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 Rolls
Just thinking about this dish sparks my appetite. The ham and cheese rolled inside make for a tasty surprise. The chicken rolls are especially nice served over rice or pasta. —Jean Sherwood, Kenneth City, Florida
Slow-Cooked Blueberry Grunt
If 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
Slow-Roasted Lemon Dill Chicken
The 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
Slow-Cooked Sirloin
My family of five likes to eat 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 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
Lime Chicken Tacos
Our fun, simple chicken taco recipe is perfect for a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho
Slow-Cooked White Bean Chili
My friend Caroline Gray and I came up with this delicious slow-cooked chicken chili. It's unusual because it calls for Alfredo sauce. —Cindi Mitchell, St. Marys, Kansas
Fabulous Fajitas
I've enjoyed cooking since I was a girl growing up in the Southwest. When friends 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 before church and come home to a hot delicious main dish. —Janie Reitz, Rochester, Minnesota
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Brining the meat overnight helps make these BBQ chicken sliders taste exceptionally good. Plus, they're so tender, they melt in your mouth. —Rachel Kunkel, Schell City, 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 chicken mole recipe because it’s a great one to experiment with. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana
Slow Cooker Turkey Pesto Lasagna
My cheesy, noodle-y lasagna makes any slow-cooker skeptic a believer. It's easy to prep while my kids nap, and dinner's ready when their dad walks in the door at night. 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 is my favorite. If you like your barbecue sweet with a little spice, this will be your new favorite, too. —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington
Contest-Winning Mushroom Pot Roast
Wow! The wine-warmed flavors in this recipe are amazing! Packed with wholesome veggies and tender beef, this is one company-special dish all ages will like. Serve with mashed potatoes to enjoy every last drop of the rich, beefy gravy. —Angie Stewart, Topeka, Kansas
Fudgy Peanut Butter Cake
I clipped this 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
Chicken Sliders with Sesame Slaw
These sweet, tangy, spicy chicken sliders have an Asian style that tingles the taste buds. At our potlucks, they quickly vanish. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
Pork Picadillo Lettuce Wraps
Warm pork and cool, crisp lettuce are a combination born in culinary heaven. My spin on a lettuce wrap is chock-full of scrumptious flavor and spice. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Pink Grapefruit Cheesecake
Cheesecake from 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. You'll be amazed at the results! —Krista Lanphier, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Citrus Turkey Roast
I was skeptical at first about fixing turkey in a slow cooker but once I tasted this dish, I was hooked. With a little cornstarch to thicken the juices, the gravy is easily made. —Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas
Five-Cheese Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Whenever I go to an event, I'm always asked to bring this hot dip. Five types of cheese make it a standout and oh-so delicious. I love its party-ready convenience— I serve it straight from the slow cooker, so set-up and clean-up are a breeze! —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 'n' Pasta
This 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
Maple-Walnut Sweet Potatoes
Topped 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
Italian Chicken Chardonnay
One day I needed to have dinner ready when we walked in the door after work and school. So I altered a skillet dish that my family likes into this delicious slow-cooker meal, and it was ready and waiting when we got home. It's perfect for an everyday meal but nice enough for company, too. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Chocolate Bread Pudding with Raspberries
I love chocolate and I love berries, so I was thrilled to come across this recipe that combines the two. I like to use egg bread when making this dessert. While it cooks in the slow cooker, I can tend to other things. —Becky Foster, Union, Oregon
Spring-Thyme Chicken Stew
During 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
Garden Chicken Cacciatore
Here’s the perfect Italian meal to serve company. While simmering, it frees you up to visit with your guests and always receives rave reviews! I like to serve it with hot cooked pasta, a tossed salad and a dry red wine. 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 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
Simple Vegetarian Slow-Cooked Beans
When 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 the menu. —Jennifer Reid, Farmington, Maine
Gooey Peanut Butter-Chocolate Cake
Here 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
Slow Cooker Rotisserie-Style Chicken
You 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
Pork & Rice Noodle Soup
My husband and I are crazy over the Korean noodle bowls at our favorite restaurant. I created this recipe to enjoy the same flavors in a quick and easy meal. You can 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 one of his favorites. We make our easy pudding all year long, but it's especially nice in the fall. —Andrea Schaak, Bloomington, Minnesota
Easy Corned Beef and Cabbage
This 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. This is terrific with Dijon mustard and crusty bread. —Karen Waters, Laurel, Maryland
Spiced Carrots & Butternut Squash
When I've got a lot going on, my slow cooker is my go-to tool for cooking veggies. I toss in cumin and chili powder to bring out the natural sweetness of carrots and squash. —Courtney Stultz, Columbus, Kansas
Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider
Spiced 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
Moroccan Vegetable Chicken Tagine
Take 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
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
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 the perfect-for-party time potatoes 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 casserole is perfect for any meal of the day. I add a salad and dinner is on! —Gail Watkins, Norwalk, Califiornia
Hot Spiced Lemon Drink
I 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
Cranberry Pork & Sweet Potatoes
Serve your whole dinner from the slow cooker—tender pork chops and sweet potatoes flavored with applesauce, cranberry sauce and brown sugar. It’s a wonderful meal for the holiday season. —Doris Branham, Kingston, Tennessee
Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
When I make this tasty chicken lasagna at home, I use a whole bottle of Buffalo wing sauce because my family likes it nice and spicy. Increase the pasta sauce and use less wing sauce if you prefer. —Heidi Pepin, Sykesville, Maryland
Slow-Cooked Green Beans
I 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
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 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
Viennese Coffee
This 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
Slow Cooker Berry Cobbler
I 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
Beef Stew Provencal
When 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
Creamy Celery Beef Stroganoff
Cream of celery soup adds richness to a recipe that has become a family favorite. Besides the delicious flavor of the dish, I love the ease of preparing it. —Kim Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal
There'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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Kate Ellsworth