Comparison: 6 Qt To 8 Qt Best Slow Cooker (Updated | Dec 17th)
Ever found yourself torn between a 6 qt and 8 qt slow cooker while standing in the kitchen aisle? You’re not alone! Choosing the perfect size can make or break your meal prep game. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or hosting a weekend feast, we’ve got you covered. Your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you!
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for large capacity pro: Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
- Best for toxin-free cooking: GreenLife 8QT Slow Cooker
- Best for travel-friendly design: Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
- Best for family meal solution: Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings
- Best for simple 8-qt option: Crock-pot Express Crock Slow Cooker 8 quart Red
- Best for space-saving handles: Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Slow Cooker with Space-Saving Folding Handles
- Best for programmable convenience: Hamilton Beach 8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Three Temperature Settings
- Best for versatile multi-cooker: Hamilton Beach 6 Quart 9-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker with Sear
- Best for effortless cleanup: Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners
- Best for multi-function powerhouse: Instant Pot Pro (8 QT) 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker
Product Comparison: 6 Qt To 8 Qt Best Slow Cooker
Large Capacity Pro
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.
Toxin-Free Cooking
GreenLife 8QT Slow Cooker, Non-Toxic PFAS-Free Ceramic Nonstick Removable Interior Bowl, Programmable, Family Friendly, Keep Warm, Stovetop & Oven Safe, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Timer, Glass Lid, Black
GreenLife
- EXTRA-LARGE 8QT CAPACITY: Designed for larger meals, the 8QT pot is spacious enough to cook for parties, potlucks, or weekly meal prep—perfect for an 8 lb. chicken, 6 lb. roast, or generous servings for 10+ people.
- TOXIN-FREE CERAMIC NONSTICK INTERIOR: GreenLife’s PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating is derived from sand and delivers effortless release with quick cleanup and delivers endless, worry-free meals.
- EASY-TO-USE CONTROL PANEL: Delay Timer, 3 Heat Settings (Low/Medium/High), Keep Warm, On/Off.
- READY WHEN YOU ARE: Cook from 30 mins. to 20 hrs., programmable up to 10 hours, stays warm for up to 4 hours.
- FIND THE RIGHT TEMP: Whether you need to go extra low and slow or you want to speed things up, the 3 modes (low/med/high) will make your meals simple
- STAY WARM FUNCTION: Press the Keep Warm button to keep your meal hot and ready to serve—without overcooking or drying it out.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Wipe the lid and pot clean, and or place in the dishwasher for tough messes.
- CLEAR GLASS LID: A clear glass lid lets you keep an eye on your creation.
- STOVETOP READY POT: The lightweight pot is removable for stovetop and oven use (up to 400˚F), so you can start with a sear, then finish slow, and get more flavor.
- DURABLE SIDE HANDLES: Stay-cool handles provide a safe and secure grip for seamless transferring.
Travel-Friendly Design
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
Family Meal Solution
Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware Crock & Glass Lid, Silver (33665G)
Hamilton Beach
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY MEALS AND ENTERTAINING: The slow cooker has a large 6 quart stoneware crock that holds enough to serve 7+ people. It will fit a whole 6 lb. chicken, a 4 lb. roast or enough barbecue to make up to 25 sliders
- 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.
- DELICIOUS MEALS WITH MINIMAL EFFORT: The Hamilton Beach slow cooker makes it simple to create delicious, flavorful meals without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s sure to become your go-to slow cooker. Just add ingredients and turn the dial.
- 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 Keep Warm when cooking is complete for food that’s warm and ready when it’s time to eat.
- FAST AND EASY CLEANUP: The removable stoneware crock and durable glass lid are both dishwasher safe.
- BUILT FOR LONG-LASTING PERFORMANCE: The easy-to-use slow cooker is made of quality materials for years of cooking, and it’s backed by a 1 year limited warranty.
- SURPRISING THINGS YOU CAN MAKE IN YOUR SLOW COOKER: Make a wide variety of foods, from breakfast casserole and blueberry cobbler to lasagna, and even mulled wine.
