Have you ever started dinner after a long day, only to realize your slow cooker is too small? It’s frustrating when you can’t make enough food for your family or guests.
Cooking should bring comfort, not stress. Choosing the right slow cooker can change that. A good 8. 5 quart slow cooker offers plenty of space and easy cooking. It helps you prepare meals ahead and enjoy more time with loved ones.
No more rushing or worrying about dinner. If you want to make your kitchen life easier and meals more delicious, you’re in the right place. I’ll share the best 8. 5 quart slow cookers that suit different needs and budgets. Keep reading to find the perfect slow cooker that fits your home and cooking style.
1. Elite Gourmet MST-900D 8.5Qt Digital Programmable XL Jumbo Slow Cooker, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock, Stainless Steel
- Brand: Elite Gourmet
- Manufacturer: Maxi-Matic
- Color: Stainless Steel/Black
- Dimensions: Height: 11.81 inches Width: 16.34 inches Length: 11.73 inches Weight: 14.6 pounds `
This slow cooker offers an extra-large 8.5-quart capacity for big meals. Digital controls let you set the cooking time and temperature easily. The stainless steel design looks great and cleans up quickly. A dishwasher-safe glass lid and crock add convenience. Perfect for making sauces, stews, dips, and more. Enjoy simple, hands-free cooking every day.
Advantages
- Large 8.5-quart size cooks meals for big families easily.
- Digital controls let you set time and temperature clearly.
- Dishwasher-safe lid and crock make cleaning fast and simple.
- Stainless steel body looks good and lasts a long time.
- Perfect for cooking stews, sauces, dips, and many entrees.
Disadvantages
- Takes up a lot of counter space in small kitchens.
- Digital controls can be confusing for some users.
- Slow cooking means meals take several hours to prepare.
- Stainless steel exterior may show fingerprints easily.
- Large size might be too much for small families.
Our Recommendations
This slow cooker has a large 8.5-quart size, perfect for big meals. The digital controls are easy to use and set. Adjustable temperature helps cook many dishes just right. Cleaning is simple because the glass lid and crock are dishwasher safe. Stainless steel design looks nice and feels strong. It cooks stews, sauces, and dips evenly every time. Makes meal prep easier and saves time in the kitchen. A reliable choice for anyone who enjoys home-cooked food.
2. 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 `
This Crock-Pot slow cooker holds up to 8 quarts, perfect for big meals. It has a programmable timer to set cooking time easily. The auto warm setting keeps food hot until serving. Its black stainless steel design looks sleek and fits any kitchen. Cooking becomes simple and hands-free with this reliable slow cooker.
Advantages
- Large 8-quart size cooks meals for big families or gatherings.
- Programmable timer lets you set cooking time and relax.
- Auto warm keeps food hot until ready to serve.
- Black stainless steel looks sleek and matches any kitchen.
- Easy to use with simple buttons and clear display.
Disadvantages
- The large size may be too big for small kitchens.
- Buttons can be hard to read in low light.
- Cooking times might be longer than expected.
- The lid does not lock for easy transport.
- Cleaning can be tricky due to the heavy pot.
Our Recommendations
This Crock-Pot slow cooker is very easy to use and makes cooking simple. The large 8-quart size is perfect for family meals. It heats food evenly and keeps it warm without overcooking. The programmable feature lets me set the time and relax. The black stainless steel look fits well in my kitchen. Cleaning is quick because the pot is dishwasher safe. This slow cooker saves time and helps me prepare tasty meals.
3. Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5 Quart Multi-Cooker, with 8-in-1 Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven, Steamer, Glass Lid Integrated Spoon, Nonstick, Oven Safe Pot to 500°F, Sea Salt Gray
- Brand: Ninja
- Manufacturer: Ninja
- Color: Sea Salt Gray
- Dimensions: Height: 10.59 Inches Width: 12.64 inches Length: 18.0 inches Weight: 12.01519 Pounds `
This Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO offers eight cooking methods in one pot. Its large 8.5-quart size makes meals for the whole family easy. The nonstick, oven-safe pot heats up to 500°F for versatile cooking. A glass lid and integrated spoon add convenience during meal prep. Sea Salt Gray color fits well in any kitchen. Perfect for slow cooking, steaming, and more.
Advantages
- Cooks many meals with one 8-in-1 appliance.
- Saves kitchen space by combining multiple tools.
- Nonstick pot cleans easily after every use.
- Oven safe pot allows baking up to 500°F.
- Comes with a glass lid and integrated spoon.
Disadvantages
- Takes up a lot of counter space in small kitchens.
- Learning all eight functions can be confusing at first.
