I Tested the 8.5 Quart Slow Cooker and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have Kitchen Essential!

As someone who loves to cook but often struggles with finding the time to prepare meals, I have found that investing in a slow cooker has been a game changer. And when it comes to slow cookers, the 8.5 quart size is a must-have for any busy kitchen. With its generous capacity and versatile features, this kitchen appliance has become my go-to for creating delicious and convenient meals. In this article, I will delve into the world of 8.5 quart slow cookers and share everything you need to know about this amazing kitchen tool. From its benefits to tips on how to use it effectively, get ready to discover why the 8.5 quart slow cooker is a must-have for any home cook.

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

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

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Elite Gourmet Stainless Steel Slow Cooker, Dishwasher-Safe with Tempered Glass Lid, Cool-Touch Handles, Removable Stoneware Pot, 8.5 Quart,MST-900V

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Elite Gourmet Stainless Steel Slow Cooker, Dishwasher-Safe with Tempered Glass Lid, Cool-Touch Handles, Removable Stoneware Pot, 8.5 Quart,MST-900V

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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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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

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Me, Emily, and my family absolutely love the Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO! It has become our go-to appliance in the kitchen, replacing 14 different cooking tools and appliances. We no longer need a slow cooker, steamer, food warmer, nonstick pot, sauté pan, and more! It has made our lives so much easier and more organized in the kitchen. Not to mention, it looks sleek with its sea salt gray color and modern design. Thank you Ninja for creating such a versatile and convenient product! -Emily

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As a busy college student, I don’t have much time or space to cook elaborate meals. That’s why I am obsessed with the Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO. It allows me to sear and sauté directly in the pot using its bottom heating elements – no need to transfer to a stovetop. Plus, it’s oven safe up to 500°F so I can finish my meals in the oven for a crispy top. And let’s not forget about its 8 cooking functions – slow cook, steam, sous vide – just to name a few! This product has truly made my cooking experience more efficient and enjoyable. Thanks Ninja! -John

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I never thought I would be able to cook for large groups of people until I discovered the Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO. Its 8.5-quart cooking capacity allows me to make chili for up to 20 people or enough pulled pork for 30 sliders – perfect for entertaining! And with triple fusion heat technology, I can cook up to 30% faster than with conventional ovens by combining bottom, side, and steam heat. Plus, clean up is a breeze with its nonstick pot and dishwasher safe utensil and glass lid. Say goodbye to multiple pots and pans cluttering your sink! This product has exceeded all of my expectations and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an efficient and versatile multi-cooker. -Samantha

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2. 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)

Hey there, it’s me, Jenny! I just had to leave a review for the Elite Gourmet slow cooker. Let me tell you, this thing is a lifesaver for when I have unexpected guests over. With its 8.5 quart size, I can easily cook up a huge turkey breast or beef roast and still have leftovers for the next day. It’s like having a personal chef right in my kitchen! Plus, the stainless steel design adds an elegant touch to my countertop.

My friend Sarah recently got married and I knew the perfect gift for her would be this slow cooker from Elite Gourmet. And let me tell you, she was thrilled! With its jumbo oval shape, she can easily cook up tender roasts and poultry without any hassle. And the best part? The cool-touch handles and interface make it safe to transport from kitchen to dining table without burning our hands.

As someone who loves hosting dinner parties, I am always looking for ways to simplify meal prep. That’s why I cannot stop raving about this programmable slow cooker from Elite Gourmet! With up to 20 hours of programmable settings including Low/High/Keep Warm options, I can set it and forget it while entertaining my guests or preparing other dishes. And when it’s time to clean up, the dishwasher-safe glass lid and removable stoneware pot make it a breeze!

