies In Order & Timeline
2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited All New for sale - Portland, OR - craigslist
Guardians Of The Galaxy Showtimes Near Athol Cinemas 8
Did 9Anime Rebrand
Find All Subdomains
The Powers Below Drop Rate
Weapons Storehouse Nyt Crossword
Ave Bradley, Global SVP of design and creative director at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants | Hospitality Interiors
Ladyva Is She Married
Palace Pizza Joplin
Amelia Bissoon Wedding
How Much Is Tj Maxx Starting Pay
Nebraska Furniture Tables
Lima Funeral Home Bristol Ri Obituaries
Busted Barren County Ky
Directions To 401 East Chestnut Street Louisville Kentucky
Aberration Surface Entrances
The Exorcist: Believer (2023) Showtimes
Caledonia - a simple love song to Scotland
UPS Store #5038, The
Heart and Vascular Clinic in Monticello - North Memorial Health
Ups Print Store Near Me
How many days until 12 December - Calendarr
A Cup of Cozy – Podcast
Raw Manga 1000
Dei Ebill
Coindraw App
Ascensionpress Com Login
Shiny Flower Belinda
Duke Energy Anderson Operations Center
Wega Kit Filtros Fiat Cronos Argo 1.8 E-torq + Aceite 5w30 5l
Roch Hodech Nissan 2023
Bratislava | Location, Map, History, Culture, & Facts
Luciipurrrr_
Hattie Bartons Brownie Recipe
Family Fare Ad Allendale Mi
Chilangos Hillsborough Nj
Myanswers Com Abc Resources
Sam's Club Gas Prices Deptford Nj
Urban Blight Crossword Clue
Homeloanserv Account Login
Kenner And Stevens Funeral Home
Craigslist Antique
Truck Works Dothan Alabama
Erespassrider Ual
Mlb Hitting Streak Record Holder Crossword Clue
Noelleleyva Leaks
Deviantart Rwby
Turning Obsidian into My Perfect Writing App – The Sweet Setup
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Cheryll Lueilwitz

Last Updated:

Views: 6073

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Cheryll Lueilwitz

Birthday: 1997-12-23

Address: 4653 O'Kon Hill, Lake Juanstad, AR 65469

Phone: +494124489301

Job: Marketing Representative

Hobby: Reading, Ice skating, Foraging, BASE jumping, Hiking, Skateboarding, Kayaking

Introduction: My name is Cheryll Lueilwitz, I am a sparkling, clean, super, lucky, joyous, outstanding, lucky person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.