Comparison: Best Slow Cooker 3 Quart (Updated | Dec 9th)
Looking for the perfect small appliance to whip up delicious, set-it-and-forget-it meals? You’re in the right place. We’ve simmered down the options to find the best 3-quart slow cooker for your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for one, a couple, or just love making cozy dips, we’ll help you find the ideal match.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for classic manual control: Crockpot Manual 3-Quart Slow Cooker Silver
- Best for safe temperature control: Elite Gourmet MST-350B Electric Slow Cooker
- Best for versatile stoneware option: Hamilton Beach 3-Quart Slow Cooker With Dishwasher-Safe Crock & Lid
- Best for simple 3-temp setting: Better Chef Oval Slow Cooker | 3-Quart | 3-Tempature Settings | Side Handles | Glass Lid | Enamel Stoneware Insert (Stainless-Steel)
- Best for trusted safety choice: Elite Gourmet MST-350B# Electric Slow Cooker
- Best for portable food warmer: Sunvivi 3 Quart Slow Cooker & Mini Food Warmer with 3 Heating Settings
- Best for oven-safe versatility: Crock-Pot Manual Design Series 3 Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cook Settings
- Best for convenient cord storage: Better Chef Oval Slow Cooker | 3-Quart | 3-Tempature Settings | Side Handles | Glass Lid | Enamel Stoneware Insert (Black)
- Best for multi-function speed cooker: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker
- Best for effortless cleanup solution: Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners
Product Comparison: Best Slow Cooker 3 Quart
Classic Manual Control
Crockpot Manual 3-Quart Slow Cooker Silver
Crock-Pot
- Serves 3+ people
- 3-quart capacity
- HIGH/LOW cook settings
- Convenient WARM setting
- Removable round stoneware
- Dishwasher-safe stoneware and glass lid
- Polished silver, stainless steel exterior with black accents and plastic handles
Safe Temperature Control
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.
Versatile Stoneware Option
Hamilton Beach 3-Quart Slow Cooker With Dishwasher-Safe Crock & Lid, Matte Black (33231)
Hamilton Beach
- 3-QUART CAPACITY: This slow cooker makes 3+ servings and is the perfect size for cooking a 3 lb. chicken or 2 lb. roast.
- THREE SETTINGS: Cook on either low or high, and the oval slow cooker’s keep warm function maintains the ideal temperature without overcooking.
- VERSATILE STONEWARE CROCK: This 3-quart slow cooker’s removable stoneware crock can also be used in the oven and microwave.
- DISHWASHER SAFE: Slow cooker has removable stoneware crock and glass lid that are dishwasher safe, making easy work of removing stubborn food.
- MODERN DESIGN: The sleek black finish of this 3-quart slow cooker puts a modern spin on the classic kitchen tool.
Simple 3-Temp Setting
Better Chef Oval Slow Cooker | 3-Quart | 3-Tempature Settings | Side Handles | Glass Lid | Enamel Stoneware Insert (Stainless-Steel)
Better Chef
- 3-Quart capacity
Trusted Safety Choice
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.
Portable Food Warmer
Sunvivi 3 Quart Slow Cooker & Mini Food Warmer with 3 Heating Settings, Removable Ceramic Pot, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid, Stainless Steel, Blue
SUNVIVI
- One Pot, Limitless Options: Unlock endless culinary possibilities with this small slow cooker. Whether you’re whipping up flavorful dip sauces, gently heating dishes to perfection, keeping food warm for gatherings, or satisfying your daily cooking needs, this appliance is your ultimate kitchen companion.
- 3 Heating Modes: Simply spin the knob to choose between low, warm, or high heating modes, achieving simmering, poaching, making fondue, or other culinary delights with ease. After setup, no need to watch constantly. You can effortlessly prep other ingredients simultaneously, making efficient use of your time.
- Enhanced Safety: Crafted with anti-slip feet on the base, ensuring secure placement of the 3qt slow cooker on tabletops. The lid and pot feature cool-touch handles for easy lifting and added safety against scalding, allowing for comfortable handling of hot dishes and ensuring a safe and enjoyable cooking experience.
- Versatile in Use, Perfect in Gifting: This mini crock pot effortlessly serves 2-3 people, ideal for small families and individuals. Portable and lightweight, it’s perfect for trips, picnics, or gatherings, and makes a wonderful gift for housewarmings or festivals, spreading warmth and joy to loved ones.
- 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. Moreover, the stainless steel casing can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, ensuring it stays pristine and ready for your next delicious meal.
