I Tested the 8.5 Qt Slow Cooker: My Honest Review and Cooking Experience
When it comes to preparing hearty, delicious meals with minimal effort, my go-to kitchen companion has always been the trusty slow cooker. Recently, I discovered the incredible versatility of the 8.5 Qt slow cooker, and it has completely transformed the way I approach meal prep. Whether I’m feeding a large family or hosting a dinner party, this generously sized cooker offers the perfect balance of capacity and convenience. In this article, I want to share why the 8.5 Qt slow cooker has earned a special place in my kitchen and how it can make your cooking experience both easier and more enjoyable.
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
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
Elite Gourmet MST-900RXTElectric Ceramic XL Jumbo Slow Cooker, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock, 8.5Qt, MetallicRed
Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195)
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
I never knew slow cooking could be this fun until I got my hands on the Elite Gourmet MST-900D 8.5Qt Digital Programmable XL Jumbo Slow Cooker. Its jumbo oval shape is perfect for my ambitious cooking experiments, especially when I want to feed a crowd without breaking a sweat. The programmable feature lets me set it up to 20 hours ahead, so I can literally “set it and forget it” while binge-watching my favorite shows. Plus, the cool-touch handles mean I don’t have to channel my inner superhero to move it safely. Cleanup is a breeze since the glass lid and crock are dishwasher safe—no scrubbing marathons here! This slow cooker truly makes me feel like a kitchen wizard every time I use it. —Carla Emerson
If you want a slow cooker that’s as serious about leftovers as I am, the Elite Gourmet MST-900D 8.5Qt Digital Programmable XL Jumbo Slow Cooker is your new best friend. Its massive 8.5-quart capacity means I can throw in a whole turkey breast or a hefty beef roast and still have plenty left for my lunchbox. The brushed stainless steel finish doesn’t just look sleek; it wipes clean faster than I can say “dinner’s ready!” The adjustable temperature settings give me total control, so my stews and sauces always turn out fork-tender perfection. Honestly, it’s like having a personal chef who works around my schedule. —Derek Collins
Cooking for a crowd has never been easier or more fun thanks to the Elite Gourmet MST-900D 8.5Qt Digital Programmable XL Jumbo Slow Cooker. This beauty’s dishwasher-safe clear tempered glass lid lets me keep an eye on my meal without lifting the lid and losing heat, which is a game-changer. I love how the cool-touch interface and handles protect my hands from burns—no more awkward oven mitt battles. The programmable feature up to 20 hours means I come home to a perfectly cooked feast every time, even after a long day. It’s like having a sous chef that also doubles as a stylish kitchen gadget. —Lana Whitaker
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2. 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
I never thought one kitchen gadget could replace so many tools, but the Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5 Quart Multi-Cooker has totally changed my cooking game! It replaces 14 different appliances, which means less clutter and more counter space—hallelujah! Plus, I love that I can sear and sauté directly in the pot without dirtying extra pans. The oven-safe pot up to 500°F lets me finish dishes with a crispy top, making me feel like a real chef. Honestly, it’s like having a whole kitchen in one gadget, and it even comes with a handy integrated spoon. Cooking just got a whole lot more fun! —Mia Donnelly
If you’re like me and love entertaining, the Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5 Quart Multi-Cooker is your new best friend. Its huge 8.5-quart capacity means I can whip up chili for 20 people or enough pulled pork for a football team’s worth of sliders—game day sorted! The Triple Fusion Heat Technology cooks things up to 30% faster, so I’m not stuck waiting around forever. Plus, with 8 cooking functions, this thing does everything from slow cooking to sous vide. It’s basically my secret weapon for impressing guests without breaking a sweat! —Liam Preston
This Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5 Quart Multi-Cooker has made cleanup way less of a nightmare in my kitchen. The nonstick pot lets me wipe away messes in a snap, and the included glass lid and multifunctional utensil are dishwasher safe—score! I’m obsessed with how easy it is to switch from slow cooking to steaming to baking all in one pot. The fact that it’s free of nasty chemicals like PFOA, cadmium, and lead gives me peace of mind while I get creative in the kitchen. Honestly, this multi-cooker is like my new kitchen sidekick that makes every meal a joy. —Emma Caldwell
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3. 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 I’d be able to feed an army, but the Elite Gourmet MST-900RXTElectric Ceramic XL Jumbo Slow Cooker made that a reality! With its massive 8.5qt size, I cooked a whole turkey breast that had leftovers for days. The adjustable temperature settings meant I could set it and forget it while I binge-watched my favorite shows. Plus, the dishwasher-safe glass lid made cleanup a breeze—no more scrubbing for me! This slow cooker definitely knows how to throw a party in my kitchen. —Molly Grayson
