Cooking pulled pork in a slow cooker or crock pot is one of the easiest and most flavorful ways to make this classic barbecue dish. With just a few simple ingredients like pork shoulder, spices, and liquid, the slow cooker does all the work for you while you’re at work or running errands. But what size crock pot do you need to cook a 6 pound pork shoulder and end up with tender, juicy pulled pork? Let’s break it down.
Choosing the Right Size Crock Pot
When choosing a size crock pot or slow cooker for cooking pulled pork, there are a few factors to consider
-
Total weight of the pork – Most pork shoulder or pork butt roasts range from 4-8 pounds, The total weight of the meat will impact what size crock pot you need,
-
Quantity you’re cooking – Are you cooking for 2 people or 10 people? The number of servings you need will help determine what size cooker to use.
-
Fit in the crock – You want to make sure the pork roast fits into the slow cooker, allowing you to put the lid on. Having a crock that’s too small can lead to uneven cooking.
As a general guideline, here are some crock pot size recommendations for a 6 pound pork shoulder:
-
3-4 quart – Best for a 2-3 pound roast. Too small for a 6 pound pork shoulder.
-
5-6 quart – The minimum size recommended for a 6 pound pork butt. Provides enough room for the meat to cook evenly.
-
7-8 quart – Allows extra room for larger/taller roasts or to cook additional sides like beans or potatoes. Also provides more leftovers.
I’d recommend a 6 quart or larger slow cooker for a 6 pound pork shoulder. While a 5 quart may “fit”, it doesn’t leave much room for the meat to spread out and cook evenly. Let’s look at why having enough space matters.
Why Size Matters for Pulled Pork
Cooking pulled pork properly requires long, slow cooking to fully break down the collagen in the pork shoulder. Having ample room for the steam and moisture to circulate is key.
If you try to cook a 6 pound pork roast in a 3-4 quart slow cooker, here are some potential issues you may run into:
Uneven cooking – The meat won’t have enough room to spread out in the crock, leading to uneven cooking between the top/sides and bottom.
Dryness – A tight fit can restrict moisture circulation, resulting in drier pork.
Longer cook times – Lack of steam flow requires a longer time to fully tenderize the meat.
Can’t fit vegetables – No room to add aromatics like onions or liquid.
Tough to shred – Restricted moisture leads to meat that doesn’t shred easily.
Smaller batches – You’ll only get about half the cooked meat compared to a larger crock.
To avoid these pitfalls and make sure your 6 pound pork shoulder cooks up tender and juicy, go with a 6 quart or larger size crock pot.
Tips for Cooking a 6 Pound Pork Butt
Here are some tips to ensure pulled pork success when cooking a 6 pound pork shoulder in a crock pot:
-
Trim off any large excess fat pockets to encourage even cooking. Leave about 1⁄4 inch of the fat cap intact.
-
Rub the pork all over with a spice rub or seasoning blend. Try barbecue style rubs or a simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
-
Pour 1⁄2 cup to 1 cup of liquid like chicken broth, apple cider, beer, or water into the slow cooker before adding the pork. This provides moisture.
-
Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours, until the pork shreds easily with a fork and reaches 200°F internally.
-
Remove the pork, let rest for 30 minutes, then shred with two forks pulling the meat apart.
-
Stir the shredded pork back into the crock pot juices to absorb that flavor.
-
Add your desired barbecue sauce and serve! Delicious on sandwiches or as an entree.
With the right size crock and a few simple tips, you’ll end up with the most flavorful, fall-apart tender pulled pork cooked low and slow. A 6-8 quart model gives a 6 pound pork roast enough room to cook properly. Then pile that succulent shredded barbecue pork onto buns for the ultimate sandwiches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the benefit of using a slow cooker for pulled pork?
The slow cooker allows you to cook the pork low and slow for hours until meltingly tender. This breaks down the collagen in pork shoulder for pulled pork that shreds easily. Slow cooking also keeps the meat incredibly moist.
Can you cook a pork shoulder from frozen?
It’s best not to cook frozen pork in a slow cooker. Always thaw it first by placing in the fridge for 24-48 hours. Starting with frozen meat can lead to food safety issues.
Should you sear the pork first?
Searing is optional. It adds a little caramelized flavor, but the difference is minimal on the shredded cooked meat. For easier slow cooker pulled pork, you can skip searing altogether.
What temperature should pulled pork reach before shredding?
Cook the pork until it hits an internal temperature of around 200-205°F. At this point it will shred very easily with forks.
Should you remove pork shoulder bone before cooking?
Bone-in or boneless pork shoulder/butt will both work great. The bone just adds a little extra flavor. Remove it after cooking if you don’t want to bite into it.
Can you use pork loin instead of shoulder?
Pork shoulder is the traditional cut for pulled pork due to its high collagen content. Leaner pork loin may end up drier after 8+ hours of cooking.
The Perfect Pulled Pork in Your Crock Pot
Cooking up pork shoulder for succulent pulled pork is one of the most gratifying dishes to make in the slow cooker. With the right size crock pot and a few simple tips, you’ll end up with mouthwatering shredded barbecue pork in under 10 hours, most of which is hands-off cooking time. A 6-8 quart slow cooker provides ample room for a 6 pound pork roast to cook up tender and full of flavor. Then pile that savory pulled pork onto buns and get ready for the best barbecue sandwiches ever thanks to your crock pot.