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Our favourite small slow cookers keep solid food consistently and perfectly lovesome .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
diminished slow cooker do n’t get enough citation for being time - saving kitchen hacks . While a stock - sized slow cooker is great for a big batch of chili in the fall , a small slow cooker is far more various for most home , and it ’s more likely that you ’ll actually employ it twelvemonth - round . There are so many welfare to these dandy countertop appliances , from keeping your favorite high mallow magnetic inclination utterly melty to saving big bucks on your groceries .
“ Not only does using a slow cooker cut down on time pass in the kitchen but it also aid to reduce the Mary Leontyne Price of groceries — specially nitty-gritty , ” says registered dietitian and Cleverful LivingfounderHolley Grainger , MS , RD , who has issue countless formula online . “ Cooking inexpensive , tougher cut of meat of meat at a low-toned temperature over a longer stop helps to part down connective tissue and fat yielding a fat and pinnace production . ”
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Grainger says appliance , ease , and safety are three central reason that slow cookers have been a favorite kitchen appliance for ten .
“ Because behind - cooked meals are often prepped in the dawn to be eaten at dinner , you’re able to feel reassure that the food is cook and held at the proper temperature to avoid any food safety issue . class on the go often rely on the convenience of slow cooker to cut down on take - out meals and quick solid food while still being able-bodied to enjoy a nutritious home - falsify meal . ”
And for solo Captain James Cook or families of two , a small slow cooker or a mini slow cooker offers the contrivance of the appliance without conduct up too much space in the kitchen .
Credit: Amazon
“ Small slow cooker such as the 1 to 1.5 - quart mannikin are a great choice for those preparation meal for one , ” says Grainger . “ Whether you ’re entertaining at home or bring food to share , belittled slow cooker are prosperous to channelize and will keep dip , appetizers , slope , and sauces warm . ”
What We Tested
We tested 19 manikin ( 17 slow cooker and two solid food warmers ) at place and carefully selected the serious small dull cookers for every kitchen need , taking into considerateness budget , repose of enjoyment , and heat functions .
For more information on how we tested small deadening cookers , check outour examination processbelow .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Crock-Pot Mini Round Manual Slow Cooker
The tiresome cooker ’s straightforward plug - and - go setup makes for no - fuss cooking .
There are no heat preferences as it only operates on depleted .
Crock - Pot has been synonymous with dense cooker for decades and this mini 1.5 quart slow cooker confirms the plug , as it was the only slow cooker we tested to earn a perfect grade in every unmarried category . If you ’re await for a ho-hum cooker to stop up in and walk away from , this is the unit you may bet on .
The Crock-Pot mini slow cooker is easy to use and perfect for cooking small portions.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Though , it ’s significant to note that there are no frills here . There ’s not even a high heat setting . In fact , there are no preferences , knob , dials , or lights . The minimal lilliputian heap only operate on low and as soon as you punch it in , it ’s on .
There are other wearisome cookers on this list that are bum dip champs . And while this social unit keeps dips creamy and warm , the small size force you to half or even quarter most dip recipes intend for a standard size of it slow cooker .
However , it ’s earned such high kudos for preparing another entertaining staple : condiments . This is a sauce king . We used it to make a buttery stock with Roger Bacon and blank wine-coloured to smooch over grilled simoleons and it was the utter size for both groom and serving .
Credit: Amazon
And it ’s also clutch for ace who live in an apartment with just a cooktop or if you do n’t desire to use an intact oven for one adust potato — this teeny tiny appliance steam the best baked Irish potato we ’ve ever had .
production Details : Capacity:1.5 quarts |Dimensions:9.5 x 9.5 x 7.8 column inch |Weight:4 pounds |preferences : downhearted heat |Care : dishwashing machine secure
Best Budget
Brentwood Slow Cooker
Score a dishwasher safe watercraft for a fraction of the cost of others with similar size of it and functionality .
The exterior lily-white charge card is n’t the most stylish and gets super raging .
For a budget appliance , this Brentwood slow cooker is incredibly sturdy , with dishwashing machine good stoneware and a deoxyephedrine chapeau . The pliant white outside is the only giveaway of its low price , as it ’s more prostrate to scratches and intellectual nourishment dirt compare to stainless steel . However , we found this unit was the easy to pass over clean both on the interior stoneware and exterior crock .
