Comparison: Best Slow Cooker 5 Qt (Updated | Dec 8th)
Looking for the perfect slow cooker to simplify your weeknight dinners? We’ve done the simmering and testing for you, evaluating everything from heating consistency to programmable features. Whether you’re a busy parent or meal prep enthusiast, our comparison will help you find the best 5-quart slow cooker that transforms ingredients into delicious, set-it-and-forget-it meals.
Editor’s Choice
All-Clad 5 Quart 7-in-1 Electric Slow Cooker with Stainless Steel and Cast Iron
Premium 7-in-1 Cooker
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for smudgeproof classic: Crock-Pot 5-Quart Smudgeproof Round Manual Slow Cooker with Dipper Silver
- Best for multi-function versatility: West Bend Versatility Slow Cooker Large Capacity Non-stick Cooking Vessel & Variable Temperature Heating Base Includes Travel Lid and Storage Bag
- Best for programmable family meals: Kenmore 5 Quart Slow Cooker – Crock pot with Programmable Settings
- Best for simple manual control: Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings
- Best for travel-ready programmable: Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Best for extra large capacity: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker
- Best for easy cleanup design: Courant Slow Cooker 5.5 Quart Crock
- Best for digital meal prep: Kenmore 5 Quart Slow Cooker – Crock pot with Programmable Settings
- Best for premium 7-in-1 cooker: All-Clad 5 Quart 7-in-1 Electric Slow Cooker with Stainless Steel and Cast Iron
- Best for cleanup time saver: Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners
Product Comparison: Best Slow Cooker 5 Qt
Smudgeproof Classic
Crock-Pot 5-Quart Smudgeproof Round Manual Slow Cooker with Dipper Silver
Crock-Pot
- 5-quart round stoneware with a smudge-proof finish
- High, low and warm settings are perfect for making chilis, stews, sauces and more
- Dishwasher safe stoneware and lid
- Bonus Little Dipper Warmer is perfect for warming dips and sauces
- This product contains Aluminum, Stainless Steel (Iron, Chromium, Nickel, Manganese, Copper, Phosphorus)
Multi-Function Versatility
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
West Bend
- 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
Programmable Family Meals
Kenmore 5 Quart Slow Cooker – Crock pot with Programmable Settings,Digital Controls, Large Capacity for Family Meals, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware, Warm Rice & Sous Vide Stew
Koolatron
- VERSATILE COOKING OPTIONS – Prepare soups, chili, stews, goulash, cabbage rolls, and stuffed peppers with ease. This Kenmore slow cooker offers flexibility for a variety of recipes, making it an essential appliance for creative home cooking.
- SPACIOUS 5-QUART CAPACITY – With its 5-quart oval shape, this slow cooker fits a 5 lb chicken or 3 lb roast for hearty family meals. Perfect for meal prep, batch cooking, and family dinners without taking up too much counter space.
- THREE TEMPERATURE SETTINGS – Use the simple dial to set low, high, or warm. This flexibility lets you cook soups, stews, and casseroles or keep dishes warm until serving. A must-have for versatile cooking options.
- BUILT-IN SAFETY FEATURES – Includes cool-touch handles and non-slip rubber feet for added stability and safe handling. Designed for peace of mind during cooking, making it a reliable choice for everyday use.
- 1-YEAR WARRANTY AND SUPPORT – Backed by a 1-year limited warranty for added confidence. Enjoy reliable performance and customer support, ensuring your Kenmore slow cooker remains a trusted kitchen companion.
Simple Manual Control
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
Travel-Ready Programmable
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
Extra Large Capacity
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.
Easy Cleanup Design
Courant Slow Cooker 5.5 Quart Crock, with Easy Cooking Options, Dishwasher Safe Pot and Glass Lid, Matte Black
Courant
- Three Cooking Settings, Low, High, Keep Warm, the ideal Slow Cooker performance for every recipe. With Courant Slow Cooker you get to create dinner at your convenience. When preps done, Just set the desired heat setting, head off to accomplish your scheduled tasks, and allow the flavor to seep in while stewing slowly
- The Courant Slow Cooker features a Non-Stick, Removable and Stainproof Stoneware Crock insert ideal for Easy Prepping, Serving and cleaning! The lid is structured out of Strong Tempered Glass.
- Cleanup is a breeze by simply placing Removable Pot and Lid into the Dishwasher. That simple.
