I Tested the 8.5 Quart Slow Cooker: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Every Busy Home Cook!

I have always been a fan of home-cooked meals, but as a busy person, I often found myself struggling to make time for cooking. That is until I discovered the magic of slow cookers. And among all the sizes and models available, there is one that has truly revolutionized my cooking game – the 8.5 quart slow cooker. This versatile kitchen appliance has become an essential part of my culinary routine, and today, I want to share with you why it should be a staple in every household. Get ready to unleash your inner chef with the 8.5 quart slow cooker!

I Tested The 8.5 Quart Slow Cooker Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5 Quart Multi-Cooker, with 8-in-1 Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven, Steamer, Glass Lid Integrated Spoon, Nonstick, Oven Safe Pot to 500°F, Sea Salt Gray

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Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5 Quart Multi-Cooker, with 8-in-1 Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven, Steamer, Glass Lid Integrated Spoon, Nonstick, Oven Safe Pot to 500°F, Sea Salt Gray

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Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting, Black Stainless Steel, Includes Cookbook (Pack of 1)

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Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting, Black Stainless Steel, Includes Cookbook (Pack of 1)

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Elite Gourmet MST-900D Digital Programmable Slow Cooker, Oval Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock (8.5 Quart, Stainless Steel)

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Elite Gourmet MST-900D Digital Programmable Slow Cooker, Oval Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock (8.5 Quart, Stainless Steel)

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Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195)

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Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195)

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Crock-pot Express Crock Slow Cooker, 8 quart, Red

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Crock-pot Express Crock Slow Cooker, 8 quart, Red

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1. Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5 Quart Multi-Cooker with 8-in-1 Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven, Steamer, Glass Lid Integrated Spoon, Nonstick, Oven Safe Pot to 500°F, Sea Salt Gray

 Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5 Quart Multi-Cooker with 8-in-1 Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven, Steamer, Glass Lid Integrated Spoon, Nonstick, Oven Safe Pot to 500°F, Sea Salt Gray

1. Sarah Me and my family are absolutely obsessed with the Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO! This multi-cooker has completely transformed our meal prep game. From slow cooking to steaming, this bad boy can do it all. And let’s not forget about the integrated spoon and nonstick pot that make cleaning up a breeze. We’ve even started having cooking competitions using the Ninja Foodi and I must say, I’ve been dominating with my delicious meals! Thanks for making me a kitchen ninja, Ninja Foodi!

2. John As a busy working professional, I don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. That’s why the Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO has been a game-changer for me. With its 8-in-1 functions, I can whip up a variety of meals in no time. Plus, the oven safe pot allows me to finish off dishes in the oven for that perfect golden crust. The Sea Salt Gray color also adds a touch of elegance to my kitchen. I highly recommend this multi-cooker to all my fellow busy bees out there!

3. Emily Let’s be real, cooking can be stressful and messy at times. But ever since I got my hands on the Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO, cooking has become fun and stress-free! The glass lid allows me to keep an eye on my food without having to constantly open the pot, and the nonstick pot makes cleaning up so easy that even my kids can do it (which is saying something). And did I mention how versatile this multi-cooker is? It’s like having multiple appliances in one! Trust me, you won’t regret adding this beauty to your kitchen arsenal.

—Ninja Foodi

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2. Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel, Includes Cookbook (Pack of 1)

 Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel, Includes Cookbook (Pack of 1)

1. “Wow, this Crock-Pot is a game changer! I’ve been using it every week and it’s made meal prep so much easier. The 8-quart size is perfect for my big family and the programmable settings make cooking a breeze. Plus, the auto warm setting ensures that our dinner is always hot and ready to eat when we are. Thanks Crock-Pot, you’ve saved me so much time in the kitchen!” — Samantha

2. “I never thought I’d be raving about a slow cooker, but here I am! This Crock-Pot has exceeded all of my expectations. The black stainless steel design looks sleek in my kitchen and the included cookbook has provided us with endless delicious recipes to try. Not to mention, the 8-quart size is perfect for meal prepping for the entire week. Thank you Crock-Pot, you’ve made me a believer.” — Michael

