As a single person, choosing the right size slow cooker can be tricky. You want something compact enough for small servings but large enough to make leftovers. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of different slow cooker sizes to help you decide what’s best for your needs.
Small 1-2 quart slow cookers
A 1-2 quart slow cooker is the smallest size available, typically holding 1-1.5 quarts of food. Here are some benefits of going for a small slow cooker as a single person:
- Compact size takes up less counter space.
- Lightweight and easy to move around.
- Cooks faster with smaller capacity.
- Good for making individual servings or side dishes.
- Energy efficient – doesn’t require as much power to heat up.
However, the limitations include:
- Restricted capacity means you can’t cook larger recipes.
- Difficult to make leftovers for another meal.
- Need to cook in batches for meal prepping multiple servings.
Overall, a 1-2 quart slow cooker is best suited for singles who mostly cook for themselves at the time of eating, rather than prepping meals in advance.
Medium 3-5 quart slow cookers
The medium 3-5 quart size range is a popular choice for many home cooks. Here are some perks of a mid-sized slow cooker:
- Can accommodate recipes for 2-3 servings.
- Allows cooking main dishes, soups, appetizers, dips.
- Provides leftovers for another meal.
- Compact enough for easy storage.
- Versatile for cooking a variety of recipes.
Potential negatives include:
- Limited capacity for cooking large batches or entrees.
- Might be too bulky for tighter counter space.
- Can be heavy when lifted.
A 3-5 quart slow cooker is ideal for single cooks who like having leftovers to reheat.
Large 6-7 quart slow cookers
On the bigger end, 6-7 quart slow cookers give you extra room to work with. Here are some advantages of having a larger slow cooker as a single person:
- Ability to follow recipes sized for 4-6 servings.
- Cook larger portions of soups, stews, roasts.
- Prepare several days worth of leftovers at once.
- Good for meal prepping.
- Can accommodate whole chickens, roasts, larger cuts of meat.
- Entertain guests with appetizers or dips.
The drawbacks to keep in mind include:
- Takes up more storage space.
- Heavier to move when full.
- Uses more electricity to power the heating element.
- Smaller quantities of food may cook unevenly.
A larger 6-7 quart size is ideal for singles who cook in bulk and like having lots of leftovers handy.
Factors to consider
When deciding what slow cooker capacity makes sense for your needs as a single person, keep these factors in mind:
- Your cooking habits – Do you normally cook just for yourself at mealtimes or like to meal prep?
- Recipes – What types of recipes do you want to be able to make? Consider recipe yields.
- Leftovers – Will you eat leftovers or do you prefer fresh cooked meals?
- Available space – Do you have room to store a larger slow cooker?
- Portions – How many servings do you want your dishes to provide?
Top slow cooker picks for singles
Based on size, features, and reviews, here are my top recommendations for single people:
| Slow Cooker | Capacity | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Crock-Pot Mini | 1 quart | Compact size, locking lid, dishwasher safe stoneware |
| Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget | 3 quarts | Programmable, clips lid for transport, retractable cord |
| Crock-Pot Manual | 6 quarts | High/low cook settings, removable stoneware, dishwasher safe |
Conclusion
Ultimately there is no universally ideal slow cooker size for all singles. It depends on your personal cooking style, recipes, schedule, and storage space. My recommendation is to go for a 3-5 quart, which provides versatile capacity for 1-3 portion recipes and leftovers, without occupying too much room. But a smaller or larger slow cooker may suit your needs better if you have particular goals in mind, like compact meals for yourself or prepping bulk servings for the week. Focus on your own habits and requirements to decide which slow cooker capacity is the best fit.