How to Select a Slow Cooker

At some point in building your cookware collection, you will consider a slow cooker (if you don’t already have one!). Often referred to as a “crock pot,” the slow cooker is a staple in most kitchens because they are unbelievable time savers for producing delicious meals. All you have to do is is add ingredients, select the desired heat level, and leave the cooker to do the rest. What’s not to like?

Slow cookers are ideal for preparing an entire meal – soups, stews, casseroles – and new oval-shaped units can accommodate whole chickens, oversized roasts, and racks of ribs. Basically, if it fits, you can cook it! They are generally designed to cook up to 12 hours unattended and range in price from $30 for a basic unit to about $150 for a top-of-the-line with specialty features.

Slow cookers consist of an insulated shell with a built-in heating element, an inner cooking chamber, and a glass lid. The cooking chamber is usually made from stoneware and operates from heat transfer. Heating occurs at a slow, steady rate and can literally cook all day. The basic slow cooker has a simple high-low-off control. More sophisticated units allow pre-programming and keep-warm settings.

When shopping for a slow cooker, look first for a removable stoneware liner. Besides their easy cleaning, removable liners allow night-before preparation, refrigerating, returning liner to cooker, setting controls, and you’re done. The removable liner can also be used at the table for serving. Look for heat-resistant handles for easy transporting.

Consider size which can range from 1-pint mini cookers to large 7-quart cookers. The basic 4-quart pots are large enough to prepare a batch of chili or family-sized beef stew. For larger groups or entertaining, the 6- or 7-quart models are ideal. Choose the size that fits your intended use.

Opt for controls that will serve your needs best. Simple high-low-off work well for most users, while others want to pre-program temperature changes or have digital temperature displays for more precise monitoring. Added functionality costs more so, again, use your cooking needs as a guide.