Hosting a large gathering or simply cooking for a big family can be a culinary adventure, but it often requires kitchen tools that can keep up. When it comes to feeding a crowd, nothing beats the convenience and delicious results of a large slow cooker. These generous pots are perfect for simmering stews, roasting meats, and preparing comforting casseroles that will have everyone asking for seconds. We’ve rounded up some of the best large slow cooker options available to help you easily whip up impressive meals for any occasion.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 6 Large Slow Cooker Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5 Quart Multi-Cooker with 8-in-1 Slow Cooker Function
The Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5 Quart is a true kitchen workhorse, designed to replace multiple appliances. It offers exceptional versatility, allowing you to sear, sauté, steam, bake, and slow cook all in one pot. This makes meal prep incredibly efficient, especially for larger quantities.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Replaces 14 different kitchen tools and appliances.
- ✓ Sear and sauté directly in the cooking pot.
- ✓ Oven-safe pot up to 500°F for finishing meals.
- ✓ Large 8.5-quart capacity for family-sized meals.
Why We Recommend It
This large slow cooker stands out for its multi-functional capabilities. It streamlines your cooking process by handling multiple steps, from searing to slow cooking, all within the same vessel. This saves on cleanup and makes complex meals more achievable.
Best For
Home cooks looking for an all-in-one solution to simplify meal preparation and maximize kitchen efficiency.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely versatile with 8-in-1 functionality.
- Searing and sautéing capabilities add depth to flavors.
- Large capacity is perfect for big families or batch cooking.
- Oven-safe pot offers flexibility in cooking methods.
Cons:
- Can be more complex to operate initially due to multiple functions.
- Higher price point compared to basic slow cookers.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Purchased this a couple of months ago and absolutely love it. The Ninja Foodi has quickly become one of my most-used kitchen appliances. It heats evenly, is easy to use, and the multiple cooking functions make it incredibly versatile. I’ve used it for slow cooking, sautéing, and one-pot meals, and it has exceeded my expectations.
Customer Review: Versatile and you can make a lot of different things, even sear and roast a chicken (there’s a separate rack to place at bottom for that)- easy clean up also!
2. HOMECOOKIN Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart Digital Programmable Slow Cookers with Timer, Dishwa…
The HOMECOOKIN Slow Cooker boasts an impressive 10-quart capacity, making it ideal for cooking large roasts or entire turkeys. Its digital, programmable settings allow you to customize cooking times and temperatures for perfect results every time, while cool-touch handles ensure safety.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Generous 10-quart capacity for large meals.
- ✓ Digital programmable settings for precise control.
- ✓ Easy-to-use touch panel with Low and High modes.
- ✓ Cool-touch handles for safe handling.
Why We Recommend It
If you frequently host dinner parties or have a large family, this large slow cooker is an excellent choice. Its substantial size means you can prepare hearty meals without worrying about fitting everything in.
Best For
Families and entertainers who need to cook large quantities of food regularly.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent capacity for feeding a crowd.
- User-friendly digital interface.
- Sturdy construction and safety features.
- Dishwasher-safe pot for easy cleanup.
Cons:
- Takes up a significant amount of counter space.
- May be overkill for smaller households.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This is a really nice large slow cooker I bought to cook a turkey in. I bought this brand because it was larger than Crockpot. It worked perfectly, turkey came out great and it freed up my oven for the ham. I’ve since made a ham potato soup which came out delicious. It cleans quickly without any sticking.
Customer Review: I’m loving my new Homecookin slow cooker! Perfect size and everything!
3. Elite Gourmet 8.5 Quart Digital Programmable XL Jumbo Slow Cooker for Entrees and Stews
The Elite Gourmet 8.5 Quart Slow Cooker is a fantastic option for those seeking value without compromising on capacity. It’s perfect for cooking large cuts of meat or multiple servings of your favorite dishes, all with the ease of programmable settings.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 8.5-quart capacity for large meals.
- ✓ Programmable timer with Low, High, and Keep Warm settings.
- ✓ Cool-touch handles for safety.
- ✓ Sleek stainless-steel design.
Why We Recommend It
This large capacity slow cooker offers an excellent balance of size and functionality at a very accessible price point. It’s a reliable choice for everyday use and for preparing meals for gatherings.
Best For
Budget-conscious home cooks who need a spacious slow cooker for family meals and entertaining.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Generous capacity at an affordable price.
- Easy-to-use digital interface.
- Durable stainless-steel exterior.
- Versatile cooking settings.
