For most families and occasions, the standard slow cooker capacity is around 4-6 quarts. But what if your family is especially large or especially hungry? What if you need to provide more of that wholesome, slow-cooked food for a picnic, event, or office party than even the 6 quart cookers can handle? Then it’s time for the granddaddy of crock pots, the 8 quart slow cooker.

8 quart slow cookers, like their smaller cousins, make meals both easy and delicious, they just make more. A whole lot more. How much more? Imagine two whole gallons of thick, rich chili for your next SuperBowl party. Thirty-two cups of simmering vegetable soup with friends in the back yard on a crisp afternoon this fall. Tender and juicy roasted whole chicken for twelve. Or six pounds of beef roast, perfectly seasoned and falling-apart-ready for Tex-Mex beef tortilla wraps.

If your mouth is watering and you need to feed a crowd, then it’s time to start thinking about adding an 8 quart slow cooker to your kitchen arsenal. You will find quite a selection of these large slow cookers available at very affordable prices, oftentimes for the same or lower price than their smaller counterparts.

Some Popular 8 Quart Slow Cooker Models to Consider

Hamilton Beach 8 quart slow cookers are classic in their simplicity. Featuring a removable stoneware insert and ultra-simple heat settings of low, high, and warm, these cookers are basic and dependable workhorses that you’ll go to time and time again. They also add a great “Why didn’t I think of that?” lid latch strap to keep the lid securely in place in the car on the way to the family reunion.

Perko and Maxi-Matic both squeeze an additional ½ quart into their already generous-sized cookers, giving you that extra capacity you sometimes need. Like the other cookers, these 8 quart slow cooker models also include the classic removable stoneware crock, but as a nice touch add an auto defrost setting for additional convenience.

However, if you really want to step it up, though, consider the 8 ½ quart Deni oval electric pressure cooker. While the name obviously indicates it’s something more than a traditional 8 quart slow cooker, it nevertheless will handle slow cooking with ease and grace. It features a programmable timer, slow-cook settings, and the removable insert that makes cleaning even 8 quart slow cookers a breeze. You can find this Deni oval electric pressure cooker and many other fantastic 8 quart slow cooker models online for very affordable prices.

8 Quart Slow Cooker is a post from: Programmable Slow Cooker

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2. Farberware Slow Cooker
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The way a Farberware slow cooker works is by using a low-watt heating system to gradually cook food thoroughly. This method makes preparing delicious meals a breeze for busy families or individuals, as one can place the food into the slow cooker, set the proper temperature setting and leave the food to cook, without having to hover over it constantly.

Cooking meat in this slow process really seals in the juices and flavor, leaving the finished product so succulent that one rarely even needs a knife to cut it. Likewise, the Farberware crockpot steams vegetables to perfection, rendering them deliciously cooked throughout, without ever burning them or leaving them too “soggy.” Using a slow cooker also frees up space on the stove. Instead of having several things cooking separately in pots on different burners, one can prepare incredible dinners in just one crockpot.

Two Most Popular Farberware Slow Cooker Models Available Today

Two of the most popular slow cooker models offered by Farberware are the Farberware FSC600 6-Quart Oval Slow Cooker and the Farberware FSSC500 5-Quart Slow Cooker.

The Farberware FSC600 6-Quart Slow Cooker boasts a useful oval shape, which easily accommodates larger cuts of meat, and has a tempered-glass lid, so one can look in on the food as it simmers. It measures 11 by 15 by 13.5 inches and weighs 14.7 pounds, so, while it is a spacious pot, it doesn’t take up much counter space. This cooker is constructed of stainless steel, making for extremely easy cleaning. It houses a double heating element around a removable stoneware liner, and has three convenient temperature settings of high, low and automatic.

The Farberware FSSC500 5-Quart Slow Cooker is an extremely popular classic piece of cookware. It is of the traditional deep, round shape, permitting food to be stacked inside. It also has a tempered-glass lid and boasts a 5-quart capacity and dual-purpose ceramic container. This Farberware slow cooker measures 14.2 by 14 by 11 inches and weighs 13 pounds. The inside pot is actually removable on this particular model, and is fully immersible for very easy cleaning. There is a power indicator light located on the front of the crockpot and easy grip handles for portability. The Farberware FSSC500 5-Quart Slow Cooker has three easy to use temperature settings of high, low and warm.

Whichever model of Farberware slow cooker you choose, you are sure to get a high quality, programmable slow cooker that will allow you to prepare delicious meals for many years to come.

Farberware Slow Cooker is a post from: Programmable Slow Cooker

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2. Rival Slow Cooker

So how does a Rival slow cooker work? The Rival slow cooker belongs to a group of programmable slow cookers which allow the user to cook with minimal cooking temperatures. The temperature is so low that occasionally, cooking time for certain foods can take up to 10 hours. However, this will depend on the type of meal you’re cooking.

The Rival slow cooker is equipped with a stoneware dish that is very easy to clean. If you’re considering buying this brand of slow cooker, be sure to get the model that has a removable dish. This will make your life much easier.

