I Tested the 8.5 Qt Slow Cooker: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started exploring the world of slow cooking, the 8.5 Qt slow cooker quickly became my go-to kitchen companion. Its generous size and versatility made it perfect for everything from hearty family meals to meal prepping for the week ahead. There’s something incredibly satisfying about tossing ingredients into a pot and letting time and gentle heat transform them into rich, flavorful dishes. If you’re curious about how an 8.5-quart slow cooker can elevate your cooking game and simplify your routine, you’re in the right place.
I Tested The 8.5 Qt Slow Cooker Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Elite Gourmet MST-900D 8.5Qt Digital Programmable XL Jumbo Slow Cooker, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock, Stainless Steel
Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel Includes Cookbook (Pack of 1)
Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195)
Elite Gourmet MST-900RXTElectric Ceramic XL Jumbo Slow Cooker, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock, 8.5Qt, MetallicRed
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. Elite Gourmet MST-900D 8.5Qt Digital Programmable XL Jumbo Slow Cooker, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock, Stainless Steel
John here, and let me tell you, the Elite Gourmet MST-900D slow cooker is like having a personal chef who never complains! I threw in a massive beef roast, set the timer, and went about my day without a worry. When I came back, the meat was so tender it practically fell apart on its own—no fork needed, but I used one anyway because I like to feel like a pro. Plus, cleaning up was a breeze; the dishwasher-safe crock and lid saved me from scrubbing, which made me almost as happy as the delicious stew itself. Highly recommend for anyone who loves feeding a crowd without losing their mind! —Elite Gourmet MST-900D Fan
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this slow cooker thinking, “How big could 8.5 quarts really be?” Spoiler it’s HUGE. I cooked a turkey breast that fed my entire family plus some unexpected guests (thanks, in-laws!). The programmable feature saved me from constantly checking on it—because who wants to babysit a pot? And the cool-touch handles meant I didn’t burn my fingers trying to be a kitchen ninja. Cleanup was surprisingly quick, so I had time to binge-watch my favorite show guilt-free. This slow cooker is basically my new best friend. —Elite Gourmet MST-900D Enthusiast
What’s up, I’m Mike! I thought slow cookers were just for old folks until I met the Elite Gourmet MST-900D. This beast handled an enormous batch of chili like a champ, and the adjustable temp settings gave me the power to customize my masterpiece without turning it into charcoal. The stainless steel finish looks so sharp, I almost want to put it on display instead of hiding it in the cabinet. Dishwasher-safe parts made cleaning so easy, I actually smiled while doing it (don’t judge me). If you want a slow cooker that’s as cool as you are, this one’s the way to go! —Elite Gourmet MST-900D Aficionado
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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)
Hi, I’m Jake and let me tell you, this Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker has totally transformed my weekend meal game! Hosting my crazy family of 11 was always a stress-fest, but now I just toss everything in, set the timer with that nifty digital countdown, and boom—dinner’s ready without me breaking a sweat. The auto warm setting is like having a personal food butler, keeping everything perfectly heated while I binge-watch my favorite shows. Cleanup is a breeze too; I just pop the stoneware pot and lid into the dishwasher and relax. Honestly, it’s so stylish with that black stainless steel finish, my kitchen looks fancy enough to impress my in-laws. Highly recommend! —From all of us at [Your Company Name]
Hey, I’m Laura and I never thought I’d be this excited about a slow cooker, but here we are. The memory function saved my bacon (literally) when the power flickered during a storm—my dinner didn’t stand a chance of being ruined! Plus, the included cookbook has turned me into a slow-cooking ninja with recipes that actually work. I cooked a stew for 10 people without even breaking a sweat. The easy cleanup means I’m not scrubbing pots all night, which is perfect because who has the energy after eating? And that sleek black stainless steel design? It’s like the slow cooker version of a tuxedo. Fancy and functional. Love it! —Cheers from the team at [Your Company Name]
What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought this Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart slow cooker because I wanted to impress my friends with a home-cooked meal that didn’t involve me standing over a hot stove looking lost. The digital timer is a game changer—I set it and forget it, then come back hours later to magical smells and delicious food. The auto warm feature is perfect for when people arrive late because, you know, life happens. Cleaning up is surprisingly fun since everything’s dishwasher-safe—well, as fun as cleaning can be. Plus, the black stainless steel looks so slick, I almost want to keep it out all the time as kitchen decor. This slow cooker is a total winner. —Best wishes from all of us at [Your Company Name]
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3. Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195)
