Is 3.5 quarts too small, or by converse, too big for just 1 person + leftovers, or 2-3 people?
1480359
I am by myself, and it is perfect. You do have some leftovers....but that is a good thing.Randy
1480360
it works ok for me for a meal for 2 + 2 leftovers....but sometimes I wish it's a bit bigger....but then I don't like bigger pot as I find it harder to wash bigger pot in regular sink.
1480361
I use it for 2 people and there are leftovers for another meal for both of us but that's my intent. Cooking smaller portions is certainly an option.
1480362
Good for anywhere from 1 to 4 serving size meals. I usually do recipes for 4 servings for my spouse and me, then have a good leftover amount.
1480363
I thought it would be too small, going from a 5 or 6 quart, but it's been pretty easy to make most of what I like. I cook for one person, but always keep leftovers. Still, I would have preferred 4 quarts instead. But it doesn't take up much counter space-looks cute, and it works for most recipes. I had to modify one Chili recipe, due to it being too small. So, not at all too big for one person. I had something smaller when I started, but I couldn't imagine going smaller than this now. I've had this one for a year and half. Had to get it replaced just recently. The electronics went out and cracks formed around the readout. 3yr warranty, replaced the old one no problem.
1480364
I thought it would be too small, going from a 5 or 6 quart, but it's been pretty easy to make most of what I like. I cook for one person, but always keep leftovers. Still, I would have preferred 4 quarts instead. But it doesn't take up much counter space-looks cute, and it works for most recipes. I had to modify one Chili recipe, due to it being too small. So, not at all too big for one person. I had something smaller when I started, but I couldn't imagine going smaller than this now.I've had this one for a year and half. Had to get it replaced just recently. The electronics went out and cracks formed around the readout. 3yr warranty, replaced the old one no problem. I thought it would be too small, going from a 5 or 6 quart, but it's been pretty easy to make most of what I like. I cook for one person, but always keep leftovers. Still, I would have preferred 4 quarts instead. But it doesn't take up much counter space-looks cute, and it works for most recipes. I had to modify one Chili recipe, due to it being too small. So, not at all too big for one person. I had something smaller when I started, but I couldn't imagine going smaller than this now.I've had this one for a year and half. Had to get it replaced just recently. The electronics... » Read More I thought it would be too small, going from a 5 or 6 quart, but it's been pretty easy to make most of what I like. I cook for one person, but always keep leftovers. Still, I would have preferred 4 quarts instead. But it doesn't take up much counter space-looks cute, and it works for most recipes. I had to modify one Chili recipe, due to it being too small. So, not at all too big for one person. I had something smaller when I started, but I couldn't imagine going smaller than this now.I've had this one for a year and half. Had to get it replaced just recently. The electronics went out and cracks formed around the readout. 3yr warranty, replaced the old one no problem. « Show Less
1480365
3.5 quarts is fine for one or two people. Filling it all the way with whatever leaves leftovers, but even if you put only a few cups of something in it still cooks evenly. Most of the larger sizes are absolutely vast compared to what we needed, but this is still a bit larger than my old Crockpot, which could be frustratingly small at times.
1480366
It is a little too large for one person, but one does not have to fill it to capacity - it works finedoing just one chicken breast, for instance. Kittywake.
1480367
I am able to cook meals for 2 mostly. I follow recipes and cut the serving sizes in half and I still end up with leftovers. I'd say you can cook meals for up to 4-5 people but its not too big for cooking for one person with leftovers.
1480368
It's a wonderful size for one person + leftovers, ideal for two people. It has worked okay for us three, but we are big eaters and these days use a bigger one that features a clamp for the lid. This still makes for a great backup for side dishes. We use it for parties with our other one.
897183
It is recommended, not to fill the skillet more than 2/3 of its capacity. Which is about 2 quarts of water.
1817721
I have one that I just put in storage and have the box, I can check later if you could wait. It looks like about 3 quarts or so, seems roomy enough. I bought it and never thought I needed the all in one cooker to go with it so waiting to order that. I can check soon for you!
1817681
Also remember that you don't fill it more than half full with your food and you need a minimum of 1 cup of water. We have the 6 qt and it is hit of miss if I have leftovers for my family of 4 depending on what I have made.
432424
This pot is great for one person. Its not quite big enough for a 2 person meal though..Hope this helps....
1817682
Cooking for 4 people, the 6 quart is adequate. I cook for two and it gives me leftovers. But if you plan to cook for 6 or 8 people, I'd get the 8 quart. Or buy the 6 quart and when you have more $$ get the larger size. I wrote an extensive review at ChezBettaydotCom.
735334
It's the perfect size for 6 people. A little big for just four people, and huge for only 2. At least for cheese fondue. Obviously for oil fondue, the size is less of an issue if you don't mind using more oil than strictly necessary.
1911767
I have been able to cook enough for 2 people in the 9 quart. It actually holds quite a bit in the 2 slots. Only draw back is tub depth which limits cooking like a whole chicken or such. If you are planning to cook large items then go with 11 qt. If you don't mind cutting things up then the 9 is OK.
2046340
The one I own is larger but I have purchased three for my children. I would guess at three quarts but it may be a bit larger. A small roast or hen would fit easily. My daughter bakes in hers
827996
You can use whatever size you want! Smaller bags smaller batches all cooks the same! I use the all the time at our school...love! Love! Love!
228569
The bottom pan is 3 quarts. For your purposes, you might want to select something closer to 5 quarts.
442089
Maximum 3 quarts, but I wouldn't put any more than 2.5 quarts. it would boil over.
2168869
I love the 8quart feeds 8 people no problem or 4 people if big eaters! Or if you have cooked other items to go with the dutch oven food. Like people have said bigger dutch oven longer to cook the food in it
2170216
It holds exactly three quarts, with about 1/8th inch to spare to the rim. If you want to stir something, it's too small, IMHO.
440790
I measured mine, too. Four quarts is clear to the top, almost spilling over. Three is about an inch from the top - too full to stir. So for cooking purposes, I would use no more than two & a half quarts. This is my favorite pan!!
378791
Would be large enough for a side dish - like potatoes or broccoli - but not big enough for two people for a main dish.
2181918
This will, in part, depend upon whether the people you are serving are hearty eaters. My husband does physical labor, so in my household, what I make in this three-quart crockpot would never serve more than two or three, at the most. Also, there are cookbooks which have recipes designed specifically to serve two people and they often suggest a three or three and a half quart crockpot. Looking back on it, I wish I had bought the four quart size. I hope this helps you to make a good decision.