Comparison: Best 5 Qt Slow Cooker (Updated | Dec 9th)
Looking to upgrade your meal prep game? A 5-quart slow cooker might just be your new kitchen BFF. Perfect for families or meal preppers, these versatile appliances can transform tough cuts of meat into tender, flavorful dishes with minimal effort. We’ve simmered down the options to bring you the top 5 contenders that balance capacity, performance, and value. Whether you’re a busy parent or a culinary enthusiast, our guide will help you find the perfect slow cooker to make delicious, stress-free meals a regular part of your routine.
Editor’s Choice
All-Clad 5 Quart 7-in-1 Electric Slow Cooker with Stainless Steel and Cast Iron
Premium Multi-Function
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for classic crock-pot: Crock-Pot 5-Quart Smudgeproof Round Manual Slow Cooker with Dipper Silver
- Best for healthy nonstick choice: GreenLife 6QT Slow Cooker
- Best for travel-ready versatility: West Bend Versatility Slow Cooker Large Capacity Non-stick Cooking Vessel & Variable Temperature Heating Base Includes Travel Lid and Storage Bag
- Best for generous family size: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for programmable convenience: Kenmore 5 Quart Slow Cooker – Crock pot with Programmable Settings
- Best for stovetop sear master: Hamilton Beach 33662 Programmable Slow Cooker with 6 Quart Stovetop-Safe Sear & Cook Crock
- Best for compact family size: Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings
- Best for premium multi-function: All-Clad 5 Quart 7-in-1 Electric Slow Cooker with Stainless Steel and Cast Iron
- Best for digital cooking control: Kenmore 5 Quart Slow Cooker – Crock pot with Programmable Settings
- Best for easy clean design: Courant Slow Cooker 5.5 Quart Crock
Product Comparison: Best 5 Qt Slow Cooker
Classic Crock-Pot
Crock-Pot 5-Quart Smudgeproof Round Manual Slow Cooker with Dipper Silver
Crock-Pot
- 5-quart round stoneware with a smudge-proof finish
- High, low and warm settings are perfect for making chilis, stews, sauces and more
- Dishwasher safe stoneware and lid
- Bonus Little Dipper Warmer is perfect for warming dips and sauces
- This product contains Aluminum, Stainless Steel (Iron, Chromium, Nickel, Manganese, Copper, Phosphorus)
Healthy Nonstick Choice
GreenLife 6QT Slow Cooker, Non-Toxic PFAS-Free Ceramic Nonstick Removable Interior Bowl, Programmable, Family Friendly, Keep Warm, Stovetop & Oven Safe, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Timer, Glass Lid, Black
GreenLife
- EXTRA-LARGE 6QT CAPACITY: The spacious 6QT pot fits a 6 lb. chicken, a 4 lb. roast, or enough to serve 7+ people—ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.
- TOXIN-FREE CERAMIC NONSTICK INTERIOR: Our coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium so you can make every meal healthier. Its healthy and easy-to-clean ceramic nonstick coating is derived from sand and delivers effortless release with quick cleanup.
- EASY-TO-USE CONTROL PANEL: Choose from 3 modes (Low/Medium/High), use the Delay Timer, and rely on Keep Warm to serve when you’re ready.
- PERFECT FOR MEAL PREP: Cook from 30 minutes to 20 hours, program up to 10 hours in advance, and it stays warm for 4 hours—ideal for make-ahead meals, busy mornings, or prepping big batches.
- STOVETOP READY POT: The pot is lightweight and removable for stovetop and oven use, so you can start with a sear, finish slow, and get more flavor.
- CLEAR GLASS LID: A clear glass lid lets you keep an eye on your meal.
- DISHWASHER-SAFE COMPONENTS: Removable inner pot and lid for hassle-free maintenance and easy cleaning.
