There’s nothing like coming home to a warm, cooked meal. The problem is, who has the time to cook a complicated meal after a long day at work? That’s where the tried-and-true slow cooker comes in.
A slow cooker is one of the most versatile and small appliances in a kitchen. It can help you make delicious, healthy meals with little effort.
The small slow cookers are compact and easy to use. They also have a range of features to make them perfect for small kitchens.
So, a slow cooker can be a busy person’s best friend. Set it in the morning before work and come home to a hot, ready-to-eat meal.
But with so many models on the market, it can be hard to decide which one to buy. Plus, this list will help you find the best small slow cookers for your needs.
Quick Picks
Well, if you’re in a hurry to make a quick pick, here is a list of 7 top-rated small crock pots. You can confidently purchase any one of them without any worries.
- 1# Crock-Pot 3-Quart SCR300-SS
- 2# Hamilton Beach 4-Quart (33443)
- 3# Cuisinart PSC-350 3.5-Quart
- 4# Crockpot 2.5-Quart Mini
- 5# Elite Gourmet MST-275XS
- 6# Crock-Pot 2-QT (SCR200-B)
- 7# Courant Mini Slow Cooker
What is the Perfect Size of a Small Crock Pot?
Smaller crock pots are typically considered to be those to hold between two and four quarts. This size is ideal for single persons or couples who wish to prepare smaller meals.
Slow cookers of this size can also be great for making side dishes or dips. If you have a small kitchen, a smaller crock pot may be the best option for you.
While four quarts are considered the maximum size for a small crock pot, some manufacturers do make three-quart models. These are great for couples or small families who don’t need a lot of leftovers.
If you’re looking for a crock pot that can handle larger meals, you’ll want to opt for a medium or large size. These typically range from six to eight quarts and can accommodate larger roasts or casseroles.
7 Best Small Slow Cookers [1.5 – 4 Quarts]
A slow cooker is a great way to cook a small meal for yourself or a large group. There are many different sizes and styles of slow cookers on the market, but not all of them are created equal.
Here are the top 7 small slow cookers for you.
#1 Crock-Pot 3-Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker
- Brand: Crock-Pot
- Color: Stainless Silver
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Capacity: 3 Quarts
- Weight: 3.04 Kilograms
- Control Type: Manual
- Watt/Volt: 1200W/110V
- Is Dishwasher Safe: Yes
When it comes to slow cookers, the Crock-Pot 3-Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker is a classic. The appliance has been around for years, and it’s a kitchen staple for many home cooks.
Whether you’re making a pot of chili or a batch of pulled pork, the SCR300-SS slow cooker can get the job done for a small family. It is an excellent size for small families or those who want to make smaller meals.
The Manual Slow Cooker is very easy to use and is a small crock pot with a timer. You just add your food to the pot, set the timer, and let it cook. The pot is also very easy to clean.
The Crockpot SCR300 is a versatile and convenient appliance. Also, it’s one of the most popular and safest slow cookers on the market. It has removable round stoneware for easy cleaning, and the cord length is 24 inches.
In addition, this slow cooker is ideal for cooking a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to casseroles and desserts. With its simple design and user-friendly controls, the Crock-Pot 3-Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker is a great addition to any kitchen.
Crock-Pot is a trusted name when it comes to slow cookers, and the SCR300-SS is no exception. For individuals who wish to prepare fewer servings or for smaller households, this mini slow cooker is perfect. What sets this Crock-Pot apart from other slow cookers is the stoneware and glass lid are dishwashers safe.
Additionally, this SCR300-SS crock pot is the perfect size for a small or medium family. The polished silver, stainless steel exterior with black accents is sleek and modern. The plastic handles make it easy to carry, and the removable stoneware pot is dishwasher-safe.
- Keeps food warm for a long time.
- Easy to use.
- You can put it on a timer.
- Takes a short amount of time to heat up.
- Not too expensive.
- Can be a little noisy sometimes.
#2 Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
- Brand: Hamilton Beach
- Color: Silver
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Capacity: 4 Quarts
- Weight: 8.3 Pounds
- Control Type: Programmable
- Watt/Volt: 220 Volts
- Is Dishwasher Safe:Yes
The Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker is an excellent option for those who want a versatile and user-friendly slow cooker. Additionally, this cooker has four settings – low, high, warm, and off – so it can be used to cook a variety of dishes.
If you’re looking for the best slow cooker to provide you with a lot of options as far as cooking time, the Hamilton Beach 4-Quart is an excellent option. You can select anywhere from 2 to 10 hours of cooking time, so it’s perfect for anything from a quick meal to all-day cooking. Plus, the 4-quart size is just right for most families.
