Comparison: Best Slow Cooker 3 Litre (Updated | Dec 9th)
Looking for the perfect 3-litre slow cooker to transform your weeknight dinners? We’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to! After hours of simmering, testing, and taste-testing, we’ve narrowed down the top contenders that’ll make your kitchen life a breeze.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for large family feeder: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for party size pro: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker
- Best for family meal maker: Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings
- Best for compact couple’s cooker: bella 1.5 Qt Slow Cooker with 3 Heat Manual Control
- Best for perfect size performer: Elite Gourmet MST-350B Electric Slow Cooker
- Best for small batch specialist: Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black
- Best for entertaining essential: Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings
- Best for triple dish delight: Amazon Basics Stainless Steel 3 x 2.5 Quarts Triple Slow Cooker
- Best for space-saving solution: Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Slow Cooker with Space-Saving Folding Handles
- Best for programmable traveler: Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
Product Comparison: Best Slow Cooker 3 Litre
Large Family Feeder
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
Party Size Pro
Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195)
Hamilton Beach
- 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.
Family Meal Maker
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
Compact Couple’s Cooker
bella 1.5 Qt Slow Cooker with 3 Heat Manual Control, Ceramic Nonstick Coating, Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Pot and Tempered Glass Lid, Tangle Free Cord Wrap & Cool Touch Handles, Surf
BELLA
- Perfect Size for Two: With a 1.5qt capacity, this slow cooker is just right for cooking for two or making your favorite dips, nachos, and sauces. Compact yet versatile, it’s the perfect kitchen companion for cozy dinners or party-ready appetizers
- Smart Coating for Easy Cleanup: Enjoy mess-free cooking with our EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating, free from PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, and cadmium. The surface of this electric cooking pot ensures easy food release, quick cleanup, and fun for all
- Three Heat Settings for Perfect Results: Choose from low, medium, or high temperature settings to prepare your meals to perfection. Whether you’re simmering sauces or melting chocolate, this mini pressure cooker will help you create culinary wonders
- Safe & Durable Design: The shatter-resistant glass lid lets you keep an eye on your food while it cooks, and the cool-touch handles ensure safe handling. Non-skid feet keep the crock pot slow cooker stable on your countertop, adding peace of mind
- Effortless Storage & Cleanup: With a clutter-free cord wrap, this mini portable cooker stays neat on your countertop. The dishwasher-safe stoneware pot and tempered glass lid make cleanup as simple as cooking, so you can focus on enjoying your meal
Perfect Size Performer
Elite Gourmet MST-350B Electric Slow Cooker, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock (3 Quart, Black)
Elite Gourmet
- 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.
Small Batch Specialist
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
Entertaining Essential
Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware Crock & Glass Lid, Silver (33665G)
Hamilton Beach
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY MEALS AND ENTERTAINING: The slow cooker has a large 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
- 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.
- DELICIOUS MEALS WITH MINIMAL EFFORT: The Hamilton Beach slow cooker makes it simple 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.
- 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.
- BUILT FOR LONG-LASTING PERFORMANCE: The easy-to-use slow cooker is made of quality materials for years of cooking, and it’s backed by a 1 year limited warranty.
- SURPRISING THINGS YOU CAN MAKE IN YOUR SLOW COOKER: Make a wide variety of foods, from breakfast casserole and blueberry cobbler to lasagna, and even mulled wine.
- TAKES THE STRESS OUT OF FAMILY MEALS: The Hamilton Beach slow cooker does the cooking for you, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the ones you love.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: slow cooker base, stoneware crock, glass lid
Triple Dish Delight
Amazon Basics Stainless Steel 3 x 2.5 Quarts Triple Slow Cooker, Brushed Stainless Steel
Amazon Basics
- 3-in-1 versatility: Three 2.5-quart removable nonstick inner pots (total 7.5 quarts) for cooking, heating, and serving 3 different dishes simultaneously; ideal for multi-course meals, parties, and other social events
- 3 individual controls: each pot comes with its own independently controlled temperature dial (with low, high, and warm temperature settings)
- Glass lids and locking handles: 3 dishwasher-safe tempered-glass lids allow for monitoring food at a glance; lock the handles in place to help prevent leaks during transport
- Efficient and easy to clean: the durable die-cast aluminum pots use 25% less energy compared to conventional slow cookers; the dishwasher-safe pots lift up and out of the server for quick, easy cleaning
- Durable construction and warranty: brushed stainless-steel exterior provides long-lasting strength and beauty
- Previously AmazonCommercial brand, now Amazon Basics
Space-Saving Solution
Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Slow Cooker with Space-Saving Folding Handles, 3 Heat Settings, Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Crock and Glass Lid, Black (33664)
Hamilton Beach
- 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.
Programmable Traveler
Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
Crock-Pot
- 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
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-litre slow cooker big enough for my family?
A 3-litre slow cooker is ideal for individuals or couples, and perfect for making smaller batches of soup, stew, or a dip. It can typically serve 2-3 people, but may be too small for a family of four or for batch cooking. If you plan to cook large roasts or make meals with leftovers, you might want to consider a larger 5-6 litre model.
What are the key features to compare between 3-litre models?
The most important features to compare are the heat settings, the material of the insert, and the lid. Look for models with at least ‘Low’ and ‘High’ settings, and a ‘Keep Warm’ function is very useful. A removable ceramic or stoneware insert is essential for easy cleaning, and a tight-fitting glass lid allows you to monitor cooking without losing heat.
What’s the difference between a basic and a premium 3-litre slow cooker?
A basic model will have manual dial controls for Low and High settings and a simple stoneware pot. Premium models often feature digital timers, programmable settings, and a probe to monitor food temperature, automatically switching to ‘Keep Warm’ when done. While more expensive, these advanced features offer greater convenience and precision for unattended cooking.
Can I sear meat directly in my 3-litre slow cooker?
Only if you purchase a model that specifically states it has a sear or brown function, which allows the pot to be used directly on a stovetop. Most standard 3-litre slow cookers with ceramic inserts are not designed for direct heat. For the best flavour, it is recommended to sear your meat in a separate pan on the stove before adding it to the slow cooker.
How do I determine the best value for a 3-litre slow cooker?
The best value isn’t always the lowest price, but a balance of cost, features, and durability. A great value model will have a solid build quality, a removable and dishwasher-safe insert, and at least a ‘Keep Warm’ setting. Consider how often you’ll use it; paying a bit more for a programmable timer can be worth it if you need the convenience for busy days.
Are 3-litre slow cookers energy-efficient to use?
Yes, slow cookers are one of the most energy-efficient kitchen appliances available. They use a low wattage element, similar to a light bulb, to cook food slowly over several hours. This consumes significantly less energy than using a conventional oven for the same amount of time, making them a cost-effective way to prepare meals.
Is it safe to leave a 3-litre slow cooker on while I’m out of the house?
Modern slow cookers are designed for safe, unattended cooking, especially models with a programmable timer that automatically switches to a ‘Keep Warm’ setting. It is crucial to place the cooker on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from walls and other appliances. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions in the user manual.
