The Mini Crockpot You Need in Your Life
Updated: Mar. 20, 2019
The Crockpot isn't just about big-batch slow cooking anymore!
There’s a whole lot to love about the Crockpot Lunch Crock Food Warmer, which took the No. 1 spot on our roundup of products to make your desk lunch SO much better:
Get a hot desk-lunch with no standing in line at the microwave
If you’re like us, you’ve probably caught onto the notion that bringing your lunch to work is kind of underrated. Just take a look at these cool and delicious portable lunches, and you’ll wonder why you haven’t been bringing your lunch every day. But when you’re longing for a nice hot desk lunch, things get a bit more complicated. For one thing, you have to plan for heating that lunch. Is there an office microwave? If so, is there always a line to use it?
The Crockpot Lunch Crock Food Warmer eliminates these questions. Just plug it in, and it heats up your pre-cooked lunch while you’re working. By the time you get your break, your lunch is at the perfect temperature.
Let’s not forget about breakfast!
The food warmer may have “lunch” in the name, but it’s perfect for bringing a nice, hot breakfast to enjoy at your desk while you get a head start on the day. Try it with any of these grandma-approved oatmeal recipes.
It’s a lunch tote and a food warmer
Not only does this Crockpot warm your food, it transports it seamlessly from your kitchen to your desk. Its sleek design includes an easy-carry integrated handle and a removable dishwasher-safe food container-insert that pops into an insulated exterior container that stays cool to the touch. And that insert comes with an air-tight lid that keeps the exterior—and you, your clothes, and your tote bag—perfectly spotless. So if you’re craving one of these cozy winter soups, you can satisfy that craving at the office (or anywhere else!) without having to worry about spills on the way.
You can wave bye-bye to BPA
One of the easiest ways to reduce your exposure to the harmful chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) is by avoiding placing plastic food containers in the microwave. With an interior made from food-grade stainless steel, it not only eliminates the need to microwave your food in a plastic container, it cuts the need for the plastic altogether.
It lets you master portion control
Watching your waistline? Try one of these healthy chili recipes, then heat it up into this handy little Crock, which comes in your choice of two sizes: 20 ounce and 24 ounce. Either way, it’s up to you how much food you’ll be eating for lunch. Once you decide, there’s nothing more to think about. Lunch? For one? Done, and done!
Slow-Cooker Chicken Parmesan
I love making this satisfying dish--it's easy and elegant, and the slow cooker minimizes my time in the kitchen. I make this during football season, too. For game days, I skip the pasta and serve the chicken on submarine rolls with a bit of sauce and some chopped lettuce. You could also cut the chicken breasts in half and make sliders. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin Still hungry? Check out our 2021 Recipe of the Year winner!
Slow-Cooker Turkey Breast
Try this wonderfully flavored, easy-to-fix slow-cooker turkey breast when you're craving something delicious. It makes a great holiday dish for smaller families, too. —Maria Juco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooker Cheese Dip
I brought this slightly spicy cheese dip to a gathering with friends and it was a huge hit. The spicy pork sausage gives the dip plenty of zip! —Marion Bartone, Conneaut, Ohio
Slow-Cooker Mongolian Beef
This slow-cooker Mongolian beef uses inexpensive ingredients to offer big flavor in a small amount of time. It's easier than getting takeout! Set your Crockpot on high for two to three hours to whip it up even quicker. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Slow-Cooker Country Captain Chicken
Legend has it that the recipe for country captain chicken was brought to Georgia in the early 1800s by a British sea captain. Although it's traditional to serve this over rice, it's also delicious with noodles or mashed potatoes. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Slow-Cooker Short Ribs
These slow-cooker short ribs are an easy alternative to traditionally braised short ribs—you don't need to pay any attention to them once you get them in the slow cooker. (That makes it my favorite beef short ribs recipe!) —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Slow-Cooker Al Pastor Bowls
You'll love this easy version of a traditional Mexican favorite. Serve this al pastor bowl over rice or in tortillas with your favorite toppings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Slow-Cooker Mac and Cheese
This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish. I've never met anyone who didn't ask for a second helping. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
Slow-Cooker Butter Chicken
I spent several years in Malaysia eating a variety of Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian food. This was one of my favorite dishes! There are many versions of butter chicken, but this is similar to the Middle Eastern version I had. —Shannon Copley, Upper Arlington, Ohio
Slow-Cooker Tater Tot Casserole
