With how fast-paced the modern times can be, the slow cooker might feel like an ancient tool for some. However, those who love hearty, home-cooked meals will beg to differ. The best 4-qt slow cookers will prove to be a great addition to every busy household’s kitchen.
While just about every new appliance today offers to speed up the cooking process, the slow cooker keeps it classic.
It might not seem so impressive if you’re not particularly skilled in the kitchen since it’s not the most technologically advanced kitchen electronic out there.
But once you’ve discovered the many things that it can do, you’ll regret why you’ve never had one of these in your life.
However, it’s important to only go for the best slow cooker in the market today. Some will not deliver you the best result no matter what your experience with these appliances.
So to help you find the best unit for your kitchen, take note of what we’ll share in this quick guide.
Top 5 4-Qt Slow Cookers 2021 – Reviews and Comparisons:
Our Picks of 10 Best 4 Quart Slow Cookers Review:
1. Hamilton Beach 4 Quart Slow Cooker
The Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Slow Cooker may have basic features but it can already get the job done effectively.
With its price, it’s can be a great choice if you’re not ready to splurge in a slow cooker just yet.
But what makes it a hit is its tight-closing lid that will let you take it to potlucks without worrying about spills and messes.
Features:
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- Manual control dial
- Removable stoneware insert
- ‘Low’, ‘High’, and ‘Keep Warm’ settings
- Clip-tight glass lid
- Spill-resistant seal
- Stainless steel outer housing
- Dishwasher safe insert and lid
- Full-grip handles
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2. All-Clad SD710851
Those who want to set the controls of their slow cooker precisely might find the All-Clad SD710851 a good option to consider.
With its digital display screen and push-button controls, you can select a cooking mode and set a timer for your dish. This will let you ensure that your dish will cook according to your exact preferences.
It can give you total control over how you’ll whip up your chosen recipe even if you have to use an automated device to get the job done.
Features:
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- Stainless steel outer housing
- Removable ceramic insert
- LCD screen
- 4 to 20-hour digital timer
- Easy grip handles
- Dishwasher safe insert and lid
- 3 cooking modes
- Button controls
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3. Crock-Pot 4-Quart Manual Slow Cooker
Those who prefer the “original” slow cooker should definitely take a look at the Crock-Pot 4-Quart Manual Slow Cooker.
As this brand is known to be the original makers of the slow cooker as we know it today, it might just offer more reliability to some.
With its straightforward and basic design, it can help you whip up amazing dishes with just a turn of the knob.
Features:
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- Removable stoneware insert
- ‘Low’, ‘High’, and ‘Warm’ settings
- Easy grip handles
- Dishwasher safe lid and insert
- Microwave safe stoneware insert
- Manual control knob
- Black outer casing
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4. Proctor-Silex 33042
One of the most affordable options for a reliable 4-quart slow cooker is the Proctor-Silex 33042.
This may be a basic model with manual controls but it’s definitely capable of helping you whip up some of the most amazing dishes for your loved ones.
It’s closely comparable to more expensive models, making it an excellent choice for households that are on a budget.
Features:
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- Removable stoneware insert
- Manual control knob
- ‘Low’, ‘High’, and ‘Keep Warm’ settings
- Easy grip handles
- Clear glass lid
- White outer casing
- Dishwasher safe insert
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5. Cuisinart MSC-400 4-Quart Slow Cooker
The Cuisinart MSC-400 4-Quart Slow Cooker is not just for those looking for an easier way to make tasty dishes.
With its modern design, it’s also for those who are fond of small appliances that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing as well.
It definitely looks more expensive than its price tag and is clearly very functional as well. It can definitely suit a lot of people’s wants and needs.
Features:
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- Non-stick coated insert
- 2 large backlit LCD display screens
- Separate timer and temperature setting display
- Dedicated buttons for timer and temperature settings
- Stainless steel outer casing
- 3 cooking settings (slow cook, saute, steam)
- Cool touch handles
- Dishwasher safe insert and lid
- Steaming rack included
- Limited 3-year warranty
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6. Fagor LUX Multi-Cooker, 4 quart
Want your kitchen appliances to be more functional? Then the Fagor LUX Multi-Cooker would be a solid choice for you. This item is not just a slow cooker but it can also pressure cook, make rice, risotto, and yogurt.
