Hey there, fellow food lovers! Welcome to Crock Potz, your home for all things slow cooking. If you’ve found your way here, you’re probably on a mission. You’re looking to buy an 8 quart crock pot under 100 dollars, and let me tell you, you’re about to make one of the best kitchen investments of your life. An 8-quart slow cooker isn’t just an appliance; it’s a gateway to effortless family dinners, stress-free meal prep, and legendary potluck dishes that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
For years, my trusty 6-quart was my kitchen sidekick. But as my family grew and my love for hosting Sunday dinners blossomed, I realized I needed to level up. That’s when the 8-quart slow cooker entered my life, and it was a total game-changer. Suddenly, I could cook a whole chicken with room for veggies, a massive batch of chili for the entire week, or a pork shoulder that would fall apart with the touch of a fork. Today, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect model for your kitchen without breaking the bank.
Why an 8-Quart Slow Cooker is a Kitchen Game-Changer
Before we dive into the models, let’s talk about why this specific size is so magical. Think of it as the family-sized sedan of the slow cooker world—reliable, spacious, and perfect for handling the big jobs.
- Feeding a Crowd: An 8-quart capacity is ideal for families of five or more. It can easily handle recipes that serve 8-10 people, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or having friends over.
- Meal Prep Master: If you’re into meal prepping, this is your new best friend. You can cook a huge batch of pulled pork, shredded chicken, or a hearty stew on Sunday and have lunches and dinners ready for the entire week. Talk about a “set it and forget it” time-saver!
- Big Cuts of Meat: Ever tried to cram a pork shoulder or a whole roaster chicken into a smaller slow cooker? It’s a struggle. An 8-quart pot gives you the space to cook large, awkward-shaped cuts of meat to tender perfection.
- Potluck Hero: Show up to any party with a massive pot of bubbling chili or meatballs, and you’re instantly the star. The “warm” setting on most models means your dish stays at the perfect serving temperature.
What to Look For When You Buy an 8 Quart Crock Pot Under 100
Navigating the options can feel a little overwhelming, but it really boils down to a few key features. Once you know what you need, picking the right one becomes a piece of cake.
Manual vs. Programmable
This is the biggest decision you’ll make.
- Manual Crock Pots: These are the classic, no-fuss models with a simple dial: Off, Low, High, and Warm. They are incredibly reliable and often cheaper. The downside? You have to be home to turn them off or switch them to warm. They are perfect for weekend cooking or if you work from home.
- Programmable Crock Pots: These models have a digital timer. You can set it to cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 8 hours, and once the time is up, it will automatically switch to the “Warm” setting. This is a lifesaver for busy weekdays. You can put your ingredients in before work and come home to a perfectly cooked meal.
Lid and Insert Materials
The heart of your slow cooker is its insert (the pot) and the lid.
- The Insert: Most inserts are made of heavy ceramic or stoneware. They provide even, consistent heat. Make sure the one you choose is removable for easy cleaning—and bonus points if it’s dishwasher-safe!
- The Lid: A tight-fitting lid is crucial. It traps heat and moisture, which is the secret to tender, flavorful food. Most lids are glass, which lets you peek at your food without lifting it. Remember the number one rule of slow cooking: don’t lift the lid unless absolutely necessary! Every time you do, you release heat and add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
The Shape: Oval vs. Round
For an 8-quart model, oval is almost always the way to go. A round pot is fine for soups and stews, but an oval shape gives you the versatility to cook longer items like a rack of ribs, a pork loin, or a whole chicken.
As our friend and home cooking expert Sarah Carter says, “The magic of a slow cooker is its ability to transform tough, inexpensive cuts of meat into something extraordinary. An 8-quart oval pot gives you the real estate to make that magic happen on a larger scale.”
Our Picks for the Best Crockpot in 2025
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Num
Product
Action
1
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining
2
Sunvivi Dual Pot Slow Cooker, 2 Pot Small Mini Crock Buffet Server and Warmer, Upgraded Oval Ceramic Double Pot Buffet Food Warmer Adjustable Temp Glass Lid, Total 2.5 Quarts
3
Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel; an Essential Kitchen Appliance, Perfect for Families and Gatherings
4
bella 6.0 Qt Programmable Slow Cooker, Ceramic Nonstick Coating, Adjustable Temperature & Cooking Times, Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Pot & Tempered Glass Lid, Tangle Free Cord Wrap, Plum
5
Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1
6
Double Slow Cooker, 2 x 1.25 QT Portable Small Dual Crock Cooker, Buffet Servers and Warmers Dishwasher Safe, Removable Ceramic Pot Glass Lid, Stainless Steel Black
7
Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel
8
Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware Crock & Glass Lid, Silver (33665G)
9
Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black
10
Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker PRO- Sous Vide & Proof 6-in-1 Multi-Cooker, with 8.5 Quarts, Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven & More, Glass Lid & Integrated Spoon, Oven Safe Pot to 500°F, Black, MC1010
|
Our Picks for the Best Crockpot in 2025
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
|
||
| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining |
|
| 2 | Sunvivi Dual Pot Slow Cooker, 2 Pot Small Mini Crock Buffet Server and Warmer, Upgraded Oval Ceramic Double Pot Buffet Food Warmer Adjustable Temp Glass Lid, Total 2.5 Quarts |
|
| 3 | Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel; an Essential Kitchen Appliance, Perfect for Families and Gatherings |
|
| 4 | bella 6.0 Qt Programmable Slow Cooker, Ceramic Nonstick Coating, Adjustable Temperature & Cooking Times, Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Pot & Tempered Glass Lid, Tangle Free Cord Wrap, Plum |
|
| 5 | Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1 |
|
| 6 | Double Slow Cooker, 2 x 1.25 QT Portable Small Dual Crock Cooker, Buffet Servers and Warmers Dishwasher Safe, Removable Ceramic Pot Glass Lid, Stainless Steel Black |
|
| 7 | Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel |
|
| 8 | Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware Crock & Glass Lid, Silver (33665G) |
|
| 9 | Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black |
|
| 10 | Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker PRO- Sous Vide & Proof 6-in-1 Multi-Cooker, with 8.5 Quarts, Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven & More, Glass Lid & Integrated Spoon, Oven Safe Pot to 500°F, Black, MC1010 |
|
Unlocking Its Potential: What Can You Cook in an 8-Quart Crock Pot?
