Slow cookers are measured in quarts, which makes about as much sense as measuring your enthusiasm in “yee-haws.” A quart is roughly four cups, so a one-quart cooker is basically a fancy teacup for stew. Think of it as the apartment for one—perfect for a single vampire who wants to keep his blood warm.
Most home cooks buy a 6-quart model, which is the Goldilocks zone of slow cooking. That size holds about 24 cups—enough chili to feed a small army of hungry accountants. Pro tip: If you’re cooking for a dinner party of six, a 6-quart is your best friend. But if you’re cooking for a dinner party of one and your cat, you might weep into a 2.5-quart.
