Coming home to a ready-made meal is one of the luxuries of life. Crockpots, popularly known as slow cookers, help
you cook delicious recipes by allowing heat to distribute evenly. They use less electricity than ovens and cook your food slow enough to be left unattended. Moreover, they can tenderize less expensive cuts of meat and bring out the flavor of foods.
You can cook an extensive selection of foods with crockpots, including stews, soups, and casseroles. If you are trying to eat healthily, they may be one of the most useful tools you can have.
Key Advantages of Crockpots
Crockpots are an outstanding appliance for more than just heating grand meals for your annual holiday party. They revolutionized the kitchen in the 1970s but declined in popularity after a few decades. After modern innovations and the upsurge of cooking tutorials, they made a comeback. Now, they still offer significant benefits that make them definitely worth it.
Nutrients in food remain stable. Crockpots cook food at a low temperature, usually around 93 degrees Celsius, between 4-8 hours. The lower temperature does not destroy more nutrients but helps preserve them instead. They also come equipped with a seal to trap nutrients lost in the liquid, reabsorbing them into the meal.
One of the healthiest methods to cook meat. Crockpots are an excellent choice for cooking tough or less expensive meats, such as less-lean stewing beef, chuck steaks, and roasts. They tenderize meat without
generating harmful compounds, which increase your risk of cancer. Plus, you can leave them unattended.
Use a lesser amount of energy than a standard electric oven. Most crockpots only use about 200 watts. Since it takes about 4-6 hours to cook a meal with them, they are going to cost you between 8 and 12 cents per hour. On the other hand, a standard electric oven uses 2900 watts and costs approximately 16 cents per hour.
Allow better distribution of flavors. Cooking over a long time increases zest, thereby reducing the need to add seasoning and sauces. Instead, the richness comes from the herbs and spices, providing your food with their natural taste and aroma. Whole herbs and spices release their flavors slowly. Use them instead of their ground versions, which can become bitter when simmered or even lose their flavor.
Reduce the risk of burning food. Crockpots use lower temperatures, which lessen the chance of overcooking the foods that tend to scorch in an oven or stick to the bottom of the pan. You don’t also need to scrub several pots and pans. In most cases, you’ll only need to clean the crockpot and a few prep utensils.
Overall, the slow cooking housewares offer convenience in the kitchen. They are an excellent choice for busy days at home and work. You can simply put all the ingredients before you leave for work and come home to a savory home-cooked meal. They also travel well and don’t heat your kitchen the way large ovens do.
When you purchase a crockpot, you will encounter many types. To choose the right one, bear in mind the foods you want to cook. We listed the different types according to four categories. Take a look at each of them and take note of their uses.
ACCORDING TO SHAPE
Crockpots come in various shapes. They can be oval, round-shaped, or rectangular. The type of food you plan to cook should determine the product you should get. Round crockpots are perfect for soups, stews, and casseroles. They also work well for desserts. On the other hand, the oval ones are ideal for massive cuts of meats like roasts and fish dishes. Finally, rectangular crockpots have deep sides that can be excellent for any meal.
ACCORDING TO SIZE
Crockpots have a range of different sizes. The 1 to 2-quart mini crockpot is convenient for people who live alone. It does not take up too much space, and it’s easy to move around. The medium 3 to 4-quart crockpot serves 3 to 4 people, making them perfect for larger batches of dips and appetizers.
If you are cooking for extra persons, you can choose between a 5 to 6-quart crockpot and 7 to 8-quart one. The former is best for cooking meals that consist of meats. The latter, on the other hand, is for bigger households or if you are having guests. It works well with a large chicken or cuts of meat.
ACCORDING TO CONSTRUCTION
There are three types of materials used in crockpots. Ceramics pots are the heaviest and are microwavable, but you cannot put them under a broiler on top of the stove. Metal crocks, in contrast, usually come in an oval or rectangular shape. They do not cook as evenly as other types as its heat source is a skillet, which only heats the bottom of the pan. Also, you cannot use them in a microwave. Lastly, cast aluminum pots are the most expensive and generally have a non-stick surface. You can use it
ACCORDING TO CONTROLS
Crockpots come in two types of controls: basic and programmable. The basic model features a manual control knob that you can set to off, low, medium, and high. It allows you to choose the desired or appropriate temperature to
make sure your meals are well-cooked. Alternatively, the programmable model is a high-tech version with “Keep Warm” features and precise settings. It is the most top-rated crockpot type on the market.
