Slow cookers come in a range of sizes, from 1 quart to 10 quarts, with many options in between. When deciding what size crock pot to buy, consider the number of people you plan to feed and what you plan to cook. Here are some general guidelines:

• For singles or couples who want to avoid leftovers, a 1-2 quart slow cooker is a good choice.
• For small families, a 4-quart slow cooker is a good choice.
• For families of three to five or couples who love leftovers, a 5-6 quart slow cooker is a good choice.
• For cooking large roasts, whole chickens, ham, and other large cuts of meat, an 8-quart slow cooker is best.

Its important to note that slow cookers should be at least half full but less than three-quarters full for optimal cooking. When under-filled, food will cook faster and can burn, while over-filling can cause food to take longer to cook and pose a food safety issue.