Comparison: Best Slow Cooker 3.5 (Updated | Dec 9th)
Tired of last-minute dinner stress? A 3.5-quart slow cooker might be your new best friend. Perfect for couples, small families, or anyone who loves leftovers, this versatile appliance works kitchen magic while you’re busy. We’ve simmered down the choices to find the absolute best 3.5-quart models, comparing everything from heating performance to clever features.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for casserole specialist: Elite Gourmet MST-5240 Casserole Crock Slow Cooker
- Best for programmable precision: Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1/2-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
- Best for chic gold design: Paris Hilton 3.5-Quart Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for toxin-free cooking: GreenLife 3.5QT Slow Cooker
- Best for family-friendly size: ICOOK Slow Cooker 3.5 Quart USC-351-OG
- Best for glamorous cooking: Paris Hilton 3.5-Quart Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for healthy ceramic interior: GreenLife 3.5QT Slow Cooker
- Best for versatile stovetop ready: GreenLife 3.5QT Slow Cooker
- Best for compact convenience: 3.5 Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Heat Settings
- Best for large gathering helper: MegaChef 3.5 Quart Rectangle Casserole Slow Cooker with 3 Temperature Settings
Product Comparison: Best Slow Cooker 3.5
Casserole Specialist
Elite Gourmet MST-5240 Casserole Crock Slow Cooker, Locking Lid Adjustable Temperature Keep Warm Oven & Dishwasher-Safe Casserole Pan, 3.5Qt Capacity, Red
Elite Gourmet
- Manual Warm/Low/High Temperature settings to cook and keep food warm until serving
- Locking lid design and oversized handles for easy transport and prevents messy spills when bringing dishes for potlucks and other gatherings
- PFOA/PTFE Free Oven-Safe Stoneware Pan lets you go from slow cooker to oven and then directly to the dining table
- 9-inch x 13-inch removable rectangular stoneware is perfectly shaped and sized for casseroles, lasagnas, desserts and other potluck dishes
- Prep meals in advance or bring on the go, the Elite Gourmet 3.5Qt. Casserole Slow Cooker makes entertaining a breeze
- Dishwasher safe tempered glass lid and stoneware pot with cool touch handles and knobs makes clean-up quick and easy
Programmable Precision
Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1/2-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker, Silver, 9-1/2 in H x 9.1 in W x 12.67 in L
Cuisinart
- Oval-shaped programmable slow cooker with 3-1/2-quart ceramic pot
- Touchpad control panel; 24-hour LCD countdown timer; 4 cooking modes
- Automatic keep-warm; glass lid; nonslip rubber feet; stay-cool handles for safety
- Dishwasher-safe pot and lid; instruction manual with recipes included
- Product Built to North American Electrical Standards and BPA free Features: Touchpad control panel with LED timer display|24-hour cooking timer|Off/On Keep Warm Simmer Low and High settings|Removable 3.5-quart oval ceramic cooking pot|Automatically shifts to Warm when cook time ends|Brushed stainless steel housing|Glass lid with chrome-plated knob|Dishwasher-safe lid and ceramic pot|Nonslip rubber feet|Instruction/recipe book|Limited 3-year warranty|BPA Free
Chic Gold Design
Paris Hilton 3.5-Quart Manual Slow Cooker, Features Three Settings (Low, High, Warm), Naturally Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Insert, Family Sized Capacity, Pink
Paris Hilton
- 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.
- COMPACT CAPACITY: A 3.5-quart capacity makes this compact slow cooker perfect for smaller meals or side dishes.
- 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!
Toxin-Free Cooking
GreenLife 3.5QT Slow Cooker, PFAS-Free Non-Toxic Ceramic Nonstick Removable Interior Bowl, Programmable, Keep Warm, Stovetop & Oven Safe Pot, Dishwasher Safe Crock & Glass Lid, Cream
GreenLife
- PERFECT 3.5QT CAPACITY: Designed for everyday cooking—soups, stews, chili, or a 3 lb. chicken—this versatile size is ideal for compact kitchens, side dishes, or meal prep for one.
- TOXIN-FREE: GreenLife’s PFAS-free ceramic nonstick delivers endless, worry-free meals.