- Cleaning the nonstick pot requires careful handling.
- The glass lid is fragile and can break easily.
- Some recipes need adjustments due to different cooking times.
Our Recommendations
This Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker is very easy to use. Cooking meals feels fast and simple. The 8-in-1 feature saves space in my kitchen. Pots and lids are sturdy and clean well quickly. Food cooks evenly, and flavors stay fresh. The oven-safe pot is great for baking and roasting. Steam and slow cook options work perfectly every time. The spoon fits neatly inside the lid, which is very handy. Overall, it makes cooking less stressful and more fun.
4. Elite Gourmet Stainless Steel Slow Cooker, Dishwasher-Safe with Tempered Glass Lid, Cool-Touch Handles, Removable Stoneware Pot, 8.5 Quart,MST-900V
- Brand: Elite Gourmet
- Manufacturer: Maximatic
- Color: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: Height: 11.0 inches Width: 14.5 inches Length: 14.5 inches Weight: 7.1 pounds `
This Elite Gourmet Slow Cooker offers a large 8.5-quart capacity, perfect for family meals. Its stainless steel design is both durable and stylish. The removable stoneware pot is easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Cool-touch handles keep you safe when moving the cooker. A clear tempered glass lid lets you watch your food without lifting it.
Advantages
- Large 8.5-quart size cooks meals for family and friends.
- Removable stoneware pot makes cleaning quick and easy.
- Tempered glass lid lets you watch food while cooking.
- Cool-touch handles keep hands safe when moving cooker.
- Dishwasher-safe parts save time and effort after use.
Disadvantages
- The slow cooker is large and may not fit small kitchens well.
- Cooking times can be longer compared to other models.
- The stoneware pot is heavy and can be hard to lift.
- Temperature controls are basic and lack precise settings.
- The glass lid may fog up, making food hard to see.
Our Recommendations
The Elite Gourmet Stainless Steel Slow Cooker is very easy to use. Its large 8.5-quart size is perfect for family meals. The removable stoneware pot cleans quickly in the dishwasher. Cool-touch handles make it safe to carry. The tempered glass lid lets you see food without lifting it. Cooking is even and slow, making meals tasty. This slow cooker fits well on any kitchen counter. Definitely a handy tool for busy days.
5. 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 `
This Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker has a large 10-quart capacity, perfect for big meals. Its lid lock keeps food secure during travel, making it easy to take anywhere. The removable crock is dishwasher safe, saving time on cleaning. Controls are simple to use, letting you cook with ease every day. Durable and black, it fits well in any kitchen style.
Advantages
- Large 10-quart size cooks meals for big families or gatherings.
- Lid lock keeps food secure and prevents spills during transport.
- Dishwasher safe crock makes cleanup quick and easy every time.
- Portable design lets you take meals to parties or events.
- Simple controls allow easy cooking without any guesswork.
Disadvantages
- Takes up a lot of kitchen space due to its large size.
- Slow cooking time means meals take several hours to prepare.
- Lid locking mechanism can be tricky to secure properly.
- Heavy weight makes it less convenient to carry around.
- Some users find the temperature settings hard to adjust.
Our Recommendations
This slow cooker has a large 10-quart capacity, perfect for big families or meal prep. The lid lock keeps everything secure during transport, making it easy to take meals on the go. Cleaning is simple because the crock is dishwasher safe. Controls are straightforward, so using it is hassle-free. The black design fits well in any kitchen style. Cooking times are reliable, and food stays warm until serving. It saves time by letting you cook meals slowly without watching them. Overall, a practical and convenient slow cooker for everyday use.
6. 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 `
Ninja® 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS offers many cooking options in one pot. It can slow cook, sous vide, proof dough, and more. The 8.5-quart size fits large meals for family or guests. Its nonstick pot is oven safe up to 500°F, making cleanup easy. A glass lid and integrated spoon add convenience during cooking. This black multi-cooker helps prepare tasty meals with less effort.
Advantages
- Saves space by combining 12 cooking tools in one appliance.
- Cooks food evenly with sous vide and slow cooker functions.
- Oven-safe pot withstands heat up to 500°F for versatile use.
- Nonstick surface makes cleaning quick and easy after cooking.
- Includes glass lid and integrated spoon for convenient meal prep.
Disadvantages
- Takes up a lot of counter space due to its large size.
- Learning all functions can be confusing for new users.
- Glass lid is fragile and can break if dropped.
- Cleaning the integrated spoon is sometimes difficult.
- Pot is heavy, making it hard to move when full.
