A mini crockpot is one of the most useful small appliances for dips, parties and cooking for one or two. But not every mini crockpot actually cooks. Some are only warmers.
Here is how to tell the difference, what to make in each, and how to shrink any recipe to fit.
The Short Answer
The tiny 16-ounce dipper-style crockpots usually have only a WARM setting. They keep dips and sauces warm but are not designed to cook raw food. Small 1.5 to 3-quart slow cookers have LOW and HIGH settings and can cook real meals for 1 to 3 people.
Mini Crockpot Sizes Compared
| Size | Settings | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 16 oz dipper | WARM only (most models) | Keeping dips, queso and sauces warm |
| 1.5 to 2 quart | LOW, HIGH, WARM | Dips from scratch, oatmeal, meals for 1 or 2 |
| 2.5 to 3 quart | LOW, HIGH, WARM | Meals for 2 or 3, small roasts, sides |
Best Recipes for a 16 oz Dipper
Make the dip in a larger slow cooker or on the stove, then transfer it to the dipper to keep it warm. Good choices:
- Buffalo chicken dip
- Beef queso and spinach artichoke dip from our crockpot appetizers
- Warm hot fudge or caramel for a dessert bar
Best Recipes for a 1.5 to 3-Quart Slow Cooker
- Dips from scratch: half batches of queso or buffalo chicken dip, 1 1/2 to 2 hours on LOW.
- Dinners for two: every recipe in our crockpot meals for two is sized for a 2 to 3-quart crock.
- Overnight oats: 1 cup steel-cut oats, 3 1/2 cups water or milk and a pinch of salt on LOW for 7 hours.
- Small-batch chili or soup: half of our crockpot chili.
- Party meatballs: 1 lb frozen meatballs with half the sauce from our frozen meatball recipe.
How to Scale a Recipe Down
- Halve the ingredients for a 3-quart crock when the original is written for 6 quarts.
- Keep the cook time similar if the food depth is about the same.
- Fill it half to two-thirds full. Too little food can scorch.
- Check early. Small crocks can run hotter; start checking 30 to 60 minutes early.
Equipment I Used
- Stainless steel measuring cups and spoons: for sauces and spice blends.
- Large airtight food storage container: for leftovers and freezer portions.
- 3-piece ceramic serving bowl set: takes food straight from the crock to the table.
New to slow cooking? The Easy Slow Cooker Recipes guide is a beginner-friendly collection of easy crockpot breakfasts and dinners.
Mini Crockpot FAQ
Can you cook in a mini crockpot?
Only if it has LOW and HIGH settings. 16 oz dipper models are usually WARM-only and are meant to keep cooked food warm.
What size is a mini crockpot?
Mini crockpots range from 16 oz dipper warmers to 1.5 to 3-quart small slow cookers.
Can I halve any crockpot recipe?
Most, yes. Halve the ingredients, use a smaller crock, and check doneness early.
Is a mini crockpot good for one person?
Yes. A 1.5 to 2-quart slow cooker is ideal for single servings with leftovers.