It can also steam, simmer, saute, and brown your ingredients so you don’t need another pot to whip up a tasty dish.
It’s certainly a handy and convenient addition to any kitchen, especially if you’re a fan of one-pot dishes.
Features:
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- Multi-cooker
- Dedicated preset buttons for 12 cooking modes
- 6-hour time delay function
- 10-hour slow cooking
- Removable non-stick ceramic round cooking pot
- Self-locking lid
- LCD display screen
- Stainless steel outer casing
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7. Black & Decker SC1004D 4 Qt Slow Cooker
The Black & Decker SC1004D 4 Qt Slow Cooker won’t just make your kitchen more functional but it can also add a lot of whimsy into it, too.
With its polka dot design, it can certainly give your countertop some personality while letting you do more without breaking a sweat.
Is it as reliable as it is cute? Yes. While it’s manually operated with a dial, it’s very easy to work with and can get the job done effectively.
Features:
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- Cute black and white outer casing with polka dot design
- Removable round stoneware insert
- Tempered glass lid
- Built-in lid holder
- ‘Low’, ‘High’, and ‘Keep Warm’ settings
- Manual knob control
- Dishwasher safe insert and lid
- 2-year limited warranty
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8. Crock-Pot 4Qt Smart Pot Slow Cooker
Engineered to make slow cooking smarter is the Crock-Pot 4Qt Smart Pot Slow Cooker. This product further simplifies the process of slow cooking with its one-touch digital controls.
If you’re worried that it will further lessen your control over the cooking process, don’t be.
It’s also designed to let you program your cook settings and let you choose between 4, 6, 8, or 10-hour cooking times.
Features:
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- One-touch digital control
- Indicator lights
- Removable stoneware insert
- 2 ‘High’ and 2 ‘Low’ cooking settings
- 10-hour cooking timer
- Dishwasher safe insert and lid
- Stainless steel outer casing
- Easy grip handles
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9. All-Clad SD712D51 4 Quart Deluxe Slow Cooker
Offering more control over your slow cooking process is the All-Clad SD712D51 4-Quart Deluxe Slow Cooker.
This item will let you select the program settings you want to use on your dish so you can get the exact conditions you want to whip up your meals.
It will also let you do more as its cooking pot insert will let you saute or brown your ingredients first on a stovetop.
Features:
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- Easy to read digital display
- Customizable timer
- 3 temperature settings (Low, High, and Keep Warm)
- Non-stick aluminum insert
- Gas and electric stovetop compatible insert
- Clear glass lid
- Riveted stainless steel main body handles
- Cool touch insert handles
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10. Calphalon Digital Slow Cooker, 4-Quart
If you’re getting a slow cooker for its efficiency, then you should check out the Calphalon Digital Slow Cooker.
This product will let you set your timer up to 24 hours, allowing you to cook even while you’re not home so you can still come home to a tasty dish after a long day away.
It’s also very easy to operate and will let you make the tastiest meals with just a few presses of a button.
Features:
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- Non-stick ceramic insert
- Digital controls
- 24-hour digital timer
- Opti-Heat System
- ‘Low’, ‘High’, and ‘Keep Warm’ settings
- Cool-touch handles
- Dishwasher safe insert and lid
- Stainless steel outer casing
- Easy grip handles
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How to Use 4-Quart Slow Cooker?
If you’ve never used a slow cooker before and you’re hesitant to get one because of this fact, don’t fret. These things are seriously easy to use. Here are the steps to get you started:
1. Prepare your ingredients and slow cooker.
Chop up your main ingredients. Lots of experts recommend keeping them chunky so they can retain their shape. You can then pre-heat your slow cooker at the same time. Take note of what the recipe recommends and stick to that.
2. Load the ingredients the right way.
It’s very likely that the hardest part in using a slow cooker is in loading the ingredients the right way. This is where a lot of people make mistakes which leave them with lackluster results.
So how do you load ingredients correctly? Start with the toughest items first so they’ll be closer to the source of heat and gets cooked more thoroughly.
You should also mind the amount of food you’ll cook with it. You should at least fill it a third of the way if you don’t want your dish to become overcooked. You also shouldn’t fill it to the brim as it can also result in your food becoming under cooked.
Another crucial thing is the addition of liquid to your dish. You will always need to add some liquid in your slow cooker so your ingredients actually get cooked. Make sure to add the right amount, though, to ensure tastiness and prevent the ingredients from drying out.
