The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Slow Cooker for Your Kitchen Needs
Slow cookers are a great way to make delicious and healthy meals with minimal effort. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right slow cooker for your needs? In this guide, we'll explain the different types of slow cookers, their pros and cons, and what to look for when buying one.
Types of Slow Cookers
- Manual slow cookers: These slow cookers have a simple dial or knob that lets you choose between low, high, and warm settings. They are easy to use, affordable, and reliable, but they don't have any timers or sensors, so you have to monitor them yourself.
- Programmable slow cookers: These slow cookers have a digital control panel that lets you set the cooking time and temperature. They automatically switch to warm mode when the cooking is done, so you don't have to worry about overcooking or undercooking your food. They are more convenient, versatile, and precise than manual slow cookers, but they are also more expensive and prone to malfunction.
- Multi-cookers: These slow cookers can also perform other functions, such as pressure cooking, steaming, sautéing, baking, and more. They are ideal for people who want to save space and money by having one appliance that can do it all. They are very flexible, efficient, and smart, but they can also be complicated, bulky, and costly.
What to Look for When Buying a Slow Cooker
- Your budget: Slow cookers can range from $12 to $200 or more depending on their quality, features, and brand. Decide how much you are willing to spend and look for slow cookers that fit your budget.
- Your preferences: Think about what kind of food you want to cook and how often you want to use your slow cooker. Do you prefer manual or programmable settings? Do you want a slow cooker that can do other things besides slow cooking? Do you want a slow cooker that has a timer, a temperature probe, or a locking lid?
- Your space: Slow cookers can vary in size and shape, and some can take up a lot of counter or storage space. Measure your available space and look for slow cookers that can fit comfortably.
- Your capacity: Slow cookers can also vary in capacity, from 1.5 quarts to 8 quarts or more. Consider how many people you want to feed and how much food you want to make at once. Look for slow cookers that can accommodate your needs.
- Your warranty: Slow cookers are an investment, and you want to make sure they last. Look for slow cookers that come with a warranty that covers parts and labor for at least a year.
Best Slow Cookers of 2023
Crock-Pot 2-QT Round Manual Slow Cooker
The 2-QT Round Manual Slow Cooker is a compact slow cooker that can serve 3+ people. It has High/Low cook settings and a Warm setting for convenience. The Crock-Pot also features a removable, dishwasher-safe stoneware insert and a dishwasher-safe glass lid. The slow cooker has a purple polka-dot design and comes with recipes included.
Crockpot Portable 7 Quart Slow Cooker with Locking Lid
The MyTime slow cooker adjusts the cooking cycle to ensure perfectly cooked food. It has a locking lid to prevent leaks and spills, a 7-quart capacity, and an auto-adjust cooking cycle. It also has a manual cooking option and a sleek design with a digital countdown control screen. The cooker has easy carry handles for portability.
Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5 Quart Multi-Cooker
The PossibleCooker is a versatile appliance that replaces 14 cooking tools and appliances. It allows for searing and sautéing directly in the pot and is oven safe up to 500°F. With an 8.5-quart cooking capacity, it's perfect for entertaining and features triple fusion heat technology for faster cooking. It also has 8 cooking functions, including Slow Cook, Sear/Sauté, Steam, Keep Warm, Sous Vide, Braise, Bake, and Proof. The nonstick pot and included utensil make for easy cleanup, and the appliance is free of PFOA, cadmium, and lead. The package includes an 8.5-Quart Cooking Pot, PossibleCooker Base Unit, Integrated Detachable Spoon-Ladle, Glass Cooking Lid, and Chef Curated Recipe Guide.
Slow Cooker Recipes
Check out these delicious slow cooker recipes!
Slow Cooker Chili
This delicious and hearty chili recipe is perfect for a cozy night in. Just throw everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Place the ground beef in a large skillet and cook over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker.
- Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and water to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chili is hot and the flavors have melded together.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced avocado.
Serves 6-8
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound chuck roast
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper.
- Place the chopped onion, carrots, and potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the seasoned chuck roast on top of the vegetables.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch.
