Do you think crock pots are outdated? They’re not! They are a handy countertop appliance that will continue to be a great way to make cooking easy and stress-free in 2025.
In particular, small crockpots have taken off in the last several years, especially among younger people who may not have a lot of time to cook at home. They know that with just a little bit of prep, these pots allow them to come home to a healthy home-cooked meal.
Not convinced? Read on to discover why small crockpots are increasingly popular in 2025 and the benefits of adding one to your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why crockpots are so popular
1. They save space
2. They help save money
3. Perfect for small portions
4. Easy to transport
5. Time saving
What you can make in small crockpots
Beyond cooking
Tips for choosing the best small crockpot
Challenges with small slow cookers: When bigger might be better
When to go bigger
Differences between crockpots and instant pots
1. Cooking speed
2. Versatility
3. Ease of use
4. Crockpot or instant pot: Which should you choose?
Final thoughts
Why crockpots are so popular
More and more people are looking for easy and efficient ways to prepare healthy home-cooked meals, and consumers are increasingly turning to crockpots as a great solution. In 2022, the global slow cooker market was valued at over USD 3.5 billion and is expected to reach more than USD 13 billion by 2033. Small crockpots in particular are making a significant impact, and here’s why:
1. They save space
Not everyone has a huge kitchen with lots of countertop space or storage options. Little crockpots, usually ranging from 1.5 to 3 quarts, are therefore ideal for:
- Tiny apartments or dorm rooms
- Small kitchens where every inch of space matters
2. They help save money
Smaller crockpots are not only affordable, but they also use less energy than larger models. This means you can cook your favorite meals without worrying about high electricity bills. For instance, making a slow-cooked chicken stew in a small crockpot uses far less energy than using a full-sized oven for hours.
3. Perfect for small portions
If you’re cooking for one or two people, a small crockpot is ideal. And you won’t have to worry about leftovers going to waste, as they can simply be stored in the pot overnight.
4. Easy to transport
If you’re cooking for an event or a potluck, etc., a small crockpot is easy to travel with and is the perfect way to keep your dips, appetizers, sides, and sauces warm.
5. Time saving
Of course, the biggest benefit of crockpots is the time they save when it comes to cooking prep and how hands-off they can be. With a little bit of preparation before work, you can come home to a delicious meal hours later.
What you can make in small crockpots
The versatility of small crockpots is truly impressive. Here are some creative ways to use one:
- Soups and stews: Classic chicken noodle soup, hearty beef stew, or vegetarian chili
- Roasts, ribs, and chicken: While portions will of course need to be smaller, these can still fit in a 3-quart slow cooker
- Breakfast: Wake up to perfectly cooked oatmeal or creamy grits
- Desserts: Make a rich chocolate lava cake or a batch of fudge without turning on your oven
- Warm dips: Perfect for game day or a movie night. Try a spinach artichoke dip or classic queso.
Beyond cooking
Small crockpots aren’t just for food; they can also be used for:
- Crafts: Melt wax to make candles or create homemade soaps
- Warming: Keep beverages like mulled cider or hot chocolate warm during gatherings
Tips for choosing the best small crockpot
When shopping for a small crockpot, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Size: Most small crockpots are between 1.5 and 3 quarts in size. If you mainly cook for yourself, opt for the smaller size, while for two people or family meal prep, a 3-quart model might work better
- Features: Look for models with timers (such as a delay timer), temperature control, automatic shutoff, warming settings, and dishwasher-safe parts for added convenience and easy cleaning
Finally, if you think you will regularly travel with your crockpot, there are a few things you want to consider. First, you’ll want one with a secure lid and potentially a lock mechanism to protect spillage. You will also want to ensure it has stay-cool handles.
Challenges with small slow cookers: When bigger might be better
While small crockpots are incredibly convenient and versatile, there are some situations where they might not be the best option. Understanding their limitations can help you decide if a larger pot is a better fit for your needs. For example:
- Cooking for larger groups: If you have more mouths to feed, it’s better to invest in a larger size pot
- Limited leftovers: If you’re hoping for leftovers or looking to meal prep, a bigger crockpot is also better potentially
- Inefficient for some recipes: If you’re cooking meat or recipes like multi-layered casseroles, a small crockpot will be limited in size
- Reduced flexibility for add-ins: If you’re looking to cook your potatoes with your roast, for example, or want to add extra ingredients, like vegetables or pasta during the cooking process, there may be limited space
When to go bigger
Consider a slow cooker larger than 3 quarts if:
- You regularly cook for three people or more
- You want to batch-cook meals for the week
- You plan to make large cuts of meat, like a whole chicken or larger roasts
- You enjoy having leftovers or want to freeze extra portions for later
Differences between crockpots and instant pots
Both crockpots and instant pots have loyal fans, and while they share some similarities, they’re mostly designed to fulfill different purposes. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide if a traditional slow cooker is best or if you’d be better suited for a pressure cooker (or why you might want both!):
1. Cooking speed
- Crockpot: Designed for slow-cooking, and therefore can take hours to cook meals. This long cooking time is perfect for developing rich flavors in dishes like soups, stews, and pulled pork.
- Instant pot: True to its name, instant pots can cook many dishes in under an hour by using pressure to cook. They’re great for people who need meals quickly but don’t want to sacrifice quality.
For example, a beef stew might take 6 to 8 hours in a crockpot but can be ready in just 45 minutes in an instant pot.
2. Versatility
- Crockpot: Specializes in slow cooking and is great for hands-off meal prep. Some newer models include extra features like sauté and steaming, which is perfect for adding onions or browning meats.
- Instant pot: A multi-cooker that combines functions like pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, and even yogurt making
3. Ease of use
- Crockpot: Simple to operate º just set the temperature (low, medium, or high) and let it cook
- Instant pot: Slightly more complex with multiple settings and programs. It may take time to learn how to use all its features effectively.
4. Crockpot or instant pot: Which should you choose?
- Pick a crockpot: If you love slow-cooked meals and want a simple, affordable appliance that delivers consistently delicious results
- Pick an instant pot: If you need a versatile, time-saving appliance that can handle multiple cooking methods
In short, both crockpots and instant pots are excellent tools for the kitchen, and depending on the type of meals you want to make, can actually complement each other beautifully.
Final thoughts
A small crockpot is more than just a space-saver – it’s a game-changer for anyone who wants to cook delicious, home-cooked meals without the hassle. Whether you’re simmering a stew, crafting a dessert, or keeping a party dip warm, this compact appliance can do it all.
Ready to add one to your kitchen? Explore the options on Alibaba.com and find the perfect fit for your cooking needs. A small crockpot may be tiny, but they’re packed with possibilities!
