EmailYou'll first want to decide whether or not you need a programmable slow cooker. Programmable models are equipped with timers, so you can set them to cook for a specified time, after which the unit can shift to a keep-warm mode. You can also program a slow cooker to start cooking at a specified time. Basic models, on the other hand, have adjustable temperature controls, but no timer, so you'll need to be around to keep an eye on the food and turn off the slow cooker.
Here's what reviewers say about buying a slow cooker:
- Consider the size of your family. Families of four or more should look for a 6-quart slow cooker, while smaller families or single people may do better with a 4-quart model. Slow cookers need to be at least half full, or food will cook too quickly and may burn; many experts recommend slow cookers be two-thirds full for optimum cooking. As an alternative, small families can prepare a larger quantity of food in a large slow cooker and freeze leftovers.
- Consider what you plan to cook most. Oval-shaped slow cookers suit oblong meats like roasts or whole chickens best, while round cookers are ideal for soups and stews. Some reviewers say oval cookers tend to run hotter because of increased surface area, making these cookers the best choice for meats and other dishes that need to reach a high temperature for complete cooking.
- Consider the type of insert you prefer. A stainless-steel insert makes it easier to serve and store slow-cooked food, but slow cookers with these inserts are generally more expensive than others. Most slow cookers have a removable stoneware insert, which can be heavy, but proves less costly and more practical for the average user. The West Bend Versatility and All-Clad with Cast Aluminum Insert models have aluminum or stainless-steel inserts, making them among the few stovetop-safe inserts that can handle the high heat required to brown meat. Make sure whatever slow cooker you purchase has a removable insert that is dishwasher-safe for ease of cleaning.
- Consider the food temperature "danger zone." When using a slow cooker, it is important to avoid extended heat-up and cool-down periods. According to the Food and Drug Administration, bacteria thrive at temperatures between 40 degrees and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. You can avoid this by setting your slow cooker on high for at least the first hour. Some slow cookers, such as the All-Clad with Cast Aluminum Insert slow cooker and the KitchenAid 7-Quart, automatically cook on high for the first two hours before switching to low.
- To keep your slow cooker clean, Good Housekeeping recommends Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners in a Feb. 2006 article. The disposable liners (*Est. $2.80 for four) fit most oval or round crocks with capacities of 3 quarts to 6.5 quarts. Although the bags look like plastic, they are made of nylon resins, making them food-safe.