Comparison: Best 3L Slow Cooker (Updated | Dec 9th)
Imagine coming home to a house filled with the aroma of a perfectly simmered meal, ready to enjoy without last-minute prep. That’s the magic of a 3L slow cooker, your kitchen’s unsung hero for cozy dinners and effortless entertaining. Whether you’re cooking for two or meal prepping for the week, these compact powerhouses deliver big flavor with minimal fuss. We’ve tested the top models to bring you our picks for the **best 3L slow cooker**s that’ll transform your weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings alike.
- Best for spacious family feeder: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for party size portability: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker
- Best for compact simplicity: Elite Gourmet MST-350B Electric Slow Cooker
- Best for effortless family meals: Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings
- Best for space-saving design: Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Slow Cooker with Space-Saving Folding Handles
- Best for triple buffet server: TRU Triple Buffet Server – Three 2.5 Quart Removable Crock Inserts – Slow Cooker & Food Warmer with Individual Heat Control – Includes Lid Rests & Serving Spoons
- Best for triple entertainer: CULINARY CHEF
- Best for programmable traveler: Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Best for digital timer master: Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
- Best for glamorous cooking: Paris Hilton 6-Quart Manual Slow Cooker
Product Comparison: Best 3L Slow Cooker
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining
- Generous Capacity: 7-quart slow cooker that comfortably serves 9+ people or fits a 7-pound roast
- Cooking Flexibility: High or low slow cooking settings, with convenient warm function for ideal serving temperature
- Convenient: Set it and forget it feature enables you to cook while at work or performing daily tasks
- Minimal Clean-Up: One-pot cooking reduces dishes; lid and removable stoneware are dishwasher safe
- Versatile: Removable stoneware insert can be used in the microwave or an oven up to 400°F
- Stylish: Stainless steel exterior with black accents and practical plastic handles
- Economical & Healthy: Provides a cost-efficient way to prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals
Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195)
- PERFECT FOR A LARGE GATHERING: The 10 quart slow cooker lets you cook enough food for a gathering of 12 or more people and fits a 10 lb. turkey or a 12 lb. roast.
- REDUCE SPILLS: The lid clips tightly to the slow cooker handles to reduce messy spills when transporting food. Carry hot meals to family gatherings, potlucks or to serve at the table without worrying about spills.
- COOK FLAVORFUL MEALS WITH MINIMAL EFFORT: This Hamilton Beach slow cooker has simple controls that make it easy for you to create flavorful meals with minimal effort and great results. Just turn the dial. No watching needed.
- MAINTAIN THE IDEAL TEMPERATURE WITH 3 HEAT SETTINGS: Just turn the dial to choose from 3 heat settings. Cook your meal on Low or High, and then switch to Warm when cooking is complete for food that’s warm and ready when it’s time to eat.
- EASY TO CARRY WITH FULL-GRIP HANDLES: The large slow cooker is easy to lift and hold onto when carrying to the table to serve a meal or when taking food to gatherings.
- SIMPLE TO CLEAN: The removable stoneware crock and glass lid are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
Elite Gourmet MST-350B Electric Slow Cooker, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock (3 Quart, Black)
- 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.
Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware Crock & Glass Lid, Stainless Steel (33140G)
- EASILY COOK FLAVORFUL MEALS: This Hamilton Beach slow cooker has simple manual controls that make it easy to create flavorful meals with minimal effort and great results. Just turn the dial. No watching needed.
- FEEDS THE WHOLE FAMILY: The 4 quart slow cooker has a stoneware crock that’s perfect for one-pot meals, meat and poultry. It will hold a 4 lb. chicken or a 2 lb. roast. Serves 4+ people.
- MAINTAIN THE IDEAL TEMPERATURE: This slow cooker lets you cook your meal on Low or High, and then switch to Keep Warm when cooking is complete to maintain the ideal temperature until you’re ready to eat.
- EASY SERVING: The removable stoneware crock makes it easy to carry meals from the slow cooker to the table.
- SIMPLE TO CLEAN: This slow cooker has a removable stoneware crock and glass lid that are dishwasher safe and easy to clean. The crock can also be used in the oven or microwave
Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Slow Cooker with Space-Saving Folding Handles, 3 Heat Settings, Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Crock and Glass Lid, Black (33664)
- UNIQUE FOLDING HANDLES: The full-grip handles lift up for carrying and down when storing the slow cooker or when you need to make more space on the countertop. The handles are easy to grasp when carrying food to the table or to gatherings.
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY MEALS AND ENTERTAINING: The large slow cooker has a 6 quart stoneware crock that holds enough to serve 7+ people. It will fit a whole 6 lb. chicken, a 4 lb. roast or enough barbecue to make up to 25 sliders
- MAINTAIN THE IDEAL TEMPERATURE WITH 3 HEAT SETTINGS: Just turn the dial to choose from 3 heat settings. Cook your meal on Low or High, and then switch to Keep Warm when cooking is complete for food that’s warm and ready when it’s time to eat.
- FAST AND EASY CLEANUP: The removable stoneware crock and durable glass lid are both dishwasher safe.
- TAKES THE STRESS OUT OF FAMILY MEALS: The 6 quart slow cooker does the cooking for you, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the ones you love.
