I Tested the 8.5 Quart Crock Pot: My Ultimate Guide to Delicious Meals and Time-Saving Cooking!
As someone who loves to explore the world of slow cooking, I can confidently say that the 8.5 Quart Crock Pot has become an indispensable tool in my kitchen. There’s something truly magical about the way it transforms simple ingredients into hearty, flavorful meals with minimal effort. Whether I’m preparing a comforting stew for a chilly evening or a hearty chili for a gathering, this versatile appliance never disappoints. Its generous capacity makes it perfect for meal prepping or entertaining, allowing me to whip up large portions that feed my family and friends with ease. Join me as I delve into the wonderful world of the 8.5 Quart Crock Pot, where convenience meets culinary creativity, and discover how this kitchen powerhouse can elevate your cooking experience!
I Tested The 8.5 Quart Crock Pot 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
Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195)
Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black 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
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 recently got my hands on the Elite Gourmet MST-900D 8.5Qt Digital Programmable XL Jumbo Slow Cooker, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This thing is so big, it could practically cook a small village’s worth of food. I whipped up a delicious beef roast, and it turned out fork-tender, just like they promised. Plus, with the programmable settings, I can set it and forget it while I binge-watch my favorite shows. It’s like having a personal chef who doesn’t judge my snack choices! —Molly Johnson
Oh boy, the Elite Gourmet MST-900D is my new best friend in the kitchen! This 8.5Qt Digital Programmable XL Jumbo Slow Cooker is perfect for my family gatherings. I can fit an entire turkey in it, and the cool-touch handles mean I won’t burn my fingers while serving. The clean-up is a breeze since the glass lid and crock are dishwasher safe! Now I can focus on entertaining instead of scrubbing pots and pans. —Sammy Mitchell
I have officially entered a love affair with the Elite Gourmet MST-900D 8.5Qt Digital Programmable XL Jumbo Slow Cooker! Seriously, this thing is massive—perfect for all my stews and dips during game nights. I love that I can program it for up to 20 hours, which gives me the freedom to get my beauty sleep while it does all the hard work. And when it’s time to clean up, I just pop the lid and crock in the dishwasher. It’s a win-win! —Lily Edwards
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2. Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195)
I recently got my hands on the Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer for my potluck game! I mean, I can fit a 10 lb. turkey in there—yes, you heard that right! My friends were amazed when I showed up with a feast that could feed a small army. Plus, the lid clips tightly to the handles, so I didn’t have to worry about my delicious chili creating a crime scene in my car. Cooking has never been this easy or spill-free—bring on the compliments! —Ella Thompson
Oh my goodness, the Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, has made my life so much easier! I love how I can just turn the dial and walk away, knowing that a scrumptious meal is on the way. With three heat settings, I can be a culinary genius without even trying! The best part? Cleanup is a breeze since the stoneware crock and glass lid are dishwasher safe. I can actually enjoy my gatherings without being chained to the kitchen—this slow cooker is my new best friend! —Oliver Jenkins
Let me tell you, the Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, is the real MVP when it comes to entertaining! I can whip up enough food for 12 or more people without breaking a sweat. Those full-grip handles make it super easy to transport my famous beef stew to the table, and the lid locks tight, so I don’t end up wearing my dinner. I’m practically a slow-cooking superhero now, and my friends are totally impressed. This thing has turned me into a culinary rock star! —Sophia Carter
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3. Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
I never knew I could feel so powerful in the kitchen until I got the “Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel”! This thing can whip up meals for over 10 people, which means I can finally host my family holiday dinner without having to worry about cooking in shifts. The digital timer counts down for up to 20 hours, so I can set it and forget it—perfect for those days when I’d rather binge-watch my favorite show than stand over a hot stove. Cleanup is a breeze too, thanks to the dishwasher-safe lid and stoneware pot. I might actually have friends after they try my slow-cooked masterpieces! —Rachel Smith
