Comparison: 3 Qt Best Slow Cooker (Updated | Dec 9th)
Looking for the perfect 3-quart slow cooker to transform your weeknight dinners? You’re in the right place! We’ve simmered down the options to bring you the cream of the crop in compact cooking. Whether you’re cooking for two, meal prepping, or craving space-saving efficiency, these top performers deliver consistent results with minimal fuss. From smart features to timeless reliability, we’ll help you find the ideal match for your kitchen and lifestyle.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for classic crockpot choice: Crockpot Manual 3-Quart Slow Cooker Silver
- Best for versatile temperature control: Elite Gourmet MST-350B Electric Slow Cooker
- Best for oven-safe versatility: Hamilton Beach 3-Quart Slow Cooker With Dishwasher-Safe Crock & Lid
- Best for simple oval design: Better Chef Oval Slow Cooker | 3-Quart | 3-Tempature Settings | Side Handles | Glass Lid | Enamel Stoneware Insert (Stainless-Steel)
- Best for adjustable temp settings: Elite Gourmet MST-350B# Electric Slow Cooker
- Best for modern manual design: Crock-Pot Manual Design Series 3 Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cook Settings
- Best for compact multi-use: Sunvivi 3 Quart Slow Cooker & Mini Food Warmer with 3 Heating Settings
- Best for 7-in-1 multi-cooker: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker
- Best for basic oval cooker: Better Chef Oval Slow Cooker | 3-Quart | 3-Tempature Settings | Side Handles | Glass Lid | Enamel Stoneware Insert (Black)
- Best for effortless cleanup solution: Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners
Product Comparison: 3 Qt Best Slow Cooker
Classic Crockpot Choice
Crockpot Manual 3-Quart Slow Cooker Silver
Crock-Pot
- Serves 3+ people
- 3-quart capacity
- HIGH/LOW cook settings
- Convenient WARM setting
- Removable round stoneware
- Dishwasher-safe stoneware and glass lid
- Polished silver, stainless steel exterior with black accents and plastic handles
Versatile Temperature Control
Elite Gourmet MST-350B Electric Slow Cooker, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock (3 Quart, Black)
Elite Gourmet
- 3 QUART slow cooker makes cooking fork-tender roasts and poultry a breeze. Cool-touch handles and knob protect hands and allow you to safely transport your slow cooker.
- ADJUSTABLE SETTINGS with versatile Low / High / Keep Warm settings, gives you ultimate control of meal preparation. Simply set it and forget it while you continue on with your busy day, entertain guests or prepare other dishes.
- FAST, EASY CLEAN-UP with our dishwasher-safe clear tempered glass lid and removable oval stoneware pot. The exterior heating base can be wiped clean with a damp cloth to maintain its pristine appearance.
- Intertek LISTED for your safety, 170 Watts, 1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY and U.S. based customer support team means you can buy with confidence.
Oven-Safe Versatility
Hamilton Beach 3-Quart Slow Cooker With Dishwasher-Safe Crock & Lid, Matte Black (33231)
Hamilton Beach
- 3-QUART CAPACITY: This slow cooker makes 3+ servings and is the perfect size for cooking a 3 lb. chicken or 2 lb. roast.
- THREE SETTINGS: Cook on either low or high, and the oval slow cooker’s keep warm function maintains the ideal temperature without overcooking.
- VERSATILE STONEWARE CROCK: This 3-quart slow cooker’s removable stoneware crock can also be used in the oven and microwave.
- DISHWASHER SAFE: Slow cooker has removable stoneware crock and glass lid that are dishwasher safe, making easy work of removing stubborn food.
- MODERN DESIGN: The sleek black finish of this 3-quart slow cooker puts a modern spin on the classic kitchen tool.
Simple Oval Design
Better Chef Oval Slow Cooker | 3-Quart | 3-Tempature Settings | Side Handles | Glass Lid | Enamel Stoneware Insert (Stainless-Steel)
Better Chef
- 3-Quart capacity
Adjustable Temp Settings
Elite Gourmet MST-350B# Electric Slow Cooker, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock (3 Quart, Black)
Elite Gourmet
- 3 QUART slow cooker makes cooking fork-tender roasts and poultry a breeze. Cool-touch handles and knob protect hands and allow you to safely transport your slow cooker.
- ADJUSTABLE SETTINGS with versatile Low / High / Keep Warm settings, gives you ultimate control of meal preparation. Simply set it and forget it while you continue on with your busy day, entertain guests or prepare other dishes.
- FAST, EASY CLEAN-UP with our dishwasher-safe clear tempered glass lid and removable oval stoneware pot. The exterior heating base can be wiped clean with a damp cloth to maintain its pristine appearance.
- Intertek LISTED for your safety, 170 Watts, 1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY and U.S. based customer support team means you can buy with confidence.
