What Size Slow Cooker Is Best for Me?

You don't want to buy the incorrect ho-hum cooker and terminate up with endless leftovers—or not have plenty nutrient to become around! Take a closer look at the slow cooker sizes below to discover 1 that's correct for you.

Slow cookers are admittedly dreamy. You lot load them up with meats, veggies and spices, and so a few hours afterwards you lot have a hot meal! But when it comes to slow cooker sizes, which 1 is right for you lot?

There are a couple of factors to consider equally yous choose: How many people are yous cooking for? Are you lot banking on having leftovers? What kind of meat are y'all making? Do you lot already ain a pocket-sized cooking appliance, like an Instant Pot?

Go along those questions in mind as yous discover which crock is best suited for your specific needs.

What size should I get?

The half dozen- or 7-quart models are among the about pop, merely that doesn't necessarily mean they're the best choice for everyone. (By the style, here'southward our favorite dull cooker make.) Observe yourself among the descriptions beneath to learn which boring cooker we'd recommend for you.

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

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

Purchase a iii-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 total dinners—and information technology can fit a roast! Non a huge one—stick to a 3–4 lb. roast for this size, and if you demand a larger cut, y'all'll need a bigger boring cooker. In one case yous have your new appliance, requite these five-quart slow cooker recipes a endeavour.

Purchase a 5-quart slow cooker here.

The Leftover Lover: 6-quart slow cooker

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

Purchase a 6-quart slow cooker here.

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

If you're known as Patsy the Potluck Princess, the seven- or eight-quart models are fabricated for you. Larger slow cooker sizes are meant for crowds of 12+ people, whether yous're bringing food to a sporting effect or cooking for a holiday party.

Purchase an viii-quart boring cooker here.

Psst! Here's how to convert your tiresome cooker recipes to fit whatever size crock.

What features practice I need?

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

• Smartphone syncing: On some deadening cooker models, y'all can sync your smartphone, meaning you can offset and stop cooking from the touch on of your screen.
• Hat locks: If you travel often with your tiresome cooker—like to potlucks or picnics—get a lock that will go on everything secure equally you go. And bank check out a few more life-changing boring cooker accessories.
• Automatic stirrer: Slow cooker lids are fabricated for accessories, and if you make soups, sauces or mashed potatoes in yours, you lot should check out the automated stirrer, which can prevent heat from escaping when you lot open the chapeau to stir (considering it stirs for you lot!).

Our Most Impressive Ho-hum Cooker Recipes

Blimp Chicken Rolls

Simply thinking about this dish sparks my appetite. The ham and cheese rolled inside are a tasty surprise. Leftovers reheat well and make a perfect tiffin with a greenish salad. —Jean Sherwood, Kenneth Urban center, Florida

Slow-Cooked Huckleberry Grunt

If you dearest blueberries, then yous tin can't become wrong with this easy dessert. For a special care for, serve information technology warm with vanilla ice foam. —Cleo Gonske, Redding, California

Deadening-Roasted Lemon Dill Chicken

The lemon and dill in this slow-cooked recipe give the craven a bright, fresh gustation. Pair the entree with a side of noodles or a mixed greenish salad. —Lori Lockrey, Pickering, Ontario

Slow-Cooked Sirloin

My family of 5 likes to swallow beef, so this recipe is a favorite. I usually serve it with homemade bread or rolls to soak up the tasty gravy. —Vicki Tormaschy, Dickinson, North Dakota

Slow-Cooker Pork Chops

Everyone volition enjoy these fork-tender, irksome-cooker pork chops with a creamy, low-cal gravy. Serve with a light-green vegetable, mashed potatoes and coleslaw or a salad. These are the all-time ho-hum cooker pork chops. —Sue Bingham, Madisonville, Tennessee

Lime Chicken Tacos

Our fun, uncomplicated craven taco recipe is perfect for a relaxing dinner with friends. If nosotros accept whatever leftover filling, I toss information technology into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho

Creamy Tedious-Cooker White Chicken Chili

My friend Caroline Gray and I came up with this creamy slow-cooker white chicken chili. Information technology's unusual because it calls for Alfredo sauce. —Cindi Mitchell, St. Marys, Kansas

Fabled Fajitas

I've enjoyed cooking since I was a girl growing up in the Southwest. When friends telephone call to ask me for new recipes to try, I suggest these flavorful fajitas. It's wonderful to put the beef in the slow cooker earlier church and come up home to a hot succulent main dish. —Janie Reitz, Rochester, Minnesota

