Comparison: 3.5 Qt Best Slow Cooker (Updated | Dec 9th)
Looking for the perfect 3.5 qt slow cooker to transform your weeknight dinners? You’re in the right place! We’ve simmered down the options to bring you the crème de la crème of compact slow cookers. Whether you’re a busy parent, a small household cook, or a meal prep enthusiast, we’ll help you discover which model offers the best blend of performance, convenience, and value. Get ready to elevate your culinary game with a slow cooker that fits your lifestyle like a glove!
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for casserole champion: Elite Gourmet MST-5240 Casserole Crock Slow Cooker
- Best for glamorous cooking: Paris Hilton 3.5-Quart Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for toxin-free choice: GreenLife 3.5QT Slow Cooker
- Best for programmable perfection: Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1/2-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
- Best for glamorous cooking: Paris Hilton 3.5-Quart Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for toxin-free choice: GreenLife 3.5QT Slow Cooker
- Best for toxin-free choice: GreenLife 3.5QT Slow Cooker
- Best for family friendly: ICOOK Slow Cooker 3.5 Quart USC-351-OG
- Best for compact convenience: 3.5 Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Heat Settings
- Best for stovetop versatility: ICOOK USC-35-OP001BK 3.5 Quart Slow Cooker
Product Comparison: 3.5 Qt Best Slow Cooker
Casserole Champion
Elite Gourmet MST-5240 Casserole Crock Slow Cooker, Locking Lid Adjustable Temperature Keep Warm Oven & Dishwasher-Safe Casserole Pan, 3.5Qt Capacity, Red
Elite Gourmet
- Manual Warm/Low/High Temperature settings to cook and keep food warm until serving
- Locking lid design and oversized handles for easy transport and prevents messy spills when bringing dishes for potlucks and other gatherings
- PFOA/PTFE Free Oven-Safe Stoneware Pan lets you go from slow cooker to oven and then directly to the dining table
- 9-inch x 13-inch removable rectangular stoneware is perfectly shaped and sized for casseroles, lasagnas, desserts and other potluck dishes
- Prep meals in advance or bring on the go, the Elite Gourmet 3.5Qt. Casserole Slow Cooker makes entertaining a breeze
- Dishwasher safe tempered glass lid and stoneware pot with cool touch handles and knobs makes clean-up quick and easy
Glamorous Cooking
Paris Hilton 3.5-Quart Manual Slow Cooker, Features Three Settings (Low, High, Warm), Naturally Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Insert, Family Sized Capacity, Pink
Paris Hilton
- EASY TO USE: Simple manual controls to save you time. Plug it in, pick your settings and let it do the rest. Choose from Low, High, and Warm settings for perfectly cooked meals every time, whether it’s slow-simmered stews or quick-cooked dinners.
- NATURALLY NONSTICK: The stoneware insert provides a long-lasting naturally nonstick surface made without PFAS, PFOA, PTFE and PFOS.
- COMPACT CAPACITY: A 3.5-quart capacity makes this compact slow cooker perfect for smaller meals or side dishes.
- ICONIC DESIGN: Featuring chic gold accents, this slow cooker is the perfect blend of style and functionality #ThatsHot! Add a touch of glam to your kitchen while creating epic meals for your loved ones.
- DISHWASHER-SAFE PARTS: Cleaning up is a breeze! The removable stoneware pot and tempered glass lid are dishwasher-safe for easy maintenance. Loves it!
Toxin-Free Choice
GreenLife 3.5QT Slow Cooker, PFAS-Free Non-Toxic Ceramic Nonstick Removable Interior Bowl, Programmable, Keep Warm, Stovetop & Oven Safe Pot, Dishwasher Safe Crock & Glass Lid, Cream
GreenLife
- PERFECT 3.5QT CAPACITY: Designed for everyday cooking—soups, stews, chili, or a 3 lb. chicken—this versatile size is ideal for compact kitchens, side dishes, or meal prep for one.