Travel-Ready Versatility
West Bend Versatility Slow Cooker Large Capacity Non-stick Cooking Vessel & Variable Temperature Heating Base Includes Travel Lid and Storage Bag, Range and Oven-Safe Cooking Pot, 5-Quart, Silver
West Bend
- Versatile Crock Pot: Slow cook almost any sized meal, from a dinner for 2 to enough to entertain a crowd with the West Bend Versatility Cooker
- Large Capacity: 5-quart crock pot crock features a non-stick interior and is safe for use in the oven, on the stove top, in the freezer or refrigerator, and is top-rack dishwasher safe
- Griddle Base: Our crock pots/slow cookers aren’t just for slow cooking – use the included griddle base to make pancakes, grilled cheese, and more
- Glass Cover: This portable crock pot comes with a transparent, heat-resistant glass cover that makes it easy to keep an eye on your meal
- On-the-Go Convenience: Complete with an insulated tote and cover, this travel crockpot makes it simple to transport delicious meals from one house to the next
Generous Family Size
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
Programmable Convenience
Kenmore 5 Quart Slow Cooker – Crock pot with Programmable Settings,Digital Controls, Large Capacity for Family Meals, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware, Warm Rice & Sous Vide Stew
Koolatron
- VERSATILE COOKING OPTIONS – Prepare soups, chili, stews, goulash, cabbage rolls, and stuffed peppers with ease. This Kenmore slow cooker offers flexibility for a variety of recipes, making it an essential appliance for creative home cooking.
- SPACIOUS 5-QUART CAPACITY – With its 5-quart oval shape, this slow cooker fits a 5 lb chicken or 3 lb roast for hearty family meals. Perfect for meal prep, batch cooking, and family dinners without taking up too much counter space.
- THREE TEMPERATURE SETTINGS – Use the simple dial to set low, high, or warm. This flexibility lets you cook soups, stews, and casseroles or keep dishes warm until serving. A must-have for versatile cooking options.
- BUILT-IN SAFETY FEATURES – Includes cool-touch handles and non-slip rubber feet for added stability and safe handling. Designed for peace of mind during cooking, making it a reliable choice for everyday use.
- 1-YEAR WARRANTY AND SUPPORT – Backed by a 1-year limited warranty for added confidence. Enjoy reliable performance and customer support, ensuring your Kenmore slow cooker remains a trusted kitchen companion.
Stovetop Sear Master
Hamilton Beach 33662 Programmable Slow Cooker with 6 Quart Stovetop-Safe Sear & Cook Crock, Silver
Hamilton Beach
- LOCK IN THE FLAVOR — SEAR RIGHT ON THE STOVETOP. Enjoy great flavor along with one-pan convenience: sear on the stovetop, then finish the meal in the same pan. The removable nonstick pot cooks directly on gas, electric or ceramic stovetops.
- 15 HEATING OPTIONS. Mix and match high, low or warm heat settings with your choice of 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 hours of cooking time.
- SERVES 7+ PEOPLE: This programmable slow cooker’s 6 quart capacity is the perfect size for a 6 lb. chicken or 4 lb. roast. Cook a hearty meal for the whole family or serve a delicious main dish on your buffet for the holidays.
- AUTOMATIC KEEP WARM. When your cooking time is up, this 6 quart slow cooker automatically shifts to warm to keep food at the perfect temperature until serving time.
- EASY TO CLEAN: After cooking, the removable crock and lid go in the dishwasher for effortless cleanup.
Compact Family Size
Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware Crock & Glass Lid, Stainless Steel (33140G)
Hamilton Beach
- 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
Premium Multi-Function
All-Clad 5 Quart 7-in-1 Electric Slow Cooker with Stainless Steel and Cast Iron, 1200W – Black Enamel Crock
All-Clad
- REMOVABLE ENAMELED CAST IRON DUTCH OVEN: Choose where and how to cook. This cast iron dutch oven can be used on the cooktop, in an oven, and placed on the table to serve, replacing many cooking tools with just one appliance.
- HOLDS 5 QUARTS OF FOOD: Enough capacity to feed all your family and friends their favorite foods.
- TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Keeps food warm automatically for 4 hours after cooking is complete. The tight-fitting cast iron lid maintains the heat and moisture inside, preventing the food from drying out.
- PROGRAMMABLE TIMER: 5 automatic programs (High Temp Slow Cooking, Low Temp Slow Cooking, Braise, Sauté, Simmer) plus a Manual program means you can cook anything and everything. Cook while working or even sleeping so your food is ready when you are.
- CONVENIENT AND STYLISH: Premium stainless steel exterior with classic All-Clad handle and logo. The easy-to-grip pot looks beautiful on the table for serving. A clear LCD screen displays your cooking mode and time, so you can easily track the cooking process. Easy to clean and dishwasher safe pot.