Modern Manual Design
Crock-Pot Manual Design Series 3 Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cook Settings, Removable Dishwasher and Oven Friendly Stoneware for Meal Prep, Woodgrain
Crock-Pot
- Slow Cooker – Slow cooker makes mealtime easier for busy people who want nutritious homemade meals without spending excessive time in the kitchen
- GENEROUS CAPACITY – With a spacious 3 quart capacity, perfect size for feeding 5 or more people, making it an ideal choice for both small family meals and efficient weekly meal prep sessions
- FLEXIBLE COOKING SETTINGS – Features 3 manual cooking settings (high, low, and hot) that offer flexibility for a variety of dishes; The warm setting ensures your creations stay at the ideal serving temperature until it’s time to enjoy
- VERSATILE COOKING OPTIONS – Oven safe allowing you to heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, providing the freedom to crunch and finish culinary creations in the oven before serving
- EFFORTLESS CLEANUP – Simplify post-meal tidy with a removable dishwasher-safe stoneware bowl and glass lid, ensuring low-effort cleanup after every satisfying party
Compact Multi-Use
Sunvivi 3 Quart Slow Cooker & Mini Food Warmer with 3 Heating Settings, Removable Ceramic Pot, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid, Stainless Steel, Blue
SUNVIVI
- One Pot, Limitless Options: Unlock endless culinary possibilities with this small slow cooker. Whether you’re whipping up flavorful dip sauces, gently heating dishes to perfection, keeping food warm for gatherings, or satisfying your daily cooking needs, this appliance is your ultimate kitchen companion.
- 3 Heating Modes: Simply spin the knob to choose between low, warm, or high heating modes, achieving simmering, poaching, making fondue, or other culinary delights with ease. After setup, no need to watch constantly. You can effortlessly prep other ingredients simultaneously, making efficient use of your time.
- Enhanced Safety: Crafted with anti-slip feet on the base, ensuring secure placement of the 3qt slow cooker on tabletops. The lid and pot feature cool-touch handles for easy lifting and added safety against scalding, allowing for comfortable handling of hot dishes and ensuring a safe and enjoyable cooking experience.
- Versatile in Use, Perfect in Gifting: This mini crock pot effortlessly serves 2-3 people, ideal for small families and individuals. Portable and lightweight, it’s perfect for trips, picnics, or gatherings, and makes a wonderful gift for housewarmings or festivals, spreading warmth and joy to loved ones.
- 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. Moreover, the stainless steel casing can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, ensuring it stays pristine and ready for your next delicious meal.
7-in-1 Multi-Cooker
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart
Instant Pot
- 7 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make rice, yogurt, or simply keep your meal warm—all in one appliance.
- Compact Yet Capable: A 3-quart capacity makes it perfect for small households or side dishes, and with 11 one-touch smart programs, it can tackle everything from hearty soups to decadent cakes.
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
- Pro-Grade Cooking Pot: Crafted from stainless steel (18/8) with a tri-ply bottom—perfect for searing and sautéing like a pro.
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot make washing up effortless.
- Power-Packed Performance: 700 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed.
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features over 10 safety mechanisms, including overheat protection, an easy seal safety lid lock, and more.
- A Little Extra: Includes a stainless steel steamer rack to keep you ready for anything.
Basic Oval Cooker
Better Chef Oval Slow Cooker | 3-Quart | 3-Tempature Settings | Side Handles | Glass Lid | Enamel Stoneware Insert (Black)
Better Chef
- Color: Black
- Cord Storage
- Handle: Rubberized Handle
- Color: Stainless Steel
Effortless Cleanup Solution
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Reynolds
- SLOW COOKER LINERS: This package contains six Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, each measuring 13 x 21 inches to fit 3- to 8-quart round and oval slow cookers
- EASY CLEANUP: These strong, reliable slow cooker bags shorten your slow cooker cleanup to eight seconds or less, guaranteed
- NO SOAKING OR SCRUBBING: Line your slow cooker with these slow cooker bags to prevent stubborn, stuck-on messes
- BPA-FREE & SAFE FOR HIGH TEMPS: Each slow cooker bag is made with a BPA-free nylon-blend construction that’s safe for low, medium & high settings
- MAKE MEALS EASY: Use a Reynolds slow cooker liner next time you make chili, pulled pork, pot roasts, soups & more to spend less time scrubbing & more time with your loved ones
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 size is a 3 qt slow cooker best for?
A 3 qt slow cooker is ideal for small households, couples, or individuals. It’s perfect for making dips, soups, or single-meal recipes without excessive leftovers.
What features should I prioritize in a 3 qt slow cooker?
Look for adjustable temperature settings, a timer, and a keep-warm function. A removable, dishwasher-safe insert makes cleanup easier.
How does a 3 qt slow cooker compare to larger models?
A 3 qt model is more compact and energy-efficient but less suited for batch cooking or large families. Larger models offer more versatility but take up more space.
Are there any downsides to a 3 qt slow cooker?
The smaller capacity may limit meal options, especially for entertaining or meal prep. Some models may lack advanced features found in larger slow cookers.
Is a 3 qt slow cooker a good value?
Yes, it’s a cost-effective choice for those who cook in smaller quantities. It’s also more affordable than larger models while offering similar functionality.
Can I use a 3 qt slow cooker for recipes designed for larger sizes?
You may need to adjust cooking times and ingredient quantities for smaller recipes. Overfilling a 3 qt slow cooker can lead to uneven cooking.
What brands offer the best 3 qt slow cookers?
Popular brands like Crock-Pot, Hamilton Beach, and Instant Pot offer reliable 3 qt models. Compare reviews to find one with the features you need.
How do I clean and maintain a 3 qt slow cooker?
Most models have a removable insert that’s dishwasher-safe. Wipe down the exterior and heating base with a damp cloth to maintain performance.