- HEALTHY CERAMIC NONSTICK INTERIOR: GreenLife’s healthy and easy-to-clean ceramic nonstick delivers effortless releases with a quick cleanup.
- EASY-TO-USE CONTROL DIAL: 3 Heat Settings: (Low, High, Warm)
- FIND THE RIGHT TEMP: Whether you need to go extra low and slow or you want to speed things up, the 3 temperature settings will make your meals simple.
- STAY WARM FUNCTION: Turn the dial to Warm to keep your meal hot & ready to serve without overcooking or drying 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.
Family-Friendly Size
ICOOK Slow Cooker 3.5 Quart USC-351-OG,Dishwasher Safe Crock/Ceramic inner pot and Glass lid,Small Slow Cooker,Oval Shape,White
ICOOK
- [Three Cooking Setting] Low High Warm Three setting to Insure Your Meals Are Ready When You Are.Perfect for Casseroles,Curries,Chilli,Soups,Pot Roasts and even Desserts.
- [Removable Crock/Ceramic inner Pot] Can Be Used as a Serving dish,Dishwasher Safe.
- [Tempered Glass Lid] Full-view Glass Lid with Cool Touch Handles for You to Monitor the Food When Cooking.Dishwasher Safe.
- [Oval Shape] Oval Shape Base with Cool Touch Handles,Unique Design on Base.
- [3.5 Quart Capacity] Serves Six Starters or Four Main Portions Comfortably,Ideal for Families.
Glamorous Cooking
Paris Hilton 3.5-Quart Manual Slow Cooker, Features Three Settings (Low, High, Warm), Naturally Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Insert, Family Sized Capacity, White
Paris Hilton
- 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.
- COMPACT CAPACITY: A 3.5-quart capacity makes this compact slow cooker perfect for smaller meals or side dishes.
- 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!
Healthy Ceramic Interior
GreenLife 3.5QT Slow Cooker, PFAS-Free Non-Toxic Ceramic Nonstick Removable Interior Bowl, Programmable, Keep Warm, Stovetop & Oven Safe Pot, Dishwasher Safe Crock & Glass Lid, Black
GreenLife
- PERFECT 3.5QT CAPACITY: Designed for everyday cooking—soups, stews, chili, or a 3 lb. chicken—this versatile size is ideal for compact kitchens, side dishes, or meal prep for one.
- TOXIN-FREE: GreenLife’s PFAS-free ceramic nonstick delivers endless, worry-free meals.
- HEALTHY CERAMIC NONSTICK INTERIOR: GreenLife’s healthy and easy-to-clean ceramic nonstick delivers effortless releases with a quick cleanup.
- EASY-TO-USE CONTROL DIAL: 3 Heat Settings: (Low, High, Warm)
- FIND THE RIGHT TEMP: Whether you need to go extra low and slow or you want to speed things up, the 3 temperature settings will make your meals simple.
- STAY WARM FUNCTION: Turn the dial to Warm to keep your meal hot & ready to serve without overcooking or drying 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.
Versatile Stovetop Ready
GreenLife 3.5QT Slow Cooker, PFAS-Free Non-Toxic Ceramic Nonstick Removable Interior Bowl, Programmable, Keep Warm, Stovetop & Oven Safe, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Glass Lid, Turquoise
GreenLife
- PERFECT 3.5QT CAPACITY: Designed for everyday cooking—soups, stews, chili, or a 3 lb. chicken—this versatile size is ideal for compact kitchens, side dishes, or meal prep for one.
- TOXIN-FREE: GreenLife’s PFAS-free ceramic nonstick delivers endless, worry-free meals.
- HEALTHY CERAMIC NONSTICK INTERIOR: GreenLife’s healthy and easy-to-clean ceramic nonstick delivers effortless releases with a quick cleanup.
- EASY-TO-USE CONTROL DIAL: 3 Heat Settings: (Low, High, Warm)
- FIND THE RIGHT TEMP: Whether you need to go extra low and slow or you want to speed things up, the 3 temperature settings will make your meals simple.
- STAY WARM FUNCTION: Turn the dial to Warm to keep your meal hot & ready to serve without overcooking or drying 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.