Features of high-quality crockpots
Nowadays, crockpots are an essential tool for every busy cook. They help you save money on food, allowing you to use cheaper cuts of meat and making them tender and flavorful each time. However, they come in a wide range of prices and functions, which makes it more challenging to choose. Here are five factors you should consider before you buy one.
Style and Design
There are two common types of crockpots: traditional and portable. If you plan to take your pot to potluck dinners and other socials, you need a travel-friendly model with locking lids to minimize the risk of spills. You will also find them in various shapes, finishes, and sizes. If you need one in a variety of sizes, you can get a 3-in-1 product with differently-sized bowls.
Construction
Ceramic and porcelain are two of the most popular options on the market. There are metal ones, too. While all of them do an excellent job conducting heat, your choice should depend on your needs and preferences. The most important thing is your pot is easy to clean. High-quality products are removable and have plastic or opaque lids.
Sear Function
The best crockpots come with a sear function that makes browning meats and sautéeing vegetables easier. They allow you to sear your food using an appropriate setting before you switch to slow cooking. You can also put them on top of your stove to brown meat in the insert, then slow cook to finish. Both ways help you wash one less pan.
Warming Function
Crockpots have both low and high-temperature settings, but only the best have a warming function that keeps food warm. They also usually come with a built-in timer that automatically switches the pot to Keep Warm setting. This feature is excellent for keeping food warm but not overcooked if you are out of your house longer than it needs to cook.
Accessories
Although you don’t need much anything else when using a crockpot, you can benefit from accessories specifically made to match your appliance. It’s an excellent idea to have plastic serving utensils on hand to prevent scratching your ceramic pot. Some models can also become quite hot, requiring a wooden board to prevent your countertops. Moreover, you can have crockpot bags to make clean-up quicker.
FAQs:
Q: Is it safe to leave the crockpot cooking while you are not at home?
A: Absolutely. You can leave most new crockpots cooking on your countertop unattended. Make sure you place them on a clean and flat surface to ensure safety. Also, don’t let anything touch your appliance. More importantly, tuck the cord up and out of the way to avoid curious pets from swatting away the wires.
Q: Do you need to stir while cooking in a crockpot?
A: Most recipes cooked with a crockpot do not require stirring. Opening the lid to stir decreases the temperature inside the appliance that, in return, increases cooking time. There are a few recipes that do call for opening and stirring, but they have adjusted cooking-time. So, unless your food recipe involves stirring, don’t. If it does, open the lid, stir quickly, and close the lid to prevent too much heat loss.
Q: What is the difference between low and high settings on the crockpot?
A: You can cook most dishes on low and high settings. Both stabilize at the same temperature. They just differ in the time it takes to reach the point of simmer. Once food reaches its simmer point, how long it takes to cook your food will depend on the mass and cut of the meat to achieve its maximum flavor and texture.
With all the different models on the market, choosing the best crockpot can be challenging. You need to consider a few factors to make sure you make the right purchasing decision. Some of these include features, size, temperature control settings, controls, and many more.
The Crock-Pot 2097590 is a 10-quart multi-cooker with an easy-release steam dial to protect your hands. It is an all-
in-one appliance that allows you to pressure cook, slow cook, sterilize, boil, simmer, sear, sauté, and steam. It also enables you to make healthy meals in a fraction of time. Moreover, it eliminates the need for other single-purpose appliances to save you valuable kitchen space.
Style and Design
The 10-quart Crock-Pot boasts an extra-large capacity that can serve over 13 people, making perfect for parties and excellent for meal prepping one week ahead. It is also programmable with an easy-release steam dial that allows you to do away of mitts and kitchen utensils. Moreover, the appliance is round-shaped to make sure your stews, soups, and casseroles are well-cooked.
Accessories
The Crock-Pot Express Multi-Cooker is a dishwasher-safe and non-stick cooking pot that cooks big cuts of meat with ease. It makes your holiday truly special with ribs, pot roast, a whole turkey, or ham. The appliance also comes with a steaming rack and a serving spoon. Additionally, you will love the recipe book included in the package.
Extra Features
The 2097590 crockpot features 15 One-Touch Programs, giving you a variety of cooking options. It helps you create delicious meals three times faster than conventional cooking. It also comes with a Delay-Start Cook Time Control that lets you stop and start the Crock-Pot automatically. Furthermore, it has a LED Status Bar to help you track pressurization and preheating.
Why we recommend it
The Crock-Pot 2097590 Express Multi-Cooker makes cooking stress-free and straightforward. It boasts unprecedented versatility, allowing you to cook any dish with only one appliance. It even has a One-Touch Sterilize Function that enables you to sterilize baby bottles and pacifiers in just one press of a button. More impressively, it has a 10-quart capacity. You can cook for guests and prep your meal a week ahead.