A slow cooker is a handy appliance to have in any kitchen. The Hamilton Beach slow cooker is an excellent option because it has removable, dishwasher-safe stoneware and lid. And it makes the cooker very easy to clean, which is an important consideration when choosing a slow cooker.
When it comes to cooking, I like to set it and forget it. That’s why I was intrigued when I heard about the Hamilton Beach programmable crockpot. In addition, the appliance automatically shifts to warm when the cooking time is up, so you don’t have to worry about your food getting cold. I decided to give it a try, and I’m glad I did.
When it comes to slow cookers, Hamilton Beach is a brand that’s known for offering quality products designed for ease of use. And their programmable slow cooker is no different.
With a clear control panel, it’s simple to set the cooking time and temperature. Plus, the fact, it’s programmable means you can set it and forget it.
- Large enough for the whole family,
- Yet, small enough to fit on the countertop.
- It’s easy to clean..
- Great value for your money.
- Not programable crockpot, so no timer.
- If you’re in a hurry, this isn’t the cooker for you.
#3 Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1/2-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Color: Silver
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Capacity: 3.5 Quarts
- Weight: 9.5 Pounds
- Control Type: Programmable
- Watt/Volt: 1350W/220V
- Is Dishwasher Safe:Yes
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to make delicious and nutritious meals, the Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1 2-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker is for you.
With this small crock pot with timer, all you have to do is add your ingredients, set the timer, and let it do its magic. You’ll come home to perfectly cooked food every time, with no fuss or muss.
The Cuisinart PSC-350 Programmable Slow Cooker is a versatile and easy-to-use appliance. Moreover, it makes delicious, home-cooked meals a snap. With just a few simple ingredients and the push of a button, you can have flavorful and healthy dinners ready to enjoy any night of the week.
With the three cooking options available on this slow cooker—low, high, and warm—you can perfectly tailor each dish. In addition, it’s programmable, so you can set it and forget it. It also has a lovely design; plus, it would look great on any countertop. Families with active schedules or anybody who enjoys cooking should use this slow cooker.
This Programmable Slow Cooker with delay start is the perfect way to cook a delicious, healthy meal with ease. The touchpad control panel and 24-hour LCD countdown timer make it easy to set and monitor cooking times, while the four cooking modes ensure the food comes out perfectly cooked every time.
Moreover, the four cooking methods make it versatile enough to handle any dish, while the large 3-1/2 quart capacity is perfect for feeding a crowd. With automatic keep-warm and a glass lid, this slow cooker is perfect for preparing meals in advance.
The non-slip rubber feet and stay-cool handles provide safety while cooking, and the programmable settings make it easy to use. The Cuisinart small slow cooker automatically shifts to warm when the cooking time ends, so your food is always ready when you are.
The brushed stainless steel housing and glass lid with chrome-plated knob give this slow cooker a modern look, while the dishwasher-safe lid and ceramic pot make it easy to clean. Overall, this slow cooker is amazing!
- Allows for hands-free cooking.
- Programmable settings make it easy to use.
- Heats evenly, so food doesn’t stick or burn.
- May require more liquid than other slow cookers.
- The stainless steel exterior is prone to smudging.
- It can be a little pricey.
#4 Crockpot 2.5-Quart Mini Casserole Crock Slow Cooker
- Brand: Crock-Pot
- Color: White/Blue
- Material: Stoneware
- Capacity: 2.5 Quarts
- No. of Settings: 3
- Control Type: Hand Control
- Watt/Volt: 1200W/220V
- Is Dishwasher Safe: Yes
The Crock-Pot 2.5-Quart Mini is a great addition to any kitchen. In addition, this slow cooker comes with three manual heat settings, low, high, and warm, so you can choose the perfect temperature for your meal. The casserole crock is also removable for easy cleaning.
Moreover, this slow cooker is perfect for small families or couples who want to cook a healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. As the weather cools and the days grow shorter, casseroles, one-pot meals, and dips become favorites.
But who has the time to spend hours in the kitchen? The answer is Crockpot 2.5-Quart Optimized for casseroles, one-pot meals, dips, and other favorites. Plus, this mini slow cooker can do it all, from cooking a pot of chili to baking a lasagna. And cleanup is a breeze.
The Crock-Pot 2.5-quart is not only oven-safe but also has a host of other features to make it a must-have for any kitchen. With its large capacity and easy-to-use design, the Crock-Pot is perfect for making large meals or multiple dishes at once.
The Crock-Pot’s ability to keep food warm for hours after it’s been cooked makes it ideal for busy families or entertaining guests. A casserole is a dish, and it typically consists of cooked vegetables, meat, and starch, such as rice or pasta, all baked together in one big dish.