- Pour the mixture over the chuck roast and vegetables.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- Once the roast is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve the sliced pot roast with the vegetables and gravy from the slow cooker.
Enjoy your delicious slow cooker pot roast!
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 package taco seasoning mix
- 1 can diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Taco shells or tortillas
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, lettuce, avocado
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts in slow cooker.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over chicken.
- Pour diced tomatoes and green chilies and chicken broth over chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred chicken with a fork and mix with sauce in slow cooker.
- Serve chicken in taco shells or tortillas with desired toppings.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions:
- Place the beef, onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Add the bay leaves.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Beef Stew!
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe
Ingredients:
- Pork Shoulder (5 lbs)
- BBQ Sauce (2 cups)
- Apple Cider Vinegar (1/2 cup)
- Brown Sugar (1/4 cup)
- Garlic Powder (1 tbsp)
- Onion Powder (1 tbsp)
- Paprika (1 tbsp)
- Salt (1 tbsp)
- Pepper (1 tsp)
Instructions:
- Combine apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the rub.
- Rub the pork shoulder with the spice mixture, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker and pour the BBQ sauce over it.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- Once the pork is tender and falls apart easily, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the BBQ sauce.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve the pulled pork on buns with your favorite toppings.
Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once vegetables are tender, use an immersion blender to blend soup until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions and drain.
- In the slow cooker, melt the butter and add the milk, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the cheese sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until the mac and cheese is hot and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Crockpot and a slow cooker?
Crockpot is a brand of slow cooker, but the terms are often used interchangeably. Slow cooker refers to any appliance that cooks food at a low temperature for an extended period of time, while Crockpot is a specific brand of slow cooker.
What is the best kind of slow cooker?
The best kind of slow cooker depends on your specific needs and preferences. Some popular options include programmable models, multi-cookers, and models with stovetop-safe inserts.
What cannot be cooked in a slow cooker?
Some foods that should not be cooked in a slow cooker include dairy products, seafood, and pasta. These items can overcook or become unsafe to eat.
Do slow cookers use a lot of electricity?
Slow cookers are designed to use a minimal amount of electricity, making them an energy-efficient cooking option.
Can you put raw meat in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can put raw meat in a slow cooker. However, it is important to follow food safety guidelines and ensure that the meat reaches a safe internal temperature before consuming.
Is it worth having a slow cooker?
If you enjoy easy, hands-off cooking and want to save time in the kitchen, a slow cooker can be a worthwhile investment.
What cut of meat is best for slow cooker?
Tougher cuts of meat such as chuck roast, brisket, and pork shoulder are ideal for slow cooking. These cuts benefit from the low and slow cooking process and become tender and flavorful.
What should I look for in a slow cooker?
When choosing a slow cooker, consider factors such as size, shape, features, and price. It is also important to read reviews and choose a reputable brand.
What company makes the best crockpot?
Crockpot is a popular brand of slow cooker, but there are many other reputable brands such as Hamilton Beach, Instant Pot, and KitchenAid.
Why do people not like slow cooker?
Some people may not like slow cookers because they feel that the food can become overcooked or bland. Others may prefer more hands-on cooking methods.
What are some of the mistakes people make using a slow cooker?
Common mistakes when using a slow cooker include overfilling the pot, adding too much liquid, and not seasoning the food enough.
What is the risk of slow cooker?
When used properly, slow cookers are a safe cooking method. However, it is important to follow food safety guidelines and ensure that the food reaches a safe internal temperature.
Can I put raw chicken in my slow cooker?
Yes, you can put raw chicken in a slow cooker. However, it is important to follow food safety guidelines and ensure that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before consuming.
Can you leave your slow cooker on overnight?
It is generally safe to leave a slow cooker on overnight, but it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and ensure that the cooker is placed on a heat-safe surface away from any flammable materials.
Is it OK to leave slow cooker on when not home?
It is not recommended to leave a slow cooker on when you are not home due to the risk of fire or other safety hazards. If you need to leave the house, it is better to turn off the cooker and reheat the food when you return.
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