Highlights:
Dishwasher-safe and non-stick
Comes with a steaming rack and a serving spoon
Includes a recipe book
15 One-Touch Programs for versatility
Delay-Start Cook Time Control for convenience
LED status bar for tracking preheating and pressurization
The Cuisinart MSC-600 is a 3-in-1 crockpot that makes cooking for your family and guests simple. It comes with
preset functions, allowing you to steam, sauté, and slow cook any dish to perfection. It also features a convenient warming function, so you never have to serve cold dishes any more. Moreover, it is effortless to clean.
Style and Design
The premium 6-quart Cook Central® Multi-Cooker features a stainless steel style that looks stunning on your countertops. It has three fully programmable functions to let you brown meat, sauté vegetables, and slow cook your favorite comfort foods. It is also dishwasher-safe. Moreover, it has an oval shape, which makes it perfect for significant cuts of meat and fish dishes.
Accessories
The 3-in-1 crockpot features a 6-quart non-stick cooking pot that allows you to sear or sauté directly in the unit. It also comes with a glass lid with a cool-touch handle for comfortable handling and a clear view. More astoundingly, it includes a steaming rack so your body can absorb all the nutrients from fruits and vegetables. All removable parts are dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up.
Extra Features
The Cuisinart Multi-Cooker boasts three programmable functions: high, low, and simmer. It also includes a keep warm feature that allows you to warm up food for up to 24 hours. Additionally, the 3-in-1 crockpot has an extra-large blue backlit LCD with easy-to-read time and temperature settings. When a recipe calls for combination cooking, you can easily switch modes with just one touch.
Why we recommend it
The oval-shaped multi-cooker is as good as with the Express Crock Multi-Cooker by Crock-Pot. It is dishwasher-safe and non-stick for easy clean-up. It also features three programmable functions to help you cook meat and fish dishes to perfection. More impressively, the unit allows you to switch modes with just one touch. It’s a feature that helps make cooking a delight.
Highlights:
Dishwasher-safe and non-stick for easy cleaning
Three programmable features: low, high, and simmer
Warms up food for up to 24 hours
Extra-large backlit display to read time and temperature settings easily
The Instant Pot Duo is a 7-in-1 crockpot that makes the wonder of pressure cooking more practical. It is effortless to
use and does the job of a slow cooker and rice cooker without taking too much space. It lets you cook fast or slow, depending on your recipe. Many homeowners swear by it because it’s convenient and time-saving.
Style and Design
The Instant Pot is a programmable crockpot that is available in three sizes: 3, 6, and 8 quarts. It is versatile with slim body design. It also comes with excellent safety features. It makes musical jingling sounds when you open or close the lid and comes with temperature-control regulators to keep the unit operating on a safe range. It also features a stainless steel inner pot with a three-ply bottom for durability. Moreover, it is dishwasher-safe.
Accessories
The 7-in-1 Instant Pot is the most loved multi-cooker not only because of its versatility but also due to its valuable accessories. It has a little knob on the top that you can turn to a sealed position to build up pressure. It also has a natural venting option that allows the pot to release steam itself for up to 15 minutes. Moreover, it comes with a silver float valve that tells you when it’s safe to open the lid.
Extra Features
The Instant Pot crockpot can replace seven kitchen appliances. It can slow cook meals, saute vegetables, cook rice, make yogurt, steam, pressure cook, and warm food. It also comes with 14 built-in smart programs to help you prepare your favorite dishes with just one press of a button. Furthermore, it has a 24-hour timer for delayed cooking and an automatic keep-warm function that holds the temperature of the food until you serve it.
Why we recommend it
What we love most about the Instant Pot Duo is how it ensures the safety of homeowners with ten proven safety mechanisms and a UL certification. It also uses innovative technology and an embedded microprocessor to monitor temperature and pressure, keep time, and adjust the heating intensity of the device. Additionally, it boasts lab-tested cooking programs to ensure optimal results.
Highlights:
Best selling model in the US
Combines seven appliances in one to save kitchen space
14 one-touch programs for consistently delicious meals
Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel lid
Ten built-in safety features, including Safety Lock and Overheat Protection
The Stay or Go® crockpot is a portable kitchen appliance that offers you all the advantages of straightforward, no-
watch cooking. It also provides the added benefit of worry-free travel. It comes equipped with features that protect your food en route to social gatherings. Moreover, it is dishwasher-safe. Simply remove the lid and the stoneware insert to clean the unit once you come home.