So, you’re about to buy an 8 quart crock pot under 100, and you’re dreaming of the possibilities. Here are just a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Whole Roasted Chicken: Yes, a whole chicken! Place it on a bed of root vegetables like carrots and potatoes. After 6-8 hours on low, you’ll have the most tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken imaginable. You can find a similar technique in our [guide to perfect slow cooker chicken].
- Pulled Pork for a Crowd: A 5-6 pound pork shoulder fits perfectly. Add your favorite BBQ sauce or a simple spice rub, cook on low for 8-10 hours, and get ready to shred. It’s the ultimate dump dinner.
- Big Batch Chili or Stew: This is where the 8-quart shines. Double your favorite chili recipe and freeze the leftovers for a quick weeknight meal. Our [award-winning slow cooker chili recipe] is the perfect place to start.
- Bone Broth: Save your chicken carcasses and vegetable scraps! An 8-quart slow cooker is perfect for making a giant, nutritious batch of bone broth. Just cover with water, add a splash of vinegar, and let it go on low for 24 hours.
How long do I cook meat in an 8-quart slow cooker?
Cooking times are generally similar to smaller models, but you have more leeway. As a rule of thumb, most large cuts of meat (like roasts or whole chickens) will take 8-10 hours on Low or 4-6 hours on High. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer to be safe.
Pro Tips for Your New Slow Cooker
Once you’ve made your choice, here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years to guarantee success:
- Don’t Overfill It: For best results, fill your slow cooker between half and two-thirds full. Overfilling can lead to uneven cooking and potential overflow.
- Layer Smartly: Place hard, root vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom, closer to the direct heat source. Place your meat on top of them.
- Sear Your Meat First: I know, it’s an extra step, but browning your meat in a skillet before adding it to the Crockpot builds an incredible depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction. It’s worth the extra 5 minutes.
- Thicken Your Sauce at the End: Slow cookers trap moisture, so sauces can sometimes be a bit thin. To thicken, remove the lid for the last 30-45 minutes of cooking, or make a slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook a small recipe in a large 8-quart crock pot?
You can, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Smaller quantities will cook much faster, so start checking for doneness about halfway through the recommended recipe time to prevent your food from drying out or burning.
Is an 8-quart slow cooker hard to clean?
Not at all! Most modern models have a removable, dishwasher-safe ceramic insert. For tough, baked-on food, let the insert soak with warm, soapy water for an hour before scrubbing. It usually comes right off.
What’s the main difference between a Crockpot and a slow cooker?
Crock-Pot is a brand name that has become synonymous with slow cookers, like Kleenex for tissues. All Crock-Pots are slow cookers, but not all slow cookers are made by the Crock-Pot brand. The principle is the same: a ceramic pot heated by elements in a surrounding metal container.
Can I use slow cooker liners?
Absolutely! Liners make cleanup incredibly easy. They are a great option if you’re making something particularly messy, like a cheesy dip or barbecue pork. Just be sure to buy liners that are sized for an 8-quart oval cooker.
Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on all day?
Yes, that’s what they are designed for! Modern slow cookers are very safe and use less energy than a conventional oven. Just make sure it’s on a flat, stable surface away from the edge of the counter and any flammable materials.
Your Next Delicious Meal Awaits
Choosing to buy an 8 quart crock pot under 100 is a decision that will pay you back with countless delicious, convenient, and soul-warming meals. It opens up a new world of recipes, from massive family feasts to a week’s worth of lunches cooked in one go. It’s an investment in saving time, eating well, and bringing people together around the dinner table.
Now I want to hear from you! Have you taken the 8-quart plunge? What was the first amazing meal you made? Share your stories and favorite recipes in the comments below. Let’s build this Crock Potz community together, one delicious, slow-cooked meal at a time.