BBQ Chicken Sliders

Brining the meat overnight helps make these BBQ chicken sliders taste uncommonly adept. Plus, they're and then tender, they melt in your mouth. —Rachel Kunkel, Schell Urban center, Missouri

Chicken Mole

If you're not familiar with chicken mole (pronounced mo-LAY), don't be afraid of this versatile Mexican sauce. I love sharing this craven mole recipe because it's a bang-up one to experiment with. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana

Dull-Cooker Turkey Pesto Lasagna

My cheesy, noodle-y lasagna makes whatsoever slow-cooker skeptic a believer. Information technology's easy to prep while my kids nap, and dinner's fix when their dad walks in the door at nighttime. We bring more pesto and marinara to the table for our resident sauce lovers. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, VA

Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken

Of all the recipes I make in my slow cooker, this Crock-Pot BBQ craven is my about treasured. If you savour your BBQ sugariness with a little spice, this will exist your new favorite, also. —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington

Competition-Winning Mushroom Pot Roast

Wow! The vino-warmed flavors in this recipe are amazing! Packed with wholesome veggies and tender beef, this is 1 company-special dish all ages will like. Serve with mashed potatoes to enjoy every last driblet of the rich, beefy gravy. —Angie Stewart, Topeka, Kansas

Fudgy Peanut Butter Block

I clipped this like shooting fish in a barrel peanut butter cake recipe from a newspaper years ago. The house smells fantastic while it's dull cooking. My husband and son savour the block with ice cream and nuts on tiptop. —Bonnie Evans, Norcross, Georgia

Chicken Sliders with Sesame Slaw

Anybody loves charcoal-broil chicken sliders. My version has an Asian twist, with spicy, tangy flavors. At our potlucks, they quickly vanish. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California

Pork Picadillo Lettuce Wraps

Warm pork and cool, well-baked lettuce are a combination born in culinary sky. My spin on a lettuce wrap is chock-full of scrumptious season and spice. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina

Pink Grapefruit Cheesecake

Cheesecake from a wearisome cooker? It'southward truthful! I experimented a few times to plow this iconic dessert into a slow-cooker classic. Give it a try. Yous'll exist amazed at the results! —Krista Lanphier, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Citrus Turkey Roast

I was skeptical at commencement well-nigh fixing turkey in a dull cooker just once I tasted this dish, I was hooked. With a footling cornstarch to thicken the juices, the gravy is easily made. —Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas

Five-Cheese Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Whenever I become to an issue, I'one thousand always asked to bring this hot dip. 5 types of cheese go far a standout and oh-so succulent. I dear its party-gear up convenience— I serve it straight from the slow cooker, then ready-up and clean-up are a cakewalk! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Glazed Spiced Carrots

Glazed 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

Italian Shrimp 'northward' Pasta

This dish will remind you a fleck of archetype shrimp Creole, but it has a surprise Italian twist. Slow cooking gives it easily-off ease—perfect for company. —Karen Edwards, Sanford, Maine

Maple-Walnut Sweet Potatoes

Topped with dried cherries and walnuts, this side is downright delicious. Even people who aren't into sugariness potatoes will grab a second scoop. —Sarah Herse, Brooklyn, New York

Italian Chicken Chardonnay

One 24-hour interval I needed to take dinner ready when we walked in the door after work and schoolhouse. So I contradistinct a skillet dish that my family likes into this delicious slow-cooker meal, and information technology was fix and waiting when nosotros got habitation. It's perfect for an everyday meal just nice enough for company, too. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

Chocolate Bread Pudding with Raspberries

I dear chocolate and I beloved berries, and then I was thrilled to come beyond this recipe that combines the 2. I like to employ egg bread when making this dessert. While information technology cooks in the slow cooker, I can tend to other things. —Becky Foster, Spousal relationship, Oregon

Spring-Thyme Craven Stew

During a long wintertime (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

Garden Chicken Cacciatore

Treat company to this perfect Italian meal. You'll have time to visit with your guests while it simmers, and it oft earns rave reviews. I like to serve it with couscous, dark-green beans and a dry out blood-red vino. Mangia! —Martha Schirmacher, Sterling Heights, Michigan

Seafood Cheese Dip

This cheesy recipe has a nice combination of seafood flavors and clings beautifully to slices of bread. —Michelle Domm, Atlanta, New York

