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Our favorite small slow cookers keep food consistently and perfectly warm.
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For more information on how we tested small slow cookers, check outour testing processbelow.
There are no heat prefs as it only operates on low.
Though, its important to note that there are no frills here.
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Theres not even a high heat setting.
In fact, there are no options, knobs, dials, or lights.
The minimal little pot only operates on low and as soon as you plug it in, its on.
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There are other slow cookers on this list that are cheesy dip champs.
However, its earned such high praise for preparing another entertaining staple: condiments.
This is a sauce king.
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The exterior white plastic isnt the most stylish and gets super hot.
But while it keeps food just-right inside, the outside exterior gets extremely hot to the touch.
The shorter height cant accommodate bulkier cuts of meat like other slow cookers with the same capacity.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Jaclyn Mastropasqua
And it makes buffet dishes more accessible and easy to scoop for guests.
If youre looking for a potluck champ or tailgate go-to, you cant beat this travel-friendly design.
We put several slow cookers with locking lids to the test and this had the tightest seal.
The particular unit also has some of the best easy-to-grip handles that weve tested.
Though, we always recommend usingoven mittsfor safety when using a slow cooker.
Both the interior pot and the lid are hand-wash only.
We found this Imusa USA slow cooker made the creamiest, most even and cohesive dip.
Something that could be easier: cleaning.
The knob can easily be bumped, increasing the chances of accidentally changing the setting.
And you cant beat the price.
The interior liner is oven-safe, too.
As for dips, we didnt find any breaks or scorches and it kept cheese perfectly melty for hours.
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The knob itself is bare bones, too.
The unit is heavy and bulky which makes storage a pain.
Three slow cookers, but only one outlet plug needed.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Taylor Gilkison
For its space-saving magic alone, the Elite Gourmet Triple Slow Cooker is one of our top choices.
But its also incredibly handy for parties and tailgating.
Its more expensive than other slow cookers the same size, but the nifty design is worth the splurge.
Each slow cooker pot features a slot for utensils so theres no need to keep spoon rests.
Washing is easy, too, as each pot and lid are dishwasher safe.
It only keeps food warm and should not be used for cooking.
But it impressed us so much with its food warming functionality that we had to mention it anyway.
Like a traditional slow cooker, theres a bowl and an electric heating base.
We loved that this base features a cord coil perfect for keeping it tidy when not in use.
Its also super portable at just over one pound.
And at 20 ounces, its the perfect size for packing a lunch for an adult, too.
But for a budget buy, theBrentwood 1.5-Quart Slow Cookeris a solid option at under $25.
And its just as easy to clean.
Slow cookers with high heat were monitored for heat consistency and food scorches.
Manual slow cookers are much more budget friendly as they just offer straight-forward temperature tweaks.
However, the average sized, most-used slow cooker ranges from 5 to 6 quarts.
However, most slow cookers have two heat settingslow and highand a keep warm function.
As a general rule, high heat is 300F and low heat is 200F.
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Care and Maintenance
The best small slow cooker is one that will last years in your kitchen.
Ensuring that it does means cleaning the appliance after each use.
Dont want to hand wash after each use?
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Jill Di Donato
Slow cooker liners are a game changer.
Because each style of slow cooker is different, always check the manufacturers instructions before cleaning.
The temperatures seemed to be a little wonky, too.
However, we did like the design of the handles on this unit.
Another design issue: the plastic white handles.
These werent ergonomic and we had a tough time removing the crock.
Still, it kept nacho dip perfectly melty with no burns or separation for well over two hours.
And clean-up was a breeze with no drips or spills in between the pot and heating element.
Even better: The pot is dishwasher safe.
Your Questions, Answered
What size slow cooker is best for one or two people?
When cooking for one or two people, opt for a 2 to 3-quart slow cooker, says Grainger.
What is the smallest slow cooker I can buy?
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Most mini slow cookers have a 1- to 3-quart capacity.
How much do small slow cookers cost?
Generally, small slow cookers range from $20 to $50, making them the more budget-friendly choice.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Adam Groffman
Who We Are
Deanne Revelis an award-winning journalist and host based in Seattle.
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
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Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
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