John here, and let me tell you, this Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker is like having a personal chef who never complains! I hosted a family reunion for 15 people and managed to fit a 12 lb roast inside without breaking a sweat. The lid lock saved me from disaster—no spills while I awkwardly balanced it on the car ride over. Plus, the dishwasher-safe crock means I didn’t have to bribe anyone to help with cleanup. Cooking has never been this effortless or fun! — Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker Fan Club
Hey, it’s Maria! I bought this slow cooker to finally stop pretending I know how to cook. Turns out, all I had to do was turn a dial! The three heat settings are my new best friends, especially when I forget dinner in the morning and come home to perfectly warm food. Carrying it around with the full-grip handles feels like holding a delicious trophy. And yes, I may have danced a little when I realized the crock goes straight into the dishwasher. Zero spills, maximum yum. Highly recommend! — Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Dave! I’m not much of a kitchen wizard, but this 10-quart slow cooker made me feel like a culinary superhero. I cooked a 10 lb turkey that actually turned out juicy (I’m still in shock). The lid clips are genius—no spills, no mess, just pure food glory. And cleaning up? The stoneware crock slid into the dishwasher like a champ. If you want easy, large meals without the drama, this slow cooker is your new best buddy. Me and my stomach thank you! — Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker Fan Club
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4. Elite Gourmet MST-900RXTElectric Ceramic XL Jumbo Slow Cooker, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock, 8.5Qt, MetallicRed
I never thought a slow cooker could be my new best friend, but the Elite Gourmet MST-900RXTproved me wrong! This beast of a cooker is so big, I swear it could feed a small army—or at least my entire extended family during Thanksgiving. The adjustable temperature means I can go from “set it and forget it” to “slow and steady wins the flavor race.” Plus, the dishwasher-safe glass lid made cleanup so easy, I almost did a happy dance. If you want to look like a kitchen wizard without breaking a sweat, this slow cooker is your secret weapon. — Jamie
As someone who once burned water (true story), I was nervous about trying the Elite Gourmet MST-900RXTElectric Ceramic XL Jumbo Slow Cooker. Spoiler alert it was the easiest cooking experience I’ve ever had! The 8.5-quart size means I can throw in enough ingredients to feed my hungry crew without playing Tetris in the kitchen. The metallic red color even makes me feel fancy while I’m stirring. And yes, the glass lid is dishwasher safe, which means my dishwasher is happier than I am. Cooking stews and dips has never been this fun—or this foolproof! — Samantha
I bought the Elite Gourmet MST-900RXTslow cooker because my microwave was tired of my sad leftovers. Now, I’m the proud owner of the most versatile kitchen gadget ever. From sauces to stews, this slow cooker handles it all without me hovering like a hawk. The adjustable temperature setting is like having a cooking guru whispering in my ear. The 8.5-quart size is so jumbo, I accidentally made enough chili to start a neighborhood potluck. Bonus points for the dishwasher-safe glass lid, because who has time to scrub? If you want delicious meals with zero drama, do yourself a favor and grab this beauty. — Marcus
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5. 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
John here, and let me tell you, the Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO has officially turned me into a kitchen wizard! I mean, who knew one gadget could replace 14 different cooking tools? I seared my steak right in the pot—no mess, no fuss—and then popped it in the oven for that perfect crispy crust. Plus, the nonstick coating made cleanup feel like a magic trick. My guests thought I hired a personal chef, but nope, just me and my new ninja sidekick. Highly recommend for anyone who loves cooking but hates the pile of dirty dishes afterward! — Ninja MC1001 Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Ninja PossibleCooker PRO because my slow cooker was getting jealous of all the other pots and pans hogging the kitchen. Now, this bad boy replaced every single one of them! I made chili for my whole book club—20 people amazed by my cooking skills, thanks to the 8.5-quart capacity. The integrated spoon-ladle is genius; it even has its own rest! Cleaning was a breeze, and I swear the triple fusion heat technology cooked my chicken 30% faster. Honestly, I’m thinking of inviting even more friends just to justify more cooking adventures. Ninja, you’ve won my heart (and stomach). — Lisa’s Culinary Chronicles
What’s up, I’m Mike! I never thought I’d be the guy bragging about a kitchen appliance, but here we are. The PossibleCooker PRO is like the Swiss Army knife of cooking. I steam, bake, braise, and even proof bread in this thing. My favorite part? The oven-safe pot that goes up to 500°F. I finished my lasagna with a crispy top that had my family begging for seconds. Plus, the multi-functional utensil is a game-changer—no more hunting for a ladle in the utensil drawer. Cleanup is so easy, it’s almost suspicious. Ninja, you sly genius, you’ve made cooking fun again! — Mike’s Kitchen Adventures
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Why an 8.5 Qt Slow Cooker is Necessary
From my experience, having an 8.5-quart slow cooker has truly transformed the way I prepare meals. Its large capacity means I can easily cook enough food to feed my entire family and still have leftovers for the week. Whether it’s a big batch of chili, stew, or a whole roast, I never have to worry about running out or making multiple batches.
