Mini Slow Cooker - Crockpot 2.5 Quart vs Crock-Pot 3.5 Quart

Updated 19 Jul 2021
By Stephanie
Slow Cooker Category
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Main Image - Mini Slow Cooker - Crockpot 2.5 Quart vs Crock-Pot 3.5 Quart

Making a simple family dinner? It has to be quick and easy, as you don’t have to take out the pan and spatula to the countertop. Besides the option to cook with the family food steamer and air fryer, you can also add some more food variations with the slow cooker from Crock-Pot 2.5 Quart and Crock-Pot 3.5 Quart.



You can make that golden and evenly melted mac and cheese for breakfast and lasagna for dinner just from the 3 cooking settings; low, high, and warm. The lid also has to lock clamps to avoid more mess and specks of dirt around. So, you might as well bring the slow cooker to potluck parties or as a gift to your loved ones.

 

What both Crock-Pot 2.5 Quart and Crock-Pot 3.5 Quart have

#1 Oven-safe detachable stoneware

Along with the lid, the stoneware of Crock-Pot 2.5 Quart and Crock-Pot 3.5 Quart is removable. You can zhoosh the crispiness on the edge of the au gratin with nice golden melted cheese, as well as on the lasagna by using the stoneware in the oven. You surely add another collection of another casserole dish. To heat up the leftover, you can also use it in the microwave. See, not only is it for making a delicious dinner but also to combat leftover waste.

#2 Latches on the lid and 2-side handles

Crock-Pot 2.5 Quart and Crock-Pot 3.5 Quart has a great locking system on the lid and 2-side handles which you can hold when you want to lift the slow cooker up. The lock is specifically for the safety of the inside and outside, so when the food boils, it won’t spread up around the countertop. You can also bring it into your car to the picnic park or another house party in the neighborhood. There is a hook on each clamp which is located between the lid and the handles.

Similarities - Mini Slow Cooker - Crockpot 2.5 Quart vs Crock-Pot 3.5 Quart

#3 Three cooking settings

You can see the cooking setting clearly on both Crock-Pot 2.5 Quart and Crock-Pot 3.5 Quart. It is located in the middle of the slow cooker. You can turn it to the right and back to the left, very simple! The first one is the low setting, then high, and lastly the warm. You should be able to make a combo with the meals and the heating options. Yet, you still need to time the cooking process by yourself, as this is a casserole-type slow cooker. 

#4 Easy to clean lid and stoneware

One more similarity of Crock-Pot 2.5 Quart and Crock-Pot 3.5 Quart is from the dishwasher-friendly lid and stoneware. You can wash the two right away with no other side hustle. To keep the quality of the stoneware, it is recommended to brush off the residue with vinegar and baking soda paste, then clean the rest with a towel. As a result, the stoneware and lid are clean, the food will be more tasty and healthy, plus the longevity of the pot and lid.

 

What makes Crock-Pot 2.5 Quart and Crock-Pot 3.5 Quart different from each other

Differences - Mini Slow Cooker - Crockpot 2.5 Quart vs Crock-Pot 3.5 Quart

#1 The size and shape of the pot

It is undoubtedly that there are more similarities than differences between Crock-Pot 2.5 Quart and Crock-Pot 3.5 Quart since they are from the same brand. The 2.5 quart one is 7.3 x 13.4 x 13.5 inches, while 3.5 quart is 9 x 13 x 1 inches. The smaller one can cook for newlyweds and college students who live with 1 to 3 people. This fits with the kitchen cabinet too. The bigger one is for 3 to 6 people, so perfect for a potluck and family dinner. After all, the heat distribution is still the one that is perfect for your casserole dishes. You are the one who knows how many portions your family member will take out, the bigger is better, yet the smaller is lighter.

