When it comes to slow cookers, or Crock-Pots, choosing the right size can make a big difference in convenience and enjoyment of your meals. If you are cooking for just yourself, you’ll want to select a petite slow cooker that will properly cook smaller portions without taking up excess counter space.
What Features To Look For
Here are some key features to consider when selecting a Crock-Pot for one:
- Capacity – For a single person, a 1-3 quart slow cooker is ideal. This provides enough room to cook main dishes or even make 2 servings to have leftovers.
- Shape – Round 1-2 quart models take up less space than oval 3 quart versions. Evaluate your storage options.
- Manual vs. Programmable – Manual versions have basic low/high settings. Programmable lets you set cook times and has warming modes.
- Removable Crock – This allows for easy cleaning and serving.
- Clamps vs. Straps – Clamps on the lid create a tighter seal than straps.
Top Crock-Pot Options
Based on size, features, and overall performance, here are the top-rated Crock-Pots for one person:
1. Crock-Pot 1 Quart Manual Slow Cooker
- Capacity: 1 quart
- Settings: Low and High
- Removable crock and glass lid
- Heats evenly, great for dips, soups, veggies
2. Crock-Pot 2 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
- Capacity: 2 quarts
- Digital programmable timer
- Auto warm setting
- Perfect size for entrees, chili, stews
3. Crock-Pot 3 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
- Capacity: 3 quarts
- Low and High settings
- Removable oval stoneware
- Larger size cooks 2 servings or leftovers
Benefits of a Small Crock-Pot
Using a petite 1-3 quart Crock-Pot offers a few advantages if you are cooking for one:
- Takes up less space – Great for apartments or small kitchens
- Uses less energy – Heats and cooks faster than larger models
- Cooks appropriate portions – Avoids waste from large leftovers
- Promotes healthy eating – Prep your own nutritious meals in advance
- Saves money – Inexpensive meals cooked at home
Tips for Cooking for One in a Crock-Pot
Here are some helpful tips for maximizing your small Crock-Pot when cooking solo:
- Prep ahead – Chop ingredients or marinate meat the night before
- Freeze extras – Portion leftovers into individual containers to heat up later
- Go low and slow – Use the Low setting for 7-9 hours for best flavor
- Use liners – Make clean-up easy with disposable slow cooker liners
- Get creative – Make breakfasts, desserts, and more in your petite Crock-Pot
Recipes for a Small Crock-Pot
Your 1-3 quart slow cooker is perfect for whipping up delicious meals in single-serving or leftover-friendly portions. Here are some top-rated recipes to try:
| Recipe | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| BBQ Pulled Chicken | 4 hours on Low |
| Vegetable Soup | 6 hours on Low |
| Pot Roast | 8 hours on Low |
| Steel Cut Oatmeal | 7 hours on Low |
BBQ Pulled Chicken
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Place chicken in slow cooker and top with onion, garlic, and BBQ sauce
- Cook on Low for 4 hours until chicken shreds easily
- Shred chicken and toss with sauce in crock to coat
Vegetable Soup
- 1 15oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 15oz can beans (chickpeas, white beans, etc)
- 1 cup chopped veggies (carrots, celery, peppers, etc)
- 4 cups broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Combine all ingredients in slow cooker
- Cook on Low for 6 hours
- Puree half the soup for a creamy texture (optional)
Conclusion
When shopping for a Crock-Pot for one person, look for a compact 1-3 quart model with useful features like a programmable timer and removable crock. Benefits of downsizing your slow cooker include saving space, using less energy, and reducing food waste. Pick recipes that cook in 4-8 hours on Low and prep some components in advance for convenience. With the right petite slow cooker, you can enjoy perfectly portioned meals made at home.