Comparison: Best 4.5 Qt Slow Cooker (Updated | Dec 9th)
Finding the perfect slow cooker can feel like searching for a culinary soulmate. You want something that’s just the right size—not too big for a weeknight dinner, yet spacious enough for a cozy family meal. That’s why the 4.5-quart slow cooker has become the kitchen hero for so many homes. It hits that sweet spot of versatility, perfect for everything from hearty chilis to tender roasts. We’ve done the simmering and stirring for you, rigorously testing the top models to bring you this ultimate guide to the **best 4.5 qt slow cooker**s that will transform your mealtimes.
Hamilton Beach 4 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Flexible Easy Programming
Editor’s Choice: Most Programmable
- Best for stylish manual control: Crock-Pot® Manual Design Series 4.5 Quart Slow Cooker
- Best for classic simple cooker: FYNORI 4-Quart Classic Slow Cooker
- Best for portable & convenient: Crock-Pot 4.5 Quart Round Portable Slow Cooker and Food Warmer
- Best for editor’s choice: most programmable: Hamilton Beach 4 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Flexible Easy Programming
- Best for versatile preset cooking: Gourmias GSC517 Slow Cooker 4.5 Quart
- Best for extra large capacity: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for secure locking lid: 4.5-Qt. Programmable Slow Cooker With 5 One-Touch Presets & Locking Lid
- Best for efficient programmable: Gourmias 4.5 QT Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with 5 Presets
- Best for best for travel: Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Best for healthy nonstick surface: bella 6.0 Qt Manual Slow Cooker
Product Comparison: Best 4.5 Qt Slow Cooker
Crock-Pot® Manual Design Series 4.5 Quart Slow Cooker, Macaroon Blue
- Elevated Design: Features a streamlined design, modern-vintage aesthetic, and light blue Macaroon color
- Manual Control: 3 manual cook settings—High, Low, and Warm—provide cooking flexibility
- Large Capacity: 4.5-quart size feeds 5+ people; perfect for chilis, soups, stews & more
- Warm Setting: Manual Warm setting keeps food at serving temperature until it’s time to eat, or can be used as a food warmer
- Dishwasher- and Oven-Safe: Removable stoneware and glass lid are both dishwasher-safe; the stoneware is also oven-safe
FYNORI 4-Quart Classic Slow Cooker, Black, Dishwasher-Safe: Stoneware And Lid Are Both Dishwasher-Safe, For Easy Cleaning, SCV400-SS
Crock-Pot 4.5 Quart Round Portable Slow Cooker and Food Warmer, Black & White Pattern (SCR450-HX)
- 4.5-Quart Round Manual Slow Cooker serves 4-5+ people
- High/Low cook settings, and convenient Warm setting
- Crock-Pot features removable, dishwasher-safe stoneware insert, and dishwasher-safe glass lid
- Stylish hexagon pattern in white on black with black accents and handles
- Recipes included
Hamilton Beach 4 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Flexible Easy Programming, 5 Cooking Times, Dishwasher-Safe Crock & Lid, Silver (33443)
- 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.
Gourmias GSC517 Slow Cooker 4.5 Quart, 5 Preset Modes, Digital Display, Timer up to 24h, Auto Keep Warm, Dishwasher Safe, Serves 5 (Ice-White)
- Versatile Cooking Presets: Featuring 5 one-touch presets, including Braise, Chicken, Meat, Soup, and Beans, this programmable slow cooker offers precise settings for effortless meal preparation, ensuring professional-grade results for home-cooked meals every time.
- Customizable Timer: With a programmable timer ranging from 30 minutes to 24 hours, this digital slow cooker provides maximum flexibility, allowing you to slow-cook meals overnight or during the day while at work, ensuring convenience and perfect timing.
- Convenient Features: Automatic “Keep Warm” functionality activates after cooking, maintaining optimal serving temperature for hours. This feature makes it the ideal kitchen appliance for dinner parties or busy family schedules.
- Durable and Easy to Clean: The removable cooking surface and dishwasher-safe parts ensure hassle-free cleaning, while the non-stick finish prevents food from sticking, making post-meal cleanup faster and more convenient.
- Compact & Efficient Design: With a sleek black design, 4.5-quart capacity, and 260-watt power, this slow cooker is perfect for preparing meals for up to 5 people. Its compact build fits neatly on countertops, making it an excellent choice for modern kitchens.