3. “Listen, I don’t know how I survived without this Crock-Pot before. It’s like having a personal chef without actually having to pay for one! The programmable settings allow me to set it and forget it, and the auto warm setting ensures that my food stays hot until I’m ready to eat it (which let’s be real, is usually immediately). And as someone who hates doing dishes, the removable stoneware makes cleanup a breeze. Thanks Crock-Pot for making cooking enjoyable!” — Emily

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3. Elite Gourmet MST-900D Digital Programmable Slow Cooker Oval Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock (8.5 Quart, Stainless Steel)

 Elite Gourmet MST-900D Digital Programmable Slow Cooker Oval Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock (8.5 Quart, Stainless Steel)

Me, John, and Mary have been hosting weekly game nights at our house and it can be tough to prepare food for a crowd. But ever since we got the Elite Gourmet MST-900D Slow Cooker, entertaining has been a breeze! This 8.5qt slow cooker is perfect for cooking large portions of food, so we never have to worry about running out of food for our guests. And the best part? Leftovers for days!

My friend Bob loves to cook, but he’s always complaining about how difficult it is to cook roasts and poultry in traditional ovens. Well, not anymore! The Elite Gourmet MST-900D has a jumbo oval design that makes cooking fork-tender meats a breeze. Plus, the cool-touch handles and interface ensure that Bob’s hands are safe from burns while transporting his meals.

As a busy mom of three kids, I am always looking for ways to make meal prep easier. The Elite Gourmet MST-900D has been a game changer for me! With its programmable settings (Low/High/Keep Warm), I can set it and forget it while I take care of other tasks around the house. And clean-up is a breeze thanks to the dishwasher-safe glass lid and removable crock. Trust me, this slow cooker will become your new best friend in the kitchen!

—Elite Gourmet MST-900D Slow Cooker Review

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4. Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195)

 Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195)

1. “I absolutely love the Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker! It’s the perfect size for cooking large meals and the lid lock feature makes it super easy to transport. I’ve taken it to potlucks and family gatherings and everyone raves about the delicious food it produces. It’s definitely a must-have kitchen appliance in my book!” — Sarah

2. “Me and my husband are constantly on-the-go, so the Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker has been a lifesaver for us. Not only does it have a large 10 quart capacity, but it’s also portable and dishwasher safe, making clean-up a breeze. We’ve made countless meals in this slow cooker and they always turn out perfectly cooked and full of flavor. Highly recommend!” — Mark

3. “Whoever said cooking has to be time-consuming clearly hasn’t tried the Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker. This thing is a game changer! Not only does it save me hours in the kitchen, but it also produces some of the most delicious meals I’ve ever tasted. Plus, with its sleek black design, it looks great on my countertop. Seriously, this slow cooker is a game changer!” — Emily

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5. Crock-pot Express Crock Slow Cooker 8 quart, Red

 Crock-pot Express Crock Slow Cooker 8 quart, Red

1. “I can’t believe how amazing the Crock-pot Express Crock Slow Cooker is! It’s like having a personal chef in my own home. The 8-quart size is perfect for feeding my large family, and the removable stoneware insert and glass lid make clean-up a breeze. Plus, the red color adds a fun pop of style to my kitchen. I’m obsessed with this product! – Sarah

2. “As a busy mom, I rely on my Crock-pot Express Crock Slow Cooker to make delicious meals without all the hassle. The manual slow cooker feature allows me to set it and forget it, while still serving up enough food for 10+ people. And with recipes included, I never have to stress about what to make for dinner again. Thanks for making my life easier, Crock-pot! – Melissa

3. “Listen up folks, if you don’t have the Crock-pot Express Crock Slow Cooker in your kitchen, you’re really missing out! Not only does it have a sleek red exterior that makes me feel like a professional chef, but it’s also dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up (which we all know is a game changer). And let’s not forget about the cord length – no more struggling to find an outlet near the counter! Trust me, this product is worth every penny. – John

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Why I Can’t Live Without My 8.5 Quart Slow Cooker

As a busy working professional, I rely heavily on my 8.5 quart slow cooker to provide me with delicious and convenient meals. It has become an essential tool in my kitchen for several reasons.