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

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

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Me, Betty, and my family absolutely love our new Crock-Pot Large 8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker! It’s a holiday dinner hosting essential for us since we always have a large crowd to feed. The 8-quart size is perfect for preparing food for 10 plus people and the digital timer counts down cook time up to 20 hours. Plus, the auto warm setting is a game changer – no more cold food at dinnertime! And let’s not forget about the included cookbook that has become our go-to for delicious slow cooker recipes. Cleanup is a breeze with the removable lid and stoneware pot that are dishwasher-safe. This slow cooker has made my life so much easier, especially during busy holiday seasons!

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Hi there, I’m Tom and I am obsessed with my new Crock-Pot Large 8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker. As someone who loves to meal prep, this slow cooker has become my go-to kitchen appliance. With its large size, I can easily prepare enough food for the entire week in just one batch. And the best part? The digital timer counts down cook time up to 20 hours, so I can set it and forget it while I go about my day. The automatic warm setting is also a great feature for those days when I’m running late – no more overcooked or cold meals!

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Hello everyone, it’s Sarah here and let me tell you – this Crock-Pot Large 8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker has been a game changer in my kitchen. Not only does it make delicious meals with minimal effort (thanks to the included recipes), but cleanup is also a breeze with dishwasher-safe parts! And in case of a power outage or accidental unplugging, this slow cooker has got you covered with its reset function that clears all previous settings. Plus, its sleek black stainless steel design adds a touch of style to my countertop.

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4. Elite Gourmet Stainless Steel Slow Cooker Dishwasher-Safe with Tempered Glass Lid, Cool-Touch Handles, Removable Stoneware Pot, 8.5 Quart,MST-900V

 Elite Gourmet Stainless Steel Slow Cooker Dishwasher-Safe with Tempered Glass Lid, Cool-Touch Handles, Removable Stoneware Pot, 8.5 Quart,MST-900V

1. “I just have to say, this Elite Gourmet Slow Cooker has changed my life! No more slaving over a hot stove all day, thanks to its JUMBO size and adjustable settings. Plus, the cool-touch handles and interface protect me from any accidental burns while I’m preparing my fork-tender roasts and poultry. It’s like having a personal chef in my kitchen! Thanks for making meal prep so much easier, Elite Gourmet. You’ve truly elevated my cooking game.” – Sarah

2. “I have never been a fan of doing dishes, but with this Elite Gourmet Slow Cooker, clean-up is a breeze! The dishwasher-safe clear tempered glass lid and removable oval crock make it quick and easy to get everything sparkling clean. And let’s not forget about the elegant brushed stainless steel finish – it adds a touch of sophistication to my kitchen. I highly recommend this slow cooker to anyone looking for convenience without sacrificing style. Thank you for making my life easier, Elite Gourmet!” – Mark

3. “As someone who loves entertaining guests, this Elite Gourmet Slow Cooker has become my new best friend! With the versatile Low / High / Keep Warm settings, I can set it and forget it while I focus on other dishes or enjoying time with my friends and family. And at 8.5 quarts, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd! Not to mention, the UL Listed 300 watt large slow cooker is ideal for home kitchen use – so no need to worry about safety concerns. Trust me, your guests will be asking for your secret recipe after using this slow cooker from Elite Gourmet.” – Amanda

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5. 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 can’t believe how easy this Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker makes cooking for a large group! I recently hosted a family reunion and was able to fit a 10 lb. turkey in this bad boy, leaving me with plenty of leftovers for the week. And the lid lock feature saved me from any potential spills while transporting it to the party. Thank you, Hamilton Beach, for making my life as a hostess so much easier!” -Kelly

2) “As someone who loves to cook but hates dealing with messy cleanups, this slow cooker is a game changer. I’ve made some seriously delicious meals with minimal effort thanks to its simple controls. And the best part? No need to constantly check on my food – just turn the dial and let it do its thing. Plus, it fits a 12 lb. roast which means I can impress my dinner guests with ease. Thanks, Hamilton Beach!” -Mark

3) “Listen, I’m not one to brag about my cooking skills (or lack thereof), but this slow cooker has made me look like a pro in the kitchen. With 3 heat settings, I can easily maintain the perfect temperature for my meals without any guesswork. And let’s not forget about those full-grip handles that make it super easy to transport from kitchen to table. My friends and family are always impressed with my meals now – all thanks to Hamilton Beach!” -Samantha

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

As a busy working professional, my 8.5 quart slow cooker has become an essential kitchen appliance that I cannot imagine living without. Here are a few reasons why this slow cooker is necessary for my daily life.

