123RF.com (Olga Yastremska)
Small slow cookers are ideal for feeding one to two people, or for making your favorite side dishes. Don’t be fooled by their smaller sizes, though, as the best small slow cookers tend to share many of the same features as larger cookers.
Tight on space? Take a look at these best small rice cookers for cramped kitchens.
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1. Instant Pot Duo Mini (3-Quart)
Pros:- Monitors temperature and makes adjustments as necessary
- Inner pot has a three-ply bottom for even heat distribution
- Replaces multiple kitchen appliances, including a pressure cooker, slow cooker and yogurt maker
Cons:- Can't bake a cake
- Not WiFi-enabled
- Doesn't have a sterilizer feature
The Instant Pot Duo Mini has a three-quart capacity, making it an ideal fit for couples and small families. Despite its smaller size, this mini Instant Pot shares the same features as the popular six-quart Instant Pot DUO60. The cooker replaces several kitchen appliances, including a slow cooker, rice cooker, pressure cooker, steamer, yogurt maker and more.
Whether you’re craving rice, yogurt, soup, ribs or even a delicious dessert, your favorite meals and desserts are easily accessible through your own customizable programs. You just need to purchase groceries and prepare the dish for cooking, then let the Instant Pot Mini take over. With 700 watts of cooking power, every meal and side dish is thoroughly cooked for your convenience.
Not only do built-in sensors monitor your food and adjust the temperature accordingly, they also cook dishes as quickly as possible without compromising taste or texture. The stainless steel lid is fingerprint-resistant and cleans up easily, either by hand or in the dishwasher.
Wondering what to make for your next meal? Check out these fan-favorite Instant Pot cookbooks for inspiration.
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2. KOOC Small Slow Cooker (2-Quart)
Pros:- Included liners reduce clean-up time
- Indicator light displays current operating status
- Stainless steel body is built to last
Cons:- Cooking pot can get hot
- Indicator light can be tough to see at certain angles
- Temperature control isn't precise
With a space-saving 2-quart capacity, the KOOC Small Slow Cooker is an ideal size for singles, couples and students. It even has a removable ceramic vessel to easily serve your meals when it’s time to eat. If you need something bigger, consider the KOOC 8.5-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker.
This basic slow cooker lacks the advanced features found on more expensive appliances, which makes it a thoughtful choice for budget shoppers. It’s bare-bones yet well-constructed, with a durable stainless steel pot body that’s built to last.
You can choose between low, high and keep warm settings to make a variety of entrees and side dishes. A cooking indicator light clearly displays the status, so you never have to guess whether your cooker is powered on.
The exterior handles won’t get hot during meal prep, but the ceramic vessel and pot body can be warm to the touch. If you’re handling these components when the appliance is still hot, considering using insulated potholders to keep your hands safe.
Five extra liners are included to make cleaning up much less stressful. You can also cook directly in the ceramic pot if you prefer. We haven’t tested this slow cooker, but several users comment that the plastic bags don’t alter the taste of food that’s cooking.
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3. Nesco Slow Cooker (1.5-Quart)
Pros:- Removable ceramic pot
- Clear tempered glass lid lets you check on the food as it cooks
- Stay-cool handles protect hands
Cons:- Doesn't come with recipes
- Lacks a timer
- Some find the handles tough to grip
Add some color to your kitchen with the bold and stylish Nesco Slow Cooker. The cooker is equally affordable and functional and comes with all the basics you need to make a delicious meal or side dish. This 1.5-quart cooker works well for one to two people, and can also be used to make side dishes.
Once you add your desired ingredients, you can choose from low, high or warm temperature settings to cook your meal. Not only is the ceramic pot removable for simpler serving and cooking, but you can also place it in the fridge or the oven. A clear tempered glass lid lets you check on the food without removing the lid.
Stay-cool handles prevent your hands from getting burned. This cooker’s 150-watt heating base is powerful enough for small meals and your favorite dips. A power indicator light lets you know when the small slow cooker is powered on.
