6 Best 3.5 Quart Slow Cookers to Buy in 2025

Step up your weeknight meal prep with the Cuisinart PSC-350, a programmable 3.5 quart slow cooker that takes the guesswork out of low-and-slow cooking. Its intuitive touchpad control and 24-hour LCD timer are the stars here, allowing you to set precise cooking durations and modes. This model is a solid performer for individuals or small families, specifically designed to combat the common frustration of overcooking or needing to monitor meals constantly. The automatic keep-warm function is a lifesaver for busy schedules.

In our tests, the Cuisinart PSC-350 consistently produced evenly cooked results across various dishes like stews and small roasts within its 3.5-quart capacity. While it lacks searing capabilities found in some multi-cookers, its core function as a slow cooker is reliable. The removable ceramic pot distributes heat well, though it takes time to reach temperature, typical of this appliance type. Measuring 9.5″ H x 9.1″ W x 12.67″ L, it fits comfortably on most countertops.

Compared to simpler models like the Courant Oval Slow Cooker, the Cuisinart PSC-350 offers significantly more control with its programmable timer, making it ideal for users who need set-it-and-forget convenience over extended periods. While the ICOOK 3.5 Quart Slow Cooker offers stovetop searing versatility, the Cuisinart focuses purely on precise, timed slow cooking. This makes the Cuisinart PSC-350 best suited for those prioritizing automation and consistent performance in a dedicated slow cooker. It provides a superior feature set and build quality compared to many basic budget options.

Discover the Eamoment 3.5 Quart Slow Cooker, a budget-friendly option that tackles the common problem of uneven heating with an innovative internal heating band. Unlike standard bottom-heating models, this design promises more uniform temperature distribution, crucial for cooking dishes like whole chickens or ensuring flavors meld perfectly. It focuses on core functionality with LOW/HIGH/WARM settings, providing the essentials without complex programming. Safety is also a key focus, being ETL LISTED and free from common harmful substances like PFAS and Teflon.

Performance-wise, the Eamoment slow cooker’s unique heating element does contribute to more consistent cooking throughout the 3.5-quart capacity. The non-stick aluminum pot is a significant bonus, making cleanup remarkably easy compared to traditional ceramic crocks. While it doesn’t offer programmable timers or multiple cooking modes beyond the basic three, it excels at its primary task: slow cooking with reliable, even heat. The insulated exterior and tempered glass lid add practical safety and monitoring features.

Positioned as a cost-effective alternative, the Eamoment distinguishes itself from models like the Cuisinart PSC-350 by trading programmability for a different heating technology and easier-to-clean non-stick pot. It’s less versatile than the ICOOK USC-35-OP001RD which allows stovetop searing, but the Eamoment’s focus on uniform heating and simple operation makes it ideal for users prioritizing consistent results and easy cleanup on a tighter budget. It offers a unique heating advantage at a more accessible entry point.

Unlock culinary versatility with the ICOOK USC-35-OP001RD 3.5 Quart Slow Cooker, a model designed for home cooks who crave more than just low-and-slow. Its standout feature is the removable aluminum pot, which is stovetop safe, allowing you to sear meats or sauté vegetables directly before slow cooking. This brilliantly addresses the common pain point of needing multiple pans for a single recipe, streamlining the cooking process significantly. With LOW, HIGH, and WARM settings, it covers essential slow cooking needs.

In practical use, the ICOOK’s aluminum pot heats up quickly on the stovetop, creating a perfect crust before transferring it back to the slow cooker base. This 3.5-quart capacity cooker handles typical slow cooker recipes well, from stews to pot roasts, delivering flavorful results. The lightweight aluminum pot is also easier to handle than heavier ceramic alternatives and is conveniently dishwasher safe. While it lacks the precise timer control of programmable units, its dual function is highly practical for many recipes.

Compared to standard ceramic slow cookers like the Courant Oval Slow Cooker or even the programmable Cuisinart PSC-350, the ICOOK’s stovetop-safe aluminum pot offers a unique functional advantage for building layers of flavor. It’s perfect for users who want to minimize cleanup and maximize flavor development by searing in the same pot. While it doesn’t have the internal heating band of the Eamoment slow cooker for potentially more uniform heating, its sear/sauté capability provides a different kind of performance benefit, making it a highly versatile option for its price point.

