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If you love to cook and try new recipes but don’t like having to monitor the food while it cooks, a slow cooker is the perfect kitchen appliance for you! As the name suggests, the main purpose of slow cookers is to simmer foods at low temperatures for long periods of time in order to enhance their flavor. Even in this fast-paced world where everything is done quickly, a lot of people are switching to slow cookers since they’re useful for efficiently cooking large one-pot meals with minimal effort. Since they can be left unattended for long periods of time, they are pretty convenient even for busy people.
Since these handy devices are so useful, there are many models with a range of features to choose from. To make your life even easier, this guide reviews the premium slow cookers for 2022 and shares the must-have information for a successful purchase.
What makes this slow cooker best overall is its ease of use and the number of features that it provides. With a single touch, you can cook different kinds of foods in both slow and fast settings. Other than slow cooking, you can use this device as a pressure cooker, steamer, food warmer, saute pan, rice cooker, and yogurt maker. The outer portion of the cooker is fingerprint resistant and you can easily clean it in the dishwasher. Not only will it cook your food evenly, but it’s also safe to use due to the overheat protection feature. The lid locks perfectly which reduces the chances of accidents to a large extent.
Made of food-grade stainless steel
Comes with a tri-ply bottom
Available in 3, 6 and 8-quart sizes
This is another slow cooker that can be used for both slow and fast cooking. It comes in several sizes for cooking a range of meals. The warm setting allows you to keep the food warm until it’s time to eat, which prevents the need to reheat food after it has finished cooking. The lid as well as the removable parts are safe to put in the dishwasher; plus, the convenience of cooking one-pot meals reduces the number of dishes used. You can safely put the stone inserts in the microwave and oven, too. This manufacturer recommends avoiding harsh cleaning compounds and scouring pads as they can damage the surface.
Available in 3, 7 and 8-quart sizes
Consumes less energy than conventional ovens
Made of stainless steel with removable stoneware
Low, high and warm settings
This slow cooker from Hamilton Beach is equipped with the latest smart features which make it easy to use according to your specific needs. It comes with a special device that allows you to monitor the specific temperature at all times. This means that you can cook different foods like large cuts of meat at precise temperatures. The lid comes with special clips which ensure that it sits tightly, preventing accidental spills when you carry it somewhere. This cooker automatically keeps your food warm once you are done cooking it. All the parts are dishwasher safe so cleaning this cooker will not be a hassle. Also, it comes with a special protection feature that keeps the slow cooker on if there is a brief power outage.
Made with stainless steel and glass
Comes with a patented temperature probe
What makes the West Bend Slow Cooker so special is that it can be conveniently transported from one place to another in its travel tote bag, making it perfect for events, potlucks, and more. It boasts a large capacity vessel, which can be used separately, and a griddle base, which can be used for grilling purposes. The cooking vessel can be placed inside ovens, freezers, and refrigerators as well as on stovetops. The glass lid is resistant to heat which reduces the chances of burning accidents. The warm setting allows you to keep your food until it needs to be served. It’s ideal for cooking different kinds of foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as you can use it to brown, braise, and saute as well as cook.
Made of glass with metal non-stick interior
Available in three different colors
Safe to use up to 350°F
This slow cooker is another one of our favorites due to its ease of use and advanced features, allowing you to cook a range of meals in various settings. A single touch allows you to switch between different modes even while cooking. You can use it as a fast and slow cooker both as it allows you to choose between the high, low, warm, and simmer settings. The large capacity is ideal for cooking for friends or family get-togethers. Also, the rack can be used for steaming and roasting both, and you can easily switch between the two. The cooking pot is removable and durable enough to last you a long time. All parts of the cooker are safe to put in the dishwasher, so cleaning them is convenient.
Made of non-stick cast aluminum with Teflon coating
Choosing the optimal slow cooker can be tough. This detailed guide covers some of the most important features to look out for and tips for using a slow cooker to help ensure you purchase one that best suits your needs.
Today, slow cookers come with specialized features which are not present in older models. Make sure the model you buy has most of the accessories listed below so that it is convenient to use.
The timer is probably the most important feature as it can define the way your food cooks and tastes. Since slow cooking usually requires several hours, it is easy to forget to turn it off after a specific time. Also, some people tend to turn the slow cooker on and leave for work so that the food is done when they come back. For these reasons, it is essential that your cooker has an automatic timer so that your food does not burn even if you forget to turn it off.
Temperature control is another important feature because a lot of people prefer monitoring and controlling the temperature of cooking food. Some of the latest models come with a temperature probe which is inserted directly into foods like meat. These allow you to monitor the precise temperature at all times. Others allow you to set the temperature and time at which you want to cook. Without a temperature control feature, the chances of burning your food are heightened.
Slow cookers along with all their parts that are dishwasher safe are a huge convenience. They allow you to simply put the pots as well as the lid inside the dishwasher without having to scrub stubborn food remnants away. Since most slow cookers are made from stainless steel, they do not rust or corrode and are dishwasher safe. So, always make sure that your cooker is 100% stainless steel. Otherwise, it may end up corroding after a short period of time.
If you are new to slow cookers, you will need to be mindful of a few things in order to avoid unsatisfactory results. First, slow cookers do not allow any liquids to escape. It’s important that you drain any excess water if you are following a recipe that is not specifically designed for a slow cooker. Second, avoid removing the lid too often as it can disturb the temperature and lead to unnecessary heat loss.
It’s recommended that the inner pot is at room temperature when you place it inside the cooker, so do not insert a pot that has been in the refrigerator for a while. It’s also important to remember that not all dishes are ideal for making in a slow cooker. For example, pasta and rice are recommended to cook on high heat for short periods of time. Since slow cookers come in several variations, it is important to follow the instructions provided in the user manual in order to achieve the best results.
Q: How long can I keep food inside a slow cooker on the warm setting?
A: It is generally recommended that you should not keep your food in the cooker for more than four hours. Once you are done, do not forget to keep the leftovers in the refrigerator as they can quickly go bad if they sit at room temperature for too long.
Q: Do slow cookers consume a lot of electricity?
A: No, slow cookers do not use a lot of electricity. In fact, their energy consumption is less than an electric oven, which makes them ideal for use for long periods of time.
Q: Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on overnight?
A: Generally, it is completely safe to leave your slow cooker on for stretched periods of time. As long as you are following the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer, you can leave the cooker unattended even overnight.
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