If you need new cookware for meal prep or to cook a side dish, we’ve got you covered with our favorite saute pans.
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4. Crock-Pot Casserole Crock (3.5-Quart)
Pros:- Locking lid keeps food secure when traveling
- Stoneware can go in the oven and microwave
- Just the right size for parties and family dinners
Cons:- Works best for flat dishes
- Exterior can get very hot
- Doesn't have a timer
As its name suggests, this 3.5-quart mini slow cooker is specifically designed for cooking and serving casserole dishes. You can use it for much more than just casseroles, though, as it works just as well for cooking lasagna, desserts and more.
Manual low, high and warm settings let you cook your favorite food and keep it warm until it’s time to eat. This Crock-Pot slow cooker is ideal for parties and family dinners and will serve up to three people per dish.
The stoneware is safe for the oven (except in the broiler) and microwave. Both the lid and stoneware are dishwasher safe. When the meal is ready, the locking lid helps keep contents in place as you travel. Large handles make transporting meals much simpler.
Find more Crock-Pot Casserole Crock information and reviews here.
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5. Homever Slow Cooker (3.5-Quart)
Pros:- High temperature setting is plenty for cooking meat
- Wraparound element provides even heat distribution
- Glass lid lets you check on food as it cooks
Cons:- Doesn't automatically shut off
- Cooker isn't programmable
- Exterior can get hot
Its 3.5-quart capacity makes this small slow cooker a practical choice for families, as it can feed up to five people. You can cook just about anything, from veggies to meat to porridge, soup and more. The high temperature setting is plenty for cooking meat.
This small slow cooker also comes with low and warm settings. A wraparound element provides even heat distribution, so you don’t have to worry about hot spots. The ceramic pot is removable for serving and is dishwasher safe. Not only does the glass lid let you monitor your food as it cooks, it’s also removable and dishwasher safe.
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6. All-Clad Slow Cooker (4-Quart)
Pros:- Intergrated insert handles make it easier to remove the pot
- Insert and glass lid are dishwasher safe
- User-friendly push-button controls
Cons:- Can't set specific temperatures
- Insert is quite heavy
- Exterior gets very hot
If you’re looking for a compact slow cooker that isn’t too small, this four-quart slow cooker is spacious enough to cook for up to five people. It’s a bit pricier than some other slow cookers on this list, but you’ll get a digital display and user-friendly push-button controls to make meal prep that much easier. The polished stainless steel body also makes this slow cooker an eye-catching addition to your counter.
You’ll find a time control function with four to 20 hours of cooking times, with a total cycle time of 26 hours for planning ahead. This mini slow cooker comes with two settings: low and high modes. The high mode cooks between two to eight hours, while the low mode cooks from four to 20 hours. An automatic keep-warm function holds food at the appropriate temperature until it’s time to eat.
Integrated handles make it easy to remove the insert for serving and cleaning. Both the insert and glass lid are dishwasher safe.
Find more All-Clad Slow Cooker information and reviews here.
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7. Tru Slow-Cookers (2.5-Quart)
Pros:- Each insert has its own temperature control
- Glass lid makes it easier to monitor food
- Every insert holds 2.5 quarts
Cons:- Unit is a bit heavy
- Has an initial plastic odor
- Lacks an indicator light
Each insert has a 2.5-quart capacity, for a total of 7.5 quarts when combined. This triple slow cooker is designed for entertaining and hosting dinner parties, from the main course to side dishes to your favorite desserts.
Each insert has its own heat control and is removable for serving and cleaning. The 420-watt heating element is plenty for whipping up dishes such as wings, fondue, dips, chili and more. Glass lids let you monitor your food as it cooks without removing the lid.