Compact Convenience
3.5 Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Heat Settings, Non-Stick and Dishwasher Safe, Removable Ceramic Pot Tempered Glass Lid, Cool Touch Handles for Entrees, Soups, Stews, Ivory White
ICOOK
- 3 Heating Modes: Simply spin the knob to choose between low, high, or warm heating modes, achieving simmering, poaching, making hotpot, or other culinary delights with ease. After setup, no need to watch constantly.
- Easy Serving: The cool-touch handles make it effortless to lift and carry the slow cooker to the table for serving or to transport food to gatherings. Both the removable stoneware and glass lid are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup quick and easy.
- Versatile Cooking: The compact slow cooker is the perfect size for making and serving side dishes, appetizers and soup. Make everything from meatballs and macaroni and cheese to stew and soup.
- Effortless Cleanup: Featuring a dishwasher-safe detachable ceramic pot and glass lid, cleaning up is a breeze, leaving you with more time to enjoy your culinary creations and ready for your next delicious meal.
- Multi Purpose: This mini crock pot effortlessly serves 2-4 people, ideal for small families and individuals. Portable and lightweight, it’s perfect for trips, picnics, or gatherings, and makes a wonderful tools for housewarmings or festivals.
Large Gathering Helper
MegaChef 3.5 Quart Rectangle Casserole Slow Cooker with 3 Temperature Settings, Carry Handles and Locking Tempered Glass Lid (Turquoise)
Megachef
- Large 3.5 Quart Rectangle Crock is Ideal for Large Family Gatherings, Holiday Cooking, Catering and Dinner Parties.
- With the Slow Cooker you can Slow Cook, Bake and Keep Warm all your favorites meals, treats and desserts. Enjoy all your foavorite dishes from tenderized meats, cozy soups, spiced ciders and fresh baked breads and desserts.
- Slow cooker includes a tempered glass, allowing you to check on the cooking status of the food at any time without letting out all the hot air.
- Slow cooker offers versatile and convenience. Crock and lid include a latch & hook locking system for cook and carry transportation.
- The lid of the slow cooker also includes a gasket that helps lock in and maintain temperature control for even cooking and provides a seal when transporting.
- Removable Stoneware crock can be used in the oven for reheating, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and is also dishwasher safe for your convenience.
- Flexable cooking with slow cooker temperature ranges of: High: 190 – 212 Degrees, Low: 170-190 Degrees and Warm: 145 – 165 Degrees.
- Dimensions: 11.5in length, 19.5in width, 3in crock depth, 5.2in height, 7.2in height with lid, 12.6lb weight
- Watts: High- 270 Watts , Low- 230 Watts, Warm- 150 Watts
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 3.5-quart slow cooker?
Consider capacity for your household size, cooking settings (low, high, warm), and ease of cleaning. Look for a model with a removable, dishwasher-safe insert and a tight-fitting lid for even cooking.
How do 3.5-quart slow cookers compare to larger models?
A 3.5-quart is ideal for small families or couples, while larger models suit batch cooking or gatherings. Smaller cookers use less energy and take up less counter space, but may not accommodate big recipes.
What features are most important in a 3.5-quart slow cooker?
Programmable timers and automatic keep-warm functions add convenience, especially for busy schedules. A digital display and clear control panel make it easier to set and monitor cooking times.
Are there any downsides to a 3.5-quart slow cooker?
The smaller size may limit versatility for larger meals or entertaining. Some models may lack advanced features like searing or multiple temperature settings found in premium options.
How do I determine the best value for a 3.5-quart slow cooker?
Compare price with key features like programmability, build quality, and brand reputation. A mid-range model with essential functions often offers better long-term value than a budget option with limited durability.
Can a 3.5-quart slow cooker handle recipes like roasts or stews?
Yes, but it’s best suited for smaller cuts of meat or compact recipes. Larger roasts may not fit, so adjust portion sizes or choose recipes designed for smaller cookers.
What brands are known for reliable 3.5-quart slow cookers?
Crock-Pot, Hamilton Beach, and Cuisinart are popular for consistent performance and durability. Check user reviews for specific models to ensure they meet your cooking needs.
How do I clean and maintain a 3.5-quart slow cooker?
Remove the insert and lid and wash them by hand or in the dishwasher if labeled safe. Wipe the base with a damp cloth and avoid submerging it in water to prevent damage.