Digital Cooking Control
Kenmore 5 Quart Slow Cooker – Crock pot with Programmable Settings,Digital Controls, Large Capacity for Family Meals, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware, Warm Rice & Sous Vide Stew
Koolatron
- VERSATILE COOKING OPTIONS – Prepare soups, chili, stews, goulash, cabbage rolls, and stuffed peppers with ease. This Kenmore slow cooker offers flexibility for a variety of recipes, making it an essential appliance for creative home cooking.
- SPACIOUS 5-QUART CAPACITY – With its 5-quart oval shape, this slow cooker fits a 5 lb chicken or 3 lb roast for hearty family meals. Perfect for meal prep, batch cooking, and family dinners without taking up too much counter space.
- THREE TEMPERATURE SETTINGS – Use the simple dial to set low, high, or warm. This flexibility lets you cook soups, stews, and casseroles or keep dishes warm until serving. A must-have for versatile cooking options.
- BUILT-IN SAFETY FEATURES – Includes cool-touch handles and non-slip rubber feet for added stability and safe handling. Designed for peace of mind during cooking, making it a reliable choice for everyday use.
- 1-YEAR WARRANTY AND SUPPORT – Backed by a 1-year limited warranty for added confidence. Enjoy reliable performance and customer support, ensuring your Kenmore slow cooker remains a trusted kitchen companion.
Easy Clean Design
Courant Slow Cooker 5.5 Quart Crock, with Easy Cooking Options, Dishwasher Safe Pot and Glass Lid, Matte Black
Courant
- Three Cooking Settings, Low, High, Keep Warm, the ideal Slow Cooker performance for every recipe. With Courant Slow Cooker you get to create dinner at your convenience. When preps done, Just set the desired heat setting, head off to accomplish your scheduled tasks, and allow the flavor to seep in while stewing slowly
- The Courant Slow Cooker features a Non-Stick, Removable and Stainproof Stoneware Crock insert ideal for Easy Prepping, Serving and cleaning! The lid is structured out of Strong Tempered Glass.
- Cleanup is a breeze by simply placing Removable Pot and Lid into the Dishwasher. That simple.
- Stylish Matte Black Housing, Power indicator light, Cool touch handles and knob, Non-skid feet, 320 Watts, 120V, 60Hz
- The Courant 5.0 Quart capacity Crock Slow Cooker includes Free Recipe book!! Whip up savory dishes anytime, using basic ingredients available on hand! Our great series of slow cookers is designed to turn “simple input into delicious output”! No more hassling with time limitations
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Buying Guide
FAQs
What features should I prioritize when choosing a 5-quart slow cooker?
Look for essential features like a programmable timer and automatic warm setting for convenience. A digital display is easier to read than manual knobs, and a locking lid is a must if you plan to transport meals. Consider a model with a removable, dishwasher-safe insert to simplify cleanup.
How do a basic slow cooker and a programmable model compare in value?
A basic slow cooker is cheaper and great for simple, all-day cooking where you are home to turn it off. A programmable model offers better value for busy lifestyles, as it automatically switches to a ‘keep warm’ mode, preventing overcooking and ensuring food is ready when you are. The extra cost is often justified by the convenience and peace of mind it provides.
Is there a significant difference between a ceramic and a metal insert?
Ceramic inserts are the traditional standard, offering excellent, even heat retention which is ideal for long, slow cooking. Metal inserts are often found in multi-cookers and are lighter, but some users feel they don’t distribute heat as gently as ceramic. For a dedicated slow cooker, a heavy, high-quality ceramic insert is typically the preferred choice.
What’s the advantage of a slow cooker with a searing function?
A searing function allows you to brown meat directly in the cooker pot before switching to the slow cooking setting. This creates a deeper, richer flavor in your final dish and saves you from dirtying a separate pan on the stove. It’s a fantastic feature for anyone who wants to enhance the taste of stews, roasts, and chilis without extra cleanup.
How do I know if a 5-quart slow cooker is the right size for my family?
A 5-quart slow cooker is an excellent versatile size, ideal for families of 3 to 5 people. It provides enough capacity for a main dish with leftovers, but isn’t so large that it’s cumbersome for smaller recipes. If you primarily cook for one or two, a smaller model might suffice, but the 5-quart is a great all-around choice for most households.
Are more expensive slow cookers actually better?
More expensive models often justify their price with advanced features like precise temperature controls, searing functions, and superior build quality. They may also offer more consistent heating and better durability over time. However, a reliable mid-range model with a programmable timer can perform just as well for everyday recipes, making it a great value choice.