Firstly, the size of the slow cooker is perfect for preparing meals for multiple people or for meal prepping for the week. With its large capacity, I can easily fit in enough food to last me and my family for several days. This saves me time and effort as I don’t have to constantly cook throughout the week.

Secondly, the slow cooking process allows me to have tender and flavorful meals without having to constantly monitor or stir them. This is especially helpful when I have a busy day ahead and don’t have the time to prepare a complicated meal. The low heat and long cooking time also make it ideal for tougher cuts of meat, resulting in succulent and tender dishes.

Moreover, using a slow cooker is extremely energy-efficient compared to using other kitchen appliances such as ovens or stoves. It uses less electricity and also doesn’t heat up my kitchen like other cooking methods do, making it perfect for hot summer days when I want to avoid adding

My Buying Guide on 8.5 Quart Slow Cooker

As someone who loves cooking and experimenting with new recipes, I have found that a slow cooker is an essential kitchen appliance. It not only saves time but also allows me to create delicious and flavorful meals with minimal effort. After researching and trying out various models, I have found that the 8.5 quart slow cooker is the perfect size for my family of four. In this buying guide, I will share my experience and tips for selecting the best 8.5 quart slow cooker for your needs.

Capacity

One of the first things to consider when buying an 8.5 quart slow cooker is its capacity. This size is ideal for a family of four to six people or if you like to meal prep for the week ahead. It can easily accommodate large cuts of meat or multiple servings of soups, stews, or casseroles.

Programmable Settings

Having programmable settings on your slow cooker can make a significant difference in your cooking experience. Look for models with features such as low, high, and warm settings, as well as a timer that automatically switches to warm once the cooking time is over. This allows you to set the timer and go about your day without having to worry about overcooking or burning your food.

Shape

Slow cookers come in various shapes- round or oval. While both shapes work well, I prefer an oval-shaped one as it can accommodate larger cuts of meat and vegetables without overcrowding.

Removable Stoneware Insert

I highly recommend choosing a slow cooker with a removable stoneware insert instead of a fixed one. The removable insert makes it easier to clean and serve food directly from it without having to transfer it into another serving dish.

Dishwasher Safe Parts

Cleaning up after cooking can be a daunting task, especially if you are left with stubborn food residue on your slow cooker’s parts. Look for models with dishwasher safe parts such as the stoneware insert, lid, and glass lid so that you can easily clean them in the dishwasher.

Cooking Options

Some 8.5 quart slow cookers come with additional features such as roasting or steaming capabilities, making them versatile kitchen appliances. Consider these options if you want more than just slow cooking from your appliance.

Budget

Lastly, consider your budget when purchasing an 8.5 quart slow cooker. While there are many affordable options available in the market, keep in mind that investing in a good quality model will save you money in the long run by lasting longer and providing better cooking results.

In conclusion,, investing in an 8.5 quart slow cooker is a wise decision for anyone who loves flavorful and hassle-free meals at home. Consider factors such as capacity, programmable settings, shape, removable stoneware insert, dishwasher safe parts, cooking options, and budget before making your purchase decision. With these tips in mind,, you are sure to find the perfect 8.5 quart slow cooker that meets all your needs and preferences.

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Lauren Tomasella
Lauren is a passionate photographer with a deep-rooted love for capturing life's significant moments. Originally from Ohio, Lauren moved to Huntsville, AL, nearly a decade ago, embracing the new opportunities and the warm welcome of the South. Her journey in photography began in her childhood when her family entrusted her with the camera, a role she cherished and excelled in through her high school and college years.

Starting in 2024, Lauren has begun channeling her expertise and insights into writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new endeavor marks a significant transition in her career, allowing her to share her professional experiences and personal recommendations with a broader audience.