Cons:
- The ceramic insert can be heavy.
- The exterior can get warm during extended cooking.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: The Elite Platinum MST-900D Maxi-Matic 8.5 Quart Digital Programmable Slow Cooker has quickly become one of my favorite kitchen appliances. The first thing that struck me about this slow cooker is its sleek stainless-steel design. It looks modern and fit well on my kitchen counter. The 8.5-quart capacity is ample for my family of four, and I’ve even used it to cook for guests. The programmable timer is a lifesaver, allowing me to set it and forget it. The food always comes out perfectly cooked and tender.
Customer Review: I cooked Thanksgiving Turkey breast in this slow cooker to perfection. I am a slow cooking fool! I love the ease of putting things in a slow cooker, letting it cook all day. This cooker is big enough for anything I have ever cooked for my family of 5. It was delivered quickly, it was a better price than other large slow cookers I looked at.
4. Crock-pot Express Crock Slow Cooker 8 quart Red
The Crock-Pot Express Crock Slow Cooker, in its signature 8-quart red design, offers the trusted performance of Crock-Pot in a larger size. It’s designed for straightforward operation, making it easy to prepare comforting meals for your family.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 8-quart capacity for generous portions.
- ✓ Simple High/Low cook settings.
- ✓ Trusted Crock-Pot brand reliability.
Why We Recommend It
This is a solid, no-frills large slow cooker that delivers on its promise of slow-cooked goodness. If you’re looking for a dependable appliance from a well-known brand, the Crock-Pot Express is a great option.
Best For
Those who prefer simple, reliable cooking and are fans of the Crock-Pot brand.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large capacity for family-sized meals.
- Easy-to-use high and low settings.
- Reputable and reliable brand.
Cons:
- Lacks advanced digital programming found in other models.
- No “keep warm” function listed as a separate setting.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I really liked using this crock pot / slow cooker. No joke, it’s a slow cooker, took about 3 1/2 hours to make my chicken. It was worth every minute. The 7 quart size if great if you want to meal prep. This is good for people that are trying to lose weight as well as gain weight. The crock pot is super.
Customer Review: I bought those lovely bags that you can use in these cookers, and boy, are they awesome! They save a lot of time, scrubbing, and headaches. This is a good cooker, similar to the red one I bought here a while back on my other account, which I tossed because I got sick of everything sticking to it. Better with the bags.
5. 10-Quart Slow Cooker with Ceramic Coating and Keep Warm Function for Large Families
This 10-quart slow cooker is built to handle feasts for large families and gatherings. Featuring a PFOA-free ceramic pot and a simple dial control for WARM, LOW, and HIGH settings, it ensures your meals are cooked perfectly and kept at the ideal temperature.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Large 10-quart capacity serves 10+ guests.
- ✓ PFOA-free ceramic pot for healthy cooking.
- ✓ Simple 3-level dial control (WARM/LOW/HIGH).
- ✓ Non-stick coating for easy cleanup.
Why We Recommend It
The generous capacity and easy-to-use controls make this large slow cooker a practical choice for busy households. The non-stick ceramic coating is a bonus for both cooking and cleaning.
Best For
Large families or individuals who frequently host gatherings and need a dependable slow cooker for big meals.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge capacity is great for parties.
- Easy to operate with a simple dial.
- Non-stick ceramic surface aids cleaning.
- Comes with a silicone spoon.
Cons:
- The exterior can get hot to the touch.
- Requires careful use of utensils to protect the ceramic coating.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This cooker is great! Start it off in the oven or finish it in the oven for that baked result. Heats up fast. My woman loves it! When she’s happy, I’m happy and relieved. She can’t swing it like she can with a cast iron skillet!!!
Customer Review: Works well I love this. Easy to use and clean with large cooking capacity. Very useful when you need more cooking space.
6. Sunvivi 24lb 20-Quart Roaster Oven, Electric Roaster Oven with Self-Basting Lid, Turkey Roaster w…
The Sunvivi 20-Quart Roaster Oven is an exceptionally large appliance that goes beyond traditional slow cooking, offering roasting, baking, and even defrosting capabilities. Its self-basting lid ensures moisture retention, making it perfect for large poultry and roasts.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Massive 20-quart capacity for very large items.
- ✓ Versatile functions: roasting, baking, slow cooking.
- ✓ Unique Defrost setting for frozen items.
- ✓ Self-basting lid for optimal moisture.