Style and Design
The Hamilton Beach crockpot features a portable design that allows you to bring the device to dinner parties and potlucks. It also has the perfect size for travel at 6 pounds. Additionally, the no-spill slow cooker is oval-shaped to help you cook meat and fish dishes to precision.
Accessories
The Stay or Go® crockpot is a programmable kitchen device with a lid lock for no-spill travels. It also comes with a removable stoneware and glass lid for an easy clean-up. The sealed cover is even clip-tight to prevent spills. Furthermore, the unit features full-grip handles for a stress-free carry to and from your car.
Extra Features
The portable slow cooker features temperature and time settings that allow you to cook your favorite dish, no watching need. It automatically shifts to a warming function when the cooking time is up. You can also mix and match any temperature with your desired cooking time. More impressively, the gasket lid has canister-styled clips for spill-resistance.
Why we recommend it
When it comes to potlucks and dinner parties, the Hamilton Beach Stay or Go® is the best crockpot you can buy. It is portable at 6 pounds and features full-grip handles for easy carrying to and from your car. We also like the clip-tight cover that prevents spills during travels. Finally, the unit is extremely easy to clean with its removable parts.
Convenience and reliability are two important factors when choosing a kitchen appliance. The Instant Pot Ultra
excels in these, thanks to its stylish design and rich feature-set. It may have a higher rate than similar models, but it helps you save time and energy prepping your meals. Ultimately, it is worth the hype.
Style and Design
The Instant Pot Ultra boasts a stylish, multi-use design. It has a brushed stainless steel housing, which is fingerprint-resistant. It comes equipped with a lid holder for both left and right-handed users. You can also find a central dial that allows you to select and adjust a program in just one turn. Moreover, it is round-shaped, making it perfect for soups, stews, and casseroles.
Accessories
The Instant Pot Ultra includes a steaming rack with handles to cook your vegetables in a simple and nutritious way. It also comes with a serving spoon, a soup spoon, and a measuring cup. Furthermore, the multi-cooker helps you make consistently delicious meals using its recipe booklet.
Extra Features
Developed with the latest third generation technology and an embedded microprocessor, you can adjust the heating and intensity of the device, as well as monitor the pressure and temperature. The Instant Pot Ultra is also UL certified with 11 safety features to provide you with peace of mind, including the new steam-release reset button for safer handling. More impressively, the unit features an altitude adjustment, cooking indicator, and an Ultra button for custom programming.
Why we recommend it
The Instant Pot Ultra provides home chefs with a greater degree of customization and control by delivering a more precise cooking time. It allows you to monitor the cooking state and make more fine-tuned adjustments when cooking. What we love most about the device is its versatility. You can roast a whole chicken or make pulled pork in just under two hours, giving you more time to do other chores. Overall, the Ultra can be the next generation of kitchen appliances.
Highlights:
Multi-use design, including cake maker, egg maker, and sterilizer
Ultra program for more precise cooking and prep
16 smart built-in applications and 11 safety features
21 custom preset temperature settings
Altitude adjustment with cooking indicator
Intuitive touch screen and dial to fine-tune temperature and cooking times
The Manual Slow Cooker by Crock-Pot® is a convenient and user-friendly kitchen appliance that allows you to
prepare your recipe and select your cook setting. It provides you with the flexibility to make your meals early and have them warm to eat at any time. You can work all day and still get home to a delicious, home-cooked meal at the end of the day. Overall, it is ideal for work and leisure.
Style and Design
The Crock-Pot SCV803-SS has an 8-quart capacity that can serve over eight persons. It features a stainless steel exterior with black accents for a modern look. It also comes with plastic handles that do not become hot when you are cooking. Moreover, the slow cooker is oval-shaped, making it perfect for large cuts of meat and fish dishes.
Accessories
The Manual Slow Cooker includes a matching brushed stainless steel Little Dipper® food warmer to keep your food warm and tasty and makes sure it is perfectly cooked and fresh. It also comes with a removable oval stoneware, glass lid, and recipe book. Moreover, the kitchen appliance features soft-grip chrome-plated handles to make it easier to carry from point A to B.
Extra Features
In addition to the matching Little Dipper® that keeps your dips and sauces warm, the Crock-Pot Manual Slow Cooker includes various useful features. It has three manual heat settings, which let you cook your food in Low or High settings. You can also choose Warm to keep your meals in an ideal serving temperature. Furthermore, the unit is dishwasher-safe, making clean-up a breeze.
