Comparison: Best Slow Cooker 5 Quart (Updated | Dec 9th)
Looking for the perfect slow cooker to simplify your meal prep? A 5-quart model hits that sweet spot for most families—big enough for Sunday pot roasts yet compact enough for weeknight dinners. Whether you’re a busy parent seeking set-it-and-forget-it convenience or a foodie who craves that fall-apart tenderness, our top picks will transform your cooking game.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for classic crock-pot: 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 family meal essential: Kenmore 5 Quart Slow Cooker – Crock pot with Programmable Settings
- Best for extra large capacity: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker
- Best for compact family size: Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings
- Best for travel-ready cooking: Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Best for effortless cleanup: Courant Slow Cooker 5.5 Quart Crock
- Best for premium 7-in-1: All-Clad 5 Quart 7-in-1 Electric Slow Cooker with Stainless Steel and Cast Iron
- Best for digital convenience: Kenmore 5 Quart Slow Cooker – Crock pot with Programmable Settings
- Best for holiday hosting essential: Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
Product Comparison: Best Slow Cooker 5 Quart
Classic Crock-Pot
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
Family Meal Essential
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.
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.
Compact Family Size
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 Cooking
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
Effortless Cleanup
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
Premium 7-in-1
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.
Digital Convenience
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.
Holiday Hosting Essential
Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
Crock-Pot
- Cooking Capacity: Prepares food for over 10 people, making it a holiday dinner hosting essential.
- Digital Timer: Counts down cooking time up to 20 hours for easy monitoring.
- Auto Warm: Automatically keeps food warm after cooking for optimal serving temperature.
- Easy Cleanup: Features a removable, dishwasher-safe lid and stoneware pot for convenient cleaning.
- Memory Function: Resets to previous settings in case of a power outage.
- Elegant Design: Black stainless steel finish is stylish, easy to clean, and fits any kitchen decor.
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Buying Guide
FAQs
What’s the difference between a 5-quart and a larger slow cooker?
A 5-quart model is ideal for families of 4-6 people, making it perfect for most standard recipes like stews, roasts, and soups. Larger 6-8 quart models are better for batch cooking, entertaining, or cooking bigger cuts of meat. For smaller households or couples, a 3-4 quart model might be more suitable to avoid excessive leftovers.
What key features should I look for in a 5-quart slow cooker?
Look for a programmable timer that automatically switches to a ‘keep warm’ setting, which provides great flexibility. A removable, dishwasher-safe stoneware insert and glass lid are essential for easy cleaning. Some advanced models also offer a sear function, allowing you to brown meat directly in the pot for richer flavor.
Are programmable slow cookers worth the extra cost?
Yes, for most people, a programmable model is a worthwhile investment. It allows you to set the cooking time and temperature before you leave for the day, ensuring your meal doesn’t overcook. The automatic switch to ‘keep warm’ provides peace of mind and keeps your food at a safe temperature until you’re ready to eat.
How do I compare performance between different 5-quart models?
Performance is often judged by how evenly the cooker heats and whether it runs too hot or too cold. Reading user reviews can provide insight into whether a model’s ‘Low’ setting truly simmers or if it boils. A high-quality cooker will cook food consistently without scorching the edges or leaving cold spots.
What is the value of a slow cooker with a sear or sauté function?
A sear or sauté function adds significant value by allowing you to brown meat and soften vegetables directly in the cooking pot. This saves you from having to use a separate pan on the stove, reducing cleanup. Searing creates a Maillard reaction, which develops a much deeper, more complex flavor in your final dish.
How do I determine the best value for my budget?
The best value depends on balancing features, durability, and price. A basic manual model is very affordable but lacks the convenience of a programmable timer. Mid-range models often offer the best blend of essential features like programmability and a removable insert, making them a great investment for most home cooks.
What safety features are important to consider?
Cool-touch handles are crucial for safely moving the cooker from the counter to the table. A secure-fitting lid helps prevent spills and maintains an even cooking temperature. Ensure the cooker has non-slip feet to keep it stable on your countertop and a UL-listed certification for electrical safety.