Thai Coconut Beef

My husband and I love Thai nutrient, only going out on weeknights can be challenging with decorated schedules. I wanted to create a Thai-inspired dinner that could double equally an easy tiffin the following day. The beef is fantastic in this dish, simply craven or pork would exist every bit delicious! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Simple Vegetarian Slow-Cooked Beans

When I have a hungry family unit 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

Gooey Peanut Butter-Chocolate Block

Here in Wisconsin, winter weather is extreme. A hot dessert is simply the affair to warm us up. This ho-hum-cooked chocolate cake gets its crunch from a sprinkling of peanuts. —Lisa Erickson, Ripon, Wisconsin

Slow Cooker Rotisserie-Style Chicken

You lot wouldn't believe this golden brown chicken was made in the boring 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

Pork & Rice Noodle Soup

My husband and I are crazy for the Korean noodle bowls at our favorite restaurant. I created this recipe to enjoy the same flavors in a quick and easy repast. Yous tin find rice noodles in the Asian section of the grocery store.—Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri

Pumpkin Pie Pudding

My husband loves anything pumpkin, and this creamy, comforting pumpkin pudding recipe is 1 of his favorites. We brand our easy pudding all twelvemonth long, merely it'southward especially nice in the autumn. —Andrea Schaak, Bloomington, Minnesota

Like shooting fish in a barrel Corned Beef and Cabbage

This corned beef and cabbage boring cooker recipe is a fuss-costless way to melt the traditional dish. I tried it for St. Patrick's Twenty-four hour period a few years ago. Now information technology's a regular in my menu planning. This is terrific with Dijon mustard and crusty breadstuff. —Karen Waters, Laurel, Maryland

Spiced Carrots & Butternut Squash

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

Irksome Cooker Caramel Apple Cider

Spiced with cinnamon sticks, allspice and caramel, this warm-you-upward sipper volition hunt abroad winter's chill. Serve brimming mugs aslope a platter of festive cookies at your side by side holiday gathering. —Gustation of Habitation Exam Kitchen

Moroccan Vegetable Craven Tagine

Take a trip to Morocco with this rich, exotic dish. A tagine is a North African slow-cooked stew named after the pot information technology's cooked in.—Taste of Domicile Test Kitchen

Burgundy Pears

These 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

Parmesan Pork Roast

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

Rich & Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Information technology'southward a cinch to jazz up instant mashed potatoes with sour cream and foam cheese, and 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

Chili & Cheese Crustless Quiche

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

Hot Spiced Lemon Drinkable

I received this recipe from a lady in our church who is an first-class cook. She has shared several slow-cooker recipes with us. Nosotros really enjoy the sugariness-tangy season of this warm citrus punch. —Mandy Wright, Springville, Utah

Cranberry Pork & Sweet Potatoes

Serve your whole dinner from the slow cooker—tender pork chops and sweet potatoes flavored with absurdity, cranberry sauce and brown carbohydrate. It'due south a wonderful repast for the holiday season. —Doris Branham, Kingston, Tennessee

Dull-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

When I make this tasty chicken lasagna at home, I use a whole bottle of Buffalo wing sauce considering my family unit likes it nice and spicy. Increment the pasta sauce and use less fly sauce if y'all prefer. —Heidi Pepin, Sykesville, Maryland

Slow-Cooked Greenish Beans

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

Mexican Fondue

A 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

Shrimp Chowder

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

Viennese Java

This isn't your regular loving cup of Joe! Apparel information technology up with chocolate, whipped cream and more, making it a beverage to relish! —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, Due south Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Slow-Cooker Berry Cobbler

I adjusted my mom's yummy cobbler recipe for boring cooking. With the hot summers here in Arizona, nosotros can still enjoy this comforting dessert, and I don't have to turn on the oven. —Karen Jarocki, Yuma, Arizona

Beefiness Stew Provencal

When I was young, my favorite nutrient to society in a eating place was beef stew. My mother and I decided to create our own and experimented with unlike ingredients until we came up with this recipe. Anybody liked this slow cooker version so much that now it'due south a tradition every time the whole family is together. —Chelsey Larsen, Sparks, Nevada

Creamy Celery Beef Stroganoff

Cream 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

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

In that location's nothing like a basin of warm oatmeal in the morning time, and my spiced version works in a dull cooker. Store leftovers in the refrigerator. —Jordan Bricklayer, Brookville, Pennsylvania

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/which-slow-cooker-sizes-are-best/

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