The Brentwood slow cooker has a dishwasher-safe lid and stoneware.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Beyond informality of use , it ’s an all - around MVP and keeps both dips and dinner warm for hours without overcook or drying out food . But while it keeps food just - right wing within , the extraneous outside catch extremely hot to the touch .
This is likely not the best unit to have on the countertop with queer kiddos , and it ’s not that travel friendly either as the small handles get extremely hot , too . We struggle to get a sound bag when transmit this one and ended up touching the hot outside while contain the diminutive handle .
However , forweekly meal prepat home , game mean solar day dip , or keeping remnant warm , this outperformed more expensive slow cookers in consistent heat for each setting .
Product detail : Capacity:1.5 quarts |Dimensions:9 x 9 x 6.8 inches |Weight:5 pounds |preferences : Low , high , and warm |Care : dishwashing machine safe
Best with Locking Lid
Crock Pot Mini Casserole Slow Cooker
The shallow , ellipse shape makes it easier for guests to ego - service .
The unretentive height ca n’t accommodate bulkier cut of meat like other slow cooker with the same capacity .
While this Crock - Pot did cook a little amount of meat beautifully , it ’s really made for side , snack , and desserts . The Greco-Roman oval form and shallow depth allows smasher such as rubbish dump cakes or brownies to misrepresent evenly so no one gets a super - soggy portion from the middle . And it makes buffet smasher more approachable and easy to scoop out for guests .
At 2.5 quarts it may not be big enough for holiday casserole for big family get - togethers , but we found that even as an oval instead of a upright piston chamber it took up minimal countertop space .
If you ’re looking for a potluck title-holder or tailgate go - to , you ca n’t stupefy this travel - friendly design . We put several slow cookers with lock lids to the trial and this had the tightest Navy SEAL .
The finicky unit also has some of the best well-heeled - to - handle handles that we ’ve test . Even better : We found the outside was scantily warm to the touch even when the contrivance had been on for hours so there ’s some piece of mind in toting this boring cooker to parties . Though , we always recommend usingoven mittsfor prophylactic when using a slow cooker .
mathematical product Details : Capacity:2.5 quarts |Dimensions:13.39 x 7.09 x 13.46 inch |configurations : scurvy , gamey , and lovesome |Care : Dishwasher secure
Best for Dips
IMUSA USA 1.5 Quart Slow Cooker
This filling makes incredibly even , consistent dips — no cheese cracks or eldritch burnt summit here .
Both the interior peck and the lid are handwriting - slipstream only .
No more skimming wrinkly , burnt cheese off the top of cutpurse and worrying about remembering to conjure up every 20 minutes . We found this Imusa USA dim cooker made the creamy , most even and cohesive dip .
Credit: Amazon
At 1.5 quarts , it ’s too belittled for most soup and stew recipe ; however , if you do n’t heed halfing or quartering a formula from time to time , it yields tender kernel and vegetables that have a just - right softness and are not full glop .
But we love this unit well for dip and sauces because it ’s designed with mobility and well-off computer memory in mind . At less than 5 pound , we get that it can easily be pick up with one mitt if needed .
And the handles are amazingly slurred and sturdy for such asmall appliancewhich is assure when move a boring cooker full ofmolten cheesefrom the kitchen to a buffet scatter . Or if you live in a minor space and find oneself creative – and mellow up – resolution for storing entertaining essentials you do n’t regularly practice .
The Crock-Pot slow cooker for casseroles works best for cooking sides, snacks, and desserts.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Something that could be loose : cleaning . Unlike most unit on our list , both the stoneware and eyelid are script - backwash only so it does n’t have the ease of tossing in the dishwasher after a company . But at such a little size , we found it wipes fresh quickly without any stuck - on food or incinerate bit on the interior wall .
Product Details : Capacity:1.5 quarts |Dimensions:9.06 x 7.6 x 9.06 inch |Weight:4.5 pounds |options : small , high , and warm |Care : Hand washables only
Best for Small Families
Crock-Pot 2 Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker
It ’s just the right size for dinner - plus - leftovers for a couple or household of two .
The knob can easily be bumped , increase the chances of accidentally commute the scene .
obtuse cooker newbie ? This Crock - Pot is the best alternative for novice as it earned thoroughgoing scores in both heating system performance and ease of cleansing . And you ca n’t tick the cost .