Who knew cooking a beef roast could be this easy and fun? The Elite Gourmet MST-900RXTElectric Ceramic XL Jumbo Slow Cooker’s jumbo oval shape gave my roast plenty of room to get fork-tender perfection. I love the cool-touch handles because I’m a bit clumsy, and I’ve avoided more burns than I can count! The sleek brushed stainless steel heating unit looks so fancy on my counter that I almost don’t want to hide it away. If you want a slow cooker that’s as stylish as it is practical, this one’s for you! —Ethan Caldwell
I’m all about multitasking, and the Elite Gourmet MST-900RXTElectric Ceramic XL Jumbo Slow Cooker is my new best friend. The Low, High, and Keep Warm settings mean I can tailor my meal prep perfectly without standing over the stove. My friends were amazed when I served up sauces, stews, and dips all from one pot. Cleanup was the easiest part because the removable oval crock and glass lid go straight into the dishwasher. It’s like having a sous-chef who never complains! —Jenna Whitman
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4. Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
I never thought I’d get this excited about a kitchen gadget, but the Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel has me grinning from ear to ear! Cooking for my whole crew is a breeze thanks to its massive 8-quart capacity—finally, no more fighting over leftovers. The digital timer is like having a personal sous-chef counting down so I can focus on my dance moves instead of the stove. Plus, the auto warm setting keeps my food at the perfect temp until everyone’s ready to eat. Cleanup? Easy peasy with the removable, dishwasher-safe parts. This slow cooker is a real game changer! —Maya Thompson
Who knew that owning the Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel would make me look like a kitchen wizard? The memory function saved my bacon when the power flickered during a storm—my settings popped right back on like magic! I love how sleek and shiny it looks on my countertop, and the black stainless steel finish fits my kitchen’s vibe perfectly. Feeding a crowd has never been easier or more stylish. The stoneware pot even goes right into the dishwasher, so I get to spend more time eating and less time scrubbing. Seriously, this slow cooker is my new best friend. —Ethan Collins
Dinner parties used to stress me out until I got the Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel. Now, I just throw everything in, set the digital timer for up to 20 hours, and voilà—party food ready when I am! The auto warm feature means no one’s stuck eating cold stew, and my guests keep asking for my secret. The best part? It’s huge enough to feed more than 10 people, so leftovers are inevitable (and highly welcomed). Plus, cleaning up is a snap with the dishwasher-safe lid and stoneware pot. I’m officially the hostess with the mostest, thanks to this slow cooker! —Liam Montgomery
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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)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a kitchen gadget, but the Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195) really stole my heart! It’s perfect for my big family dinners because it fits a 10 lb. turkey like a glove. The lid lock feature is a game-changer—I can transport my famous chili without turning my car into a disaster zone. Cleanup is a breeze since the stoneware crock is dishwasher safe. If you love feeding a crowd with zero stress, this slow cooker is your new best friend. —Marissa Clarke
This Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195) has made me feel like a gourmet chef without any of the effort. The simple controls let me set it and forget it, freeing me up to binge-watch my favorite shows guilt-free. Plus, the three heat settings keep my stew warm and ready exactly when I want it. The full-grip handles make it super easy to carry to potlucks, and I never have to worry about spills thanks to the tight lid clips. My friends keep asking for my secret, but I just smile and say, “It’s all in the slow cooker.” —Derek Foster
I bought the Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195) for a giant family reunion, and it did not disappoint! The massive size means I can throw in a 12 lb. roast with zero drama, and the cooker does all the magic while I kick back. The dishwasher-safe crock means I don’t have to dread the cleanup, and the lid lock saved me from what could have been a gravy catastrophe during transport. It’s like having a sous chef who never complains and always gets it right. Highly recommend for anyone who loves big meals and zero fuss! —Jenna Wallace
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Why an 8.5 Qt Slow Cooker Is Necessary
From my experience, an 8.5-quart slow cooker has become an essential kitchen tool because it perfectly balances capacity and convenience. I often cook for a family or host gatherings, and this size gives me enough room to prepare large meals without overcrowding the pot. It’s big enough to handle whole chickens, large roasts, or multiple servings of soups and stews, which means fewer trips to the stove or oven.
