While the average family slow cooker is usually a 5 or 6 quart model, which is very handy for large meals, there are several reasons to add a compact 1.5 to 3 quart model to your collection of cooking appliances.

In fact, many kitchens including my own, have three sizes (or more) of slow cookers or a combination of slow-and-multi cooking appliances, so it's easy to chose the appropriate model for the meal task at hand.

Why handle or cook with an oversized appliance, when you don't really need to.

In fact, for a young family, singles or couples, the 1.5 or 2 quart model will more likely be used more often that a larger cooker. Not everyone likes left-overs and not all foods are great frozen and reheated later. So a small batch meal is often the answer to tonight's dinner and possibly a little left over for tomorrow's work lunch - keeping the menu fresh and tasty.

Most often small is more appropriate for serving 1 to 4 persons, lightweight to handle or wash and easy to store. It can also help to reduce counter (appliance) clutter. And these small cookers are extremely cheap to buy. Here are some of the ways I've used a compact slow cooker and why, but I'm sure you'll come up with many more:

1. For a two or three pork chops and creamy soup casserole
2. Homemade soup for two to three persons
3. Ideal size for prepackaged soup mixes, for a soup and sandwich lunch
4. To save energy; why heat a large cooker when it's not necessary

1. Keeping gravy hot or sauces and dips warm on a buffet table
2. Make a stew for two with one pound of stew meat and a handful of veggies
3. A small batch of chili for lunch
4. Keep a side of vegetables or buttered noodles warm on the table (grease the inside for easy cleaning after)
5. Compact for the dorm room, senior's residence or tiny flat
6. Ideal for the RV or camper
7. As a scent generator: Orange slices, cinnamon, cranberries in water on warm for a few hours, leaves your home smelling wonderful.

When buying a small slow cooker, look for one that has Warm as well as Low and High or at best, three heat settings. Most small models are manual operation and generally have less frills, but they generally cook as well as their larger counterparts.

Brand and model variety is more limited than with full-size cookers, but there's still a reasonable choice in the market. I also see a lot of lesser brands, like the one featured, which I paid $7 for. It has been cooking well for several years, so has definitely paid its way.

Find one that meets your needs and equip your kitchen with convenient appliances that help you to get a tender, tasty dinner to the table.

Learn more about slowcookers:

• How to Buy a Slow Cooker or Crock-Pot
• Make Your Favorite Rectangular Dish in Crock-Pot's Casserole Slow Cooker
• Slow Cooker 101 - From buying tips to care, use
• How to Avoid Foods Sticking in Your Slow Cooker
• Fill a Slow Cooker to the Top? Yes/No?
• Go to Main Slow Cooker, Crock-Pot Page