Crock Pot Sizes Guide How Big Do You Need (Explained)

Crock pot sizes vary depending on the brand and model. Some brands offer smaller crocks while others offer larger ones. The size of the crock pot also depends on the amount of food you want to cook at once.

If you are looking to buy a new crock pot, then you should consider buying a large size. Large sized crocks allow you to cook more food at once. They are also easier to clean because there is less surface area to clean.

However, if you are cooking for only yourself, then you might want to get a small sized crock pot. Small sized crocks are easier to use and store. If you have kids or pets that like to eat your leftovers, then it would be best to go with a medium-sized one.

What is a crock pot?

A crock pot is an electric slow cooker which allows you to prepare delicious meals without having to spend hours in front of the stove. It can help save time by allowing you to make multiple dishes simultaneously. This means that you don’t need to worry about cleaning up after each meal as well.

The most common types of crock pots include pressure cookers, steam cookers, rice cookers, and Dutch ovens. These different models come with their own unique features such as timers, temperature controls, and heat settings.

The following guide will help you decide which type of crockpot is right for you. We’ll explain what each size means in terms of how much food can fit inside.

Small Crock Pots – These are perfect for single people who don’t need lots of space. A good example of this kind of crockpot is the Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Slow Cooker. It has an inner capacity of six quarts but its outer dimensions measure about 12 inches by 10 inches by 7 inches. This makes it easy to carry around when traveling.

Medium Crockpots – Medium sized crocs are great for families as they provide enough room for everyone to enjoy their meals without having to worry about crowding. For instance, the Cuisinart 4 Qt MultiCook Plus CrockPot allows you to prepare up to four servings of food simultaneously. Its inner volume measures approximately five gallons. However, its exterior measurements are slightly bigger than those of the slow cooker above.

Large Crockpots – Larger sized crocks are ideal for big groups of family members. They usually come equipped with multiple racks so you can place different foods on them. An example of such a crockpot is the KitchenAid 5.5 quart Power Programmable Pressure Cooking System. With this particular product, you can make up to eight cups of soup at once.

How to choose your size of crock pot?

When choosing between these three types of crock pots, you must first determine whether you plan to cook just for yourself or for several people.

For most individuals, getting a small sized crockpot is sufficient. In fact, many people prefer using small sized crocks since they take up little storage space. Also, they are convenient to transport from location to location.

For families, however, it may not always be possible to find a suitable sized crockpot. Therefore, you might opt for a medium sized one instead. Such products tend to cost less compared to other models. Moreover, they are still able to accommodate plenty of dishes.

Finally, if you are planning to host parties where guests bring their own ingredients, then you should definitely invest in a large sized crockpot. Most of these devices feature removable shelves so you can easily add extra compartments whenever needed.

Benefits of Crock Pots

There are numerous benefits associated with owning a crock pot. Some of these include:

1. Save Time & Money

One of the main reasons why people choose to purchase a crock pot is due to the time saving aspect. Since they do all the work themselves, you won’t have to spend hours preparing dinner every night. Instead, you can simply put everything into the device and let it do the rest!

2. Easy Cleanup

Another benefit that comes along with crock pots is the ease of cleanup. Unlike conventional cooking methods, there isn’t any mess left behind after your meal is done. All you have to do is throw away the used ingredients and wash off the appliance itself.

3. Convenient Storage

If you want to store your crock pot somewhere safe while you aren’t home, then you shouldn’t look further than the freezer section. These appliances don’t require much maintenance either. Simply defrost them before use and keep them inside an airtight container until next time.

4. Cooks Evenly

If you like to eat healthy, then you will appreciate how evenly cooked your food turns out when you use a crock pot. This happens because the heat source remains constant throughout the entire process. As a result, you get perfectly prepared meals each time you use it.

No Stove Required

The last advantage of having a crock pot is its ability to function without requiring electricity. If you live in areas where power cuts occur frequently, then you know what I mean by this. However, even those who reside in places where power supply is reliable can enjoy the convenience offered by these gadgets.

In addition to being energy efficient, crock pots also save money as well. For instance, you only need to buy enough oil to fill the cooker. Then, once you start heating the oil, you no longer need to worry about buying more fuel.

Conclusion

As mentioned earlier, crock pots come in various sizes. The best thing to consider is whether or not you plan on hosting big events at home often. If yes, then go ahead and splurge on a larger model. Otherwise, stick with smaller ones which offer similar functionality but at lower prices.