Why we recommend it
If you are looking for a great slow cooker for work and leisure, the Manual Slow Cooker by Crock-Pot is an excellent option. It comes with a matching Littler Dipper® food warmer for your dips and sauces and plastic handles that don’t conduct heat. It is dishwasher-safe and easy to clean. More impressively, the kitchen device allows you to cook your meals using your preferred settings.
Highlights:
8-quart capacity to serve over eight people
High, Low, and Warm settings for convenience
Comes with removable, dishwasher-safe stoneware and glass lid
Includes a matching Little Dipper® food warmer
Stainless steel exterior with soft-grip chrome-plated handles
The Extra-Large Stay or Go® is a 10-quart slow cooker with lid lock for spill-resistance. It makes it easy to cook tasty
meals for a large group of people. You can simply prepare your ingredients, put them in the crockpot, and go on with your day. Later on, you can come home to a delicious, home-made meal. The unit is also perfect for travel. You can take your recipes along to potlucks, holiday gatherings, and dinner parties.
Style and Design
The Stay or Go® 10-quart crockpot has an oval shape and can fit a 10-pound turkey or 8-pound roast. It also has the right size for large batches of soups and stews. Additionally, the slow cooker comes equipped with full-grip handles that allow you to carry it from the counter to the serving table in a breeze. When the meal time’s over, you can fold down the handles for convenient storage.
Accessories
The Hamilton Beach crockpot comes with a black, clip-tight glass lid that helps prevent spills during travels. The sealed cover is also dishwasher-safe stoneware cooker that is super easy to clean. Furthermore, the extra-large slow cooker comes equipped with a black, 10-quart crock where you can cook a perfectly-cooked meal for you and your family.
Extra Features
The Stay or Go® makes dinner with the whole family a glorious affair. It features three temperature settings. You can cook your meals in Low or High setting, and set it to Warm to maintain the temperature without overcooking. It also comes with a clip-tight sealed lid for spill-resistance. Additionally, it is easy to store and carry, thanks to its foldable handles.
Why we recommend it
The 10-quart Stay or Go® crockpot is a precious addition to your kitchenware. It makes family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties events to look forward to as it makes cooking large batches of food more convenient. We love that it can easily fit a 10-lb turkey or an 8-lb roast. It can also make soups and stews perfectly. More impressively, the unit features full-grip folding handles for easy carry and storage.
Highlights:
Full-grip, folding handles for convenient storage and carry
Clip-tight sealed cover to prevent messy spills
Three temperature settings to achieve a perfectly-cooked meal
Extra-large capacity to fit a whole turkey or roast
The ThermoShield Manual Slow Cooker is a programmable crockpot that lets you enjoy the same expediency of
regular slow cookers, minus the hot exterior. It allows you to take your meals to parties, potlucks, and other social gatherings without worrying about spills. It keeps the cooking experience simple and adds some bonus convenience with its helpful features.
Style and Design
The Crock-Pot® ThermoShield is a round-shaped slow cooker designed with a Secure-Fit® locking lid and rubber gasket for an airtight seal. It also features a control panel that enables you to program cooking time. Moreover, it uses three manual settings. You can set the unit to low or high to cook your favorite meals to perfection. The device then automatically switches to warm when the food is ready.
Accessories
The Manual Slow Cooker comes with removable, dishwasher safe stoneware and lid. It also features organized cord management at the back to keep the wires tidy. Additionally, the Crock-Pot® ThermoShield has oversized carrying handles that allow you to move the unit from point A to B with ease.
Extra Features
The cook and carry crockpot features a 6-quart stoneware crock that can serve 7+ people. It also boasts ThermoShield insulated sides for better heat retention. It reduces outside temperature by up to 50%, which is superior to previous models. Furthermore, it includes integrated cord storage to keep your counters neat and the wires out of the way during transport.
Why we recommend it
In addition to the brushed stainless steel shell that gives the ThermoShield its modern, inoffensive look, it has a plastic seal cover with a locking mechanism to stop the pot from leaking during travel. It also features integrated cord storage that enables you to wrap the wires and lock them in place. More impressively, the manual slow cooker from Crock-Pot® has a control panel that gives you five preset options.
Highlights:
Easy to program and clean
ThermoShield insulated sides for superior heat retention
The Maxi-Matic MST-900D is a programmable slow cooker that makes meal preparation convenient. It helps you
cook delicious foods that fit your schedule. It is also cost-effective and user-friendly. You can cook low-priced cuts of meat and eliminate oils for a low-fat, nutrient-rich main dish. More impressively, the digital crockpot is UL-certified and covered by a 1-year Limited Warranty against manufacturer defects.