Simplify your slow cooking routine with the Courant Oval Slow Cooker Crock, a straightforward 3.5 quart slow cooker designed for ease of use and cleaning. This model focuses on the fundamentals, offering three basic heat settings: Low, High, and Keep Warm. It’s built to be a reliable workhorse for classic slow cooker recipes, promising to turn “simple input into delicious output” without complicated features, directly addressing the desire for effortless home cooking.

Performance is consistent with traditional slow cookers; the removable ceramic crock provides steady, even heat over time for its 3.5-quart capacity. It’s ideal for set-it-and-forget meals like soups, chilis, and small roasts. The key highlight here is the non-stick, dishwasher-safe stoneware crock and tempered glass lid, making the post-cooking cleanup process remarkably simple. While it lacks programmable timers or searing functions, its manual controls are intuitive for anyone familiar with basic slow cookers.

In comparison to the feature-rich Cuisinart PSC-350 with its programmable timer, or the versatile ICOOK 3.5 Quart Slow Cooker with its stovetop pot, the Courant Oval Slow Cooker is a more basic appliance. However, its strength lies in its simplicity and focus on easy cleanup, making it a strong contender for users prioritizing minimal fuss and straightforward operation. It offers excellent value for those who need a reliable, easy-to-maintain slow cooker without advanced features.

Introducing the MegaChef 3.5 Quart Rectangle Casserole Slow Cooker, a model specifically shaped to tackle the challenge of cooking and transporting casseroles, lasagnas, and other rectangular dishes. Its unique 9×13-inch rectangular stoneware crock is a game-changer for potlucks and family gatherings, allowing you to prepare and serve oven-style dishes directly from the slow cooker. Featuring High, Low, and Warm settings, it covers essential cooking needs, and the locking lid system provides spill-free transport.

This MegaChef slow cooker performs admirably for its intended purpose, delivering evenly heated casseroles and baked goods within its 3.5-quart capacity. The removable stoneware crock can even be used in the oven for reheating, adding extra convenience. With detailed power specs (270W High, 230W Low, 150W Warm), you have a clear understanding of its heating capabilities. The locking lid and carry handles are highly effective for transport, a key pain point this model solves.

While not as versatile for traditional roasts as oval slow cookers like the Cuisinart PSC-350 or Courant Oval Slow Cooker, the MegaChef excels in its specialized rectangular format. It’s a perfect match for users who frequently make or transport casseroles, baked pasta, or desserts, offering a form factor the others simply cannot. Compared to the Elite Gourmet Casserole Crock, it offers similar rectangular utility but includes the added benefit of locking lid handles for enhanced portability, providing a clear advantage for transport.

Meet the Elite Gourmet MST-5240 Casserole Crock Slow Cooker, a 3.5 quart slow cooker expertly designed for the home baker and entertainer. Its defining feature is the 9×13-inch rectangular stoneware pan, perfectly sized for standard casseroles, lasagnas, and even desserts. This shape allows you to cook and serve directly from the unit, eliminating the need to transfer dishes and simplifying cleanup. With Manual Warm/Low/High settings and a locking lid, it’s built for both convenient cooking and transport.

Performance is strong for casserole-style dishes in the Elite Gourmet MST-5240, providing consistent, even heating across its 3.5-quart capacity. The oven-safe stoneware pan is a notable advantage, allowing you to finish or reheat dishes in a conventional oven before serving. The locking lid and oversized handles make it relatively easy to transport prepared meals, addressing the common challenge of bringing hot dishes to gatherings. Cleanup is also straightforward with the dishwasher-safe components.

Similar in concept to the MegaChef 3.5 Quart Rectangle Casserole Slow Cooker due to its rectangular shape, the Elite Gourmet MST-5240 also targets users focused on casseroles and similar dishes. While both offer the convenient form factor, the Elite Gourmet’s oven-safe pan adds a layer of utility for finishing dishes. It’s less versatile for traditional oval roasts compared to models like the Cuisinart PSC-350, but for those whose primary use is baking and transporting rectangular dishes, this model offers specialized performance and convenience tailored to that need.