Enter the 7-to-8-quart slow cooker. This thing is the Chevy Suburban of countertop appliances. It’s for legions. If you’re feeding a crowd for a Super Bowl party, or you want to cook a whole chicken and a pile of potatoes for a family reunion, this is your weapon. I once used an 8-quart to make a chili so large it required two people to lift the ceramic insert. My arms still ache.
But be warned: you cannot half-ass the recipe. An 8-quart needs enough food to fill it at least halfway, or the heat distribution gets wonky and your dinner turns into a lukewarm science experiment. Surprising fact: An 8-quart slow cooker can fit a full 12-pound turkey. But you’ll need to check your oven mitt literature—some models have a “turkey setting” that’s basically the same as “panic mode.”
But Wait—What About the Singles and Duos?
If you’re a single human who eats alone in sweatpants, a 3-quart might feel right. But here’s the truth: leftovers are a gift from the gods. A 5-quart allows you to cook once and eat three times, saving you from the drudgery of chopping onions every night. Leftover chili tastes better than fresh chili—this is a scientific law. I made a 5-quart batch of pulled pork on Sunday, and my Wednesday self wept with joy.
For two people, a 6-quart is borderline ridiculous, but it’s better to have too much than too little. You can freeze half, or invite a neighbor. I once gave a quart of stew to my mailman, and he stopped leaving packages in the rain. Slow cookers build community.
Slow Cooker Size Guide: What Size Crock Pot do You Need