What's not to love about classic Tater Tot casserole—especially when it's made in the slow cooker? You'll want to add this family-pleasing favorite to your regular rotation. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Slow-Cooker Split Pea Soup
When I have leftover ham in the fridge, I like to make this slow-cooker split pea soup. Just throw the ingredients in the slow cooker, turn it on and dinner is done. —Pamela Chambers, West Columbia, South Carolina
Slow-Cooker Chicken Taco Salad
We use this super duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love helping measure seasonings. —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, Washington
Slow-Cooker Oatmeal
Waking up to the wonderful aroma of this cinnamon-sugar Crockpot oatmeal is a great way to start the day! —Brandy Schaefer, Glen Carbon, Illinois
Slow-Cooker Cheesy White Lasagna
Here’s my best version of my favorite food—lasagna! The recipe is a winner, so it’s worth the extra prep. You’ll have plenty of time to plan side dishes while the main dish is cooking. —Suzanne Smith, Bluffton, Indiana
Rump Roast in the Slow Cooker
I enjoy a good pot roast, but I was tired of the same old thing so I started experimenting. Cooking the beef in horseradish sauce gives it a tangy flavor. Even my young children love this rump roast in the slow cooker, with its tender veggies and gravy. —Mimi Walker, Palmyra, Pennsylvania
Slow-Cooker Chicken & Dumplings
Here's a homey dish that people just can't wait to dive into! Yes, you can have slow cooker chicken and dumplings from scratch. The homemade classic takes a bit of work but is certainly worth it. —Daniel Anderson, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooker Beef and Broccoli
I love introducing my kids to all kinds of flavors. This Asian-inspired slow-cooker beef and broccoli meal is one of their favorites, so I serve it often. —Brandy Stansbury, Edna, Texas
Herbed Slow-Cooker Chicken
I use my slow cooker to prepare these well-seasoned chicken breasts that cook up moist and tender. My daughter, who has two young sons to keep up with, shared this great recipe with me several years ago. I now rely on cooking chicken in a Crock Pot many days a week.—Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Slow-Cooker Pad Thai
I love pad thai, but I hate standing over a hot stir-fry—especially in the summer. This slow-cooker version lets me keep my cool and enjoy pad thai, too. —Shawn Barto, Winter Garden, Florida
Slow-Cooker Beef Tips
As a busy mom, I love my slow-cooker meals! Beef tips remind me of a childhood favorite. I cook this beef tips recipe with mushrooms and red wine, then serve over brown rice, noodles or mashed potatoes. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Slow-Cooked Chicken Caesar Wraps
I first made these slow-cooker chicken Caesar wraps for our daughter who loves Caesar salads, then later for our extended family while on vacation. It's such an easy meal—perfect for times when you'd rather be outside than inside cooking all day. —Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts
Slow-Cooker German Potato Salad
Here's the dish everyone looks for at our parties, so we always double the recipe. It was handed down from my mother-in-law and has been a family favorite for years. —Stacy Novak, Stafford, Virginia
Slow-Cooker Frittata Provencal
This recipe means that a delectable dinner is ready when I walk in the door from work. The meatless slow-cooker meal also makes an elegant brunch for lazy weekend mornings. —Connie Eaton, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Slow-Cooker Pot Roast
I work full time, so this slow-cooker roast beef is my go-to when I want a hearty, home cooked meal. It’s a comfort to walk in and smell this simmering slow-cooker pot roast that I know will be fall-apart tender and delicious. —Gina Jackson, Ogdensburg, New York
Slow-Cooked Vegetable Curry
I love the fuss-free nature of the slow cooker, but I don't want to sacrifice flavor for convenience. This cozy, spiced-up dish has both. —Susan Smith, Mead, Washington
Slow-Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
This recipe is creamy, warm, satisfying and fairly inexpensive—and it needs just a few ingredients! Who could ask for more on a cold winter evening? I will admit, though, that I have been known to make it during summer, too. —Jason Kretzer, Grants Pass, Oregon
Slow-Cooker Lamb Chops
These slow-cooker lamb chops are, without a doubt, the lamb dish we like best. I usually simmer them on low for hours. The aroma is irresistible, and they come out so tender, they practically melt in your mouth! —Sandy McKenzie, Braham, Minnesota
Slow-Cooker Cordon Bleu Soup
I've taken this creamy slow-cooker soup to parties and teacher luncheons, and I bring home an empty crock every time. When my son's school recently created a cookbook, this was the first recipe he asked me to submit, and his teachers were glad he did. —Erica Winkel, Ada, Michigan
Slow-Cooker Breakfast Casserole
Here's a breakfast casserole that is very easy on the cook. I can make it the night before and it's ready in the morning. It's the perfect recipe when I have weekend guests. —Ella Stutheit, Las Vegas, Nevada
Slow-Simmered Burgundy Beef Stew