Reasons to Consider Purchasing a Rival Slow Cooker

A number of meals are actually quite easy to prepare when using one of these slow cookers. A typical meal can be prepared and ready to be placed into the cooker in about 10 to 20 minutes. You can cook your meals just before going to work. The amazing thing about this slow cooker is that you can simply leave it unattended without having to worry at all. You can leave the food inside the slow cooker and by the time you return from work, your dinner is already waiting for you.

The Rival slow cooker is also very easy to clean. Just remember not to submerge the heating unit in water or else, it will be greatly damaged. The most effective way of cleaning this slow cooker is by using a wet cloth to wipe it down. Leftover foods can simply be stored in the removable dish. Keep in mind that the slow cooker does not work like a microwave oven. It is not an appropriate kitchen tool designed for quickly reheating foods.

Here is a video from HSN that gives you a good idea how the Rival Smart-Pot slow cooker works:

It also has dual temperature modes: high and low. On occasions where you are in a hurry, you can simply set your meal to cook in high mode, but its cooking time will still take about 2 to 5 hours to be fully cooked. Some recipes will require low and slow cooking for 8-10 hours, while others can be cooked on high for less time.

The most expensive Rival slow cookers are those which are programmable slow cooker models. With these types of slow cookers, you can determine what time the cooking must begin and for how long will it stay in the Rival slow cooker while the cooker is on.

Rival Slow Cooker is a post from: Programmable Slow Cooker

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Keep in mind that these crock pot might say 3 quarts, they will actually hold close to 3-1/2 quarts of liquid or food. So you can get a better feel for their size, a 3 quart cooker will typically be capable of holding a cooking a 4 pound chicken.

Although these pots are smaller and mostly intended for less than 3 people, larger families will also find them useful. For example, they can use a larger slow cooker for the main dish, and a 3 quart slow cooker for one of their side dishes. These smaller pots are the perfect size for a side dish to feed a larger family.

Another reason to consider purchasing a 3 quart slow cooker is their portability. Since the average cooker weighs less than 10 pounds, it is quite easy to transport it to pot luck dinners, buffets, and family gatherings. You can also find some models that include a carrying case for even easier transport.

Truly the best thing about a slow cooker is its versatility. You can literally prepare any type of food or dish that you can think of. Cooking meat is especially great as you can use a slow cooker to slowly simmer a lower quality of meat and transform it into a tender, more expensive tasting cut of meat.

What types of recipes can you make using a 3 quart slow cooker? Well the simple answer to that question is practically anything. Every major recipe site including FoodNetwork.com, AllRecipes.com, and RecipeZaar.com all offer recipes specifically designed for a programmable slow cooker. Some of the more popular crock pot dishes include chili, stew, pulled pork, barbecue chicken, baked beans, oatmeal, and thousands more.

You can find 3 quart slow cookers from some of the most popular and reputable kitchen appliance brands including Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach, Rival, and Crockpot.

Here are some of the most popular 3 quart slow cooker models you will find on the market today:

Cuisinart PSC-350 Programmable Slow Cooker
Crockpot 3735-WN Slow Cooker
Hamilton Beach 33134 3-in-1 Slow Cooker

You will find many other great models of slow cookers, so be sure to to read consumer reviews and do a little research before you decide on one particular cooker.

3 Quart Slow Cooker is a post from: Programmable Slow Cooker

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On this programmable slow cooker, you will find an integrated control panel giving you complete control over what temperature your dish should cook at, and how long you want it to cook for. There are three temperature settings and a 26 hour programmable timer giving you a wide ranging of cooking options.

What Else Does an All-Clad Slow Cooker Have to Offer?

A durable glass lid on the All-Clad slow cooker will help to keep your food nice and warm. With glass, unlike many crock pots that are equipped with plastic lids, all of the heat will stay in and your food will stay warmer longer. Feel free to entertain guests because your slow cooker will give you the ultimate in terms of hands-free cooking. It’ll do all the work while you talk to your friends or family.

Several other features of All-Clad slow cookers include a ceramic pot with riveted stainless steel handles. These features make this slow cooker tough and durable, so if you happen to drop it, you won’t have to worry about it breaking. They are truly built to last and should continue to cook hearty, delicious meals well into the future.

The main advantage of using this slow cooker or any other cooker for that matter is how simple it is to make great-tasting dishes. Just add the food and ingredients to the pot, set the time, and go on your way to work, school, or to run errands. When you come home, your dinner will be ready and waiting for you. You won’t have to bother with wondering what to cook or preparing meals.

The control panel also boasts a wonderful LCD display. You can see the temperature and time that it’s been cooking for. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe, although you can also wash it with soap and water if you so choose to. A recipe book comes equipped with this All-Clad slow cooker so you’ll never run out of healthy meals to make.

