FAQ About Slow Cookers
Imagine concocting exquisite, mouth-watering meals without having to slave away in the kitchen. Sound too good to be true? Well, it's not with a slow cooker. A slow cooker offers a wealth of benefits and is great to have if you live a busy lifestyle. Not sure what to look for in a slow cooker? Here are the answers to some of the most common questions you may have.
What are the benefits of a slow cooker?
Designed for individuals and families constantly on the go, crock pots are time-saving appliances that heavily reduce your efforts in the kitchen. Simply prep your meats and vegetables, toss them in the pot, set the cooking time, and the slow cooker will do the rest. Slow cookers also make it easy to create healthy, nutritious meals. By cooking foods at low temperatures, slow cookers help retain the nutrients and natural juices found in your ingredients.
Is a slow cooker the same as a Crockpot?
You might have heard the term Crockpot used to refer to a slow cooker and wondered if they were the same thing. There are a few differences between a slow cooker and a Crockpot. Crockpot is the brand name for a type of slow cooker that’s been on the market for several decades, while slow cookers are designed by various appliance brands.
A Crockpot will cook your food via a stoneware pot surrounded by a heating element. Slow cookers are designed to be slightly different, and most models have metal pots that sit on top of a heating element.
What types of dishes can I make with a slow cooker?
Versatility is the slow cooker's middle name. Perfect for chili, soups, chicken, stews, pulled pork, lasagna, dips, yogurt, and much more, this handy appliance can easily whip up a wide range of tasty recipes.
What features should I consider when buying a slow cooker?
Programmable
Programmable slow cookers come equipped with a digital timer and electronic controls. These features allow you to set a specific cooking time, or program the appliance to start at a certain time. Some models even have an automatic keep warm setting to ensure your food stays at the perfect temperature once cooking is complete. This means you can set a slow cooker to begin when you're at work so you can come home to a hot, freshly prepared meal.
Capacity
Slow cooker capacities generally range from 2 to 8 litres. A 3-litre slow cooker should suffice if you have a 2 person household, while a family of 4 may require a 4- to 5-litre model. If you entertain often, consider a slow cooker that can hold at least 6 litres. Remember to fill your slow cooker 1/2 to 3/4 full to avoid overcooking or spillover.
Dishwasher safe
Minimize your cleanup time with a dishwasher safe insert.
Clear lid
A clear lid lets you monitor cooking progress without having to remove it. This retains heat so your food can reach the right temperature.
Triple slow cooker
If you attend many potlucks or tailgate parties, you may want to invest in a triple slow cooker. These models feature 3 pots with independent temperature controls so you can cook, warm, and serve 3 different sauces, dips, or appetizers.