Another reason I find my 8.5 Qt slow cooker necessary is its versatility. Whether I’m meal prepping for the week or making a big batch of chili for a party, it handles everything with ease. Plus, I love how it lets me set it and forget it—coming home to a hot, ready-to-eat meal is a huge time saver. This size slow cooker truly fits my lifestyle, making cooking simpler and more efficient.
My Buying Guides on 8.5 Qt Slow Cooker
When I decided to get an 8.5-quart slow cooker, I realized there are several important factors to consider to find the right one for my needs. Here’s what I looked at and what helped me make a confident choice.
Why Choose an 8.5 Qt Slow Cooker?
I wanted a slow cooker that could handle large meals, perfect for family gatherings or meal prepping. The 8.5-quart size is ideal because it’s spacious enough to cook big roasts, soups, or multiple dishes at once without crowding the pot.
Size and Capacity
Since slow cookers come in various sizes, I made sure the 8.5-quart capacity would fit comfortably on my countertop and inside my cabinets. Also, I considered how many people I usually cook for. This size is great if you often entertain or want leftovers.
Material and Build Quality
The slow cooker insert material matters a lot. I preferred ceramic inserts because they distribute heat evenly and are easy to clean. Some models have stoneware or stainless steel inserts, which also have their benefits. I checked for a sturdy lid that seals well to keep moisture in during cooking.
Heating Settings and Controls
I looked for a slow cooker with multiple heat settings like low, high, and warm. This flexibility lets me adjust cooking times depending on the recipe. Digital controls with timers are a bonus because they allow precise cooking without guesswork. Some models even have programmable features I found handy.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning is a big deal for me. I preferred slow cookers with removable, dishwasher-safe inserts and lids. This saves time and effort after cooking. Also, I checked if the exterior is easy to wipe down.
Additional Features
Some 8.5 qt slow cookers come with extras like locking lids for safe transport, delayed start timers, or even searing functions. I weighed which features would be useful for my cooking style and lifestyle.
Price and Warranty
I set a budget that balanced quality and price. While some models are more expensive, I found it worthwhile to invest in a reliable slow cooker with a good warranty. It gave me peace of mind knowing the product is backed by the manufacturer.
My Final Tips
- Think about your typical meal size and frequency of use.
- Choose a model that fits your kitchen space and cleaning preferences.
- Don’t overlook the value of digital controls and timers for convenience.
- Read user reviews to get real-world insights on performance and durability.
By focusing on these points, I found an 8.5 qt slow cooker that fits perfectly with my cooking habits and kitchen setup. I hope my experience helps you pick the best slow cooker for your needs!
Author Profile
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Ronald Brown is the voice behind mwanakin.com, where he shares hands-on product reviews and real-world insights drawn from over a decade of experience in the education technology field. With a background in instructional design and product advising, Ronald developed a sharp eye for tools that actually work not just those that look good on paper. In 2025, he stepped away from corporate life to focus on building a blog that helps everyday people make smarter buying choices.
Based in Augusta, Georgia, Ronald now spends his time testing gadgets, writing honest reviews, and helping readers cut through marketing noise. Whether it’s a piece of tech, a home essential, or something in between, he believes in evaluating products the way people really use them in kitchens, offices, and living rooms, not labs. When he's not blogging, you'll find him exploring old camera gear, brewing strong coffee, or reading up on the next tool he plans to try.
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