- TOXIN-FREE: GreenLife’s PFAS-free ceramic nonstick delivers endless, worry-free meals.
- HEALTHY CERAMIC NONSTICK INTERIOR: GreenLife’s healthy and easy-to-clean ceramic nonstick delivers effortless releases with a quick cleanup.
- EASY-TO-USE CONTROL DIAL: 3 Heat Settings: (Low, High, Warm)
- FIND THE RIGHT TEMP: Whether you need to go extra low and slow or you want to speed things up, the 3 temperature settings will make your meals simple.
- STAY WARM FUNCTION: Turn the dial to Warm to keep your meal hot & ready to serve without overcooking or drying out.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Wipe the lid and pot clean, and or place in the dishwasher for tough messes.
- CLEAR GLASS LID: A clear glass lid lets you keep an eye on your creation.
- STOVETOP READY POT: The lightweight pot is removable for stovetop and oven use (up to 400˚F), so you can start with a sear, then finish slow, and get more flavor.
- DURABLE SIDE HANDLES: Stay-cool handles provide a safe and secure grip for seamless transferring.
Programmable Perfection
Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1/2-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker, Silver, 9-1/2 in H x 9.1 in W x 12.67 in L
Cuisinart
- Oval-shaped programmable slow cooker with 3-1/2-quart ceramic pot
- Touchpad control panel; 24-hour LCD countdown timer; 4 cooking modes
- Automatic keep-warm; glass lid; nonslip rubber feet; stay-cool handles for safety
- Dishwasher-safe pot and lid; instruction manual with recipes included
- Product Built to North American Electrical Standards and BPA free Features: Touchpad control panel with LED timer display|24-hour cooking timer|Off/On Keep Warm Simmer Low and High settings|Removable 3.5-quart oval ceramic cooking pot|Automatically shifts to Warm when cook time ends|Brushed stainless steel housing|Glass lid with chrome-plated knob|Dishwasher-safe lid and ceramic pot|Nonslip rubber feet|Instruction/recipe book|Limited 3-year warranty|BPA Free
Glamorous Cooking
Paris Hilton 3.5-Quart Manual Slow Cooker, Features Three Settings (Low, High, Warm), Naturally Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Insert, Family Sized Capacity, White
Paris Hilton
- EASY TO USE: Simple manual controls to save you time. Plug it in, pick your settings and let it do the rest. Choose from Low, High, and Warm settings for perfectly cooked meals every time, whether it’s slow-simmered stews or quick-cooked dinners.
- NATURALLY NONSTICK: The stoneware insert provides a long-lasting naturally nonstick surface made without PFAS, PFOA, PTFE and PFOS.
- COMPACT CAPACITY: A 3.5-quart capacity makes this compact slow cooker perfect for smaller meals or side dishes.
- ICONIC DESIGN: Featuring chic gold accents, this slow cooker is the perfect blend of style and functionality #ThatsHot! Add a touch of glam to your kitchen while creating epic meals for your loved ones.
- DISHWASHER-SAFE PARTS: Cleaning up is a breeze! The removable stoneware pot and tempered glass lid are dishwasher-safe for easy maintenance. Loves it!
Toxin-Free Choice
GreenLife 3.5QT Slow Cooker, PFAS-Free Non-Toxic Ceramic Nonstick Removable Interior Bowl, Programmable, Keep Warm, Stovetop & Oven Safe Pot, Dishwasher Safe Crock & Glass Lid, Black
GreenLife
- PERFECT 3.5QT CAPACITY: Designed for everyday cooking—soups, stews, chili, or a 3 lb. chicken—this versatile size is ideal for compact kitchens, side dishes, or meal prep for one.
- TOXIN-FREE: GreenLife’s PFAS-free ceramic nonstick delivers endless, worry-free meals.
- HEALTHY CERAMIC NONSTICK INTERIOR: GreenLife’s healthy and easy-to-clean ceramic nonstick delivers effortless releases with a quick cleanup.
