Comparison: Best 8 Quart Slow Cooker (Updated | Dec 9th)
Ready to find your new kitchen MVP? We’ve done the simmering and stirring for you, putting the most popular 8-quart slow cookers through their paces. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting a game-day feast, the right slow cooker is a total game-changer. Forget sifting through endless reviews—we’ve got the ultimate head-to-head comparison to help you find the perfect machine that delivers tender, flavorful results with zero stress.
- Best for programmable champion: Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
- Best for express cooking: Crock-pot Express Crock Slow Cooker 8 quart Red
- Best for party perfect: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker
- Best for flexible timer: Hamilton Beach 8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Three Temperature Settings
- Best for travel-ready design: Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker
- Best for classic manual: Crockpot Manual 8-Quart Slow Cooker Black
- Best for lid rest convenience: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings
- Best for multi-function master: Sunvivi 8 Quart Slow Cooker Roaster Oven
- Best for travel specialist: Presto 06017 8-Quart Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker
- Best for toxin-free cooking: GreenLife 8QT Slow Cooker
Product Comparison: Best 8 Quart Slow Cooker
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.
Crock-pot Express Crock Slow Cooker 8 quart Red
- Serves 10+ people
- 8-quart capacity
- HIGH/LOW cook settings
- Convenient WARM setting
- Removable oval stoneware
- Dishwasher-safe stoneware and glass lid
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.
Hamilton Beach 8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Three Temperature Settings, Dishwasher Safe Crock and Lid, Silver (33480)
- Perfect for Family Meals, Potlucks & Parties. The 8 quart, large capacity slow cooker has a stoneware crock that can fit everything from lasagna and desserts to large cuts of meat. It will hold an 8 lb. chicken or a 6 lb. roast. Serves 10+ people.
- Flexible Programming with Countdown Timer. Mix and match warm, low or high heat settings with adjustable programming times from 30 minutes to 18 hours. The convenient countdown timer on the LED display shows you how long until food is ready.
- Set & Forget. The slow cooker automatically switches to the warm heat setting after cooking is complete. No watching or stirring needed. You can set it and forget it.
- Easy to Carry. This slow cooker has full-grip handles that make it easy to carry.
- Easy to Clean. The removable stoneware crock and glass lid are dishwasher safe, and the touchpad easily wipes clean.
- Make Delicious One-Pot Meals. Slow cooking is a convenient way to make delicious one-pot meals like lasagna, homemade chili, beef stew, barbecue and macaroni and cheese.
Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel; an Essential Kitchen Appliance, Perfect for Families and Gatherings
- Personalized Cooking: MyTime adjusts the cooking cycle so your meal is ready exactly when you want it
- Leak-proof Lid: Travel-proof locking lid provides a tight seal to prevent leaks and spills
- Large Capacity: Fitted with a 7-quart bowl that serves 7+ people – perfect for families or gatherings
- Temperature Control: Auto-adjustment cooking cycle ensures meals are never overcooked but always flavor-filled
- Intuitive Control: Flat digital control screen lets you schedule meal times, and manually control cook time and temperature
- Convenient Handles: ‘Cook and Carry’ handles for hassle-free lifting and carrying
- Sustainable Materials: Made of Aluminum, Stainless Steel (Iron, Chromium, Nickel, Manganese, Copper, Phosphorus), and is 100% recyclable.
Crockpot Manual 8-Quart Slow Cooker Black
- Serves 10+ people
- 8-quart capacity
- HIGH/LOW cook settings
- Convenient WARM setting
- Removable oval stoneware
- Dishwasher-safe stoneware and glass lid
- Black exterior and accents with plastic handles
Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware Crock & Glass, 8-Quart Built-In Lid Rest, Black
- EASY SERVING WITH MESS-FREE LID REST: A built-in lid rest holds the lid securely in place for easy serving and directs condensation back into the crock. The lid rest doubles as a cord wrap for easy storage.
- PERFECT FOR LARGE MEALS: The 8 quart slow cooker has an extra-large capacity, oval-shaped stoneware crock that can fit a variety of foods. It will hold an 8 lb. chicken or a 6 lb. roast. Ideal for feeding friends or a large family. Serves 10+ people
- 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.
- 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.
- DELICIOUS MEALS WITH MINIMAL EFFORT: The Hamilton Beach slow cooker makes it easy to create delicious, flavorful meals without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s sure to become your go-to slow cooker. Just add ingredients and turn the dial.
Sunvivi 8 Quart Slow Cooker Roaster Oven, 12 in 1 programmable Multi-Cooker Food Warmer with Digital Timer, Temp Control, Removable Cast Aluminum Pot & Dishwasher-Safe Tempered Glass Lid, Stainless
- Replace 12 Cooking Tools: This 12-in-1 slow cooker handles bake, saute, roast, manual, stew, rice, yogurt, sous vide, smarts steam, slow cook, keep warm, delay start. Embrace the convenience of preparing various meals with just one appliance, saving time, space, and effort in your kitchen.Usage Tips: Do not scrub with a steel wool ball (it will remove the coating and cause rust very easily). Always dry the water after cleaning.
- Customized Cooking: Tailor your cooking time and temperature precisely, with the clear display on the LED screen, making the cooking process effortless and enjoyable. Opting for high-heat cooking saves time, while low-heat cooking preserves food freshness and tenderness.