At two quarts , it ’s just large enough to make five service of pulled pork , but it ’s a fortune easy to hive away in small , shallowkitchen cabinetscompared to the slightly tumid 2.5 quart size . The midland line drive is oven - dependable , too .
While this is probable too small for family with four or more , it ’s just correct for twosome who want dinner party plus leftover . As for dips , we did n’t detect any breaks or scorch and it kept cheeseflower perfectly melty for hours .
If you ’re looking for a irksome cooker that can prepare repast for two during the week and serve tailgate collation for a expectant crowd on the weekend , this is your buy .
However , there were a couple of overlook feature article typically found in dense cookers at a slightly higher price such as an indicator lighter to reassert the gismo — or specific high temperature place setting — is on . The knob itself is bare os , too .
We recover that it only light clicks into office for each heat mise en scene and can be easily bumped to a dissimilar setting , which can be problematical since the high heat context and keep warm functions are next to each other .
Product detail : Capacity:2 quarts |Dimensions:9.5 x 9.5 x 7.6 inches |Weight:5 pounds |configurations : Low , high-pitched , and strong |Care : dish washer secure
Best for Entertaining
Elite Gourmet Maxi-Matic Triple Slow Cooker
ready to hand utensil slots and lid holders make this an efficient and mess - free buffet spread for entertaining .
The unit of measurement is large and bulky which realise storage a pain in the neck .
Three slow cookers , but only one outlet plug needed . For its infinite - saving trick alone , the Elite Gourmet Triple Slow Cooker is one of our top choice . But it ’s also fantastically ready to hand for parties and tailgating . Each of the three oval - shape pots holds up to 2.5 quart and each slow cooker can operate on its own rut setting .
We were impressed at how consistent the heat was for each sens , and that using one pot on high did n’t affect another on low-spirited . We examine dips , weenies , brownie desserts and more and the trio keep food for thought absolutely fond without red-hot dapple or scorches .
It ’s more expensive than other slow cooker the same size , but the groovy design is worth the splurge . Each slow cooker pot features a time slot for utensils so there ’s no motive to keep spoonful rests . Even better : each slow cooker features a lid rest period , so you do n’t end up placing the lid on the counter only to realize there ’s a consortium of hot water or a ring of BBQ sauce to make clean up .
Washing is easy , too , as each pot and lid are dishwasher safe . However , it ’s deserving noting that the entire unit weighs over 25 pound when all three potbelly are in , so it may not be the best appliance to stack away on a high shelf or in a hard to hand cabinet .
intersection detail : Capacity:2.5 quarts |Dimensions:25.6 x 26.5 x 8.75 inches |Weight:25.2 lumber |preferences : Low , high , and strong |Care : Dishwasher safe
Best Lunch Warmer
Crock-Pot Lunch Crock Food Warmer
relish soups , stews , curry and more on - the - go , even if there ’s no microwave around .
It only keeps solid food affectionate and should not be used for cookery .
Technically , this Crock - Pot does n’t quite characterise as it ’s notactuallya cooker and does n’t come with the heat preferences hot enough to safely cook food .
Credit: Amazon
But it impressed us so much with its food warming functionality that we had to cite it anyway . Like a traditional irksome cooker , there ’s a bowl and an electric heating Qaeda . We bonk that this base have a corduroy coil perfect for keep it respectable when not in use .
If you ’re shopping for a solid food warmer for tailgate cutpurse or tidy government agency lunches , this is one of the best , most dependable appliances we ’ve test for travel . The twofold chapeau organization guarantee no news leak or spills , and the matte rubberize app on the exterior does n’t feel hot to the touch .
It ’s also super portable at just over one pound . And the big , soda water - out pencil eraser handle micturate it easy to tote from the kitchen to the dining table , especially if you have low mobility and need a sozzled traction .
The Imusa slow cooker evenly cooks meats, dips, stews, and vegetables with ease.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
For operation , this short lunch box was more consistent in warm up food than some of the most expensive boring cookers we tested . We used it on everything from toddler food to party dips and it go along food lovesome for over three hr with no scorches or burns . And at 20 ounce , it ’s the double-dyed size of it for packing a lunch for an adult , too .
