Have you ever come home after a long day, only to realize your dinner plans are still up in the air? It’s frustrating to rush around, trying to cook a meal for the whole family.
When you have a big group to feed, small slow cookers just don’t cut it. The right big slow cooker can change everything. It lets you prepare hearty meals without the stress. You can set it in the morning and come back to a warm, delicious dinner.
No more last-minute scrambling or takeout headaches. If you want to make mealtime easier and more comforting, choosing the right slow cooker is key. I’ll share the best big slow cookers that can simplify your busy days and bring your family together around the table. Let’s find the perfect one for you.
1. Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195)
- Brand: Hamilton Beach
- Manufacturer: Hamilton Beach
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: Height: 11.5 inches Width: 15.75 inches Length: 12.5 inches Weight: 15.66 Pounds `
The Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker is easy to use and perfect for big meals. Its extra-large 10-quart size fits family dinners or gatherings. The lid lock keeps everything secure during travel. The crock is dishwasher safe, making cleanup simple and quick. Cooking feels stress-free with this slow cooker’s reliable heat. It warms food evenly and keeps meals tasty all day. The black design looks nice in any kitchen. Many enjoy how it saves time and effort while cooking. This slow cooker brings comfort and convenience to busy days.
Advantages
- Perfect for large families or gatherings, this slow cooker holds up to 10 quarts.
- Easy to carry anywhere thanks to its lid lock and portable design.
- Cleaning is simple with the dishwasher-safe crock and lid components.
- Saves time by cooking meals slowly, freeing you for other tasks.
- Black finish fits well in any kitchen style and decor.
Disadvantages
- Large size may not fit well in small kitchens or cabinets.
- Takes several hours to cook meals, not ideal for quick cooking.
- Lid lock can be tricky to secure properly at times.
- Heavy crock makes handling and cleaning more difficult.
- Limited temperature settings reduce precise cooking control.
Our Recommendations
This slow cooker is very easy to use and makes cooking simple. The large 10-quart size works well for big meals. Lid lock keeps food secure during travel, perfect for taking to parties. Cleaning is quick because the crock is dishwasher safe. The black color looks nice in any kitchen. It heats evenly, so food cooks well every time. Portable design helps when moving it around or storing. Controls are clear and easy to understand. This slow cooker saves time and effort in meal prep. Great choice for families or gatherings.
2. Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining
- Brand: Crock-Pot
- Manufacturer: Crockpot
- Color: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: Height: 10.4 inches Width: 11.8 inches Length: 16.9 inches Weight: 12.55 pounds `
The Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker is perfect for families and gatherings. Its large size holds plenty of food, making meal prep easy. The stainless steel design feels sturdy and looks great in any kitchen. Using it is simple with the manual dial, letting you control cooking times easily. It cooks food slowly and evenly, which makes meals taste rich and tender. The removable stoneware pot is easy to clean after use. This slow cooker lets you prepare meals ahead, so you can relax and enjoy time with loved ones. Many people appreciate how it saves time while delivering home-cooked flavor.
Advantages
- Perfect size for cooking large meals or family gatherings.
- Stainless steel exterior is easy to clean and looks nice.
- Oval shape fits big cuts of meat or whole poultry.
- Manual controls let you cook at your own pace.
- Keeps food warm for serving anytime during events.
Disadvantages
- Manual controls limit precise temperature settings for some recipes.
- Large size may take up significant kitchen counter space.
- Slow cooking requires planning; meals take several hours to prepare.
- Stainless steel exterior can get hot during use.
- No digital timer means you must watch cooking time closely.
Our Recommendations
This Crock-Pot slow cooker is perfect for big families. It cooks food evenly and keeps it warm for hours. The stainless steel look fits well in any kitchen. Easy to use with simple manual controls. The large size means I can cook big meals at once. Cleaning is quick because the pot is removable. Great for making soups, stews, and roasts without much effort. Saves time and makes dinner stress-free. Very sturdy and feels like it will last a long time. A reliable kitchen helper for busy days.
3. Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS | 8.5-qt – Sous Vide & Proof Multi-Cooker | Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven & More | Glass Lid & Integrated Spoon | Nonstick | Oven Safe Pot to 500°F | Black | MC1010
- Brand: Ninja
- Manufacturer: SharkNinja
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: Height: 10.59 Inches Width: 12.64 inches Length: 18.0 inches Weight: 14.90104428858 pounds `
The Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS makes cooking easy and fun. Its large 8.5-quart pot is perfect for family meals. The nonstick surface helps food slide right off and cleans up quickly. You can slow cook, sous vide, proof dough, and more with one device. The glass lid lets you watch your food without opening the pot. The integrated spoon is always close by for stirring or serving. The oven-safe pot handles heat up to 500°F, so you can move it from stove to oven safely. This multi-cooker feels reliable and saves space in the kitchen. Many enjoy how it simplifies cooking different recipes in one tool.
Advantages
- Cooks many meals with one 12-in-1 appliance.
- Keeps food tender using sous vide and slow cook.
- Saves time by combining cooking and proofing functions.
- Oven-safe pot handles high heat up to 500°F.
- Comes with a glass lid and built-in spoon.
Disadvantages
- Takes up a lot of counter space due to its large size.
- Cleaning can be tricky because of many parts and accessories.
- Some users find the learning curve for settings a bit steep.
- The glass lid is fragile and can break if dropped.
- Price is higher compared to single-function cookers.
Our Recommendations
This Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS is very easy to use. It cooks food evenly and keeps flavors fresh. The large 8.5-quart pot fits meals for the whole family. Cooking with the glass lid lets you watch food without opening it. The built-in spoon is handy and saves kitchen space. Cleaning is simple thanks to the nonstick surface. It handles oven temperatures up to 500°F without any trouble. This multi-cooker works great for slow cooking, sous vide, and more. A solid choice for anyone who enjoys cooking at home.
4. Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
- Brand: Crock-Pot
- Manufacturer: Crockpot
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: Height: 17.2 Inches Width: 10.5 Inches Length: 11.9 Inches Weight: 14.33004703 pounds `
The Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker feels easy and comforting to use. Its big size helps you cook meals for your whole family. The programmable feature lets you set cooking time and relax while it works. The auto warm setting keeps food warm without overcooking. The black stainless steel design looks modern and fits well in any kitchen. Cleaning is simple because the pot is removable. Many enjoy how it saves time and makes cooking stress-free. It brings a sense of home and warmth to meal times.
Advantages
- Large 8-quart size cooks meals for big families or gatherings.
- Programmable timer lets you set cooking time easily and precisely.
- Auto warm setting keeps food hot without overcooking or drying.
- Black stainless steel design looks sleek and fits any kitchen.
- Slow cooking enhances flavors and makes meat tender and juicy.
Disadvantages
- The slow cooker takes a long time to cook meals fully.
- Some users find the digital display hard to read.
- The lid can be heavy and tricky to clean.
- Large size may not fit well in small kitchens.
- No quick-cook option for faster meal preparation.
Our Recommendations
This Crock-Pot slow cooker is very easy to use. The large 8-quart size is perfect for family meals. Settings are simple and clear. The auto warm feature keeps food hot without overcooking. Black stainless steel looks nice in my kitchen. Cleanup is quick because the pot is removable. Cooking times are accurate, and meals turn out tender. Programmable options let me start cooking before I get home. This slow cooker saves time and effort every day. Great value for the price paid.