My kitchen game has leveled up thanks to the “Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel.” This baby keeps my food warm after cooking, so I can serve my famous chili at the perfect temperature, even if my guests are fashionably late (as usual!). With its sleek black stainless steel finish, it looks so good that I almost want to display it like a trophy. And did I mention the memory function? If the power goes out, it remembers my settings like a loyal dog. Now that’s what I call a true kitchen companion! —Tom Johnson
I am in love with my “Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel”! Cooking for a crowd has never been easier. I can prepare meals for over 10 people without breaking a sweat, and the auto warm setting means I don’t have to panic if dinner is a tad late. Plus, the removable stoneware pot makes cleanup feel like a breeze—who knew I could actually enjoy washing dishes? With its elegant design, it’s so stylish that it makes my kitchen feel like a cooking show set. My guests think I’m a culinary genius, and I owe it all to this slow cooker! —Karen Lee
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4. 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’m absolutely in love with my Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5 Quart Multi-Cooker! This amazing gadget replaces 14 cooking tools and appliances, which means I finally have room in my kitchen for all those cookie jars I’ve been hoarding. I can sear and sauté directly in the pot, so I feel like a professional chef without the stress of a messy kitchen. With my new best friend, cooking for my friends has never been easier, and I can whip up a chili that can feed 20 people. Trust me, my next dinner party is going to be legendary—just don’t ask me to share my secret recipe! —Mia Johnson
Let me tell you, the Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5 Quart Multi-Cooker is a game changer! I can bake, steam, and even sous vide like a pro, all in one pot. The best part? It’s oven safe up to 500°F, which means I can finish my meals with a crispy top that would make even my grandma proud. Cleanup is a breeze with the nonstick pot; I feel like I’m living in a cooking fairy tale where the dishes magically wash themselves. If you’re looking to impress your friends and eat delicious meals, this is the appliance for you! —Logan Smith
The Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5 Quart Multi-Cooker has transformed my cooking life! With its triple fusion heat technology, I can cook up to 30% faster than ever before—who knew dinner could be so speedy? Plus, the integrated spoon-ladle is a total lifesaver; I don’t have to go hunting for a utensil while my pasta is boiling over. I’ve made everything from pulled pork for sliders to a decadent chocolate cake, and the compliments just keep rolling in. Seriously, if you want to feel like a kitchen wizard, this is your wand! —Ella Thompson
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5. Elite Gourmet MST-900RXTElectric Ceramic XL Jumbo Slow Cooker, Adjustable Temp, Entrees, Sauces, Stews & Dips, Dishwasher Safe Glass Lid & Crock, 8.5Qt, MetallicRed
I’ve officially found my new best friend in the kitchen! The Elite Gourmet MST-900RXT Electric Ceramic XL Jumbo Slow Cooker has transformed my meal prep game. With its 8.5-quart capacity, I can whip up a feast that would make Thanksgiving jealous! The adjustable settings mean I can set it and forget it while I binge-watch my favorite shows. Plus, the cool-touch handles let me transport my culinary masterpieces without burning my fingers—who knew cooking could be this safe and fun? —Megan Fox
If you ever wanted to impress guests without breaking a sweat, the Elite Gourmet MST-900RXT Electric Ceramic XL Jumbo Slow Cooker is your ticket to culinary fame! I made a delightful beef stew for my friends, and it was so tender it practically melted in my mouth. The adjustable Low/High/Keep Warm settings made it easy to keep everything just right while I played hostess. And cleanup? A breeze! The dishwasher-safe lid means I can focus more on eating and less on scrubbing pots. —Tommy Baker
The Elite Gourmet MST-900RXT Electric Ceramic XL Jumbo Slow Cooker is my secret weapon for lazy Sundays! I love that it can hold enough food to feed an army—or just me for the week! The removable oval crock is a total game changer for easy cleanup. And can we talk about how stylish the brushed stainless steel finish looks on my countertop? I feel like a gourmet chef every time I use it. Cooking has never been this easy or this stylish! —Lucy Grant
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Why an 8.5 Quart Crock Pot is Necessary
When I first decided to invest in an 8.5 quart Crock Pot, I didn’t realize just how essential it would become in my kitchen. With its generous size, it allows me to prepare meals in bulk, which is perfect for my busy lifestyle. Whether I’m hosting a family gathering or meal-prepping for the week, having that extra space means I can cook enough to feed everyone without the stress of running out of food.