Style and Design
The Digital Slow Cooker by Maxi-Matic offers a healthier method of serving home-made meals in style. Attractively accommodated in a brushed stainless steel oval exterior, you will certainly impress your friends and family. It also comes with an easy to clean touchpad and cool-touch handles and knobs. Moreover, it can fit a whole chicken and large roasts in its 8.5-quart ceramic insert.
Accessories
The Maxi-Matic MST-900D digital slow cooker comes equipped with a dishwasher-safe inner pot and glass lid that makes cleaning a breeze. It also features an easy-to-use interface that allows you to set the time and temperature in just a touch of a button. Additionally, it has easy-to-use High, Low, and Keep Warm settings to help you cook a variety of meals to precision.
Extra Features
The Maxi-Matic digital crockpot comes with a few features that make it one of the best crockpots in the market. It has a programmable 20-hour timer, which helps prevent overcooking when you leave the pot unattended. It also boasts a programmable digital touchpad with LED display. More remarkably, the MST-900D has a cool-to-touch interface that protects your hands from burns.
Why we recommend it
When it comes to creating delicious, home-made meals that fit your schedule, the Maxi-Matic digital slow cooker gives you a bang for your buck. It offers a healthier method of serving home-cooked meals with minimal effort. We love the easy-to-use digital interface that enables you to set the timer and temperature in just one press. We are also impressed with its cool-touch knob and handles for safe transport.
Highlights:
Cool-touch handle and interface for safe carry
Easy to clean tempered glass and removable oval crock
Brushed stainless steel exterior for a pristine appearance
The Multi-use XL Slow Cooker is a programmable kitchen device that helps you cook your meals at a fraction of the
time conventional cookware requires. It is compact and versatile, allowing you to serve nutrient-rich, home-made foods for your family and friends. It also makes pot meals easier. You can steam, simmer, sear, sauté, and use manual pressure settings.
Style and Design
The Crock-Pot® Multi-use cooker is spacious with an 8-quart crock to serve over ten people. It helps you cook a variety of recipes at the touch of a button, which is super convenient. The all-in-one appliance also features a brushed stainless steel exterior that looks modern and innocuous. Moreover, it comes with three custom settings: simmer, boil, and manual pressure.
Accessories
The best crockpots come with helpful accessories, such as a steaming rack and a serving spoon. Remarkably, the XL Slow Cooker by Crock-Pot® includes these two, plus a recipe book. You can also customize the recipes with your personal settings and cook time. Additionally, it comes with a non-stick cooking pot that is dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.
Extra Features
When it comes to useful features, the kitchen appliance from Crock-Pot® does not disappoint. It boasts 13 One-Touch programs that allow you to slow-cook delicious meals and pressure cook foods 70% faster than a conventional oven. It also has a Delay Timer and a Status Bar that glows to help you track pressurization and preheat progress easily. More impressively, it features an easy-release steam dial that eliminates the fuss of using mitts and kitchen utensils.
Why we recommend it
Packed with convenient features, the Crock-Pot® XL Slow Cooker makes cooking simple and fun. It uses 13 one-touch programs so that you can prepare your favorite meals in the touch of a button. It also has an easy-release steam dial that keeps your hand away from the hot steam. Furthermore, it comes with a Status Bar that illuminates to help you keep track of the pressurization and preheat progress.
Highlights:
13 One-Touch Programs for convenience
Dishwasher-safe and easy-to-clean non-stick cooking pot
Pressure cooks food 70% faster than a regular oven
Easy-release steam dial to protect your hands from hot steam
The Set and Forget Slow Cooker is a programmable crockpot that eliminates your weeknight stress with three
automatic cooking options. It uses a patented tool and smart technology to make your busy schedule easier than ever. It is also easy to clean. If you want to prepare and cook food the way you want, the Hamilton Beach slow cooker is the best product for you.
Style and Design
The Hamilton Beach Digital Slow Cooker is a large crockpot that can fit a 4-pound roast or a 6-pound chicken. It has a stainless steel exterior with clip-tight gasket lid clips on the sides. It also uses smart settings to cook your food to a specific temperature, on High, Low, or Warm, for a set number of hours. Moreover, it has a control panel that displays the food’s temp as it cooks.
Accessories
The Set and Forget crockpot comes with a load of parts and accessories. It includes a recipe book to help you make delicious, homecooked meals and a spoon with a long handle. You will also love the travel case, which is perfect for traveling. Additionally, the unit comes with three kinds of lid: glass, silicone, and stretchy.