- EASY-TO-USE CONTROL DIAL: 3 Heat Settings: (Low, High, Warm)
- FIND THE RIGHT TEMP: Whether you need to go extra low and slow or you want to speed things up, the 3 temperature settings will make your meals simple.
- STAY WARM FUNCTION: Turn the dial to Warm to keep your meal hot & ready to serve without overcooking or drying out.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Wipe the lid and pot clean, and or place in the dishwasher for tough messes.
- CLEAR GLASS LID: A clear glass lid lets you keep an eye on your creation.
- STOVETOP READY POT: The lightweight pot is removable for stovetop and oven use (up to 400˚F), so you can start with a sear, then finish slow, and get more flavor.
- DURABLE SIDE HANDLES: Stay-cool handles provide a safe and secure grip for seamless transferring.
Toxin-Free Choice
GreenLife 3.5QT Slow Cooker, PFAS-Free Non-Toxic Ceramic Nonstick Removable Interior Bowl, Programmable, Keep Warm, Stovetop & Oven Safe, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Glass Lid, Turquoise
GreenLife
- PERFECT 3.5QT CAPACITY: Designed for everyday cooking—soups, stews, chili, or a 3 lb. chicken—this versatile size is ideal for compact kitchens, side dishes, or meal prep for one.
- TOXIN-FREE: GreenLife’s PFAS-free ceramic nonstick delivers endless, worry-free meals.
- HEALTHY CERAMIC NONSTICK INTERIOR: GreenLife’s healthy and easy-to-clean ceramic nonstick delivers effortless releases with a quick cleanup.
- EASY-TO-USE CONTROL DIAL: 3 Heat Settings: (Low, High, Warm)
- FIND THE RIGHT TEMP: Whether you need to go extra low and slow or you want to speed things up, the 3 temperature settings will make your meals simple.
- STAY WARM FUNCTION: Turn the dial to Warm to keep your meal hot & ready to serve without overcooking or drying out.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Wipe the lid and pot clean, and or place in the dishwasher for tough messes.
- CLEAR GLASS LID: A clear glass lid lets you keep an eye on your creation.
- STOVETOP READY POT: The lightweight pot is removable for stovetop and oven use (up to 400˚F), so you can start with a sear, then finish slow, and get more flavor.
- DURABLE SIDE HANDLES: Stay-cool handles provide a safe and secure grip for seamless transferring.
Family Friendly
ICOOK Slow Cooker 3.5 Quart USC-351-OG,Dishwasher Safe Crock/Ceramic inner pot and Glass lid,Small Slow Cooker,Oval Shape,White
ICOOK
- [Three Cooking Setting] Low High Warm Three setting to Insure Your Meals Are Ready When You Are.Perfect for Casseroles,Curries,Chilli,Soups,Pot Roasts and even Desserts.
- [Removable Crock/Ceramic inner Pot] Can Be Used as a Serving dish,Dishwasher Safe.
- [Tempered Glass Lid] Full-view Glass Lid with Cool Touch Handles for You to Monitor the Food When Cooking.Dishwasher Safe.
- [Oval Shape] Oval Shape Base with Cool Touch Handles,Unique Design on Base.
- [3.5 Quart Capacity] Serves Six Starters or Four Main Portions Comfortably,Ideal for Families.
Compact Convenience
3.5 Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Heat Settings, Non-Stick and Dishwasher Safe, Removable Ceramic Pot Tempered Glass Lid, Cool Touch Handles for Entrees, Soups, Stews, Ivory White
ICOOK
- 3 Heating Modes: Simply spin the knob to choose between low, high, or warm heating modes, achieving simmering, poaching, making hotpot, or other culinary delights with ease. After setup, no need to watch constantly.
- Easy Serving: The cool-touch handles make it effortless to lift and carry the slow cooker to the table for serving or to transport food to gatherings. Both the removable stoneware and glass lid are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup quick and easy.