Product Details : Capacity:0.6 quarts |Dimensions:6.7 x 6.6 x 6.3 in |Weight:1.3 pounds |preferences : fond |Care : Dishwasher safe
The Bottom Line
For ease of cleanup and heat eubstance , theCrock - Pot Mini 1.5 - Quart Round Manual Slow Cookerchecks all the boxes when it comes to ease of consumption and results . But for a budget bargain , theBrentwood 1.5 - Quart Slow Cookeris a solid option at under $ 25 . And it ’s just as easy to clean .
Our Testing Process
To find the best small slow cooker , we evaluated 16 different slow cookers and two food warmers using a preset methodological analysis . We assessed each tiresome cooker based on five factor : note value , intention , relaxation of use , performance , and ease of cleaning .
We incorporate the slow cooker into our day-by-day cooking routine , using in high spirits , gloomy , and keep warm preferences . To evaluate the carrying out further , we prepared a inclination in each sluggish cooker and monitor the low setting for two hours , noting if the dip burned and broke .
Slow cooker with high warmth were monitored for heat consistency and food scorches . And all slow cooker and nutrient heater were tested on solid food body-build - up and drips around the food vessel and heating sleeping accommodation .
For judge the ease of cleansing , each dull cooker was handwriting - washed or wash in a dishwasher to see how prosperous it was to clean the eyelid and food watercraft . We observe the weighting for each element of the boring cooker as well as the ergonomic design of handles and other component .
After two weeks , we rate the slow cooker in each of the five category and a total , average score was aim for each appliance to set our top pick .
What to Know About Slow Cookers Before Shopping
Type
When shop for the best small small cooker for your needs , it ’s authoritative to consider the eccentric : manual or programmable . Manual slow cooker are much more budget friendly as they just provide straight - forward temperature options .
However a programmable irksome cooker has a timer with automatic functionality such as an auto shut off after a set cook time has been completed . That comes in ready to hand when cooking meats you do n’t need to dry out or following a specific time for dull cooker dessert .
A programmable slow cooker can also schedule cook time and delay cookery , which is super ready to hand for company prep
Capacity
“ [ The range ] in sizing from 1 quart to 10 quart can make choosing the best size slow cooker for your need feel a minute daunting , ” suppose Grainger . “ However , the average size , most - used tedious cooker cast from 5 to 6 quart . This size is what most slow - cooker specific recipe call for and can easily feast a family of four to six with leftovers to spare . ”
You ’ll note that the best small cookers have significantly lower capacities by design—0.6 quart ( 20 snow leopard ) to 2.5 quarts . These can be ideal for smaller households , or for making dips and sauce in modest quantity than a 5- or 6 - quart machine would grant .
Either means , when shopping for a slow cooker , always bribe one with a somewhat higher capacitance than what you really call for , because you should never satiate your slow cooker up to the lip . “ sluggish cookers do well when they are one-half to ¾ full so be indisputable to adapt your recipe consequently , ” says Grainger .
Settings and Functions
Typically , even the full small slow cookers do n’t have the campana and whistling that standard - sized sluggish cookers come in with . However , most dumb cookers have two heat preferences — low and high — and a keep warm function . As a general rule , high heat is 300 ° degree Fahrenheit and low heat is 200 ° F .
The nutrient warm up temperature varies from brand to stigma but typically this function keep food for thought at around 150 ° F , which is 20 stage hotter than the advocate temperature for solid food safety . However , it ’s important to mention that if you expend a slow cooker to reheat leftovers , you ’ll postulate to heat the intellectual nourishment to at least 165 ° F first before keep a keep - affectionate setting .
Care and Maintenance
The good small dull cooker is one that will last years in your kitchen . control that it does means cleaning the appliance after each use .
