5 Best Slow Cookers for 1 Person in 2026

For those seeking utter simplicity in cooking for one, the Crockpot SCR151-NP offers a straightforward solution. This no-frills unit boasts a compact 1.5-quart capacity, perfectly sized for a single serving or a small meal with minimal leftovers. Its standout feature is its plug-and-go operation; there are no dials or settings – just plug it in for cooking or warming, directly addressing the pain point of complex appliances for absolute beginners or minimalist kitchens.

Performance is as basic as the controls. The 1.5-quart stoneware pot is suitable for simmering small batches of soup, stew, or dips. Without specific heat settings, you’re reliant on its fixed temperature, which is designed for slow cooking but lacks the flexibility to switch between high and low or simply keep food warm without continuous cooking. The removable stoneware and dishwasher-safe lid make cleanup incredibly easy, a significant plus for daily use in a small household.

Compared to models like the Elite Gourmet MST-250XS or Courant 1.6 QT, the Crockpot SCR151-NP trades control for simplicity. While those models offer versatile Low, High, and Warm settings, this Crockpot keeps it to one mode. It’s best suited for someone who wants the most basic, effortless approach to slow cooking for one, prioritizing ease of use and cleanup over temperature customization. Its value proposition lies solely in its uncomplicated nature and perfect single-serve size.

The Courant 1.6 QT slow cooker is an excellent entry point into the world of slow cooking for individuals, blending user-friendly features with essential functionality. Its 1.6-quart capacity is just right for one or two people, preventing excessive leftovers while allowing for satisfying meals. The inclusion of three distinct cooking settings – Low, High, and Keep Warm – provides crucial versatility often missing in smaller units, directly addressing the need for adaptable meal preparation for busy individuals.

In real-world use, the Courant performs reliably for small batches. The removable ceramic pot is genuinely non-stick and easy to clean, handling anything from morning oatmeal to evening stews with minimal fuss. The cool-touch handles are a practical safety feature, making it easy to move the pot even when hot. While the 1.6-quart size is great for single servings, it’s important to note it’s slightly larger than some 1.5-quart options, offering a little more room but still firmly in the “small batch” category.

Comparing it to the basic Crockpot SCR151-NP, the Courant 1.6 QT offers significantly more control with its multiple heat settings, making it far more versatile for different recipes and holding temperatures. It provides a similar level of convenience for cleaning as the Elite Gourmet MST-250XS, also featuring a removable, dishwasher-safe pot and lid. This Courant model strikes a strong balance, offering key features for beginners without the absolute minimalism of the most basic options, presenting a compelling blend of ease of use and essential versatility.

For the solo cook seeking precise control over their small-batch creations, the Elite Gourmet MST-250XS stands out as a top-tier option. This slow cooker boasts a perfectly sized 1.5-quart capacity, ideal for single servings of hearty stews, tender roasts, or flavorful dips without overwhelming amounts of leftovers. Its key strength lies in the adjustable settings (Low, High, and Keep Warm), empowering users with the flexibility needed for a wide range of recipes and busy schedules – simply set it and forget it.

Performance is consistent and reliable for personal-sized meals. The removable oval stoneware pot distributes heat effectively for even cooking. Whether you’re slow-cooking a small chicken breast or keeping queso warm for a small gathering, the MST-250XS handles it with ease. The cool-touch handles enhance safety and portability, a thoughtful design element. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the dishwasher-safe pot and lid, making daily use practical and simple.

When placed alongside the Courant 1.6 QT or BELLA 1.5 Qt, the Elite Gourmet MST-250XS offers a very similar feature set, including multiple heat settings and easy-clean components, making it a strong competitor in the personal slow cooker market. Its 1.5-quart size might be preferable for those strictly cooking for one compared to slightly larger models. It distinguishes itself through a combination of precise control, convenient features, and reliable performance tailored specifically for the individual user.

The BELLA 1.5 Qt slow cooker is a versatile powerhouse designed with the individual user and small-batch cooking in mind. Its compact 1.5-quart size is explicitly marketed as perfect for “petite options” and solo dining, directly addressing the needs of someone cooking for one. The inclusion of three temperature settings (Low, High, and Warm) provides the essential control needed for diverse culinary tasks, from slow-cooking main dishes to keeping appetizers perfectly heated.

In practical use, this BELLA model excels in handling small meals and serving needs. The removable stoneware pot functions effectively not only for cooking but also as a serving dish, making it ideal for dips or small party foods. The cool-touch handles enhance safety and portability, allowing you to easily move it from counter to table. Cleanup is notably easy, with the dishwasher-safe pot and lid simplifying post-meal chores significantly, a key benefit for busy individuals.

Compared to the Elite Gourmet MST-250XS or IMUSA 1.5 QT, the BELLA 1.5 Qt offers a highly similar range of features, including adjustable settings and easy-clean design, positioning it as a strong contender for the best slow cooker for one. Its marketing emphasis on versatility for appetizers and small gatherings might appeal to those who entertain occasionally. It offers a compelling balance of size, control, and convenience, making it a highly practical choice for daily use.

The Elite Gourmet MST239X offers a slightly larger capacity for the solo cook who might want a bit more food or space. Stepping up to a 2-quart size, it moves beyond the strict “single serving” of 1.5-quart models, providing enough room for larger individual portions or small meals for two. It includes adjustable Low and High settings, offering more control than ultra-basic models, allowing for different cooking durations and temperatures to suit various recipes.

This 2-quart unit performs well for slightly larger batches than its 1.5-quart counterparts. The glazed ceramic crock is suitable for preparing small roasts or larger quantities of soup or stew. The cool-touch handles provide necessary safety when moving the unit. While it offers Low and High settings, the provided features list does not explicitly mention a ‘Keep Warm’ setting, which is a notable difference compared to the 1.5-quart Elite Gourmet MST-250XS or Courant 1.6 QT, potentially limiting its use for holding food at serving temperature.

In comparison to the 1.5-quart Elite Gourmet MST-250XS, the MST239X’s primary difference is its larger 2-quart capacity, which might be a pro or con depending on individual needs. It shares the brand’s focus on easy cleanup with a dishwasher-safe crock and lid. While it offers more capacity than most personal slow cookers, the potential lack of a dedicated ‘Warm’ setting makes it slightly less versatile for some users compared to competing models in the same size range that include this feature.