Comparison: Best 4.5 Quart Slow Cooker (Updated | Dec 9th)
Ready to find your perfect kitchen companion for those cozy, comforting meals? But with so many options promising set-it-and-forget-it convenience, how do you choose? We’ve done the simmering and stirring for you, testing the top models to find the true champions of low-and-slow cooking.
Editor’s Choice
Hamilton Beach 4 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Flexible Easy Programming
Versatile Programmable Cooker
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for stylish manual choice: Crock-Pot® Manual Design Series 4.5 Quart Slow Cooker
- Best for versatile programmable cooker: Hamilton Beach 4 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Flexible Easy Programming
- Best for large capacity manual: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for portable manual design: Crock-Pot 4.5 Quart Round Portable Slow Cooker and Food Warmer
- Best for preset programmable option: 4.5-Qt. Programmable Slow Cooker With 5 One-Touch Presets & Locking Lid
- Best for simple manual operation: West Bend Slow Cooker 4-Quart Manual Crockery Style with Dishwasher Safe Oval Ceramic Crockpot and Glass Lid Two Temperature Settings Plus Keep Warm
- Best for preset cooking modes: Gourmias GSC517 Slow Cooker 4.5 Quart
- Best for digital timer control: Gourmias 4.5 QT Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with 5 Presets
- Best for compact programmable choice: Gourmias 4.5 QT Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with 5 Presets
- Best for small classic cooker: Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black
Product Comparison: Best 4.5 Quart Slow Cooker
Stylish Manual Choice
Crock-Pot® Manual Design Series 4.5 Quart Slow Cooker, Macaroon Blue
Crock-Pot
- 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
Versatile Programmable Cooker
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.
Large Capacity Manual
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining
Crock-Pot
- 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
Portable Manual Design
Crock-Pot 4.5 Quart Round Portable Slow Cooker and Food Warmer, Black & White Pattern (SCR450-HX)
Crock-Pot
- 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
Preset Programmable Option
4.5-Qt. Programmable Slow Cooker With 5 One-Touch Presets & Locking Lid, Automatic Keep Warm Switches, Customizable Cooking Time, 5 One-Touch Presets
FYNORI
Simple Manual Operation
West Bend Slow Cooker 4-Quart Manual Crockery Style with Dishwasher Safe Oval Ceramic Crockpot and Glass Lid Two Temperature Settings Plus Keep Warm, 210-Watts, Black
West Bend
- 4QT CAPACITY: Designed to feed 4and above people, this slow cooker is perfect for family gatherings, dinner parties, or meal prep for the week ahead
- 3 HEAT SETTINGS: Turn the dial to choose from 3 heat settings. Cook your meal on High or Low and then switch to Keep Warm until ready to serve
- EASY CLEANUP: Includes a dishwasher-safe ceramic crock and tempered glass cover; cleanup has never been easier
- KEEP WARM FUNCTION: The convenient WARM setting ensures your meals stay at the ideal serving temperature, so you can enjoy your food when you’re ready
- CONVENIENT: Stay cool handles for safety and removable stoneware insert doubles as a serving dish
Preset Cooking Modes
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)
Generic
- 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.
Digital Timer Control
Gourmias 4.5 QT Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with 5 Presets, Keep Warm Function, Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Pot, Compact Design – (Black)
Generic
- 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.
Compact Programmable Choice
Gourmias 4.5 QT Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with 5 Presets, Keep Warm Function, Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Pot, Compact Design – (Peach)
Generic
- 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.
Small Classic Cooker
Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black
Crock-Pot
- 3 Manual Heat Settings: Choose from high, low, and warm, for cooking flexibility no matter what you’re making
- 2-Quart Capacity: Feeds 2+ people and is perfectly sized for preparing small meals, dips, and sides
- Keep Warm Setting: The manual warm setting allows you to keep your food at serving temperature when it’s time to eat
- Oven-Safe Stoneware: Removable stoneware is oven-safe up to 400 degrees F
- Dishwasher-Safe: Stoneware and lid are both dishwasher-safe, for easy cleaning
- Modern Look: Sleek black finish
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 4.5-quart slow cooker best for?
A 4.5-quart slow cooker is ideal for small families or couples, typically serving 3-4 people. It’s also great for making dips, soups, or side dishes for larger gatherings.
What features should I prioritize in a 4.5-quart slow cooker?
Look for programmable settings, a keep-warm function, and a removable stoneware insert for easy cleaning. Some models also offer searing or sautéing options for added versatility.
How does a 4.5-quart slow cooker compare to larger models?
A 4.5-quart model is more compact and energy-efficient, making it perfect for smaller meals. Larger models (6-8 quarts) are better for batch cooking or feeding bigger groups but take up more space.
Are budget-friendly 4.5-quart slow cookers worth it?
Budget models often lack advanced features but still deliver reliable performance for basic slow cooking. If you don’t need programmable settings or extra functions, they can be a great value.
What’s the difference between manual and programmable slow cookers?
Manual models require you to turn them off manually, while programmable ones let you set cooking times and switch to keep-warm automatically. Programmable options offer more convenience for busy schedules.
How do I clean a 4.5-quart slow cooker effectively?
Most models have dishwasher-safe removable inserts, making cleanup simple. For stubborn stains, soak the insert in warm, soapy water before scrubbing.
Can I use a 4.5-quart slow cooker for recipes designed for larger sizes?
Yes, but you may need to adjust ingredient quantities to avoid overfilling. Ensure the cooker is at least half-full for even cooking and best results.
What brands offer the best 4.5-quart slow cookers?
Popular brands like Crock-Pot, Hamilton Beach, and Ninja are known for quality and reliability. Compare features and reviews to find the best fit for your needs.
