Slow cookers do more than simplify dinnertime. With versatile settings and hands-off cooking, they make it easy to prepare everything from cozy soups and family-sized casseroles to party dips and even hot chocolate. Choosing the right slow cooker size is key to getting the most out of yours. The best option depends on how many people you’re cooking for, your meal prep habits, and the storage space you have available. Use this guide to find the right slow cooker size for your kitchen and see what you can expect to cook in each one.

Slow Cooker Sizes

Consult the slow cooker size chart above, or keep reading below to learn about each size option below in more depth.

Mini

Mini slow cookers come in handy for yummy party dips or small meals for two. They typically hold 3 quarts or less, and feature three settings: low, high, and warm. A mini slow cooker with digital settings lets you set a cook time before automatically switching to warm, so your food stays ready to serve without overcooking or drying out. Mini slow cookers are very small kitchen-friendly and easy to store.

Small

Small slow cookers have the capacity to hold between 3 and 4 quarts of food. They are ideal for feeding four people or making dinner casseroles. If you’re cooking for just two people, small slow cookers provide leftovers for lunch the next day. They feature the same three settings: low, high, and warm, and some slow cookers offer additional digital options. Small slow cookers are slightly larger than mini ones and should be stored in a slightly deeper cabinet or pantry.

Standard

Standard slow cooker sizes can feed up to six people since they can hold up to 5 quarts. They are perfect for soups, stews, or larger quantities of casseroles and other meals that feed the average family. Depending on your preferences, choose between manual knobs or digital settings. Some standard slow cookers are wider in length, while others are taller and have more depth. You can store standard slow cookers comfortably in a spacious pantry or cabinet before pulling it out to cook on your countertop.

Tip!

No matter your slow cooker size, clean the inner compartment in the dishwasher after each use before putting your slow cooker back in the outer shell and storing it in your pantry or cabinet.

Large

If you love delicious pot roasts, a large slow cooker may be just what you need. This slow cooker size feeds up to eight people and has enough room to hold roasts up to 6 lbs and whole chickens with cut-up vegetables. Large slow cookers can feed the whole family, and provide plenty of leftovers since they hold between 6 and 7 quarts of food. Some large slow cookers have digital settings that allow you to set a required cooking time, then automatically switch to the warm setting.

Extra Large

Cooking for a large party? Make a meal for over nine people in an extra-large slow cooker that can hold up to 8 quarts or more. These slow cookers are perfect for making large batches of food and can even hold a delicious Thanksgiving turkey. They typically have digital settings, so you can set a cooking time then sit back and relax. The slow cooker will automatically stop after the designated time then switch to the warm setting to keep your food hot until you’re ready to eat.

Tip!

New to using a slow cooker? Check out our Slow Cooker 101: How to Use a Crock Pot guide for everything you need to know.

You May Also Like