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Our family has been using one of these for a number of years now and in fact we are on our second one. We generally use it the most during the cooler seasons.
I bought a fairly basic model but it can still do enough to be versatile for our needs. It’s a 6 quart size and has 2 temperature controls - low and high and a ‘keep warm’ function which is great if the cooking process is over but you won’t be eating the meal for a couple of hours.
Here are some of the benefits you will enjoy with your new slow cooker!
Convenience:
- can easily create a one pot meal
- simple to use and can cook almost anything
- almost impossible to overcook or ruin the food
- easy to clean due to the removable ceramic or porcelain cooking pot
- set and forget cooking process
- cheaper cuts of meat will come out tender due to longer cooking times and steady heat
- a great way to use up any left over vegetables or meat
- lots of recipes online and dozens of recipe books available
- come in lots of different sizes so can be used by all households regardless of size
- some high end models have separate time and temperature displays
- some models allow you to steam, sauté and brown foods
- able to create soups and even roast chickens and joints of meat
If you’re in the market for a slow cooker you will find there is a huge range to choose from. Some models come with just the basics or you can purchase a multi featured model. Others are portable so you can take them with you camping or to the holiday house.
The busy cook of today can benefit from the simplicity, ease of use and versatility of a good slow cooker. They started out as a simple one pot system for low temperature cooking, but have evolved into a must-have item in your kitchen.
The following products are in different price ranges and with different feature sets. You should be able to a least get a feel for what’s available and find the perfect cooker for your needs.
Cook and Carry Oval Programable Crock Pot
With it's 6 quart size it will prepare meals for up to seven people with ease.
Some of the other features include:
- A built in timer to set the length of cooking time. You cannot, however set it to start at a later time. This is not a deal breaker in my opinion.
- A keep warm setting. This will kick in once the meal has finished cooking. This is a upgrade on my current cooker as I have to set the keep warm feature manually.
- It has a digital countdown time, meaning you can set the cooking time for as little as 30 minutes right up to 20 hours.
- Has a locking lid with better seal which is where the 'Cook and Carry' part comes into it's own
- An attractive stainless steel exterior and a stoneware pot
This is a good entry level item with enough features to get started with slow cooking and see if it's for you.
Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Six Quart Slow Cooker With FlexCook
This model had 3 cooking options: manual, program or FlexCook.
FlexCook mode allows you to program 2 different heat settings as well as time durations. This means you can cook foods on high for a couple of hours then it will turn down to low for an additional amount of time. Eg cook a large roast on high for 2 hours then down to low for an additional 3 hours. Once your selected times have completed the cooker reverts to the keep warm setting. You don't even need to be home, once set, the cooker will cook the food how you want automatically.
Program mode is the standard function you will find on most slow cookers. You choose one heat seating and the required cooking time. Again, once the food is done it will revert to keep warm mode.
Manual mode is the only functionality my slow cooker has. Yes, mine's basic! Simply choose high, low or warm settings. I normally choose the setting depending on how long I will be out of the house for. High setting if I am home and need the food to be ready in 4 or 5 hours or I forgot to put it on! I use the low setting if I know I have the whole day for the food to cook or I will out and about.
Other features include clips to secure the lid safely if you need to transport the cooker. Which explains the name 'Stay or Go'. The 6 quart removable crock also has full grip handles so removing the food is easy and safe.
Cleaning up is easy and quick as the inner and lid is dishwasher safe.
All in all this is great slow cooker with enough bells and whistles to keep any cook happy.
Cuisinart Three In One Cook Central Multi-Cooker
It has an attractive oblong shape rather than the more common oval shape. Comes with a removable steaming rack which has different leg heights. Simply turn over the rack inside the cooking pot.
The tempered glass lid with a higher handle is much more comfortable on the hand. The outside is stainless steel which is easy to keep clean and looks good on your counter top. Looks matter!
This cooker has 3 different cooking functions.
Slowcook has 4 additional functions within. The slow cook, fast cook, simmer, keep warm settings. It is programable up to 24 hours.
Steam. Works well with vegetables, fish or any food you would usually steam. This function works for up to 90 minutes.
Brown and Saute. This is the function I will be looking for when I upgrade my current cooker. A lot of slow cooking recipes calls for the meat to be browned in a separate pan before adding it to the cooker. I hate having to do that! It feels like it defeats the whole purpose of using a slow cooker. While not browning the food still gives a great result, the food looks better if it's has been browned. You can also choose the temperature you require up to 400F with this option. This feature will please a lot of cooks like me I am sure as it makes its a true one pot slow cooker!
This feature rich slow cooker is an extremely attractive option if you have a slightly larger budget or you have used a lower end model and are ready for the big time!
Round 4.5 Quart Black & White CrockPot
Not everyone has a big family to feed and this is the perfect size for a single person living alone or for a couple with limited space.
This size will still make enough food for more than one meal or provide lunch for the working household.
It is a basic model with basic functionality but also has a very low price. There is off, low, high and warm options operated with a manual knob. That’s it! Simple but so easy to use.
It has the usual removable dishwasher safe insert and the glass lid can also go into the dishwasher.
A great entry level appliance to see if you enjoy this way of cooking.
Seven Quart Polished Platinum CrockPot Slow Cooker
It has a digital countdown timer which sounds fancy that allows you to program cook times from 30 minutes right up to 20 hours.
Once your chosen cooking time has ended it will switch to the warm function, keeping your food at the right temperature until you are ready to eat it. This feature is also great if you are having a dinner party. No more worrying about the food going cold!
The soft grip chrome handles allow you to move the unit safely if you want to serve your guests or family straight from the cooker itself.
As with all models the stoneware pot and lid are removable and can be put into the dishwasher. This model also has an integrated cord storage on the back of the outer casing making storage easy and your counter top clutter free.
While it doesn’t have the extra functions of some other models, the price is very friendly. This is a great starter unit if you need extra capacity.