 

Comparison

Crock-Pot 2.5 Quart

This is one of Amazon’s Choice for a 2.5-quart crockpot. No wonder this is a good fit for a new couple and students in a small dormitory because when they come back home from work or campus, there’s already the cooker that will make the diner in quick and ready meals, such as creamy chicken casserole and pasta sauce for spaghetti are always the go-to. Crock-Pot 2.5 Quart can still keep the rich flavor that results in such deliciousness throughout the week. The size doesn’t affect turkey from an uneven texture of the meat.

This one slow cooker from the prominent original slow cooker brand also has a removable cooking stoneware and lid. For more effortless portability, the lid has its own lock on both sides, along with handles that you can hold whenever you want to move the device to a different place. The oval-shaped stoneware is oven-friendly for a rich cooking experience with the pot. So, you can bake apples, roast a turkey, and potatoes for a simple holiday feast both from the oven and the slow cooker.

With such multifunction of the cooker, you still have the elegance on your dining table or kitchen countertop. It is also shown on the setting programs, which you can choose from the high, low, and warm manually. Even more surprising, the lid and stoneware are dishwasher friendly too. What a perfection for your small family and empty nester.

Produk 1 - Mini Slow Cooker - Crockpot 2.5 Quart vs Crock-Pot 3.5 Quart

Pros

  • The 2.5 Quart size is enough to feed 2 to 4 people in the house.
  • The versatility of the stoneware makes it easy to use for anyone.
  • The multifunction from the stoneware can back desserts and roast a whole turkey.


Cons 

  • Can’t cook the meals off-hands due to no attached timer and temperature settings.
  • No replacement if the lid is broken.

 

Crock-Pot 3.5 Quart

Crock-Pot 3.5 Quart is also one of Amazon’s Choice for a casserole crockpot. As the big sister from the previous one we mentioned above, this also gives you such simple and quick to prepare casserole meals for a party, potluck, and family dinner as from the size-wise, the dimension is larger. The features are also the ones you are looking for to show up your party meal specialty with some chill and refreshing dessert. You can also treat this almost like an oven since you can make various desserts within its 3.5-quart stoneware.

To activate the 3.5-quart slow cooker, you just have to plug in the crock and place this on the countertop or any decent surface. Then, choose the modes from the 3-option settings; high, low, and warm by turning it to the right or left based on your needs. If you wish to have an even cook mac and cheese, lock the lid by locking the clamps on both sides. It is also to avoid more spills and mess. With this slow cooker too, you can bring it to the party next door because there are 2 handlers on each side.

After you finish using the stoneware and lid, you can clean them up with a dishwasher for a more easy mode of the slow cooker. You might as well brush the residue with a damp cloth or spray the surface with vinegar. Not only is it dishwasher-safe, but also oven-safe and microwave-friendly. So, you can have a thorough roast, as well as no more leftovers in the fridge.

Produk 2 - Mini Slow Cooker - Crockpot 2.5 Quart vs Crock-Pot 3.5 Quart

Pros

  • The 3.5-quart pot is able to feed 3 - 6 people.
  • Removable lid and stoneware are dishwasher-safe, and stoneware is microwave-friendly, so great for heating up leftovers.
  • Along with the features, this is great to give as a token of love.


Cons 

  • The lock and handles’ components are made of cheap plastic, so better watch out for the cooking process.
  • The temperature is uncontrollable. Still need to use a manual timer.

 

Our Pick

Summary - Mini Slow Cooker - Crockpot 2.5 Quart vs Crock-Pot 3.5 Quart

It seems that choosing a casserole slow cooker must consider different angles apart from being flexible. A slow cooker is famous for being simple cooking ware because the removable components are only 2; the pot and the lid. They are detachable so you can easily wash them through with soapy water, baking soda paste, or even a countertop dishwasher. The reason why it must be easy to clean is that you want to use it for tomorrow’s dinner menu or next week’s potluck. Then, to be able to share it with your neighbors and family outside the house, you will need the lockable lid on the slow cooker. It is also to prevent a lot of mess that mostly happens at cooking.

