Comparison: Best Slow Cooker For Family Of 5 (Updated | Dec 9th)
Tired of juggling multiple pots and pans to feed your hungry crew of five? A reliable slow cooker can be your kitchen’s unsung hero, transforming mealtime chaos into culinary bliss. We’ve done the legwork, testing top contenders to find the ultimate slow cooker that’ll make weeknight dinners a breeze and keep everyone coming back for seconds.
- Best for family capacity champion: Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Best for programmable precision: Hamilton Beach 4 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Flexible Easy Programming
- Best for compact with dipper: Crock-Pot 5-Quart Smudgeproof Round Manual Slow Cooker with Dipper Silver
- Best for recipe collection essential: Fix-It and Forget-It Big Cookbook: 1400 Best Slow Cooker Recipes!
- Best for versatile family helper: Kenmore 5 Quart Slow Cooker – Crock pot with Programmable Settings
- Best for secure transport specialist: Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Best for gathering capacity giant: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker
- Best for stylish design choice: Crock-Pot® Manual Design Series 4.5 Quart Slow Cooker
- Best for smart scheduling pro: Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker
- Best for dependable family helper: Kenmore 5 Quart Slow Cooker – Crock pot with Programmable Settings
Product Comparison: Best Slow Cooker For Family Of 5
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
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.
Crock-Pot 5-Quart Smudgeproof Round Manual Slow Cooker with Dipper Silver
- 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)
Fix-It and Forget-It Big Cookbook: 1400 Best Slow Cooker Recipes!
- Used Book in Good Condition
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
- 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.
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
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.
Crock-Pot® Manual Design Series 4.5 Quart Slow Cooker, Macaroon Blue
- Elevated Design: Features a streamlined design, modern-vintage aesthetic, and light blue Macaroon color
- Manual Control: 3 manual cook settings—High, Low, and Warm—provide cooking flexibility
- Large Capacity: 4.5-quart size feeds 5+ people; perfect for chilis, soups, stews & more
- Warm Setting: Manual Warm setting keeps food at serving temperature until it’s time to eat, or can be used as a food warmer
- Dishwasher- and Oven-Safe: Removable stoneware and glass lid are both dishwasher-safe; the stoneware is also oven-safe
Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel; an Essential Kitchen Appliance, Perfect for Families and Gatherings
- Personalized Cooking: MyTime adjusts the cooking cycle so your meal is ready exactly when you want it
- Leak-proof Lid: Travel-proof locking lid provides a tight seal to prevent leaks and spills
- Large Capacity: Fitted with a 7-quart bowl that serves 7+ people – perfect for families or gatherings
- Temperature Control: Auto-adjustment cooking cycle ensures meals are never overcooked but always flavor-filled
- Intuitive Control: Flat digital control screen lets you schedule meal times, and manually control cook time and temperature
- Convenient Handles: ‘Cook and Carry’ handles for hassle-free lifting and carrying
- Sustainable Materials: Made of Aluminum, Stainless Steel (Iron, Chromium, Nickel, Manganese, Copper, Phosphorus), and is 100% recyclable.
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
- 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.
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 size slow cooker is best for a family of five?
For a family of five, a 6-quart slow cooker is the minimum recommended size to accommodate larger meals like roasts or batches of chili. A 7-quart model provides extra flexibility for cooking bigger cuts of meat or making meals with leftovers. This capacity ensures you can cook enough food in one batch without overcrowding the pot.
Are programmable slow cookers worth the extra cost?
Yes, programmable models offer significant convenience by allowing you to set cooking times and temperatures in advance. They automatically switch to a ‘keep warm’ setting when the cooking cycle is complete, preventing overcooking. This feature is invaluable for busy families who need to manage mealtime around work and school schedules.
What’s the difference between a manual and a digital slow cooker?
Manual slow cookers use simple knobs to select basic settings like Low, High, and Warm, offering straightforward operation. Digital models feature precise timers, temperature probes, and pre-programmed settings for more control. Digital slow cookers are ideal for those who want to fine-tune their cooking, while manual models are perfect for users who prefer simplicity.
Is a searing function a necessary feature?
A searing function is not essential but is highly valuable for developing deeper flavors in your dishes. It allows you to brown meat directly in the cooker’s insert before switching to the slow cooking mode, saving you from using a separate pan on the stove. This one-pot convenience makes it a worthwhile feature for those who prioritize taste and easy cleanup.
How important is a locking lid feature?
A locking lid is crucial if you plan to transport your slow cooker to potlucks or family gatherings. It prevents spills and keeps the heat sealed in during travel. For home use, it’s less critical but still offers peace of mind against accidental bumps, especially with children or pets in the house.
Are oval or round slow cookers better for families?
Oval slow cookers are generally more versatile for families as they can easily accommodate larger, irregular-shaped cuts of meat like whole chickens or briskets. Round models are well-suited for soups, stews, and dips but can be limiting for larger roasts. For a family of five, the added flexibility of an oval shape is often the more practical choice.
What cleaning features should I look for?
Look for a model with a removable, dishwasher-safe stoneware insert and a glass lid to simplify cleanup. Some models also feature hinged lids that stay open while you serve, reducing mess. A non-stick or ceramic-coated insert can also make food residue easier to wipe away, saving you time and effort after a meal.