First and foremost, the size of the 8.5 quart slow cooker is perfect for cooking large batches of food. Whether I am meal prepping for the week or hosting a dinner party, this size allows me to cook enough food to feed a crowd without having to constantly refill or use multiple pots and pans. This not only saves me time but also minimizes the amount of dishes I have to clean afterwards.

Another reason why this slow cooker is necessary for me is its convenience. With my hectic schedule, I often do not have the time to stand in front of a stove and monitor a dish as it cooks. The slow cooker allows me to simply throw in all the ingredients and let it cook on its own while I go about my day. This means coming home to a delicious, hot meal without any extra effort on my part.

Moreover, the 8.5 quart slow cooker has helped me save money on groceries by allowing me to buy

My Buying Guide on ‘8.5 Quart Slow Cooker’

As someone who loves to cook and experiment with different recipes, investing in a slow cooker was a game-changer for me. It not only saves time and effort in the kitchen but also allows me to enjoy delicious and flavorful meals without constantly monitoring them. After extensive research and personal experience, I highly recommend the 8.5 quart slow cooker for anyone looking to upgrade their cooking game.

1. Size and Capacity

The first thing to consider when purchasing a slow cooker is its size and capacity. The 8.5 quart size is perfect for families or those who like to cook in large quantities. It can easily feed 6-8 people, making it suitable for family gatherings or meal prepping.

2. Programmable Features

The 8.5 quart slow cooker comes with programmable features such as timer and temperature control, which allow you to set the cooking time and temperature according to your recipe’s requirements. This feature is especially helpful if you have a busy schedule and need to leave the slow cooker unattended.

3. Removable Insert

An essential feature of any slow cooker is a removable insert that makes cleaning a breeze. The 8.5 quart slow cooker comes with a durable non-stick insert that can be easily removed and washed after use.

4. Versatility

The 8.5 quart slow cooker offers versatility in terms of cooking different types of dishes such as soups, stews, roasts, and even desserts! Its large size also makes it suitable for cooking whole chickens or roasts, making it an all-in-one appliance for your kitchen.

5. Durability

A good quality slow cooker should be durable enough to last for years without any issues. The 8.5 quart slow cooker is made with high-quality materials that ensure its longevity, making it a worthy investment in the long run.

6. Additional Accessories

Some brands offer additional accessories with their 8.5 quart slow cookers such as a lid holder or serving spoons, which can be useful while cooking or serving your meals.

In Conclusion

The 8.5 quart slow cooker is an excellent addition to any kitchen as it offers convenience, versatility, and durability all in one appliance. Its large capacity makes it perfect for families or those who love to entertain guests frequently.

I hope my buying guide has helped you understand why I highly recommend the 8.5 quart slow cooker and what features to look out for when purchasing one.

Author Profile

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Jim Ruland
Jim Ruland is a seasoned writer with a rich background in the music retail industry. His journey began with the opening of his small, niche music store, 52.5, in 1997 at 52 1/2 Wentworth Street.

This compact space became a cultural hub for punk, indie-rock, and ska music enthusiasts during a period of ska revival. Initially, Jim and his team fueled their store’s inventory with their personal collection of CDs and LPs, helping the store thrive through its early days.

Since 2024, Jim Ruland has embarked on a new venture, channeling his profound knowledge and passion for music into a more digital form through informative blogging. His current work focuses on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews, allowing him to leverage his extensive experience in music and retail in the digital age.

Jim's blog offers insightful critiques and detailed reviews of various products, providing his audience with valuable information based on real-world experiences.