Extra Features
The Hamilton Beach crockpot features a clip-tight lid for spill-resistance and full-grip handles to make it easier to carry heavy meals. It also offers three choices for automatic cooking: Probe, Program, and Manual. The Probe allows you to set the device to your preferred meat temperature, while the Program lets you set the cooking time. The Manual, on the other hand, enables you to choose low, warm, or high without setting a time. More impressively, it has a power interrupt protection that keeps crockpot on during a brief power outage.
Why we recommend it
The Set and Forget Slow Cooker by Hamilton Beach is an excellent crockpot with lots of helpful features. We particularly like the power interrupt protection that gives you the chance to properly turn off your device in case of a power outage. We are also impressed with the three automatic cooking options that help make cooking fun and easy. Moreover, the device boasts a patented temperature probe that measures and displays the internal temperature of your food.
Highlights:
Smart technology that helps you cook meals at a specific temperature and time
A clip-tight lid to prevent messy spills
Power interrupt protection to avoid damage from sudden power outages
Full-grip handles for easy carry
Control panel to display temp as your food cooks
Patented temp probe to measure the inner temperature of meats
The Cook and Carry Crockpot is ideal for all your favorite slow cooker recipes. It has a 6-quart capacity, which can
serve mover seven people, and programmable time settings to accommodate varied cooking needs on your timetable. It is also easy to clean. Plus, the unit comes with multiple features that help you create delicious, home-cooked meals.
Style and Design
The Crock-Pot® Cook and Carry Slow Cooker features a portable design with a rubber gasket and secure-locking lid to prevent spills during your travels. You can enjoy your time on the road and arrive at your destination, worry- and mess-free. It also has a brushed stainless steel exterior that looks sleek and elegant. Moreover, the kitchen appliance has an oval shape that is perfect for meat and fish dishes.
Accessories
Accessories are crucial in choosing a crockpot, too. The Cook and Carry by Crock-Pot® comes with an easy-to-use locking lid that seals your slow cooker for less mess on the go. It also includes a removable stoneware insert that doubles as a serving bowl. Additionally, the device has an easy-grip handle to make it easier to carry to potlucks, dinner parties, and other social gatherings.
Extra Features
The Cook and Carry programmable crockpot features a digital countdown timer that lets you set the cook times from 30 minutes up to 20 hours. Then, it shifts to a Warm setting automatically when it reaches the time, keeping your meal at the perfect temperature. It allows you to customize your cooking time and set the temperature to High or Low settings.
Why we recommend it
The 6-quart Crock-Pot® slow cooker does not come with many features, but it does have a couple of useful structures. We especially love the digital countdown timer that allows you to customize the cooking time and set the temperature to your desired setting. Then, it automatically shifts to Warm to maintain your meal’s temperature for later consumption. It also has a large capacity, perfect for over seven people.
Highlights:
Programmable time settings to accommodate cooking needs
Easy to clean
Easy-to-use locking lid to prevent spills
Removable stoneware insert that also works as a serving bowl
Digital countdown timer to customize the cooking time and temperature
6-quart capacity, perfect for a sleepover with friends
The Crock Mini Casserole makes it easy for you to enjoy delicious recipes from the comfort of your own home. It
frees up additional cooking space and emphasizes the tantalizing flavors of foods. Optimized for one-pot meals, dips, and other favorites, the kitchenware allows you to make meals ahead to give you more time entertaining. It is particularly helpful during the holidays, too.
Style and Design
The Crock-Pot® Mini Casserole has a 2.5-quart capacity that can serve up to three persons. It features a funky geometric design, which blends well in any kitchen. It is also portable, so you can expediently take your dish on the go. It makes meals for smaller social gatherings. Moreover, the slow cooker comes with side handles for safety on the go.
Accessories
The Mini Casserole crockpot uses the Cook and Carry™ locking lid of the company to prevent spills and messes. It also includes a removable stoneware that allows you to move the unit around easily from the countertop to the tabletop. Additionally, the slow cooker features cord wraps to make the transport neat and effortless.
Extra Features
Although it doesn’t have a lot of extra features, the Crock Mini Casserole Slow Cooker does an excellent job making delicious, home-cooked meals for the family. It features three settings: Low, High, and Warm. You can set it to Low or High to cook your dishes at the perfect temperature. Then, the crockpot automatically switches to warm when the food is ready. Overall, it is best for elegant entertaining.
