Knowing These 6 Secrets Will Make Your Slow Cooker Look Amazing

Slow Cooker Buying Guide


Home-cooked foods are often the first casualty of a hectic schedule. But if
You're not willing to sacrifice everyday gourmet, a slow cooker can take the
Frenzy from preparing a feast. Perfect for soups, stews, and tough cuts of
Meat, slow cookers are designed to simmer food at a low temperature for an
Extended time period.
1
Keeping Meals Simple
Costs for the slow cookers we bought in past tests ranged from $40 to $250,
But the cost of the cooker did not predict performance. Specific features
Assisted create one slow cooker better, or more suitable, than another. The
Newer models feature electronic controls that let you pre-program cooking
Time, usually in 30-minute intervals, and that automatically switch to warm
When cooking is complete.
Because there is so little difference in overall cooking performance we no
Longer test slow cookers or provide slow cooker Ratings. But if you're looking
For purchasing tips, check out this guide.
Slow Cooker Types
Basic slow cookers have an on/off button and not much more. If you spend
More, you can find a programmable slow cooker that lets you opt for the
cooking time. In our past tests there was not much difference in performance
Between types, but the added features provided added convenience.
Programmable Slow Cooker
Electronic controls and a digital timer let you choose cooking time. Some let
You program the slow cooker for up to 24 hours in 30-minute increments and

Automatically change to a keep-warm setting when set time is up and can keep
food warm for hours.

Mechanical Slow Cooker
All you have to do is just turn the control to the desired setting--low,
Mechanical models do not have a timer so you'll have to
Monitor the cooking, especially for smaller quantities of more delicate foods,
And you're going to have to turn off the slow cooker. Some have a keep-warm setting
But you will have to switch to this mode.
3
Features to Consider
Sturdy handles are a must, but slow cookers also offer features you might
Find helpful, such as roasting racks to let you roast poultry and meat or steam
Vegetables, wrap-around cable storage, and insulated carrying bags.
Inserts
Most slow cookers we have seen have a removable ceramic pot. Some are metal.
Some West Bend models have a metal cooking pot that rests on a heating
Base that looks similar to a hot plate. You'll see models with nonstick
Coatings and some that may safely be used in the oven, microwave, or on the
stovetop.
Ease of Cleaning
An easy-to-clean lid and insert which can go into the dishwasher is handy.
Touchpad controls are easier to wash than knobs and buttons.
Lids
A glass or clear plastic lid lets you watch your progress without eliminating the
Lid and releasing heat. Some slow cookers have a split lid that is hinged--this
Lets you check on your food by lifting one side while the other remains shut
This is handy when serving also. Some slow cookers have a
A locking lid helps to keep

Capacity
Capacities can vary from 1.5 to 8.5 quarts. But some owner's manuals say to
Fill the pot 1/2 into 3/4 full to avoid under- and - over-cooking and to prevent
spillovers. Several manufacturers recommend a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker for
A family of four which uses the toaster for whole chickens and roasts.
Shape

you plan on cooking roasts and other large cuts of meat. Even slow cookers
With similar capacities may vary in size.
Shop and transport, and of course they eat up more counter space.
Temperature Probes
Insert the probe to a large cut of meat, Pick the temperature you want
The meat to reach, and when the temperature is attained the slow cooker will
Switch into the keep-warm setting.

As easy as they are to use, slow cookers can pose a health hazard if the food is
The federal Food Safety and Inspection Service

• Keep perishable foods refrigerated until prep time. If you cut meat and
Vegetables ahead of time, store them separately in the refrigerator.

• Match the amount of food to the capacity of the slow cooker; assess the
Owner's manual for suggested amounts. Make sure you add the right amount
of liquid.
• Never place a cold stoneware insert into a preheated slow cooker. Let them

• If the power goes out during the cooking process and you are not at home,
Discard the food even if it looks done.
Some other means such as on a gas grill or at a neighbor's.
• Do not put a hot stoneware pot into the refrigerator, a sudden change in
Temperature may result in cracks. It's better to transfer any leftovers into a
Shallow container and store that in the fridge.
• Do not reheat leftovers in a slow cooker. Instead use a conventional cooker or
Microwave and heat to an internal temperature of 165° F. After that, you can
Return the food to the slow cooker for transport or serving.