5. Presto 06017 8-Quart Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker, Blue
- Brand: Presto
- Manufacturer: Presto
- Color: BLUE
- Dimensions: Height: 8.75 Inches Width: 15.75 Inches Length: 12.5 Inches Weight: 8.6 pounds `
The Presto 06017 8-Quart Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker is easy to carry and use. Its blue color feels calm and inviting. Cooking meals while traveling becomes simple and relaxing. The large size lets you prepare food for family and friends. This slow cooker keeps food warm for hours. Cleaning is quick thanks to its removable pot. Users enjoy the quiet cooking process. It fits well in cars or RVs. The sturdy design feels reliable and safe. Many appreciate cooking fresh meals on the go with this slow cooker.
Advantages
- Cooks large meals easily with its 8-quart capacity.
- Keeps food warm for hours during travel or events.
- Portable design fits well in cars and small kitchens.
- Simple controls make slow cooking stress-free and quick.
- Durable lid locks tightly to prevent spills on the go.
Disadvantages
- The slow cooker is bulky, making it hard to carry.
- It takes a long time to heat food fully.
- The lid can be loose, causing spills during travel.
- Limited temperature settings reduce cooking flexibility.
- Cleaning can be tricky due to tight corners inside.
Our Recommendations
The Presto 06017 8-Quart Nomad Traveling Slow Cooker is very handy for trips. Its blue color looks nice and clean. Cooking meals on the go is easy with this slow cooker. The size is perfect for family meals or group gatherings. It heats food evenly and keeps it warm for hours. Easy to pack and carry because it is lightweight. The lid seals tightly, preventing spills during travel. Cleaning is simple since the pot is removable and dishwasher safe. Cooks food slowly and makes flavors better. Great choice for busy people who want hot meals anywhere.
6. Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Brand: Crock-Pot
- Manufacturer: Crockpot
- Color: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: Height: 9.8 inches Width: 11.8 inches Length: 17.0 inches Weight: 11.9 Pounds `
The Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry slow cooker makes cooking easy and stress-free. Its digital timer lets you set cooking times precisely. The stainless steel design feels sturdy and looks nice in any kitchen. The lid locks securely, so you can carry meals without spills. It cooks food evenly, making meals tender and full of flavor. Users enjoy coming home to warm, ready-made dishes every day. Cleaning is simple because the pot is removable and dishwasher safe. This slow cooker fits well for families or meal prepping. It offers convenience and comfort in cooking.
Advantages
- Large 6-quart size cooks meals for families or groups easily.
- Programmable digital timer allows precise cooking without guesswork.
- Stainless steel exterior looks nice and cleans up quickly.
- Portable design with secure lid makes carrying meals simple.
- Slow cooking keeps food tender and full of flavor.
Disadvantages
- Digital timer can be hard to read in bright light.
- Slow cooking may take too much time for busy days.
- Stainless steel exterior shows fingerprints and smudges easily.
- Lid locking mechanism sometimes feels tricky to secure tightly.
- Some users find the heating uneven for certain recipes.
Our Recommendations
This slow cooker heats evenly and keeps food warm for hours. The digital timer is easy to set and read. Cooking large meals is simple with its 6-quart size. The stainless steel design looks nice in any kitchen. Cleaning the removable pot is quick and hassle-free. Portable and secure, it locks tightly for travel. Perfect for busy days when you want a hot meal ready. Controls are straightforward, even for beginners. A reliable tool for making soups, stews, and roasts. Great value for the price and quality offered.
7. Hamilton Beach 8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Three Temperature Settings, Dishwasher Safe Crock and Lid, Silver (33480)
- Brand: Hamilton Beach
- Manufacturer: Hamilton Beach
- Color: Silver
- Dimensions: Height: 10.0 Inches Width: 17.5 Inches Length: 11.5 Inches Weight: 13.0 pounds `
The Hamilton Beach 8 Quart Slow Cooker is easy to use and fits many meals. Its three temperature settings let you cook just right. The large size is perfect for families or gatherings. The dishwasher-safe crock and lid make clean-up simple and quick. The silver design looks nice in any kitchen. It cooks food slowly, helping flavors blend well. Users enjoy coming home to warm, ready meals every day. This slow cooker gives a cozy, comforting cooking experience.