Why we recommend it
For small gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, the Crock-Pot® Mini Casserole can be a great companion. It helps you cook appetizers, entrees, desserts, and dips in style and keeps them warm until you’re ready to eat. We love that it takes up little space, making them perfect for the holidays. We also like that it is oven-safe. More impressively, it keeps the food warm while serving.
Highlights:
Cord wraps for neat and easy transport
Dishwasher-safe and oven-safe
Keeps food warm while serving
Cook and Carry™ locking cover with lid-mounted clips for security
The Cook and Carry Portable Cooker SCCPVL600S is a large manual crockpot designed for easy portability. It comes
with useful features that help you transport your home-cooked meals safely and easily. It also keeps your food at an ideal serving temperature, so you don’t have to eat cold meals after a long day at work. Moreover, it is convenient for parties, potlucks, family gatherings, and travels.
Style and Design
The Crock-Pot® Manual Portable Slow Cooker is an expansive, 7-quart kitchen appliance that keeps your food safe on the go. It comes with a gasket lid for mess-free travels and dishwasher-safe parts for easy clean-up. It also features carrying handles, so you don’t have to repack the foods in other containers. Simply grab the unit and hit the road.
Accessories
When it comes to the lid and stoneware, the Cook and Carry Slow Cooker contends with similar products. Both are dishwasher-safe so that you can clean them with minimal effort. The stoneware is also oven-safe and microwave-safe. Additionally, the kitchen device boasts an easy-to-use locking lid with gasket for extra seal.
Extra Features
The Crock-Pot® Slow Cooker does not come with unique features, but it has a well thought out design to ensure quality and performance. It has a silver, stainless-steel exterior with black accents for a modern, inoffensive style and plastic handles for easy carry. It also comes with a glass cover so that you can see your food while it cooks.
Why we recommend it
The Cook and Carry Portable Crockpot lets you enjoy cooking whenever you want. It can serve up to 7 people and makes clean-up quick and easy. If you are looking for a no-fuss slow cooker, the device gives value to your money. It has a convenient warm setting to keep your food at an ideal temperature after cooking and a locking lid to keep the unit sealed during travels.
Highlights:
Plastic handles for easy carry
Dishwasher-safe glass lid and stoneware for easy clean-up
Warm setting to maintain your food’s ideal temp
Stainless steel exterior with black accents for a modern look
The Elite Gourmet Electric Slow Cooker is the perfect kitchen appliance for cooking and serving meals to a small
family. It features low and high settings, and defrost, making it an excellent addition to every pantry. It also requires less efforr to clean and is safe to handle. Furthermore, the crockpot has a convenient warm setting to keep your meals warm even after a long day at work.
Style and Design
The Electric Slow Cooker comes in an attractive, red stainless steel finish that pops up in any kitchen. It has a 2-quart capacity, ideal for making chilis, stews, and sauces. It can also accommodate a 2-pound chicken or roast for a delicious dinner with the family. The Elite Gourmet crockpot allows you to cook your meal before going to work and come home to warm, perfectly-cooked food.
Accessories
The MST-275XR crockpot comes with a removable inner stoneware pot that is easy to clean. It also includes a tempered glass cover with a metal rim, so you can easily view your food while cooking. Additionally, it features cool-to-touch handles and knobs for safe handling. These parts and accessories make the electric slow cooker an excellent addition to your kitchen.
Extra Features
The Elite Gourmet Slow Cooker is a simple kitchen device that gets the work done. It allows you to prepare your meals in low and high settings, and keeps them warm. It even has a defrost setting to help you prepare your meals more easily and quickly. Moreover, it keeps your hand protected by preventing heat transfer from the crockpot.
Why we recommend it
If you are looking for a small electric crockpot, the Elite Gourmet MST-275XR is the perfect product for you. It has a 2-quart capacity, excellent for small family dinners and gatherings. We love the striking red, stainless steel finish that makes the device stand out in your kitchen. We also like that it comes with cool-touch handles and knobs for safe handling.
Highlights:
2-quart removable ceramic pot
Transparent tempered glass for easy viewing
Cool-touch handles and knobs for secure handling
Convenient Low, High, and Warm settings for precise cooking
Defrost setting to thaw frozen meat
Red stainless steel exterior
Crockpots have features you might find useful in preparing and cooking your favorite meals. They also have multiple uses that help you save space in the kitchen, especially during the holidays, when you have to make various foods for a lot of people. Whether you buy basic or high-end products, you will surely make your guests happy with your perfectly-cooked, warm, and delicious meals.