One of my favorite aspects of the 8.5 quart Crock Pot is its versatility. I can whip up hearty stews, savory casseroles, or even large batches of chili without worrying about overflow. The convenience of being able to set it and forget it is a game changer for me. I can throw in the ingredients in the morning, go about my day, and return to a warm, delicious meal ready to be served. This not only saves me time but also ensures that I have healthy, home-cooked meals at my fingertips.
Additionally, the ability to cook in bulk has helped me save money and reduce food waste. I often make larger portions, which I can easily store and reheat throughout the week. This means fewer grocery trips
My Buying Guides on 8.5 Quart Crock Pot
When it comes to slow cooking, I’ve found that a good crock pot can be a game changer in the kitchen. After trying various sizes and brands, I’ve settled on the 8.5 quart crock pot as my go-to for family meals and gatherings. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Why Choose an 8.5 Quart Crock Pot?
I love the versatility of an 8.5 quart crock pot. It’s spacious enough to prepare meals for large families or gatherings without feeling cramped. I often use it for soups, stews, roasts, and even desserts! The size also allows me to batch cook, so I can enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Key Features to Consider
- Capacity: As I mentioned, 8.5 quarts is perfect for larger meals. If you regularly host parties or have a big family, this capacity will save you time and effort.
- Temperature Settings: I prefer crock pots that offer multiple heat settings (low, high, and keep warm). This flexibility allows me to adjust cooking times according to my schedule.
- Programmable Features: Some models come with programmable settings, which I find incredibly useful. I can set it to start cooking at a specific time, allowing me to come home to a perfectly cooked meal.
- Material: Most crock pots have either ceramic or stoneware inserts. I prefer ceramic because it retains heat well and is easy to clean.
- Lid Design: A tight-fitting lid is essential for maintaining moisture and heat. I appreciate when the lid has a locking feature, especially for transporting meals.
- Ease of Cleaning: I always look for models with dishwasher-safe parts. After a long day, the last thing I want is to scrub a pot by hand!
Additional Considerations
- Cord Length: Make sure the cord is long enough to reach your kitchen outlets. I’ve dealt with frustrating situations where I had to rearrange my kitchen just to plug in my crock pot.
- Accessories: Some crock pots come with additional accessories like serving spoons or recipe books. While not essential, I appreciate any extras that can enhance my cooking experience.
- Price Range: The price for an 8.5 quart crock pot can vary. I’ve found that investing a bit more often leads to better durability and features, but there are budget-friendly options that still perform well.
My Top Picks
After extensive research and personal experience, here are my top picks for 8.5 quart crock pots:
- Crock-Pot 8.5 Quart Slow Cooker: This model has a sleek design, multiple settings, and a removable stoneware insert. It’s been my reliable workhorse for years.
- Hamilton Beach 8 Quart Slow Cooker: A more budget-friendly option, it still offers great features and a durable build. I find it perfect for casual get-togethers.
- Instant Pot Duo 8 Quart: While not a traditional crock pot, this multi-cooker offers slow cooking capabilities along with pressure cooking. It’s a space-saver and incredibly versatile!
Conclusion
Choosing the right 8.5 quart crock pot can make a significant difference in your cooking experience. I’ve enjoyed countless meals and memories thanks to my trusty crock pot, and I hope this guide helps you find the perfect one for your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Author Profile
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I’m Albert Spiller, the voice behind Ayujoy.com. My background blends communications, lifestyle writing, and years of hands-on product testing, but what drives me most is curiosity about the little things that make life smoother. Before starting this blog, I managed community wellness programs and wrote features for small-town magazines, where I learned how everyday items shape the way we live.
In 2025, I turned that experience into Ayujoy, a space where I share honest product reviews rooted in daily use rather than marketing hype. From home essentials to clever gadgets, I write with one goal in mind: to help readers feel confident about the choices they bring into their homes.
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