- TAKES THE STRESS OUT OF FAMILY MEALS: The Hamilton Beach slow cooker does the cooking for you, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the ones you love.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: slow cooker base, stoneware crock, glass lid
Simple 8-Qt Option
Crock-pot Express Crock Slow Cooker 8 quart Red
Crock-Pot
- Serves 10+ people
- 8-quart capacity
- HIGH/LOW cook settings
- Convenient WARM setting
- Removable oval stoneware
- Dishwasher-safe stoneware and glass lid
Space-Saving Handles
Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Slow Cooker with Space-Saving Folding Handles, 3 Heat Settings, Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Crock and Glass Lid, Black (33664)
Hamilton Beach
- UNIQUE FOLDING HANDLES: The full-grip handles lift up for carrying and down when storing the slow cooker or when you need to make more space on the countertop. The handles are easy to grasp when carrying food to the table or to gatherings.
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY MEALS AND ENTERTAINING: The large slow cooker has a 6 quart stoneware crock that holds enough to serve 7+ people. It will fit a whole 6 lb. chicken, a 4 lb. roast or enough barbecue to make up to 25 sliders
- 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 Keep Warm when cooking is complete for food that’s warm and ready when it’s time to eat.
- FAST AND EASY CLEANUP: The removable stoneware crock and durable glass lid are both dishwasher safe.
- TAKES THE STRESS OUT OF FAMILY MEALS: The 6 quart slow cooker does the cooking for you, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the ones you love.
Programmable Convenience
Hamilton Beach 8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Three Temperature Settings, Dishwasher Safe Crock and Lid, Silver (33480)
Hamilton Beach
- Perfect for Family Meals, Potlucks & Parties. The 8 quart, large capacity slow cooker has a stoneware crock that can fit everything from lasagna and desserts to large cuts of meat. It will hold an 8 lb. chicken or a 6 lb. roast. Serves 10+ people.
- Flexible Programming with Countdown Timer. Mix and match warm, low or high heat settings with adjustable programming times from 30 minutes to 18 hours. The convenient countdown timer on the LED display shows you how long until food is ready.
- Set & Forget. The slow cooker automatically switches to the warm heat setting after cooking is complete. No watching or stirring needed. You can set it and forget it.
- Easy to Carry. This slow cooker has full-grip handles that make it easy to carry.
- Easy to Clean. The removable stoneware crock and glass lid are dishwasher safe, and the touchpad easily wipes clean.
- Make Delicious One-Pot Meals. Slow cooking is a convenient way to make delicious one-pot meals like lasagna, homemade chili, beef stew, barbecue and macaroni and cheese.
Versatile Multi-Cooker
Hamilton Beach 6 Quart 9-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker with Sear, Browning, Rice, Steam, Sauté, Roast Delay Start & Keep Warm Functions, Nonstick PFAS-Free Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33604)
Hamilton Beach
- 9 COOKING OPTIONS: Cook multiple ways with one versatile appliance. As a slow cooker, choose high or low heat, or select white rice or whole grain to use as a rice cooker. You can also sear, brown, sauté, roast, steam or keep food warm.
- SEAR OR BROWN RIGHT IN THE POT: Sear or brown right in the ceramic nonstick pot — no stovetop necessary. Improve the color and flavor of every dish you make in this searing slow cooker by searing or browning before you roast or slow cook foods.
- SLOW COOK ONE-POT MEALS, SIDE DISHES, APPETIZERS AND DESSERTS: With our versatile slow cooker, you can make and serve everything from lasagna, meatballs and macaroni and cheese, to fruit cobblers and cakes. Choose low or high heat settings .
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY GATHERINGS AND ENTERTAINING: The Hamilton Beach slow cooker has a removable, 6 quart rectangular pot that fits a variety of foods. It will hold a 6 lb. chicken, 4 lb. roast or enough barbecue to make up to 25 sliders. Serves 7+ people.
- DELAY START FUNCTION FOR RICE, WHOLE GRAINS and STEAM: Delay start adds to this multi-cooker’s convenience and makes meal planning easier. You can set the delay cooking time from 1 to 15 hours to begin cooking rice or grains or steaming food while you are away from home or busy with other tasks.
