Comparison: Best Slow Cooker 3.5 L (Updated | Dec 9th)
Craving home-cooked meals but short on time? The perfect 3.5-liter slow cooker could be your kitchen’s new best friend. We’ve simmered down the top contenders to find the best options for couples, small families, or anyone who loves meal prep. From intuitive controls to superior heat retention, we’ll break down which models truly deliver on their promises of set-it-and-forget-it convenience. Get ready to transform your dinner routine with our expert picks that make delicious, effortless meals a reality.
- Best for large capacity classic: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for ideal family size: Morphy Richards 460017 3.5 Litre Ceramic Slow Cooker
- Best for party size portability: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker
- Best for programmable precision: Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1/2-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
- Best for casserole specialist: Elite Gourmet MST-5240 Casserole Crock Slow Cooker
- Best for flexible programming: Hamilton Beach 4 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Flexible Easy Programming
- Best for space-saving design: Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Slow Cooker with Space-Saving Folding Handles
- Best for compact & simple: Elite Gourmet MST-350B Electric Slow Cooker
- Best for secure travel cooking: Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Best for truly versatile cooker: West Bend Versatility Slow Cooker Large Capacity Non-stick Cooking Vessel & Variable Temperature Heating Base Includes Travel Lid and Storage Bag
Product Comparison: Best Slow Cooker 3.5 L
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
Morphy Richards 460017 3.5 Litre Ceramic Slow Cooker, One-Pot Solution
- Dishwasher safe pot and lid – Makes meal times even easier
- Removable ceramic pot – Can be used as a serving dish
- Toughened glass lid – Transparent to monitor cooking
- Three cooking settings – Ensure your meals are ready when you are
- 3.5 Litre Capacity – Serves six starters or four main portions comfortably, ideal for families
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.
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
- 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
Elite Gourmet MST-5240 Casserole Crock Slow Cooker, Locking Lid Adjustable Temperature Keep Warm Oven & Dishwasher-Safe Casserole Pan, 3.5Qt Capacity, Red
- 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
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.
Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Slow Cooker with Space-Saving Folding Handles, 3 Heat Settings, Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Crock and Glass Lid, Black (33664)
- UNIQUE FOLDING HANDLES: The full-grip handles lift up for carrying and down when storing the slow cooker or when you need to make more space on the countertop. The handles are easy to grasp when carrying food to the table or to gatherings.
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY MEALS AND ENTERTAINING: The large slow cooker has a 6 quart stoneware crock that holds enough to serve 7+ people. It will fit a whole 6 lb. chicken, a 4 lb. roast or enough barbecue to make up to 25 sliders
- 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.
- FAST AND EASY CLEANUP: The removable stoneware crock and durable glass lid are both dishwasher safe.
- TAKES THE STRESS OUT OF FAMILY MEALS: The 6 quart slow cooker does the cooking for you, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the ones you love.
Elite Gourmet MST-350B Electric Slow Cooker, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock (3 Quart, Black)
- 3 QUART slow cooker makes cooking fork-tender roasts and poultry a breeze. Cool-touch handles and knob protect hands and allow you to safely transport your slow cooker.
- ADJUSTABLE SETTINGS with versatile Low / High / Keep Warm settings, gives you ultimate control of meal preparation. Simply set it and forget it while you continue on with your busy day, entertain guests or prepare other dishes.
- FAST, EASY CLEAN-UP with our dishwasher-safe clear tempered glass lid and removable oval stoneware pot. The exterior heating base can be wiped clean with a damp cloth to maintain its pristine appearance.
- Intertek LISTED for your safety, 170 Watts, 1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY and U.S. based customer support team means you can buy with confidence.
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
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
- 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
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
Is a 3.5-litre slow cooker the right size for me?
A 3.5-litre capacity is ideal for individuals, couples, or small families, typically serving 3-4 people. It’s perfect for cooking smaller cuts of meat, stews, or soups without excessive leftovers. If you often cook for more than four people or like to batch-cook, you might want to consider a larger 5-6 litre model.
What key features should I compare between different 3.5-litre models?
Look for models with at least ‘Low’ and ‘High’ heat settings, and a ‘Keep Warm’ function which is very convenient. A digital timer with an automatic switch to ‘Keep Warm’ offers more precise control than basic manual dials. Additionally, check if the ceramic pot is removable and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
What’s the difference between a basic and a premium 3.5-litre slow cooker?
Premium models often feature digital programmable timers, temperature probes for precise meat cooking, and more versatile functions like searing or steaming. Basic models typically have simple manual knobs and fewer settings, focusing solely on slow cooking. The main value of a premium model is convenience and multi-functionality, while a basic model excels in simplicity and a lower price point.
How do I determine the best value for money?
The best value depends on balancing features, build quality, and price against your cooking needs. A slightly more expensive model with a timer and a ‘Keep Warm’ function can be better value if it prevents overcooking and offers more flexibility. Always check user reviews for long-term reliability and performance, as a durable appliance that lasts for years offers the best overall value.
Are there any specific buying tips for a 3.5-litre slow cooker?
Ensure the lid fits tightly to lock in moisture and heat, which is crucial for tender results. Check that the handles are sturdy and stay cool to the touch for safe transport. If possible, inspect the ceramic insert for a smooth, non-porous finish, as this makes cleaning much easier and prevents food from sticking.
Can I use a 3.5-litre slow cooker for anything other than stews?
Absolutely, it’s incredibly versatile. You can use it to make pulled pork or chicken, cook chili, curries, and even desserts like bread pudding or cakes. Some recipes are specifically designed for the slow cooker’s low-and-slow, moist-heat environment, creating tender and flavourful results that are hard to replicate otherwise.
How much electricity does a 3.5-litre slow cooker use?
Slow cookers are very energy-efficient, typically using about the same amount of power as a single light bulb. They cook food slowly at a low temperature over several hours, which consumes far less energy than using a conventional oven for the same duration. This makes them a cost-effective appliance for preparing meals.