Basic Slow Cookers

Basic slow cookers are inexpensive, but don't have timers

Basic slow cooker models haven't changed much since Rival introduced its first Crock-Pot in 1971. There are two main components to modern slow cookers: the base and the removable insert, which may be stoneware, ceramic or stainless steel. Electric coils in the base transmit heat to the insert. Slow cookers are designed to emit very little steam, so food braises in its own juices, as well as any cooking liquid.

Experts deem a few features to be real assets, such as a clear, snug-fitting lid, which is a boon to impatient cooks who want to check on their dinner without releasing steam and thus slowing progress. Large, sturdy handles on the crock insert make it easier (and safer) to transfer dinner from kitchen to table. An indicator light lets you know the slow cooker is working and can prevent you from accidentally leaving it on overnight. Programmable timers are a must if you're planning to leave the slow cooker unattended all day. Slow cookers with timers automatically shift to keep-warm mode as soon as timed cooking ends.

Among basic slow cookers, reviewers say the Hamilton Beach Stay-or-Go 33162 (*Est. $40) is a good choice. This 6-quart, stainless-steel slow cooker has a removable, dishwasher-safe stoneware liner, as well as high, low and keep-warm settings. It uses wraparound heating, which experts say is more even than bottom-only heating. This budget slow cooker doesn't have a timer, so you'll have to keep an eye on it.

Owners posting to Amazon.com, Epinions.com and Cooking.com, on the other hand, give the Hamilton Beach Stay-or-Go slow cooker near-perfect scores in reviews. They like its large handles and clip-on spoon, as well as the heavy-duty seal on the lid and the excellent cooking performance. For those who leave their slow cooker unattended for more than 10 hours, the lack of a timer is a definite liability, but if you'll be around to keep an eye on it, owners say it's a good choice. This model also comes in white.

Experts recommend that you fill a slow cooker at least halfway, with many recommending two-thirds full -- otherwise, food may boil or burn. If you want to make smaller amounts of food, it's better to get a lower-capacity slow cooker, rather than trying to cook a small amount in a larger model. Alternatively, you can purchase a large slow cooker for a small household, preparing food in quantity and freezing any leftovers.

The 4-quart Hamilton Beach 33141 (*Est. $25) is inexpensive, but doesn't have many features -- not even an indicator light. The Hamilton Beach 33141 receives good overall scores from owners posting to Amazon.com, but we read a number of troubling reports about breaking temperature-control knobs.

Slow cookers can also prove valuable for making dips and appetizers, as well as for transporting them to parties and gatherings. Rival's 16-ounce Little Dipper 32041-C (*Est. $18), among the first miniature slow cookers, lacks an indicator light and has no temperature controls. A better choice, according to owner reviews, is the 1.5-quart Proctor Silex 33015 (*Est. $15). Several users at Amazon.com give the Proctor Silex 33015 excellent scores.

Users comment on how perfect this miniature slow cooker is for dips, appetizers, gravies and sauces, but many single people also find it ideal for making small dinners. With three temperature settings, including a keep-warm option, this little cooker can perform as well as many slow cookers three times its size. And although it doesn't have an indicator light, it has a removable crock that is refrigerator- and dishwasher-safe, a rarity among miniature slow cookers. Some users at Amazon.com also find the tiny size perfect for melting wax and other craft supplies and for warming bottles.

If you like to cook several different-sized dishes but don't want to purchase separate slow cookers, reviewers say that the Hamilton Beach 33134 3-in-1 (*Est. $50) is a good option. It comes with three interchangeable cooking pots in 2-, 4- and 6-quart sizes, making it ideal for singles and small families who occasionally cook larger meals. Larger families will also appreciate the ability to create smaller dishes, such as dips and appetizers. Users at Amazon.com, Cooking.com and Target.com love the versatility the 3-in-1 provides, while experts at Good Housekeeping say that all three pots deliver "tender and tasty" meals. They warn that the pots are a bit heavy, though. Jessica Harlan of About.com also says the Hamilton Beach performs well, although it doesn't have as many bells and whistles as other slow cookers, such as a timer and automatic warmer.