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
4.5-Qt. Programmable Slow Cooker With 5 One-Touch Presets & Locking Lid, Automatic Keep Warm Switches, Customizable Cooking Time, 5 One-Touch Presets
Gourmias 4.5 QT Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with 5 Presets, Keep Warm Function, Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Pot, Compact Design – (Black)
- Versatile 5 Preset Functions: Enjoy effortless one-touch cooking for Braise, Chicken, Meat, Soup, and Beans—perfect for creating flavorful, home-cooked meals with minimal effort.
- Programmable Digital Timer: Set precise cook times from 30 minutes up to 24 hours, ensuring tender, slow-cooked results every time—ideal for meal prep and busy schedules.
- Automatic Keep Warm Function: Once your meal is ready, the cooker automatically switches to Keep Warm mode, maintaining the perfect serving temperature until you’re ready to eat.
- Compact 4.5-Quart Capacity: Serves 3–5 portions, making it perfect for small families, couples, or single users who enjoy healthy, home-cooked dishes.
- Dishwasher-Safe Design: The removable stoneware pot and spill-resistant locking glass lid make cleanup quick and easy—great for everyday convenience.
- Efficient 210-Watt Heating System: Provides consistent, even heat distribution for perfectly cooked soups, stews, meats, and more.
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
bella 6.0 Qt Manual Slow Cooker, Ceramic Nonstick Coating, 3 Temperature Settings, Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Pot and Tempered Glass Lid, Cool Touch Handles & Tangle Free Cord Wrap, Oatmilk
- Big-Batch Brilliance: With a 6 qt capacity, our slow cookers are ideal for making large batches of soups, chili, or a whole roast chicken. They’re perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping, making every meal an effortless and delicious experience
- Healthy Coating: The electric cooker features an EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating, free from PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, and cadmium. Enjoy healthier cooking, easy food release and quick cleanup, and spend more time savoring your meals than scrubbing
- Versatile Temperature Settings: Achieve perfect results every time with three heat settings—low, medium, and high. Whether slow-cooking a stew or speeding up dinner, with this electric pressure cooker you can cook your favorite dishes to perfection
- Clear View Cooking: This portable cooker features a durable, shatter-resistant glass lid, allowing you to monitor your meal without lifting the lid and losing heat. Keep an eye on your food as it cooks, ensuring perfect results every time
- Convenience & Comfort: Designed with cool-touch handles, non-skid feet, and a clutter-free cord wrap, this electric cooking pot is both safe and easy to use. Plus, the dishwasher-safe stoneware pot and tempered glass lid make cleanup a breeze
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 is the ideal capacity for a slow cooker?
A 4.5-quart slow cooker is an excellent versatile size, perfect for families of 3-5 people. It can comfortably hold a 4 lb chicken or a 2 lb roast, making it great for everyday meals. For larger households or frequent entertaining, you might consider a 6-quart model.
What’s the difference between a manual and a programmable slow cooker?
A manual slow cooker requires you to turn it on and off manually, offering basic High, Low, and Warm settings. A programmable model allows you to set a specific cook time, after which it automatically switches to a ‘Keep Warm’ setting. This ‘set it and forget it’ functionality is ideal for busy schedules.
Is a locking lid feature important?
A locking lid is a crucial feature if you plan to transport your slow cooker to potlucks, parties, or family gatherings. It secures the lid in place to prevent spills and messes. For home use only, a standard glass lid is perfectly sufficient.
Are slow cooker inserts oven and dishwasher safe?
Most removable stoneware inserts are both oven-safe and dishwasher-safe, which adds to their versatility. You can use the stoneware to brown meat on the stovetop or in the oven before slow cooking. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to confirm the specific temperature limits for your model.
How much power does a slow cooker use?
Slow cookers are very energy-efficient kitchen appliances. They typically use between 200 and 300 watts, which is significantly less than an oven. This low power consumption makes them a cost-effective way to prepare meals over long periods.
What do the different preset modes on some models mean?
Preset modes, like ‘Soup,’ ‘Meat,’ or ‘Poultry,’ are pre-programmed cooking cycles designed to optimize results for specific types of food. They automatically manage the heat and timing to take the guesswork out of cooking. These features are great for beginners or anyone looking for consistent, one-touch results.
Is a round or oval slow cooker better?
The shape is largely a matter of personal preference and the types of food you cook. Round cookers are great for soups, stews, and chili. Oval cookers provide more flexibility, making them better suited for cooking larger, irregularly shaped cuts of meat like roasts or whole chickens.