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

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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

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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

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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

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Slow-Cooked Sirloin Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Slow-Cooked SirloinMy family of five likes to eat beef, so this recipe is a favorite. I usually serve slow-cooker sirloin with homemade bread or rolls to soak up the tasty gravy. —Vicki Tormaschy, Dickinson, North Dakota

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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

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Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos

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[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

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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

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Contest-Winning Mushroom Pot Roast Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

Slow-Cooker Corned Beef and CabbageThis corned beef and cabbage slow-cooker recipe is a fuss-free way to cook the traditional dish. I tried it for St. Patrick's Day a few years ago. Now it's a regular in my menu planning. —Karen Waters, Laurel, Maryland

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Shrimp Chowder Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Shrimp ChowderI simmer my rich and creamy shrimp soup in the slow cooker. Because the chowder is ready in less than four hours, it can be prepared in the afternoon and served to dinner guests that night. —Will Zunio, Gretna, Louisiana

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Pumpkin Spice 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

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FAQs

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

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.

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What size of slow cooker do I need? ›

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

Size of 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. If it's larger than what we recommend you may need to shorten the cooking time.

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What is the difference between slow cooker high and slow cooker low? ›

Both low and high stabilizes at 209°F. The difference is the time it takes to reach that temperature. Low: 7-8 hours to reach the simmer point. High: 3-4 hours to reach the simmer point.

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Is a 6.5 l slow cooker big enough? ›

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.

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What is the most popular size crockpot? ›

⭐️ 5 to 7-quart slow cooker: The most common and popular size range. This capacity offers the most flexibility for most people. These pots accommodate large roasts or whole chickens. Find the best slow cooker for your needs and budget.

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Does crockpot size matter? ›

And slow cookers do drastically range in size — from tiny two-quart models to huge eight-quart ones, with plenty of options in between. Because slow cookers work best when they're two-thirds to three-quarters of the way full, size really does matter.

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Why putting a tea towel over a slow cooker? ›

Try putting a tea towel over the top of the slow cooker before replacing the lid. This absorbs the excess moisture, thickening the dish and deepening its flavours. The cloth can be replaced with a fresh one when needed, but usually one tea towel during the final couple of hours will do the trick.

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Why put paper towel under crockpot lid? ›

The paper towel will absorb excess moisture and prevent any condensation from dripping back onto the food. Be sure to reach for a good-quality, sturdy paper towel that can absorb moisture effectively without falling apart.

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What size crockpot for 2 people? ›

The Small-Batch Queen: 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.

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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.

How many people does 6 quart feed? ›

Generally, a meal cooked in a 6-quart model feeds three to six people. Benefits of an 8-quart Instant Pot: The 8-quart models, on the other hand, are ideal when you're feeding a large family, cooking for a party, or cooking in batches for your weekly meal prep.

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Is 4 hours on high the same as 6 hours on low? ›

Change cooking times depending on your schedule. One hour on HIGH generally equals two hours on LOW.