Oven-Safe Versatility
Crock-Pot Manual Design Series 3 Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cook Settings, Removable Dishwasher and Oven Friendly Stoneware for Meal Prep, Woodgrain
Crock-Pot
- Slow Cooker – Slow cooker makes mealtime easier for busy people who want nutritious homemade meals without spending excessive time in the kitchen
- GENEROUS CAPACITY – With a spacious 3 quart capacity, perfect size for feeding 5 or more people, making it an ideal choice for both small family meals and efficient weekly meal prep sessions
- FLEXIBLE COOKING SETTINGS – Features 3 manual cooking settings (high, low, and hot) that offer flexibility for a variety of dishes; The warm setting ensures your creations stay at the ideal serving temperature until it’s time to enjoy
- VERSATILE COOKING OPTIONS – Oven safe allowing you to heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, providing the freedom to crunch and finish culinary creations in the oven before serving
- EFFORTLESS CLEANUP – Simplify post-meal tidy with a removable dishwasher-safe stoneware bowl and glass lid, ensuring low-effort cleanup after every satisfying party
Convenient Cord Storage
Better Chef Oval Slow Cooker | 3-Quart | 3-Tempature Settings | Side Handles | Glass Lid | Enamel Stoneware Insert (Black)
Better Chef
- Color: Black
- Cord Storage
- Handle: Rubberized Handle
- Color: Stainless Steel
Multi-Function Speed Cooker
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart
Instant Pot
- 7 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make rice, yogurt, or simply keep your meal warm—all in one appliance.
- Compact Yet Capable: A 3-quart capacity makes it perfect for small households or side dishes, and with 11 one-touch smart programs, it can tackle everything from hearty soups to decadent cakes.
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
- Pro-Grade Cooking Pot: Crafted from stainless steel (18/8) with a tri-ply bottom—perfect for searing and sautéing like a pro.
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot make washing up effortless.
- Power-Packed Performance: 700 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed.
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features over 10 safety mechanisms, including overheat protection, an easy seal safety lid lock, and more.
- A Little Extra: Includes a stainless steel steamer rack to keep you ready for anything.
Effortless Cleanup Solution
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Reynolds
- SLOW COOKER LINERS: This package contains six Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, each measuring 13 x 21 inches to fit 3- to 8-quart round and oval slow cookers
- EASY CLEANUP: These strong, reliable slow cooker bags shorten your slow cooker cleanup to eight seconds or less, guaranteed
- NO SOAKING OR SCRUBBING: Line your slow cooker with these slow cooker bags to prevent stubborn, stuck-on messes
- BPA-FREE & SAFE FOR HIGH TEMPS: Each slow cooker bag is made with a BPA-free nylon-blend construction that’s safe for low, medium & high settings
- MAKE MEALS EASY: Use a Reynolds slow cooker liner next time you make chili, pulled pork, pot roasts, soups & more to spend less time scrubbing & more time with your loved ones
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-quart slow cooker?
Consider the capacity, as 3 quarts is ideal for small families or couples. Look for features like programmable settings, a keep-warm function, and removable stoneware for easy cleaning.
How do manual and programmable slow cookers compare?
Manual models offer basic low, high, and warm settings, while programmable ones allow you to set cooking times and switch to warm automatically. Programmable options are more convenient but may cost slightly more.
Are 3-quart slow cookers energy-efficient?
Yes, slow cookers use less energy than ovens, making them a cost-effective choice for long cooking times. They typically consume around 200-300 watts, depending on the model.
What features add the most value?
A locking lid is great for transport, while a digital display makes timing precise. Removable, dishwasher-safe inserts save cleanup time, and multiple heat settings offer versatility.
How do I choose between a stoneware and metal insert?
Stoneware inserts retain heat well and are great for even cooking, while metal inserts are lighter and sometimes more durable. Stoneware is often preferred for traditional slow-cooking recipes.
Is a 3-quart slow cooker big enough for meals?
A 3-quart size is perfect for 2-4 servings, making it ideal for small households or batch cooking. If you often cook for larger groups, consider a bigger capacity.
What brands are most reliable for 3-quart slow cookers?
Brands like Crock-Pot, Hamilton Beach, and KitchenAid are known for durability and performance. Check user reviews for specific models to ensure consistent results.
Can I use a 3-quart slow cooker for desserts?
Yes, many slow cookers are versatile enough for desserts like cakes, puddings, and cobblers. Look for models with precise temperature controls for best results.