In addition, Casserole crockpots are great for large gatherings or potluck dinners because they can be made ahead of time and reheated easily. However, reheating a casserole in the oven can sometimes make it dry or overcooked. And this is where the Crock Pot 2.5-Quart comes in handy!
- Quite good for a small family.
- Comes with three heat settings to make life easier.
- Secure tight lid.
- Over safe product.
- Side handle included for additional safety.
- It can become too hot.
- Not suitable for a big family.
#5 Elite Gourmet MST-275XS Electric Oval Slow Cooker
- Brand: Elite Gourmet
- Color: Stainless Steel
- Material: Stoneware
- Capacity: 2 Quarts
- No. of Settings: 3
- Control Type: Knob
- Watt/Volt: 120KW/120V
- Is Dishwasher Safe: Yes
The Elite Gourmet MST-275XS Electric Slow Cooker is a great choice for any slow-cooking recipe. It cooks food slowly and evenly, making it perfect for pot roasts, stews, and other dishes.
The slow cooker has three settings – low, high, and warm – so you can choose the perfect temperature for your meal. The oval shape of the slow cooker makes it perfect for cooking large cuts of meat. Moreover, it is easy to use, and you can cook your food in it without having to worry about it burning.
The slow cooker has an adjustable temperature control so you can cook your food at the perfect temperature. It also has a timer so you can set it and forget it. The slow cooker comes with a recipe book so you can make your favorite dishes in it.
If you’re looking for an affordable and high-quality slow cooker, the Elite Gourmet Oval Slow Cooker is a great option. It has cool-touch handles and a knob to protect your hands from heat, as well as a sturdy design for safe transportation.
A slow cooker is a kitchen appliance used to simmer food at a low temperature for a long period. The Elite Gourmet Oval Slow Cooker is a high-quality option, and it features an exterior heating base to wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Additionally, the tempered glass cover and detachable stoneware pot of this slow cooker make it simple to transfer food to serving utensils. Also, it is an excellent option if you want a flexible and economical slow cooker.
With three customizable settings (low, hot, and keep warm), this crockpot makes it simple to create any meal. Try setting it and forget it as you go about your routine. The Elite Gourmet Oval Slow Cooker is an excellent choice for cooking for one or a big group of up to ¾ people.
- Can cook large meals for up to 4 people.
- Easy to use, and cleaning is quite a breeze.
- With warm settings, it keeps food warm.
- It is portable and safe to transport with a handle.
- Ready to cook versatile recipe.
- Can be a little heavy at 5.29 pounds.
#6 Crock-Pot 2-QT Round Manual Slow Cooker
- Brand: Crock-Pot
- Color: Black
- Material: Stoneware
- Capacity: 2.5 Quarts
- No. of Settings: 3
- Control Type: Manual
- Watt/Volt: 1500W/220V
- Is Dishwasher Safe: Yes
When it comes to slow cookers, the Crock-Pot SCR200-B is one of the best mini slow cookers on the market. Any small families or lone individuals looking to prepare a fast dinner would love this cooker. A variety of recipes may be made in this SCR200-B 2-quart model, which is made to feed three people.
The SCR200-B Slow Cooker is a great addition to any kitchen because it has a simple design with just a few controls, making it easy to use. It has two settings, high and low, so you can cook your food at the perfect temperature. The removable stoneware insert makes cleanup a breeze.
This unit features a removable, dishwasher-safe stoneware insert and a dishwasher-safe glass lid. Plus, the stoneware and lid can both be locked in place for easy carrying. The stoneware insert is removable and dishwasher-safe, and the glass lid is also dishwasher-safe.
Compared to earlier versions, which were challenging to clean and frequently leave food caught in the pot, this is a significant improvement. With this new model, you can simply pop the stoneware insert into the dishwasher and let it do its job.
However, the pot is made of durable stoneware and has a two-quart capacity. The unit also features a removable stoneware insert and a glass lid. The design of this cooker is purple polka-dot, and it comes with recipes included.
Additionally, the detachable stoneware may be used as a serving dish, and the streamlined form allows it to sit on your countertop without occupying too much room. The Crock-Pot is ideal for busy moms or anybody looking to prepare a quick and nutritious supper.
This is a multifunctional and useful tiny slow cooker. So, the Crock-Pot 2-QT Round Manual Slow Cooker is a great option for those who want an affordable and easy-to-use slow cooker.
- Inexpensive crock pot.
- Compact size is good for small spaces.
- Manual settings are easy to use.
- It does not require electricity.
- Can be used outdoors.
- May break easily if dropped.
- Not as many features as electric slow cookers.