If you look on Amazon, you will also find some other popular slow cookers. All you have to search for is the phrase “slow cookers”. You will find the most popular models by their ratings. Some popular cookers include the Hamilton Beach Set N Forget 6 Quart Slow Cooker, Crockpot 6 ½ Quart Touch Screen Slow Cooker, the Cuisinart 3 ½ Quart Programmable Slow Cooker, as well as the Breville Slow Cooker.

To review any of these slow cookers, simply head on over to Amazon.com and search for them by name. You can look at the information and features,  as well as read through the latest All-Clad slow cooker reviews to find the best slow cooker for your needs.

All-Clad Slow Cooker is a post from: Programmable Slow Cooker

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One of the features that places the Breville slow cooker heads above the rest is its durable, stove top safe insert pan that offers a searing option. With the option for heaving browning before a lengthy cooking time, you get far greater versatility in meal planning and preparation.

Three different cooking settings are available including dual, which offers two hour high heat cooking before turning down to a lower setting for finished cooking, as well as high and low. Either way, the simplicity of the makes for a pleasant and efficient cooking experience from preparation to place setting.

Use the Breville slow cooker’s lowest setting for broths and soups with heavy liquid ingredients for a deep, rich taste. Use the high or dual setting for hearty meats and stew dishes like chili or gumbo where a slow simmer over a longer period is desired.

Check out this video from that demonstrates how the Breville slow cooker with easy sear works:

The Breville programmable slow cooker also comes equipped with a convenient roasting rack, a feature that many comparable slow cookers lack. This roasting rack  is perfect for roasting hams, chickens and fish. A slow roast with vegetables on the side makes one pot cooking a reality for families on the go.

The Breville slow cooker removable Quantanium coated, non-stick inner pot makes the cleaning of its parts, including the stainless lid, a breeze to finish. Clean up of the outer surface can be done using mild detergent and special cleaners designed for stainless appliances if so desired. The Breville’s cool touch silicone coated handles are fully removable for easy cleaning of those often difficult areas and make for an easy and safe transfer from counter top to table dining.

You can find Breville slow cookers in a couple convenient sizes. The large 7 quart cooker is oven and stove top safe to 480 degrees and perfect for larger cooking needs, while the 5 quart size model offers the same efficient cooking in a smaller size. Whichever model you choose, you will get a programmable slow cooker that gives you the ability to conveniently prepare delicious meals. A few of the 5 quart slow cooker features include a domed glass lid, keep warm temperature control setting and removable stove top and oven safe insert perfect for easy service and cleanup afterward.

Breville built its outstanding reputation for quality appliances based on their exceptional engineering and use of only the highest quality materials. The Breville slow cooker is no exception which is the main reason it is preferred by serious chefs across the country.

Breville Slow Cooker is a post from: Programmable Slow Cooker

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The Ultimate KitchenAid Slow Cooker – The KSC700

Think of the possibilities built into the KSC700 slow cooker! With its 400-watt heating element controlled by an exceptionally accurate and responsive electronic power management system, its five programmable cook and serve heat settings–high, low, simmer, warm, and buffet–and its ease of use, this slow cooker is practically a daily necessity. Have a slow-cooked dinner maintained at the peak of flavor when the family gathers after a day of work and school.

Are you hosting a big game day? Keep chili, queso, pulled pork, or a hearty stew warm and tasty from pre-game show to the final buzzer. When the lid is lifted for serving, the KSC700 knows to increase power to quickly recover the proper food temperature and then reduce power to maintain it. Just add a big-screen TV and you have a play-off party!

The KitchenAid slow cooker owners’ manual includes recipes for delectable main dishes, side dishes, desserts, snacks, and hot beverages that feature its auto-programming capabilities. These delicious recipes demonstrate the freedom this programmable slow cooker offers from from the heat-and-eat limitation of an ordinary slow cooker.

There are a few simple things to keep in mind when choosing and using the KSC700. The silicone “seal” on the glass lid isn’t actually a seal at all. The purpose of the seal is to protect the edges of the glass and the surface of the ceramic liner. A slight gap between the seal and the liner is normal and necessary to avoid creating a vacuum inside the ceramic liner.

The ceramic liner is quite fragile. To avoid cracking, observe precautions outlined in the owner’s manual. Avoid adding cold liquid or frozen food after the liner is hot. Always have at least a quart of liquid in the crock during use. Leave the ceramic liner in the cooker shell until it has cooled before removing to clean.

Other features of the KitchenAid KSC700 not found in ordinary slow cookers include an extra wide rim on the liner and large handles on the lid and housing for easy gripping. Other outstanding features of this KitchenAid slow cooker include an attractive stainless steel finish, slightly rectangular shape for cooking large fowl or roasts, and–most importantly–the ability to maintain food temperature within the USDA-recommended range.

Here is a video that gives a helpful overview of this KitchenAid slow cooker:

Considering it’s extraordinary versatility, the real question may be: Is one KitchenAid slow cooker really enough?

KitchenAid Slow Cooker is a post from: Programmable Slow Cooker

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