- Stylish Matte Black Housing, Power indicator light, Cool touch handles and knob, Non-skid feet, 320 Watts, 120V, 60Hz
- The Courant 5.0 Quart capacity Crock Slow Cooker includes Free Recipe book!! Whip up savory dishes anytime, using basic ingredients available on hand! Our great series of slow cookers is designed to turn “simple input into delicious output”! No more hassling with time limitations
Digital Meal Prep
Kenmore 5 Quart Slow Cooker – Crock pot with Programmable Settings,Digital Controls, Large Capacity for Family Meals, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware, Warm Rice & Sous Vide Stew
Koolatron
- VERSATILE COOKING OPTIONS – Prepare soups, chili, stews, goulash, cabbage rolls, and stuffed peppers with ease. This Kenmore slow cooker offers flexibility for a variety of recipes, making it an essential appliance for creative home cooking.
- SPACIOUS 5-QUART CAPACITY – With its 5-quart oval shape, this slow cooker fits a 5 lb chicken or 3 lb roast for hearty family meals. Perfect for meal prep, batch cooking, and family dinners without taking up too much counter space.
- THREE TEMPERATURE SETTINGS – Use the simple dial to set low, high, or warm. This flexibility lets you cook soups, stews, and casseroles or keep dishes warm until serving. A must-have for versatile cooking options.
- BUILT-IN SAFETY FEATURES – Includes cool-touch handles and non-slip rubber feet for added stability and safe handling. Designed for peace of mind during cooking, making it a reliable choice for everyday use.
- 1-YEAR WARRANTY AND SUPPORT – Backed by a 1-year limited warranty for added confidence. Enjoy reliable performance and customer support, ensuring your Kenmore slow cooker remains a trusted kitchen companion.
Premium 7-in-1 Cooker
All-Clad 5 Quart 7-in-1 Electric Slow Cooker with Stainless Steel and Cast Iron, 1200W – Black Enamel Crock
All-Clad
- REMOVABLE ENAMELED CAST IRON DUTCH OVEN: Choose where and how to cook. This cast iron dutch oven can be used on the cooktop, in an oven, and placed on the table to serve, replacing many cooking tools with just one appliance.
- HOLDS 5 QUARTS OF FOOD: Enough capacity to feed all your family and friends their favorite foods.
- TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Keeps food warm automatically for 4 hours after cooking is complete. The tight-fitting cast iron lid maintains the heat and moisture inside, preventing the food from drying out.
- PROGRAMMABLE TIMER: 5 automatic programs (High Temp Slow Cooking, Low Temp Slow Cooking, Braise, Sauté, Simmer) plus a Manual program means you can cook anything and everything. Cook while working or even sleeping so your food is ready when you are.
- CONVENIENT AND STYLISH: Premium stainless steel exterior with classic All-Clad handle and logo. The easy-to-grip pot looks beautiful on the table for serving. A clear LCD screen displays your cooking mode and time, so you can easily track the cooking process. Easy to clean and dishwasher safe pot.
Cleanup Time Saver
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
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Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I look for in a 5 qt slow cooker?
Consider capacity, temperature settings, and programmable features. A 5 qt size is ideal for families of 4-6, so ensure it fits your cooking needs. Look for models with a warm setting to keep food ready without overcooking.
How do manual and programmable slow cookers compare?
Manual models are simple with basic low/high settings, while programmable ones offer timers and auto-switch to warm. Programmable cookers are more convenient for busy schedules but may cost more. Choose based on how much control and flexibility you need.
Are ceramic or metal inserts better?
Ceramic inserts retain heat well and are non-reactive, making them great for long cooking times. Metal inserts are lighter and often more durable but may not distribute heat as evenly. Ceramic is the traditional choice for most slow cookers.
What features add the most value?
A locking lid is essential for transport, while a digital display simplifies programming. Some models include searing functions or multiple cooking modes for versatility. Prioritize features that align with your cooking habits.
How do I clean a slow cooker effectively?
Removable inserts are easiest to clean, often dishwasher-safe. For stubborn stains, soak the insert in warm, soapy water before scrubbing. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface.
Is a 5 qt slow cooker energy-efficient?
Slow cookers use less energy than ovens, making them a cost-effective choice for long cooking times. A 5 qt model typically consumes around 200-300 watts on low settings. Look for energy-saving certifications if efficiency is a priority.
Can I use a 5 qt slow cooker for small batches?
Yes, but avoid underfilling as it can lead to uneven cooking. Use smaller recipes or place a heat-safe dish inside to adapt. Some models come with smaller inserts for versatility.
What’s the difference between low and high settings?
Low settings cook food slowly over 6-8 hours, ideal for tenderizing tough cuts. High settings reduce cooking time to 3-4 hours but may not develop flavors as deeply. Adjust based on your recipe and schedule.