#7 Courant Mini Slow Cooker Crock
- Brand: Courant
- Color: Stainless Steel
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Capacity: 1.5 Quarts
- No. of Settings: 3
- Control Type: Manual
- Watt/Volt: 120W/120V
- Is Dishwasher Safe: Yes
If you’re always running late or short on time in the morning, the Courant Mini Slow Cooker Crock is perfect for you! In addition, the crockpot can cook food quickly and easily, so you can spend more time doing what you enjoy. Plus, it’s small enough to take with you wherever you go.
The Crock-Pot brand is known for its versatile slow cookers, which can be used to make various dishes. Plus, this slow cooker is perfect for whipping up simple dishes like chili, chicken, dumplings, or beef stroganoff. It is also great for making larger quantities of food and can be frozen or refrigerated for later use.
Are you looking for a great slow cooker with three heat settings? The Courant Mini Slow Cooker has them all! The low, high, and keep warm sets are perfect for every recipe. The offsetting is ideal when you don’t have time to slow cook.
The slow cooker is one of the best tools in your arsenal for easy dinners. Not only is it effortless to put together, but it also allows you to take care of other things that need your attention and return to a delicious meal waiting for you.
Additionally, this stoneware Crock insert features a non-stick surface and is removable for easy cleaning. The Courant Slow Cooker is a perfect addition to any kitchen. If you’re someone who likes to be able to cook dinner at your convenience, the courant slow cooker is worth checking out.
- Perfect appliance for a small kitchen.
- It has one-touch cooking options.
- It comes with a digital timer.
- The removable pot makes it easy to clean.
- Cord wrap system ensures your countertop stays clutter-free.
- The temperature variation is relatively low.
- Pretty small, not good for more than three people.
Some Mini Slow Cooker Recipes
Are you looking for some delicious, yet easy recipes to make in your mini slow cooker? Look no further! This section will provide you with some scrumptious recipes which are perfect for your mini slow cooker.
Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs
Ingredients:
- -1 pound ground beef
- -1/2 cup bread crumbs
- -1/4 cup minced onion
- -1 egg
- -1 tablespoon minced garlic
- -1 tablespoon honey
- -1 teaspoon salt
- -1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- -1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat your mini slow cooker on low heat.
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, egg, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Form the mixture into small balls and place them into the slow cooker.
- Pour the water over the meatballs and stir to coat. Cook for 3 hours or until cooked through. Enjoy!
Chocolate Chip Muffins
Ingredients:
- -1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- -1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- -1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- -pinch of salt
- -1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- -1/2 cup granulated sugar
- -3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- -1 large egg, at room temperature
- -1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- -1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your slow cooker to low.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In a larger bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the cocoa powder and mix until combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in the mini chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into each of your small crockpot cups or liners. Cook on low for about an hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm (or cold).
Teriyaki Steak Bites
Ingredients:
- -1 pound flank steak
- -1/2 cup soy sauce
- -1/4 cup honey
- -1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- -1 teaspoon grated ginger
- -1 clove garlic, minced
- -1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- -1/4 cup vegetable oil
- -8 small green onions, white and light green parts, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
- Place the flank steak in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and pepper. Pour over the steak.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until the beef is very tender.
- Remove the steak from the slow cooker and let cool slightly. Thinly slice the grain into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil until hot. Add the onion slices and cook for about 5 minutes or until softened.
- Add the sliced steak to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until browned on both sides. Serve immediately.
Frequently Questions and Answers [FAQ]
I tried to answer some of the most asked questions regarding mini slow cookers. I hope this FAQ section will come in handy for you to choose the small programmable crock pot.
The smallest slow cooker you can buy is probably a 1.5-quart to 4-quart slow cooker. These are great for small families or if you want to make a smaller batch of food.
The best size slow cooker for a single person is a 1 to 1.5-quart slow cooker. Small dinners or side dishes may be prepared in this size with no problem.
A 2-quart slow cooker should be sufficient for two adults. If you plan to cook for more people or want leftovers, you may want to consider a larger size.
A 1.5-liter slow cooker is big enough for most people’s needs. It can hold enough food for a family of 3 to 4. If you have a larger family, you may want to consider a bigger size.
There are no differences! A crockpot is a type of slow cooker, typically with a stoneware pot. Slow cookers generally have two or three settings (low, high, and sometimes warm), while crock pots usually have low and high.
Final Verdict
These are the best of the best small slow cookers for a small family and will help you save time and space in the kitchen.
The small slow cookers are the best because they are easy to use and clean. They are also great for making soups, stews, and sauces. The best part about them is they are affordable and durable.
Additionally, the small crockpots are the best for people who have a small family or live alone. They are also great for people who want to save money on their electric bills.