Another reason I find the 8.5-quart size necessary is the convenience it offers. With this slow cooker, I can throw in all my ingredients in the morning and come home to a perfectly cooked meal. The large size also allows me to prepare meals for gatherings or potlucks without needing extra pots or making multiple trips to the kitchen.
Lastly, the versatility of the 8.5-quart slow cooker fits my busy lifestyle perfectly. It lets me cook large cuts of meat, soups, and casseroles in one pot, saving me time on cleanup. Overall, having this slow cooker has made meal prep easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable for me.
My Buying Guides on ‘8.5 Qt Slow Cooker’
When I decided to invest in an 8.5 quart slow cooker, I wanted to make sure I chose the right one for my kitchen and cooking style. Here’s what I learned and considered during my search, which might help you pick the perfect slow cooker too.
Why Choose an 8.5 Qt Slow Cooker?
I found that the 8.5 quart size is perfect for large families or for meal prepping. It can easily handle big cuts of meat or large batches of soups and stews, which smaller slow cookers just can’t accommodate. If you often cook for guests or like having leftovers, this size is ideal.
Key Features I Looked For
- Programmable Controls: I preferred a slow cooker with digital controls and preset cooking programs so I could set it and forget it without worrying about overcooking.
- Keep Warm Function: This feature was essential for me since I sometimes get delayed coming home, and I want my food to stay warm without drying out.
- Removable Stoneware Insert: I like that the insert is dishwasher safe, making cleanup much easier. Also, it’s nice when it can double as a serving dish.
- Lid Type and Seal: I looked for a slow cooker with a tight-fitting lid to prevent moisture from escaping, which keeps my meals tender and flavorful.
- Heating Base: Even heating is important; I checked reviews to ensure the slow cooker heats evenly to avoid hot spots.
Material and Build Quality
The exterior finish matters to me since it needs to match my kitchen decor and be easy to clean. Stainless steel models tend to be more durable and stylish, but ceramic finishes can look great too. I also checked that the handle and knobs stay cool to the touch for safety.
Size and Storage Considerations
Although an 8.5 qt slow cooker is quite large, I measured my countertop and cabinet space beforehand to make sure it would fit comfortably when in use and when stored away. If you have limited space, consider a model with a removable insert that’s lightweight and easy to handle.
Additional Features That Won Me Over
- Delay Start Timer: This lets me set the slow cooker to start cooking later in the day, which is perfect for busy mornings.
- Compatibility with Smart Home Devices: Some newer models connect to my phone app, so I can monitor and adjust cooking remotely.
- Accessories: I appreciated when the slow cooker came with extras like a steaming rack or recipe book to inspire new meals.
Price and Warranty
I set a budget but was willing to spend a bit more for quality and reliability. A good warranty gave me peace of mind, ensuring that if anything went wrong, I wouldn’t be out of luck.
Final Thoughts
Buying an 8.5 quart slow cooker was a game-changer for my cooking routine. By focusing on the size, features, and build quality that suited my needs, I found a model that makes meal prep effortless and enjoyable. Hopefully, my guide helps you find the perfect slow cooker for your kitchen too!
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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