TRU Triple Buffet Server – Three 2.5 Quart Removable Crock Inserts – Slow Cooker & Food Warmer with Individual Heat Control – Includes Lid Rests & Serving Spoons
- Triple Slow Cooker: With the TRU triple slow cooker, meal planning and party prepping is less stressful when hosting or entertaining
- Buffet Servers & Warmers: The three separate crock inserts of this triple slow cooker buffet server have individual heat control so preparing multiple dishes for your next party is a breeze
- Triple Buffet Server Features: This triple slow cooker has lid rests and removable inserts that are dishwasher safe; it also comes with 3 serving spoons so you’re ready to go
- About TRU: TRU is all about community, which is why we create kitchen appliances and accessories you can use to create delicious home-cooked meals and drinks that will bring your community together
- 120V, 420 watts, 2 blade polarized plug, household use only
CULINARY CHEF, Triple Slow Cooker, Buffet Server 3 Pot, Food Warmer – Stainless
- COOKING SETTING: Specially designed for convenient serving. Triple slow-cooker, warmer, and server for entertaining family and friends. Each crock has its own heating element with three settings High, Warm and Low to keep your favourite dishes at their optimal temperature.
- EASY VIEWING: Glass lids for easy viewing. Each slow cooker has a glass lid with a glass handle for easy viewing of cooking.
- DETACHABLE & CLEANABLE: The crocks have integrated cool-touch handles for easy removal from the buffet cooker and cleaned. Give you a comfortable cleaning experience after you enjoy the delicious food.
- THE BEST INSULATION: Keep your meals warm by simply rotating the button to “warm”. The food will remain warm for hours and can be served Immediately without transferring.
- ACCESSORIES: Includes matching glass lids with stay-cool knobs.
Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Programmable Digital Timer: Control cooking times from 30 minutes up to 20 hours
- Serve a Crowd: 6 quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker serves 7 plus people
- Locking Lid: Lid gasket provides extra seal for less mess during transport
- Interactive Cooking: Safe for use in oven up to 400 degree F, and microwave
- Worry-free Travel: Secure locking lid and rubber gasket prevent spills
- Material: Contains Aluminum, Stainless Steel (Iron, Chromium, Nickel, Manganese, Copper, Phosphorus)
- Environmentally Friendly: Energy efficient at 240 Watts at 120V A.C; and 60Hz
Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
- Cooking Capacity: Prepares food for over 10 people, making it a holiday dinner hosting essential.
- Digital Timer: Counts down cooking time up to 20 hours for easy monitoring.
- Auto Warm: Automatically keeps food warm after cooking for optimal serving temperature.
- Easy Cleanup: Features a removable, dishwasher-safe lid and stoneware pot for convenient cleaning.
- Memory Function: Resets to previous settings in case of a power outage.
- Elegant Design: Black stainless steel finish is stylish, easy to clean, and fits any kitchen decor.
Paris Hilton 6-Quart Manual Slow Cooker, Features Three Settings (Low, High, Warm), Naturally Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Insert, Family Sized Capacity, Pink
- 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.
- FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: With a 6-quart capacity, this slow cooker can feed 7+ people, making it ideal for large family meals, holiday gatherings, and meal prepping.
- 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!
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 should I look for in a 3L slow cooker?
Consider the capacity to ensure it fits your meal sizes, typically serving 2-4 people. Look for features like adjustable temperature settings, a timer, and a keep-warm function. Check if the inner pot is removable and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
How do 3L slow cookers compare to larger models?
3L slow cookers are more compact and energy-efficient, ideal for small households or single servings. Larger models offer more capacity but may consume more space and electricity. The smaller size also makes them easier to store and handle.
What are the key features to prioritize?
Opt for a model with multiple heat settings (low, high, and keep-warm) for versatility. A programmable timer is useful for hands-off cooking, while a glass lid helps monitor progress without lifting it. Ensure the inner pot is non-stick or ceramic for even heat distribution.
Are budget-friendly 3L slow cookers worth it?
Budget models often lack advanced features but can still deliver reliable performance for basic recipes. Look for reputable brands with positive reviews to avoid durability issues. If you only need occasional use, a cheaper model may suffice.
How do I clean and maintain a 3L slow cooker?
Always unplug the cooker before cleaning and remove the inner pot if it’s detachable. Most pots are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing with mild soap extends their lifespan. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth and avoid submerging the base in water.
What’s the best way to maximize value with a 3L slow cooker?
Choose a model with versatile features like searing or steaming to expand its use. Pair it with budget-friendly ingredients like beans or tougher cuts of meat for cost-effective meals. Consider energy-efficient models to save on electricity over time.
Can I use a 3L slow cooker for batch cooking?
While smaller than larger models, a 3L cooker can still handle batch cooking for smaller portions. It’s perfect for making soups, stews, or sauces that can be frozen for later. Plan recipes that fit the capacity to avoid overcrowding.
Are there safety tips for using a 3L slow cooker?
Always place the cooker on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from edges. Avoid overfilling to prevent spills, and never submerge the base in water. Use oven mitts when handling the hot pot or lid to prevent burns.
