how to Choose a Slow Cooker

Size

This first thing to ask yourself when purchasing a slow cooker is what size should it be? The most popular sizes are 3 – 4 quarts and these work great to cook meals for one or two people. It is also the size for which most recipes are designed. If you’re feeding a family then you should probably look for a larger cooker. In most cases you can simply double a recipe and it will fit nicely in a 6 quart model.

Removable Crock

It might be difficult to find a new cooker today with a fixed crock but this is worth repeating. A removable crock is essential. If the stone insert doesn’t lift out then don’t buy that particular model.

The advantages of the removable crock are innumerable. First, in cleaning, the crock can be fully immersed in water and scrubbed down. A fixed crock model, being an electrical appliance, cannot be put in water like this and makes clean up a real problem. Second, a removable crock greatly expands the versatility of the cooker. You can virtually prepare the meal at any time, place it in the refrigerator, and then pop it in the cooker when you’re ready to start the clock. A fixed crock unit cannot be refrigerated for the same reason that you can’t plunge it into water; as it warms condensation on the wiring and electrical connections can cause some serious problems. Third, the removable crock makes a great and simple storage device. If there are leftovers simply leave them in the crock and pop it back in the fridge. If your microwave is big enough you can even use most crocks in it when you’re ready to reheat those leftovers.

Lid

Although this is really a secondary consideration there are different kinds of lids that can increase the efficiency and ease of clean up. Domed lids that are made of a single piece of glass are preferred. Most lids of this design also have lips that insert and extend slightly down into the crock. The dome helps trap the heat more efficiently and the inserted lips make sure that any condescended liquid will drip back into your recipe rather than pooling along ridge at the edge of the crock. Lids with screwed on plastic handles and a strip of medal around the edge that simply sit on top of the crock will spoil both of these effects although slow cookers with lids such as these will still make great meals.

One important consideration – look at the edge of the crock and make sure that any liquid that runs off of the lid will be directed back into the crock. The edge that supports the lid should slant inward. If it is flat serious spills and big messes can result.

Cooking Unit

We’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the crock and its lid but the cooking unit should be considered as well. Remember, it needs to withstand fairly high temperatures and some weight for long periods. Make sure that it sits low and on a wide base. Lift it up and heft it to make sure that it feels sturdy. The handles should be solid, too. There are times when you’re going to want to cook something in your slow cooker then take it somewhere. The unit should be sturdy enough for such use.

Slow cookers have been around for quite a while and manufacturers know how to make them right. They also know how to make them cheaply. With some time and consideration you can pick out a cooker that will last you for many years. Soon you’ll be one of those home cooks that adore their slow cookers and you’ll wonder how you ever got on without it.