Why We Recommend It
For the ultimate in large-scale cooking, this electric roaster oven is unparalleled. It frees up your main oven and offers specialized features for handling big holiday meals or catering events with ease.
Best For
Those who need to cook exceptionally large items like whole turkeys or multiple dishes simultaneously and value versatility.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Enormous capacity handles the largest roasts and turkeys.
- Multiple cooking functions offer great versatility.
- Defrost function is a convenient addition.
- Self-basting lid promotes juicy results.
Cons:
- Takes up a considerable amount of counter or storage space.
- May require more power than a standard slow cooker.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I used this Sunvivi Roaster Oven for my Thanksgiving turkey, and it was AMAZING! The turkey came out juicy, tender, and evenly cooked with so much less stress than using a traditional oven. I loved the large capacity, the viewing lid, and how quickly it heated up. Cleanup was easy thanks to the removable insert. Definitely recommend!
Customer Review: THIS IS HUGE! I HAVE USED IT SEVERAL TIMES AND IT COOKS GREAT, FROM A TURKEY TO A HAM, IT’S PERFECT. GREAT PRICE AND NEVER BURNS WHAT I’M COOKING. LOVE THE TEMPERATURE CONTROLS, CLEARS ROOM SO I CAN USE MY OVEN TO MAKE OTHER THINGS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE LONG COOK TIMES. CLEAN UP IS A BREEZE. IT IS HUGE!
Complete Buying Guide for Large Slow Cookers
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing a large slow cooker, several key factors come into play to ensure you get the best appliance for your needs. Capacity is paramount, as you’ll want enough room for your family or guests, typically ranging from 6.5 quarts and up. We also look at the material of the inner pot, with ceramic and stainless steel being common and durable choices. Programmable settings offer convenience, allowing you to set timers and temperature levels, while simple dial controls are great for straightforward operation. Ease of cleaning is another critical aspect; dishwasher-safe inserts are a significant plus. Finally, safety features like cool-touch handles and auto shut-off functions provide peace of mind.
Budget Planning
The price of large slow cookers can vary significantly based on brand, capacity, and features. Basic models with manual controls might start around $40-$60, making them an excellent budget-friendly option for essential slow cooking. More advanced programmable models with larger capacities or multi-functional capabilities, like the Ninja Foodi, can range from $100 to $200 or more. Roaster ovens, which offer even larger capacities and additional functions, can also fall into the $100-$200+ range. Consider what features are most important to you and your typical cooking needs to find a large slow cooker that fits your budget without compromising on performance.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a large slow cooker is a game-changer for anyone who loves to cook for a crowd. The convenience of setting it and forgetting it, coupled with the delicious, tender results, makes meal preparation significantly easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, a potluck dinner, or just want hearty weeknight meals, a spacious slow cooker will become an indispensable tool in your kitchen. Choose the model that best suits your capacity needs, desired features, and budget, and get ready to impress your guests with mouthwatering, slow-cooked dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is considered a “large” slow cooker?
A: Generally, a slow cooker with a capacity of 6.5 quarts or larger is considered a “large” slow cooker. Anything 10 quarts and above is definitely for substantial meal preparation.
Q: How many people can a 10-quart slow cooker feed?
A: A 10-quart slow cooker can typically feed 10-12 people, depending on the dish and portion sizes. It’s ideal for large families, parties, or making ample leftovers.
Q: Are programmable slow cookers worth the extra cost?
A: For many, yes. Programmable slow cookers offer more flexibility with timers and temperature settings, which can be crucial for busy schedules. They often have a “keep warm” function that automatically kicks in after cooking, ensuring your food is ready when you are.
Q: Can I cook a whole chicken or turkey in a large slow cooker?
A: Yes, if the slow cooker is large enough and the bird fits comfortably without being overly cramped. Some larger models, like roaster ovens, are specifically designed to accommodate whole poultry.
Q: How do I clean a large ceramic slow cooker insert?
A: Most ceramic inserts are dishwasher-safe. For tougher stains or residue, soak the insert in warm, soapy water and use a non-abrasive sponge. Avoid metal scouring pads, which can damage the ceramic coating.
Bringing people together over a delicious meal is one of life’s great pleasures, and a large slow cooker makes that easier than ever. From comforting stews that simmer all day to impressive roasts that impress your guests, these appliances offer unmatched convenience and flavor. Browse our top picks and find the perfect large slow cooker to become the star of your kitchen. Click on any of the “Check Price on Amazon” buttons to learn more and bring home your new culinary companion!