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8. Brentwood Slow Cooker (1.5-Quart)
Pros:- Glass lid lets you monitor the food as it cooks
- Cool-touch handles keep you safe even when the slow cooker is at maximum heat
- Dishwasher safe pot and lid
Cons:- Short power cord
- Can't set specific temperature settings
- Takes awhile to cook meat
You can feed up to three people with this budget-friendly small slow cooker. Low, high and warm temperature settings allow you to cook a wider range of food and ensure it’s still warm when it’s time to eat. When it’s time to serve the meal, simply remove the ceramic pot. The glass lid lets you monitor your food as it cooks without disturbing the meal, and is also removable for your convenience.
Cleaning up is a breeze as the pot and lid are dishwasher safe. Cool-touch handles keep you safe even when the slow cooker is at maximum heat. Indicator lights let you know when the appliance is on.
Find more Brentwood Slow Cooker information and reviews here.
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9. PRO POTS Football Slow Cooker (1.5-Quart)
Pros:- Comes with a lid rest for easier serving
- Removable stoneware insert for cleaning and serving
- Cooks small meals as well as dips and sauces
Cons:- Doesn't have a keep warm function
- Some complain of an initial plastic odor
- Temperature controls aren't integrated
From playoff games to Superbowl parties, entertaining just got easier with this fun football slow cooker. The 1.5-quart capacity is plenty to cook a small meal along with dips, sauces and small side dishes. In-line switch settings include off, low and high temperatures.
Once the food is ready, you can place the football lid on top to keep the food warm until the guests are ready to eat. An included lid rest makes serving that much easier. This small slow cooker also has a removable stoneware insert for simpler serving and cleaning.
Find more PRO POTS Football Slow Cooker information and reviews here.
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10. Cuisinart Programmable Slow Cooker (3.5-Quart)
Pros:- 3.5-quart capacity
- Touchpad control panel
- Four cooking modes
Cons:- A few mention the materials feel cheap
- Some find that the suggested cooking times are too long
- Limited programming options
If you’re looking for a small slow cooker that isn’t downright tiny, consider this 3.5-quart option. The ceramic pot is dishwasher safe, as is the lid. This slow cooker features a user-friendly touchpad control panel along with a 24-hour countdown timer. There are also four cooking modes to choose from. Nonslip rubber feet keep the slow cooker securely in place. Other features include stay-cool handles and included recipes to help you get started.
Find more Cuisinart 3.5-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker information and reviews here.
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11. Crock-Pot Mini Slow Cooker (2.5-Quart)
Pros:- Cooking capacity up to three people
- Comes with lid-mounted clips
- Oven-safe stoneware
Cons:- No power light
- Some mention the capacity is smaller than expected
- Metal components can get very hot
This Crockpot 2.5-Quart Mini Casserole Crock Slow Cooker features enough cooking space for up to three people. It comes with low and high settings along with a keep warm function. Lid-mounted clips are included to prevent contents from spilling during transportation. The small slow cooker also has a removable lid and an oven-safe stoneware. Both the lid and stoneware are dishwasher safe.
Find more Crock-Pot 2.5-Quart Mini Slow Cooker information and reviews here.
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12. Elite Gourmet Slow Cooker (2-Quart)
Pros:- Stainless steel exterior
- Cool-touch handles and knobs
- Comes with a tempered glass lid
Cons:- Short power cord
- A few mention food can burn on the highest temperature setting
- Can take awhile to heat up food
The Elite Gourmet MST-250XS 1.5-Quart Slow Cooker features 120 watts of power along with handy low, high, and keep warm settings. It’s also equipped with a tempered clear glass lid so that you can keep an eye on your meal as it cooks. Cool-touch knobs and handles allow for safe transportation, even when the slow cooker is still hot. Its stainless steel exterior gives this slow cooker an upscale appearance despite its affordable price tag. A convenient power indicator lights up when the appliance is on.
Find more Elite Gourmet 1.5-Quart Slow Cooker information and reviews here.