- Versatile Cooking: The compact slow cooker is the perfect size for making and serving side dishes, appetizers and soup. Make everything from meatballs and macaroni and cheese to stew and soup.
- Effortless Cleanup: Featuring a dishwasher-safe detachable ceramic pot and glass lid, cleaning up is a breeze, leaving you with more time to enjoy your culinary creations and ready for your next delicious meal.
- Multi Purpose: This mini crock pot effortlessly serves 2-4 people, ideal for small families and individuals. Portable and lightweight, it’s perfect for trips, picnics, or gatherings, and makes a wonderful tools for housewarmings or festivals.
Stovetop Versatility
ICOOK USC-35-OP001BK 3.5 Quart Slow Cooker,Aluminium Sear/Sauté Stew Pot Stovetop safe,Dishwasher Safe,Glass Lid,Adjustable Temp,Food Warmer,Black
ICOOK
- [Three Cooking Setting] Low High Warm Three setting to Insure Your Meals Are Ready When You Are.Perfect for Casseroles,Curries,Chilli,Soups,Pot Roasts and even Desserts.It Keeps Your Food Heated Until It’s Ready to Serve.
- [Removable Aluminium Pot]Aluminium Sear/Sauté Stew Pot Can be Use on Base or Gas Stoves .Removable so Can Be Used as a Serving dish,Dishwasher Safe and shatterproof as well as lightweight.
- [Tempered Glass Lid]Full-view Glass Lid with Cool Touch Handles for You to Monitor the Food When Cooking.Dishwasher Safe.
- [Innovation Design]The Slow Cooker Is Designed with Oval Shape Base with Cool Touch Handles,Easy to Carry from Kitchen to Dining.The Black Matt Finishing Exterior Look Great on any Countertop or Kitchen Table.
- [3.5 Quart Capacity]Serves Six Starters or Four Main Portions Comfortably,Ideal for Families.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What’s the ideal size for a 3.5-quart slow cooker?
A 3.5-quart slow cooker is perfect for small households of 2-3 people or for making side dishes, dips, and desserts. It’s also a great choice for cooking smaller cuts of meat like a whole chicken or a small roast. If you often cook for a family of four or more, you might find a larger capacity more suitable.
What are the most important features to compare?
Look for a programmable timer and a ‘keep warm’ setting, which automatically switches on after cooking is complete. The shape of the insert, oval vs. round, is also important; ovals are better for roasts and whole chickens. A digital display is generally easier to read and set than a manual dial.
How do I choose between a manual and a programmable model?
A manual model is simple and affordable, requiring you to switch it to ‘keep warm’ manually. A programmable model offers more convenience, allowing you to set a specific cook time and have it switch to ‘keep warm’ automatically. For busy lifestyles or hands-off cooking, a programmable model is usually worth the extra cost.
What material is best for the slow cooker insert?
Ceramic or stoneware inserts are the standard and provide excellent, even heat retention. The most important factor is that the insert is removable for easy cleaning. A high-quality ceramic insert will also be oven-safe, giving you more versatility to brown meat or finish a dish.
Are oval or round slow cookers better?
The shape depends on what you cook most often. Round cookers are great for soups, stews, and chilis. Oval cookers are more versatile, as they can easily accommodate longer, irregular-shaped foods like a rack of ribs, a loaf of bread, or a whole chicken.
How do I determine the best value for the price?
Value is a balance of features, performance, and durability. A higher-priced model is a better value if it includes a programmable timer, a tight-fitting lid, and a durable insert that resists cracking. Check user reviews for long-term reliability, as a cooker that lasts for years provides better value than a cheap one that fails quickly.
How much power (wattage) should a good slow cooker have?
Most 3.5-quart slow cookers operate on low wattage, typically between 150 and 200 watts on the low setting and up to 250 watts on high. While higher wattage can mean it heats up slightly faster, it’s not a major performance indicator. Focus more on even heating and consistent temperature control, which are better indicators of quality.