My mother-in-law shared this recipe with me about 25 years ago. Ever since then, it's been a go-to whenever I need good food without a lot of fussing. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Slow-Cooked Lemon Chicken
Garlic, oregano and lemon juice give spark to this memorable main dish. It's easy to fix—just brown the chicken in a skillet, then let the slow cooker do the work. I like to serve this dish to company. —Walter Powell, Wilmington, Delaware
Slow-Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake
Everyone who tries this dessert falls in love with it. Using a slow cooker liner makes cleanup a breeze. —Latona Dwyer, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Slow-Cooked Sirloin
My family of five likes to eat beef, so this recipe is a favorite. I usually serve it with homemade bread or rolls to soak up the tasty gravy. —Vicki Tormaschy, Dickinson, North Dakota
Hungarian Goulash
Talk about your heirloom recipes! My grandmother made this Hungarian goulash recipe for my mother when she was a child, and then Mom made it for us to enjoy. Paprika and caraway add wonderful flavor, and sour cream gives it a creamy richness. It’s simply scrumptious! —Marcia Doyle, Pompano, Florida
Slow-Cooker Cider
There's no last-minute rush before the party when you slowly simmer this punch. It has all the tantalizing flavors of fall. —Alpha Wilson, Roswell, New Mexico
Slow-Cooked Southwest Chicken
This dish needs just 15 minutes of prep, so you'll be out of the kitchen in no time. The delicious low-fat chicken gets even better with a garnish of reduced-fat sour cream and fresh cilantro. —Brandi Castillo, Santa Maria, California
Cowboy Calico Beans
This is a tradition at the table when my girlfriends and I go up north for a girls' weekend. The husbands and kids are left at home, but the slow cooker comes with us! —Julie Butsch, Hartland, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooked Chili
This hearty slow cooker chili can cook for up to 10 hours on low in the slow cooker. It's so good to come home to its wonderful aroma after a long day away. —Sue Call, Beech Grove, Indiana
All-in-One Slow-Cooker Breakfast
Let your slow cooker do the work and don't worry about adding sides because this dish already has everything—hash browns, sausage, cheese and eggs. Just sip your coffee, cut up some fresh fruit, and breakfast (or brunch) is served. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Slow-Cooker Barbacoa
My husband adores this barbacoa, which is beef roast simmered in lime juice, chipotle and cumin. He would eat it one a week if I would make it that often! We have it over rice with cilantro and a spritz of lime. —Aundrea McCormick, Denver, Colorado
Cheesy Slow-Cooked Corn
My family really likes this creamy, cheesy side dish—and it's so easy to make. Even those who usually don't eat much corn often ask for a second helping. —Mary Ann Truitt, Wichita, Kansas
Slow-Cooked Barbecued Beef Sandwiches
Chuck roast makes delicious shredded beef sandwiches after simmering in a rich, homemade sauce all day. The meat is tender and juicy and takes minutes to prepare for a weeknight dinner or party. —Tatina Smith, San Angelo, Texas
Slow-Cooked Sauerkraut Soup
We live in Lancaster County, which has a rich heritage of German culture. Our dishes often include sauerkraut, potatoes and sausage. We enjoy this recipe on cold winter evenings, along with muffins and fruit. —Linda Lohr, Lititz, Pennsylvania
Slow-Roasted Chicken with Vegetables
Even a beginner cook could make this slow-cooked chicken and have it turn out perfectly. This recipe could not be easier. A few minutes of prep and you'll come home to a delicious dinner. —Anita Bell, Hermitage, Tennessee
Red Clam Sauce
This recipe tastes like an Italian restaurant specialty and cooks while you take care of other things. What a marvelous way to jazz up pasta sauce! —JoAnn Brown, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Festive Slow-Cooked Beef Tips
We once owned an organic greenhouse and produce business. Weekends were hectic, so I made no-fuss meals like yummy beef tips to fortify us at day’s end. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooked Chicken Enchilada Soup
This soup delivers a big bowl of fresh comfort—just ask my husband. Toppings like avocado, sour cream and tortilla strips are a must. —Heather Sewell, Harrisonville, Missouri
Slow-Cooker Candied Nuts
I like giving spiced nuts as holiday gifts. This slow-cooker recipe with ginger and cinnamon is so good, you just might use it all year long. —Yvonne Starlin, Westmoreland, Tennessee
Easy Slow-Cooked Pork Tenderloin
I find that simple dinners are the best comfort foods that my family of seven really desires. Simple, good ingredients are the key to my success in the kitchen. Three ingredients poured over the pork and—voila!—the most mouthwatering pork you have ever tasted! —Grace Neltner, Lakeside Park, Kentucky
Slow-Cooker Spaghetti & Meatballs
I’ve been cooking for 50 years, and this dish is still one that guests request frequently. It is my No. 1 standby recipe and also makes amazing meatball sandwiches. The sauce works for any type of pasta. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, FloridaNote: Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Originally Published: January 03, 2019