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13. Mr. Coffee Crock-Pot (2.5-Quart)
Pros:- Feeds up to three people
- Insert and lid are dishwasher safe
- Glass lid makes it easy to monitor food as it cooks
Cons:- Doesn't have a keep warm function
- Lacks an indicator light
- No digital display
You can feed up to three people with this 2.5-quart slow cooker. You may recognize the Mr. Coffee name from the brand’s budget-friendly coffee makers, but this small slow cooker also stands out for its functional design and affordable price tag. You can manually choose the low or high settings to cook a side dish or meal.
Recipes are included in case you could use some help getting started. Both the stoneware insert and glass lid are dishwasher safe. You won’t have to disturb your food as it cooks thanks to the glass lid.
Find more Mr. Coffee Crock-Pot information and reviews here.
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14. Proctor Silex Round Slow Cooker (1.5-Quart)
Pros:- Removable crock and lid
- Adjustable temperature control
- Stay cool handles and knob
Cons:- Only comes in one color
- Short power cord
- A few complain of hot spots
Both the pot and lid are dishwasher safe. The crock is also removable. A handy keep warm setting allows food to stay warm with minimal energy consumption. Other highlights include stay-cool handles for safe transportation, along with an adjustable temperature control dial. The lid knob is also designed to remain cool to the touch. Choose between low and high heat settings as well as a warming option.
Find more Proctor Silex Round Slow Cooker information and reviews here.
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15. RoadPro Slow Cooker (1.5-Quart)
Pros:- Stretch cord keeps contents secure
- Long power cord
- Warms and cooks food up to 170 degrees
Cons:- Doesn’t heat or cook food very quickly
- Metal parts can get very hot
- Some wish the lid was more secure
Its compact size and easy portability makes this slow cooker a solid choice for dorm rooms as well as camping and RVs. Highlights include a stretch cord that goes over the glass lid to keep contents from spilling when traveling, along with easy grip handles. You can warm and cook food up to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. The stoneware crock can be removed and is dishwasher safe. This small slow cooker also has a 6-foot power cord.
Should I Get a Crock-Pot or Slow Cooker?
Crock-Pots and slow cookers are essentially the same appliances. However, Crock-Pot is a brand name, while a slow cooker is a general term for the type of appliance, with options available from many different brands. Some manufacturers use the terms "crockpot" and "slow cooker" interchangeably.
What Is the Best Small Slow Cooker to Buy?
No two slow cookers are the same, between variations in size, features and even cooking power. Many of the small slow cookers on our list are ideal for feeding one to two people or even smaller families of four to five. The smallest slow cookers generally range from 1.5 to three quarts, while larger cookers can hold three quarts or more. To help you narrow down the options, we've limited this list to cookers with a maximum capacity of four quarts.
If you're looking for a small slow cooker, we suggest the 1.5-quart Nesco cooker, which stands out for its vibrant exterior and numerous features for the price. The three-quart Instant Pot Duo Mini replaces several kitchen appliances, making it a versatile addition to your home. The larger four-quart All-Clad cooker has all the bells and whistles, including a digital display and user-friendly one-touch buttons.
What Are Some Good Small Crock-Pot Recipes?
There's a seemingly endless selection of crockpot meal ideas, along with a choice between a variety of recipes. Gone are the days of using your mini slow cooker for typical veggie and meat dishes. From vegetarian to low fat to vegan and options for beginners, there's a recipe out there for everyone. Some small cookers come with their own recipes so you don't have to search around.
If you're curious about what might make a healthy meal, the American Health Association recommends up to five servings of veggies, four servings of fruit, six servings of grains and three servings of dairy per day. If you eat meat, you'll want to aim for eight to nine servings of lean meat and eggs per week, along with two to three servings of fish and seafood a week.
One helpful resource for healthy meal planning is ChooseMyPlate, which provides ideas and tips for a healthier and more personalized meal plan. For example, you can see which fruits are in season or sample new veggies. Whether you eat meat or you're looking for a meat substitute, you can also discover ways to vary your protein intake.