Comparison: Best 3 Quart Slow Cooker (Updated | Oct 22nd)
Looking for the perfect 3-quart slow cooker to fit your needs? This size is ideal for smaller households, side dishes, or dips. In this comparison, we’ll explore three top-rated 3-quart slow cookers, highlighting their key features, strengths, and potential drawbacks. We’ll consider aspects like temperature control, ease of cleaning, and overall performance to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, we’ll provide the information you need to choose the best 3-quart slow cooker for your kitchen.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
-
Best for best budget:
Crockpot Manual 3-Quart Slow Cooker Silver -
Best for dishwasher safe:
Hamilton Beach 3-Quart Slow Cooker With Dishwasher-Safe Crock & Lid -
Best for adjustable settings:
Elite Gourmet MST-350B Electric Slow Cooker -
Best for simple design:
Better Chef Oval Slow Cooker | 3-Quart | 3-Tempature Settings | Side Handles | Glass Lid | Enamel Stoneware Insert (Black) -
Best for classic design:
Crock-Pot 3 Quarts Manual Design Series Slow Cooker with 3 Manual Heat Settings Cooks Meals for 3 Plus People with Removable Stoneware Bowl -
Best for programmable options:
Hamilton Beach 4 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Flexible Easy Programming -
Best for multi-functional:
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker -
Best for versatile options:
Sunvivi 3 Quart Slow Cooker & Mini Food Warmer with 3 Heating Settings -
Best for casserole shaped:
Crock-Pot Small 2.5 Quart Casserole Slow Cooker in White/Blue -
Best for easy cooking:
SUNVIVIPRO 3QT Slow Cooker
Product Comparison: Best 3 Quart Slow Cooker
Best Budget
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
Dishwasher Safe
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.
Adjustable 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.
Simple Design
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
Classic Design
Crock-Pot 3 Quarts Manual Design Series Slow Cooker with 3 Manual Heat Settings Cooks Meals for 3 Plus People with Removable Stoneware Bowl, Copper
Crock-Pot
- 3-Quart Slow Cooker: Prepare mouthwatering chilis, soups, stews, and more with this product design series 3-Quart Classic Slow Cooker with the dishwasher-proof stoneware and glass lid, making maintenance a breeze and allowing you more time to enjoy your culinary creations
- 3 Manual Heat Settings: Customize your cooking experience with 3 manual heat settings, high, low, and warm, allowing for a range of culinary creations to suit your preferences
- Warm Setting: Manual Warm setting ensures that your food stays at the ideal serving temperature until you are ready to delight your taste buds
- Generous Capacity: With a 3-quart capacity, this slow cooker easily cooks meals for 3 plus people, making it perfect for households of varying sizes
- Easy Cleaning: Removable oval stoneware bowl not only simplifies cleaning seamlessly transitioning from cooking to presentation with style
Programmable Options
Hamilton Beach 4 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Flexible Easy Programming, 5 Cooking Times, Dishwasher-Safe Crock & Lid, Silver (33443)
Hamilton Beach
- VERSATILE COOKING WITH 15 PROGRAMMABLE OPTIONS: Mix and match warm, low or high heat settings with your choice of 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 hours of cooking time.
- SET IT AND FORGET IT: The programmable slow cooker automatically switches to keep warm after cooking is complete. No watching or stirring needed. You can set it and forget it.
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY MEALS, POTLUCKS AND PARTIES: The 4 quart slow cooker has a stoneware crock that can fit a variety of foods, from lasagna and desserts to meat. It will hold a 4 lb. chicken or a 2 lb. roast. Serves 4 plus people.
- EASY TO CARRY: This Hamilton Beach slow cooker has full-grip handles that make it easy to carry.
- EASY TO CLEAN: This Hamilton Beach slow cooker has a removable stoneware crock and glass lid that are dishwasher safe, and the touchpad easily wipes clean.
Multi-functional
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.
Versatile Options
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.
Casserole Shaped
Crock-Pot Small 2.5 Quart Casserole Slow Cooker in White/Blue, Enjoy Eye-Catching Quick Meals, Durable and Compact
Crock-Pot
- Compact 2.5 Quart Capacity: Perfect for dinners, potlucks and parties
- Oven-Safe Stoneware: Removable and casserole-shaped for easy serving
- High, Low and Warm Settings: Precision cooking and keeping food warm
- Cook & Carry locking lid system: For hassle-free and neat transportation
- Dishwasher Safe: Stoneware and lid for easy clean-up
- Robust Material: Contains Aluminum, Stainless Steel for durability
- Versatility: Great for make-ahead meals, entertaining, and when conventional oven space is limited.
Easy Cooking
SUNVIVIPRO 3QT Slow Cooker, Small Crock with 3 Heating Settings & Removable Ceramic Pot, Mini Food Warmer with Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock, Stainless Steel, Blue
SUNVIVIPRO
- Versatile Cooking Made Easy: Discover the convenience of this compact slow cooker for all your culinary needs. From crafting delicious dips and sauces to keeping meals warm for guests, this multi-functional appliance is perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions.
- 3 Adjustable Heat Settings: With a simple twist of the dial, select from low, warm, or high settings to perfectly simmer, poach, or even make fondue. Once set, the cooker takes care of the rest, allowing you to multitask and prepare other ingredients, making meal prep both easy and efficient. Enjoy hassle-free cooking with minimal supervision!
- Built-in Safety Features: Designed with anti-slip feet for stable placement, this 3QT slow cooker stays securely on your countertop. The cool-touch handles on both the lid and pot provide added safety, allowing you to easily lift and handle hot dishes without the risk of burns, ensuring a safe and comfortable cooking experience every time.
- Compact & Convenient: Perfect for small households or gatherings, this mini slow cooker serves 2-3 people with ease. Its lightweight and portable design makes it a great companion for picnics, travel, or parties. Ideal as a thoughtful gift for housewarmings or special occasions, it’s sure to bring warmth and happiness to your loved ones.
- Hassle-Free Cleaning: Enjoy easy cleanup with a dishwasher-safe, removable ceramic pot and glass lid. The stainless steel exterior wipes clean with a damp cloth, keeping your slow cooker looking brand new. Spend less time cleaning and more time savoring your tasty creations!
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-quart slow cooker good for?
A 3-quart slow cooker is ideal for individuals, couples, or small families, typically serving 2-3 people.
Are the crocks removable for cleaning?
Yes, most 3-quart slow cookers feature removable crocks that are easy to clean, and often dishwasher safe.
What temperature settings are typically available?
Most 3-quart slow cookers offer low, high, and warm settings, allowing for different cooking speeds and keeping food at serving temperature.
Can I use a 3-quart slow cooker for dishes other than soups and stews?
Yes, 3-quart slow cookers are versatile and can be used for a variety of dishes including casseroles, dips, desserts, and even small roasts.
Are there any programmable 3-quart slow cookers?
While less common, some 3-quart slow cookers offer programmable features, allowing you to set cooking times and temperatures.
What is the difference between manual and programmable slow cookers?
Manual slow cookers have basic low, high, and warm settings, while programmable models allow you to set specific cooking times and temperatures and often switch to a 'warm' setting automatically.
Are the lids dishwasher safe?
Yes, the lids of most 3-quart slow cookers are dishwasher safe.