3. Set the right time and temperature.
After loading your slow cooker with the ingredients, the next thing for you to do is to set the cooking temperature correctly. Most recipes will include this information, so you really don’t have to worry about it.
4. Time your cooking accordingly.
Timing the food is also important but this can definitely depend on you. You can opt to cook your dishes quickly or slowly, you just need to adjust the temperature levels accordingly. As some slow cookers have pressure cooking features, you can also use them to cook quickly.
5. Don’t forget to clean up!
A lot of slow cookers available today are designed with removable cooking pots so you don’t have to worry about cleanups. Some of them are even dishwasher safe so you don’t even have to bother scrubbing it clean.
How Big is a 4-Quart Slow Cooker?
Concerned about the size of 4-qt slow cookers? You might be wondering whether it will already help you efficiently whip up meals for your family.
This is a very important concern since you’ll want an appliance that can make your time in the kitchen easier.
So how big is a 4-quart slow cooker? Generally, you can already fit 3-4-lb roasts inside these kitchen electronics. It can already feed about five persons, depending, of course, on their appetite.
This size, however, is already a good fit for a lot of family households, so if your home is composed of a couple and two to three kids, it can already be a good pick for you.
Best 4-Qt Slow Cooker Consumer Reports:
If you’ll do extensive research on slow cookers, it’s easy to find buyers who’ve had their share of failures when searching for the best one.
These appliances can be tricky, especially if you don’t know where to look. This is why consumer reviews prove to be very helpful when it comes to choosing the latest 4-qt slow cooker for your home.
Expert opinion on these small appliances is widely available. This can help guarantee that there is useful information available for you if you want to get to know what the experts deem reliable.
Just be careful with sponsored content, however, as they might not always be the most credible reviews out there.
If you’re wondering what we can suggest to you, below is our list of the best slow cookers today.
Buying Guide – How to Choose The Best 4-Quart Slow Cooker?
With a solid list of the best 4-quart programmable slow cookers, you might now be wondering how can you choose among the products available to you?
To help you narrow down your options or even pinpoint a specific item to get, here are a few things that you should consider when buying a reliable slow cooker.
1. Ease of Use
Since you’re buying a slow cooker to make meal preparations easier for you, you should only opt for the products that are easy to use. Their operation should be fuss-free more than anything so you won’t have a hard time cooking your meals with the appliance.
If they’re too complicated, you might only end up getting frustrated or making a mistake in the cooking process. Both can end up with you ditching the appliance altogether.
The product you go for should also be easy to clean. This way, you can continue to enjoy the juiciest and most tender meat and vegetable dishes ever.
2. High Quality
Another non-negotiable when it comes to slow cookers is its quality. It should be very sturdy in terms of construction so its parts won’t fail on you during critical moments. Its materials should be high grade to ensure its durability and longevity.
3. Additional Features
If you’re one of those folks who want to make the most out of their purchase and counter space, then you should look for slow cookers with extra features.
As the list above shows, there are slow cookers that also function as pressure cookers and with inserts that can be used as cookware. They offer more functionality, so they can also be great picks for you.
4. Design
‘Function’ is not the only important thing when it comes to small appliances. ‘Form’ can also be very useful, not just in terms of decorating your kitchen. Take the Hamilton Beach slow cooker listed above for example.
It’s a slow cooker with a clip-tight lid so it won’t spill its contents when you’re off to a potluck. This makes it extra useful as it will let you serve your dish warm at your gathering without creating a mess on the way.
5. Reviews
What are the other people saying about the product you’re eyeing? If you found a good deal of feedback saying that the item is dependable and reliable despite heavy use, then you’re in luck. These are great signs that the product will be able to deliver great results and work for you for a long while.
However, as not all reviews are credible, make sure to be discerning about the ones you take to heart. Consider the circumstances involved in each review, especially the negative ones.
There are instances wherein the buyer could be the reason why the product didn’t perform at its best, so that’s worth taking into account as well.
Final Verdict
So which is the best 4-qt programmable slow cooker? Only you can decide on that, depending on what your needs are. The ones on our list are some of the best contenders for the spot on your kitchen counter, though.
With their promising features, good reviews, and top-notch performance, they’re certainly worth considering.
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