Have you ever tried a slow cooker? Slow cookers allow allow you to cook food at a low temperature for an extended period of time, resulting in tender, flavorful dishes with a typically reduced amount of work. If you are wondering what a slow cooker is, you may have heard it called a “Crock Pot” before. But that is actually a brand of slow cooker, and they were the first ones to invent this product, in the 1970s.
Types of Slow Cookers
Slow cookers come in a variety of types, sizes, and styles. Here are some of the most common types of slow cookers:
Basic Slow Cookers: These are the most common type of slow cookers and have a simple design with a removable ceramic or stoneware pot and a heating base. They typically have low, high, and warm settings, and are available in a range of sizes from 1 to 8 quarts.
Programmable Slow Cookers: These slow cookers are more expensive than the basic slow cookers, and allow you to program cooking times and temperature settings, which gives you greater control over cooking. They typically have digital controls and timers, and some models have Wi-Fi connectivity – smartphone cooking!
Multi-Cooker Slow Cookers: These are slow cookers that can also be used for other cooking methods, such as pressure cooking, sautรฉing, and steaming. They offer greater versatility and convenience, but tend to be more expensive than basic slow cookers.
Casserole Slow Cookers: These slow cookers have a round or oval shape and are designed to look like a casserole dish. They’re great for serving and can go straight from the slow cooker to the table, making them a popular choice for potlucks and parties. Many of the basic or programmable cookers also have these features.
Portable Slow Cookers: These slow cookers are designed to be portable, with features such as locking lids, spill-proof seals, and carrying handles. They’re great for taking out for picnics or potluck parties.
Dutch Oven Slow Cookers: These slow cookers are designed to look like a Dutch oven and have a cast iron or ceramic pot that can be used on the stovetop or in the oven. They’re great for slow cooking stews, soups, and roasts.
Sous Vide Slow Cookers: These are slow cookers that use a water bath to cook food at a precise temperature. They’re great for cooking meats and other foods to a specific temperature, and can be used for sous vide cooking as well as slow cooking.
Benefits of Slow Cookers / Slow Cooking
Overall, slow cookers come in a variety of types and styles, each with their own unique features and benefits. When choosing a slow cooker, consider the type of cooking you’ll be doing, the size you’ll need, and any additional features you’d like to have.ย Here are some of the advantages of using a slow cooker:
Preparation Time Savings
One of the primary advantages of using a slow cooker is that it saves time in preparing your dishes. This is how: you add your ingredients into the cooker, set the temperature, and time, and then leave it alone. Go to work, or out for a walk, or spend time with family and friends. This can be convenient for people who work, or busy families who may not have a lot of time on some days to prepare and cook in the kitchen.
Reduced Energy / Cost-Effective
You may lower your electric or gas bill! The low, steady cooking temperature of a slow cooker means that it uses less energy than a traditional oven or stove. According to the US Department of Energy, slow cookers can use a lot less energy than a traditional oven for the same amount of cooking. This may be because slow cookers have a smaller heating element and a tightly sealed lid, which helps to retain heat and moisture. So, this also can be a way to reduce your carbon emissions if that is one of your goals as well!
In addition to using less energy, slow cookers can also save you time and money by allowing you to cook cheaper, tougher cuts of meat that would normally require long cooking times to become tender. By cooking these cuts in a slow cooker, you can save money on more expensive cuts of meat and still enjoy delicious, flavorful meals.
Healthier Cooking
Slow cookers allow you to cook food at a lower temperature for a longer period of time, which helps to retain the nutrients and natural flavors of the ingredients. This cooking method also allows you to use less oil and fat, making it a healthier option for cooking.
Easy to Use
Most models have simple controls with low, high, and warm settings. You can also find models with programmable timers and settings, making it even easier to prepare meals in advance.
Fun To Use
Slow cookers can be used to make a wide range of recipes, from soups and stews to casseroles and desserts. You can also use your slow cooker to make homemade stock or bone broth, which is great for adding flavor and nutrients to your meals.