- Thoughtfully Designed with Easy-Touch Controls The easy touch controls are intuitive to use. You can set your own time and temperature for most programs.
- The time counts down on the screen, so you can track the remaining cook time and know when food is ready. When food is ready, the slow cooker automatically switches to warm. Simply wipe the control panel to keep clean.
- Easy to Carry This slow cooker has full-grip handles that make it easy to lift and carry.
- Easy to Clean The removable, ceramic nonstick pot is PFAS free. The pot, roasting/steaming rack and glass lid and are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
- Great for roasting meat to the perfect tenderness every time. Place meat on top of the rack in the pot and set roasting time up to 3 hours. The timer countdown begins when the cooking temperature reaches 375°F (190°C), and when food is ready, the searing slow cooker automatically switches to warm.
Effortless Cleanup
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 20 Count
Reynolds
- SLOW COOKER LINERS: This package contains twenty 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
Multi-Function Powerhouse
Instant Pot Pro (8 QT) 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice/Grain Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Sous Vide, Yogurt Maker, Sterilizer, and Warmer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Black
Instant Pot
- 10 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, sauté, sterilize, cook yogurt and rice, bake, steam, or simply keep warm, all in one easy appliance.
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 28 one-touch options covering all essential meals.
- Good Food Done Faster: Preheat 20% faster and cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
- Convenient & Easy Steam Release: Gentle steam release switch and diffusing cover allow you to confidently and quietly release steam every time.
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 8-quart capacity is perfect for up to 8 servings—ideal for families, meal prep, and batch cooking.
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe lid and inner pot make clean-up a breeze.
- Power Packed Performance: 1400 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
- Proven Peace of Mind: Includes safety features and mechanisms like easy grip inner pot handles, overheat protection, an auto-sealing safety lid lock, and more.
- A Little Extra: Includes an extra sealing ring and stainless-steel steamer with handles to keep you ready for anything.
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
How do I decide between a 6-quart and an 8-quart slow cooker?
The best choice depends on your household size and cooking habits. A 6-quart model is ideal for families of 4-6 or making standard recipes, while an 8-quart is better for larger families, batch cooking, or entertaining guests. Keep in mind that a larger cooker can also accommodate smaller meals.
What are the key features to compare in a new slow cooker?
Look for essential features like programmable timers and a ‘keep warm’ setting for convenience. Consider the shape of the insert—oval is better for roasts and poultry, while round is great for stews. Other valuable features include a locking lid for transport and a digital temperature probe for precise cooking.
Does a larger 8-quart slow cooker use more electricity?
While an 8-quart model has a larger heating element, its energy consumption is generally comparable to a 6-quart when used correctly. The key is to avoid using a massive cooker for a small meal, as the energy required to heat the empty space can be wasteful. For full capacity meals, the energy difference is minimal.
What’s the difference between a manual and a programmable slow cooker?
A manual slow cooker has basic low, high, and warm settings that you control manually. A programmable model allows you to set a specific cook time, after which it will automatically switch to the ‘keep warm’ function. Programmable models offer more convenience and prevent overcooking if you’re not home to turn it off.
Is it worth paying more for a premium brand slow cooker?
Paying for a premium brand often gets you better build quality, more advanced features, and more consistent heating. Cheaper models may have hot spots that lead to uneven cooking. If you plan to use your slow cooker frequently, investing in a reliable, durable model can provide better value in the long run.
What is the best way to clean a slow cooker insert?
Most modern slow cookers have removable ceramic or stoneware inserts that are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. For stubborn, baked-on food, fill the insert with warm, soapy water and let it soak before scrubbing. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the insert and lid are dishwasher safe.
Can I use a slow cooker insert in the oven?
Yes, most ceramic and stoneware inserts are oven-safe, but you must verify this in your specific model’s user manual. Typically, the insert is oven-safe, but the glass lid is not. This feature is useful for browning meat or finishing a dish under the broiler after it has slow-cooked.