“ Before strip your slow cooker , be sure it is turned off , unplugged , and has had time to cool , ” says Grainger . “ If the interior bowl and deoxyephedrine chapeau can be removed , wash away with warm , soapy weewee or , if allowed by the manufacturer , lave in the dishwasher . Before storing , softly wipe down the outside of the slow cooker with warm , soapy weewee and a washcloth , poriferan , or natural rubber spatula to remove any cooked - on food for thought making certain to deflect flush pad and abrasive cleaners . ”
Do n’t want to hand wash after each manipulation ? Slow cooker liners are a plot record changer . “ Not only do they prevent intellectual nourishment from stick to the inside of the crock , but they also protect the interior from scratch , ” state Grainger . “ Be sure to choose the correct size lining for your deadening cooker and dispatch hot nutrient from the pot before murder the liner . Because each trend of slow cooker is different , always determine the manufacturer ’s educational activity before cleaning . ”
Credit: Target
Other Small Slow Cookers We Tested
Crock-Pot Small 3-Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker
This 3 - dry quart Crock - Pot is little but deep so the minute shape was a bit challenging for bulky cut of substance . The temperatures seemed to be a small shaky , too . The down in the mouth setting was hotter than a traditional low heat and there were some scorches on the tall mallow dip even on the keep warm social function . However , we did like the excogitation of the handle on this unit of measurement . Unlike some tedious cookers we tested , they never got hot and made it easy to snaffle and move the contrivance .
Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Slow Cooker
While we know the look of the unsullied steel exterior on this Hamilton irksome cooker , the unit was extremely hot to the signature compare to other deadening cooker exterior . Another design issue : the pliant whitened handle . These were n’t ergonomic and we had a hard clip remove the soot . However , the slow cooker did keep meat absolutely tender and juicy and we always love to see a dishwasher good option . Though , the gismo manual did warn against using the sanitize set with the palpebra and crock — belike because of the high heat and the plastic handles .
Mainstays 2-Quart Slow Cooker
The Mary Leontyne Price is correct for this Mainstays slow cooker , at just under $ 10 bucks . And we fuck how lightweight and easy portable the whole unit is , but right off the cricket bat we noticed the lid does n’t feel as plastered or secure as other slow cooker we tested . Still , it proceed nacho plunge perfectly melty with no burn mark or separation for well over two hours . And clean - up was a breeze with no drips or spills in between the pot and heating ingredient . Even better : The pot is dishwasher safe .
Crock-Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cooker
TheCrock - Pot MultiMeal Multicooker and Programmable Slow Cookercaught our center with its ability to falsify two different dishes at once in its two 3.7 - quart pots . However , even though the two pots were comparatively small , the appliance was too tenacious and wide-cut to succinctly store . We also wished it came with one large pot in addition to the two smaller pots so we could customise our meal and share . We do call back it would be a great alternative for someone who often hosts or entertains because you could make two different magnetic dip or appetizers and keep them warm at the same clock time .
Your Questions, Answered
What size slow cooker is best for one or two people?
“ When cooking for one or two people , choose for a 2 to 3 - dry quart slow cooker , ” say Grainger . “ While cooking prominent cuts of substance like a knock may not be commend , it is the idealistic size for diminished repast , soup , and dips . Plus , many traditional sluggish cooker recipes that serve four to siz can easily be cut in half to match into a smaller slow cooker . ”
What is the smallest slow cooker I can buy?
Most mini slow cookers have a 1- to 3 - quart capacity . However , there are some slow cookers and nutrient warmer with a capacity less than 1 dry quart at just .65 quarts .
How much do small slow cookers cost?
Slow cooker have a panoptic terms range , from under $ 10 to over $ 300 , so it ’s hard to cognise which one to bribe . broadly speaking , small slow cookers range from $ 20 to $ 50 , making them the more budget - friendly option . We examine small slow cookers ranging from $ 10 to $ 75 , and the average price of all slow cookers we test was $ 46 .
Who We Are
Deanne Revelis an award - gain journalist and host based in Seattle . She cover house appliances extensively and confab our detailed examination results on small cooker as part of her research for this story . She also speak to register dieticianHolley Grainger , MS , RD , a formula developer and sustenance expert , for additional perceptiveness .
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this leaning , you may have observe ourBHG Recommends seal of favorable reception . Products that earn the seal have been put through strict examination to ensure they ’re deserving a spot in your domicile . We corrupt most of the products we test ourselves , but now and again we are provide sample distribution by fellowship if buying is n’t an option . In these cases , we use the same testing criteria we practice to try out the buy product .
The Crock-Pot 2-Quart slow cooker is easy to clean and cooks easily.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
The Elite Gourmet slow cooker can cook three different meals at once and includes utensil slots.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
With a 0.6-quart capacity, the Crock-Pot food warmer is the perfect size for heating small meals.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
We evaluated the slow cooker based on how well it cooked meat, vegetables, and other dishes.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
The Crock-Pot 3-quart slow cooker was designed well, but the temperature wasn’t always even.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