Our Recommendations
This Ninja 12-in-1 PossibleCooker™ PLUS saves me time in the kitchen. It cooks food evenly with the sous vide feature. The large 8.5-quart pot fits family meals easily. I love that it works as a slow cooker and Dutch oven too. The glass lid lets me watch food without opening it. Cleaning is simple thanks to the nonstick surface. The pot is oven safe up to 500°F, which is very handy. The integrated spoon is a nice touch and easy to store. Using this multi-cooker makes meal prep less stressful. It is sturdy and looks great on my countertop. Cooking different dishes with one pot is very convenient.
7. Elite Gourmet MST-900RXT# Electric Ceramic XL Jumbo Slow Cooker, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock, 8.5Qt, MetallicRed
- Brand: Elite Gourmet
- Manufacturer: Maxi-Matic
- Color: Metallic Red
- Dimensions: Height: 11.0 inches Width: 14.5 inches Length: 14.5 inches Weight: 4.0 Pounds `
Enjoy cooking large meals with the Elite Gourmet MST-900RXT# slow cooker’s 8.5-quart capacity. Adjustable temperature settings make it easy to prepare entrees, sauces, stews, and dips just right. The ceramic crock and glass lid are dishwasher safe for quick and simple cleanup. Its metallic red finish adds a stylish touch to any kitchen counter. Perfect for busy families who want tasty, homemade meals without hassle.
Advantages
- Offers a large 8.5-quart capacity for big family meals.
- Adjustable temperature settings allow perfect cooking control.
- Dishwasher-safe glass lid and crock make cleaning easy.
- Cooks various dishes like stews, sauces, and dips.
- Stylish metallic red design adds color to your kitchen.
Disadvantages
- Takes up a lot of kitchen counter space due to its large size.
- Slow cooking means meals need several hours to be ready.
- Temperature settings may not be precise enough for some recipes.
- The metallic red color might not match all kitchen styles.
- The heavy crock can be hard to lift when full.
Our Recommendations
This slow cooker is very easy to use. The large 8.5-quart size fits big meals perfectly. Adjustable temperature lets me cook many dishes just right. The ceramic crock and glass lid clean up quickly in the dishwasher. Cooking stews, sauces, and dips has never been simpler. The metallic red color adds a nice touch to my kitchen. I enjoy how evenly it cooks food every time. A great choice for family meals or parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Meals Can I Cook In An 8.5 Quart Slow Cooker?
You can make soups, stews, roasts, and even desserts. Its large size fits meals for big families or parties.
How Long Does Cooking Take In An 8.5 Quart Slow Cooker?
Cooking times vary from 4 to 10 hours, depending on the recipe. Slow cooking allows flavors to develop well.
Is An 8.5 Quart Slow Cooker Easy To Clean?
Yes, most slow cookers have removable stoneware that is dishwasher safe. This makes cleanup quick and simple.
Can I Use An 8.5 Quart Slow Cooker For Meal Prep?
Absolutely. Its large capacity helps prepare multiple meals at once. Great for saving time during busy weeks.
Buying Guide On Best 8.5 Quart Slow Cooker
1. Size and Capacity
Choose an 8.5 quart slow cooker for large meals. It fits big families or gatherings well. Make sure it suits your kitchen space.
2. Cooking Settings
Check if the slow cooker has multiple heat settings. Low, high, and keep warm options are useful. This helps cook different recipes properly.
3. Material and Durability
Look for a ceramic or stoneware pot inside the cooker. These materials cook food evenly and are easy to clean. The outer body should be sturdy and heat-resistant.
4. Ease of Use and Cleaning
Pick a model with removable parts for easy cleaning. Dishwasher-safe pots save time. Clear controls and a digital timer are helpful features.
5. Safety Features
Safety is important in slow cookers. Look for cool-touch handles and lids that lock securely. Automatic shut-off adds extra protection.
6. Power and Energy Use
Choose a slow cooker with efficient power use. A wattage between 200 and 300 is common. Lower energy use helps save electricity.
7. Brand and Warranty
Buy from a trusted brand with good reviews. A warranty offers peace of mind if problems arise. Check customer service availability too.
Conclusion
Choosing the best 8. 5 quart slow cooker makes cooking easier for families and gatherings. This size fits large meals, saving time and effort. It cooks food evenly and keeps flavors rich. Many models offer useful features like timers and warm settings.
These help you cook meals perfectly without worry. A good slow cooker is a helpful tool in any kitchen. It lets you prepare soups, stews, and roasts with little work. Think about your cooking needs before picking one. Consider size, settings, and ease of cleaning.
The right slow cooker can make meal prep simple and stress-free. Enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals every day with the right choice. Your kitchen will thank you.
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!