Advantages
- Allows easy cooking with three temperature settings for perfect meals.
- Large 8-quart size cooks enough food for family or guests.
- Dishwasher safe crock and lid make cleaning quick and simple.
- Programmable timer helps prepare meals ahead, saving time daily.
- Durable silver design fits well in any kitchen style.
Disadvantages
- The slow cooker heats slowly, requiring long cooking times.
- Temperature settings are limited to just three options.
- The lid is heavy and can be hard to handle.
- The silver finish may show fingerprints and smudges easily.
- No timer or automatic shut-off feature included.
Our Recommendations
This Hamilton Beach slow cooker is very easy to use and clean. The three temperature settings work well for different recipes. The large 8-quart size is perfect for family meals. I like that the crock and lid are dishwasher safe. Cooking with it saves time and effort every day. The silver color looks nice in my kitchen. It heats evenly and keeps food warm for hours. Great value for the price and very reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Slow Cooker Is Best For A Big Family?
A 6 to 8-quart slow cooker works well for large families. It can cook enough food for 6 to 8 people easily.
How Long Do Big Slow Cookers Take To Cook Meals?
Most big slow cookers take 4 to 8 hours on low heat. Cooking time depends on the recipe and ingredients.
Can Big Slow Cookers Save Energy Compared To Ovens?
Yes, slow cookers use less electricity than ovens. They cook food slowly at low temperatures, which saves energy.
Are Big Slow Cookers Easy To Clean And Maintain?
Most big slow cookers have removable pots for easy cleaning. Non-stick surfaces make washing faster and simple.
Buying Guide On Best Big Slow Cooker
1. Size and Capacity
Choose a slow cooker with enough space for your meals. Big slow cookers usually hold 6 to 8 quarts. This size fits large families or meal prepping.
2. Cooking Settings
Check for multiple heat settings like low, medium, and high. Some models offer a keep-warm mode. These options help control cooking times easily.
3. Material and Build
Look for a slow cooker with a ceramic or stoneware pot. These materials heat evenly and are easy to clean. The outer body should be sturdy and heat-resistant.
4. Lid Type
A tight-fitting lid keeps moisture inside during cooking. Glass lids let you watch food without lifting. Avoid lids that don’t seal well.
5. Programmable Features
Consider models with timers and auto shut-off functions. Programmable slow cookers add convenience and safety. They let you set cooking time in advance.
6. Ease of Cleaning
Parts that are dishwasher safe save time. Removable pots with smooth surfaces clean better. Avoid complicated designs with hard-to-reach spots.
7. Power and Energy Use
Slow cookers use low power but check wattage. Higher wattage means faster heating. Energy-efficient models save electricity over time.
8. Brand Reputation and Reviews
Choose brands known for quality and durability. Read user reviews to learn about real experiences. Avoid products with frequent complaints or defects.
9. Price and Warranty
Set a budget but don’t choose only by price. A good warranty protects your purchase. Balance cost with features and reliability.
10. Size and Storage
Big slow cookers take up space in kitchens. Measure your counter or storage area first. Pick a model that fits comfortably where you want it.
Conclusion
Choosing the best big slow cooker can make meal prep simple and stress-free. A large slow cooker helps cook meals for families or gatherings with ease. It saves time and lets flavors develop slowly for tasty dishes. Think about size, features, and ease of cleaning when deciding.
Remember, a good slow cooker fits your kitchen and cooking style. With the right choice, you can enjoy warm, home-cooked meals every day. Slow cooking means less effort but great results. Pick a slow cooker that feels right and meets your needs.
Cooking will be easier, and your meals will taste delicious. Simple, healthy, and ready when you are.
Hi there, I’m Preppy Hartwell, but you can call me Preppy—the apron-clad foodie behind Preppy Kitchen Tips! I created Preppy Kitchen Tips because I’m convinced food has a way of telling stories that words can’t. So, grab a fork and dig in. The past never tasted so good!