- Faster Cooking, Energy Saving: Unlock the potential to cook up faster than conventional ovens by harnessing the excellent thermal conductivity of the cast aluminum inner pot, ensuring even heating from the bottom. Experience the joy of savoring your favorite dishes more quickly while also conserving energy.
- Durable & Safe: The stainless steel casing boasts high strength and good heat resistance, while the cool-touch handles, which do not melt, are designed to protect your hands from scalds, offering added safety and convenience. Moreover, the tempered glass lid withstands high temperatures for lasting durability.
- Easy Cleanup: To prevent food from sticking, the cast aluminum inner pot has a non-stick coating, so it’s not advised for dishwasher use to avoid scratching. The glass lid and steam rack are dishwasher-safe, while the outer shell can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, ensuring effortless cleaning.
- Versatile Use: With its large 8 qt capacity and versatile functionality, this multi-cooker is suited for various settings. Whether you’re hosting gatherings, and parties, or using it in commercial venues, it is sure to fulfill your needs with ease. Additionally, it is the perfect gift for families and friends.
Presto 06017 8-Quart Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker, Blue
- Extra-large 8-quart slow cooker, contemporary blue
- Locking lid with seal-tight gasket for spill-proof transportation
- Cool-touch exterior and swing-up handle
- Rugged, wide-profile design helps prevent tip-overs when traveling
- Silicone cord secures a utensil in transit
- Detachable utensil holder doubles as a spoon rest
- Removable porcelain enameled cooking pot—PFAS-free
- Dry erase board and marker
- Slow cook settings for high, low, and warm
- Condensation cup collects moisture and power light
GreenLife 8QT 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
- EXTRA-LARGE 8QT CAPACITY: Designed for larger meals, the 8QT pot is spacious enough to cook for parties, potlucks, or weekly meal prep—perfect for an 8 lb. chicken, 6 lb. roast, or generous servings for 10+ people.
- TOXIN-FREE CERAMIC NONSTICK INTERIOR: GreenLife’s PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating is derived from sand and delivers effortless release with quick cleanup and delivers endless, worry-free meals.
- EASY-TO-USE CONTROL PANEL: Delay Timer, 3 Heat Settings (Low/Medium/High), Keep Warm, On/Off.
- READY WHEN YOU ARE: Cook from 30 mins. to 20 hrs., programmable up to 10 hours, stays warm for up to 4 hours.
- FIND THE RIGHT TEMP: Whether you need to go extra low and slow or you want to speed things up, the 3 modes (low/med/high) will make your meals simple
- STAY WARM FUNCTION: Press the Keep Warm button to keep your meal hot and ready to serve—without overcooking or drying it out.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Wipe the lid and pot clean, and or place in the dishwasher for tough messes.
- CLEAR GLASS LID: A clear glass lid lets you keep an eye on your creation.
- STOVETOP READY POT: The lightweight pot is removable for stovetop and oven use (up to 400˚F), so you can start with a sear, then finish slow, and get more flavor.
- DURABLE SIDE HANDLES: Stay-cool handles provide a safe and secure grip for seamless transferring.
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 key features should I look for in an 8-quart slow cooker?
Look for programmable settings that allow you to set a specific cook time, which will then automatically switch to a ‘keep warm’ function. A digital display is much easier to read than a manual dial, and a locking lid is essential for transport to potlucks. Consider a model with a stovetop-safe insert for browning meat directly in the pot, which saves on cleanup.
How do basic, programmable, and smart slow cookers compare in value?
Basic models are the most affordable but offer only low, high, and warm settings, requiring manual supervision. Programmable models provide excellent value by adding timers and automatic warm functions for convenience and safety. Smart slow cookers are the most expensive, allowing you to control and monitor cooking from an app, which is a premium feature for tech-savvy users.
What are the main differences between ceramic and nonstick aluminum inserts?
Ceramic inserts are very heavy, retain heat exceptionally well, and are generally considered non-reactive with acidic foods like tomatoes. Nonstick aluminum inserts are much lighter, making them easier to handle and clean, but the nonstick coating can be more susceptible to scratching over time. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize heat retention and durability or lightweight convenience.
Is an 8-quart slow cooker too large for a small family?
An 8-quart model is ideal for large families, batch cooking, or making big cuts of meat, but it can be overkill for a small family on a daily basis. For best results, the slow cooker should be filled at least halfway but no more than two-thirds full. If you frequently cook for only two to four people, a 4 to 6-quart model might be more efficient and produce better results for smaller recipes.
Why is a locking lid an important feature to consider?
A locking lid is a critical safety feature if you ever plan to transport your slow cooker, as it prevents spills and splashes in your car. It also helps to trap heat and moisture more effectively during cooking, which can lead to a more consistent result. While not essential for home use, it adds a layer of convenience and security for anyone who takes dishes to gatherings.
What are the benefits of a slow cooker with a sear function?
A sear function allows you to brown meat or sauté vegetables directly in the cooker’s insert before switching to the slow cooking mode. This eliminates the need to use a separate pan on the stove, saving you time and reducing cleanup. Browning meat first creates a deeper, richer flavor base, significantly improving the final taste of your dish.
How much should I expect to spend on a quality 8-quart slow cooker?
A reliable, basic 8-quart model can be found for $30 to $50, offering standard low and high settings. For more advanced features like programmable timers, temperature probes, and a locking lid, you should expect to spend between $60 and $120. High-end smart models with app connectivity can cost $150 or more, offering the ultimate in remote control convenience.