They can be great for entertaining, as you can prepare dishes in advance and keep them warm throughout the event.
Easy Clean-Up
Most slow cookers have removable stoneware inserts that are easy to clean. You can also find models with dishwasher-safe inserts, which makes cleanup even easier.
Slow Cookers vs. Traditional Ovens
Now let’s compare slow cookers to traditional ovens on some basic features:
| Features | Slow Cooker | Traditional Oven |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Time | Long | Short |
| Cooking Temperature | Low heat | High heat |
| Energy Efficiency | Highly Efficient | Less Efficient |
| Size and Capacity | Compact | Larger and Spacious |
| Convenience | High | Lower |
| Cooking Experience | Less tending | More involvement |
| Cost | Low- to Mid- Priced | More expensive |
Slow Cooker Recipe Ideas
Here are some ideas of recipes for using your slow cooker slow cooker:
Slow-Cooked Chili: Combine ground beef, onion, bell pepper, canned tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips.
Beef Stew: Cut beef into cubes and combine with potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, beef broth, and seasonings in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Serve with crusty bread.
Vegetarian Curry: Combine chickpeas, cauliflower, onion, tomatoes, coconut milk, and curry powder in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Serve over rice.
Baked Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes. Place in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Optionally serve with toppings such as sour cream, chives, and cheese.
These are just a few examples of the many dishes you can make in a slow cooker. Slow cookers are versatile and can be used for many types of dishes, including soups, stews, casseroles, and even desserts.
Slow Cooker Baked Beans
One of this author’s favorites, a simple recipe for making baked beans in a slow cooker:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. dried beans (you can use any type, like navy beans, pinto beans, chick peas, lima beans)
- 1 chopped onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1/2 tsp. black or white pepper
- 1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
- 6 cups water
Instructions:
- Rinse the beans and place them in a slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion, molasses, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the water into the slow cooker and stir everything together.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 6-8 hours, or on low for 10-12 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce is thickened.
- After a few hours, optionally stir while cooking, and add additional water if needed.
- Once the beans are cooked, you can adjust the seasoning to taste and serve them as a side dish with your favorite meals.
Popular Slow Cooker Brands
Here is a list of some of the more popular brands of slow cookers:
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| Crock-Pot | One of the most well-known brands of slow cookers, offering a wide range of sizes and features, including programmable settings and digital displays. |
| Instant Pot | Popular brand that produces multi-cookers, which can be used as slow cookers in addition to other cooking methods. They offer a variety of sizes and features such as pressure cooking and sautรฉing. |
| Hamilton Beach | Another well-known brand that produces a range of slow cookers, including portable and programmable models. They also offer larger capacity slow cookers suitable for families or entertaining. |
| Ninja | Produces slow cookers with multiple cooking functions, including searing and sautรฉing. They also offer digital controls and a variety of sizes. |
| KitchenAid | Offers slow cookers with digital displays and programmable settings. They also have a sleek design and come in a variety of colors. |
| Black+Decker | Produces affordable slow cookers with digital controls and a variety of sizes, including models with locking lids for portability. |
| Cuisinart | Offers a variety of slow cookers with digital displays and programmable settings. They also produce multi-cookers, which can be used as slow cookers in addition to other cooking methods. |
| Proctor Silex | Another affordable brand that produces a range of slow cookers, including portable models with snap-on lids. They also offer larger capacity models suitable for families or entertaining. |
This is not an exhaustive list of all slow cooker brands available. There are many other brands offering a variety of features and price points to suit different needs and budgets.
Overall, slow cookers are best suited for cooking dishes that require long, slow cooking times such as stews, beans, soups, and casseroles. They are highly energy-efficient and are a convenient option for busy individuals who do not have the time to spend in the kitchen with preparation. However, traditional ovens are more versatile and can be used for a wide range of cooking methods, including baking, broiling, and roasting. They also offer a wider range of temperature control and are more suitable for cooking larger quantities of food. The choice between a slow cooker and a traditional oven ultimately depends on individual preferences, cooking needs, and budget.