Best overall from these to pick, our recommendation set to Crock-Pot 3.5 Quart. The difference and features were nearly similar within each of these Crock-Pot products, yet this 3.5 Quart slow cooker is more dependable for its durability and substantial. From lasagna to roast chicken pieces, the pot could do any magic and keep the food warm at any occasions you are in. If a versatile mini sized slow cooker is what you are looking for, this product can be a great choice!

FAQ Crock-Pot 2.5 Quart

How to clean the stain on the stoneware?

If putting the pot in the dishwasher is not enough for you, you can spray some vinegar or baking soda paste, depending on your preference on the pot, then brush it off with a cloth.

What would happen if I forgot to turn off the slow cooker after more than 9 hours?

This slow cooker is not equipped with a timer. You better use your own timer in case you also do other house chores or any tasks.

Is there any replacement for the broken lid or parts?

Unfortunately, there is no exchange for the scattered lid. To minimize the accident, you must follow the user guide book included in the box.

 

FAQ Crock-Pot 3.5 Quart

Where is the heating element of this slow cooker?

The heating element is spread around the circumference, as well as the bottom. If you want to cook some liquid, you can try to pour in 1 cup of water or liquid. It should be around half of the pot.

Does the guidebook have the cookbook as well?

Yes. Although there are only 10 recipes, it should be enough for you as the starter when using the device for the first time.

What is not preferred to do with this slow cooker?

As this is called a slow cooker, it is best to use the device as it is. You may defrost a lasagna, but it is highly not recommended to do it.

 

Good to Know: Easy Slow Cooker Recipes 

Good To Know - Mini Slow Cooker - Crockpot 2.5 Quart vs Crock-Pot 3.5 Quart

Surprisingly, the easy-to-use trait of a casserole slow cooker is included in the heating system. Since it doesn’t require any flame, you won’t be as sweaty as after working out, especially on summer days. There are a lot of delicious treats out there that are tastier if you make it from a casserole-shaped pot of the slow cooker. 

Chicken Gravy Biscuits

This easy-to-cook meal from the scratch is perfect for breakfast and dinner. If you make this with a slow cooker, you can still have this for the other day by simply reheating the food in the pot. There is a perfect combination of the texture of the mushroom, chicken, and biscuit along with the thick cream and herbs.

Simple Lasagna

Since you will get to cook the lasagna in the slow cooker, you better check out the ingredients too. For this one, there are only 3 ingredients, which most of which are instant pasta and sauce. For the pasta, you have to pick the no-boil type, and the sauce is the one in the can. You can add the cheese between the layers or only on top of the lasagna.

Fresh Green Bean Casserole

You usually eat this on Thanksgiving and the best technique to make such a warm meal is by putting the casserole in the oven. Now, you can skip some time by using the casserole slow cooker. The only thing you will cook on the stove is the bacon. By cooking on the slow cooker, you can still prepare the holiday while the food is in the process.

Frosted Cookie Bars

You can collaborate with your kids by making frosted cookie bars with a casserole slow cooker. Either for Valentine’s day or on the weekend, everybody will love the sweetness from condensed milk and thick cream on the topping. If you are allergic to eggs, the recipe that requires a slow cooker is for you.

Slow Cooker Sweet Caramel French Toast Casserole

Another sweet treat that you can cook in a casserole slow cooker is sweet caramel french toast. This is also a great breakfast menu that you will have with your family, whether on Christmas eve or any other regular day. To get the real taste of french toast, you have to choose the thick loaf one, otherwise, the bread will be soggy which is the consistency you want to avoid.

 

Bottom Line

Having a casserole slow cooker is always the most friendly option to make your guest and roommate happy when they are home. Not only can you cook the meals in a short time, but also fight the bad habit of wasting the leftovers. With this unique device, you can reheat and have a meal all day long.

 

References

Easy Recipes for you Casserole Slow Cooker


Stephanie
She watches anime to stay alive, and is writing to stay sane.
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