Have you tried it for coffee lava cake yet ? !
If you ’ve ever watch an infomercial or scroll through social media , you ’ve likely follow across a wide array of kitchen prick that make slick promises . But a few selectkitchen gadgetsactually bear the trial of meter . The slow cooker is a perfect example of this conception .
Originally patented in 1940 , the dull cooker is now a staple fibre in 90 % of American family , according to some solid food industryestimates . That ’s because the dull cooker — like awaffle makerandblender , for instance — actuallydelivers on its guarantees , is versatile enough to merit a cherished piece of kitchen real estate , offers well value for the dollar , and make life easier in several ways .
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eyecrave output / Getty Images
If you ’re among the one in 10 Americans exist sans slacken cooker , or if you ’ve reserve your appliance to pile up dust , consider this a reminder of why this timeless tool rocks .
8 of the Biggest Benefits of Owning a Slow Cooker
Before we go any further , it ’s worth observe that some call this same product a “ Crock - Pot , ” even though that ’s actually a specific brand of dull cooker . We beat to the generic terminal figure .
No matter what you call it , what brand you buy , or what size of it you clothe in , here are eight reasons why you might want to plug in your sluggish cooker today .
Related:8 Cooking Tools Every Home Chef Must Have ( and 4 you may cast aside )
You Can Prep Ahead
Remember the sure-enough infomercial motto “ set and draw a blank ” ? That confidence ringing true with slow cooker , confirms Meggan Hill , executive chef and CEO ofCulinary Hill .
“ ho-hum cookers are a brilliant way to enjoy plate - cooked meal in a hands - off way . After a little bit of training up front , you turn on the obtuse cooker and let it simmer by all Clarence Day while you ’re at work or doing anything else , ” Hill says . At the end of the day , you ’ll be able to “ return home to celestial smell and a delicious meal just waitress for you . ”
By getting a head - start in the break of day , “ when you get home , you have more fourth dimension to bask your evening without the worry of ‘ what ’s for dinner party ? ’ , ” say Lynn Blanchard , Better Homes & GardensTest Kitchen music director .
deadening cookers are safer than an oven or stove to bequeath on all day while you ’re away , and they apply far less energy , too , Hill adds .
While you ’re at it , you might as well double - up if you have way in the appliance : “ you could also make an extra meal for the freezer or to share with someone else . ” ( Just be certain not to occupy the mint more than two - thirds full . )
Related:18 Dump Dinner Recipes for Easy Slow Cooker repast
They’re a Potluck Host’s or Guest’s Dream
Fromroastsandsoupstohot drinksanddips , slow cookers are the ultimate political party - starter , according to Lauren Grant - Vose , founder ofZestful Kitchen .
“ I also apply my ho-hum cooker for think about as a way to keep food lovesome on a buffet , even if it was n’t actually cooked in the irksome cooker , ” Hill tell .
If you ’re the one look rather than the inviting , Chris Meyer , Dotdash Meredith Test Kitchen administrative assistant reminds us that “ tiresome cookers travel well , so you’re able to take your food [ already prepared and quick to stay warm ] to a party or holiday gathering . ”
Slow Cookers Aren’t Just For Cold Weather Fare
Slow cooker sure as shooting polish off at transforming leftover chicken , turkey , seafood , beef , and vegetable function into inventory or stock , Hill says , and are leading at soup and stews , of course , they ’re also excellent at lighter meals .
Our favoritesummer slow cooker recipesrange from whole grain and vegetable salad to fajita pinwheels to chicken lettuce wraps ; proving that the slow cooker certainly has year - round ingathering .
They Have Some Secret Powers
By now it ’s clear that ho-hum cooker shake at making piquant recipes easy to execute any week of the yr . Whether you ’re in the climate for ahealthy dinner , abarbecue - style dish , or aThanksgiving side , you ’ve touch your match .
The appliance is also an plus if you ’re in the mood for something fresh . Blanchard swear by her slow cooker to transform fresh fall yield intoapple butter . Hill admit that her home and friend conk over herSlow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake“that ’s essentially a ego - saucing pudding made correct in the bottom of a slow cooker . It have rave review every time ! ”
Our Test Kitchen pros have also perfected dull cooker soufflés , fudge , shortcake , fondue , and much more ; exemplifying the stove ofdelish slow cooker dessertsyou have to choose from .
The Size Options Make Slow Cookers Even More Versatile
If you ’re in need offood for a crowdor design to use it often for roasting declamatory cut of meat , a sizeable slow cooker from 6- to 10 - quarts will be your perfect match . Smaller slow cookers(which are usually usable from 1 - quart to 5 quart ) are your solution if you want to use it for angle of dip , sauce , or non - food uses .
“ This is an debate for those littler tedious cooker : describe the cooker with a pliant roasting bag and use it to melt paraffin wax for hands and feet . Just verify you supervise the temp so you do n’t burn yourself , ” Grant - Vose says . “ you may also use it to dissolve wax for candle - qualification . ”
Unsure of which sizing is proper ? The mini models are often small enough that you could easily match both a large and small unit in one cabinet .
In Seconds, You Can Jazz Up Slow Cooker Recipes to Gourmet Territory
Not all slow cooker meals need to stop atdump , simmer , and serve .
“ If you know some basic cookery techniques and cut up out a minuscule additional time , you could really elevate the repast that come out of your slow cooker , ” Hill says .
Here are her favorite ways to impregnate even more flavor :
Kids Can Help
Unlike a scorching cast - iron frying pan on a burner or a perfervid casserole goat god in the oven , the slow cooker itself is n’t raging during homework time .
“ My kids love to fake in a deadening cooker , ” Hill says . “ They can do all the playfulness component like add ingredients and stirring , and then it heat up when they are n’t around . At the close , they get to see — and taste — their results ! ”
Slow Cookers Are Easy to Clean and Maintain
The outside and base of the tedious cooker just need a swipe with a clean towel , and the pot and lid can be cleaned with warm H2O , soap , and a dishful towel or quick study .
For an even more hands - off solution , merely drop down a dish washer pad in the pot , add some sporty water , set to “ low-pitched ” for 1 hour , then dump and rinse off clean .
Related : How to Clean a Slow Cooker , let in knotty Stuck - On stain
The Drawbacks of Slow Cookers
We could go on and on about the benefits of boring cookers , but readily admit that there are a few downside to this kitchen gadget . The experts we address to dish antenna :
The Bottom Line
True , other appliances might be able-bodied to multitask a number more , and some overture prep might be required . But overall , “ slow - cooker proffer a unequalled economic value in the countertop contraption blank , ” Grant - Vose say .
If you prognosticate cooking enceinte peck of soups and stews or tumid piece of kernel , are ahot dipdevotee , are hunky-dory with exchanging speed for simpleness , or have a fellowship or legion often , a slow cooker is an peculiarly savvy investment . boring cooker are light to clean , tyke - well-disposed , and the contraption travels well so you’re able to click the telephone dial to “ keep warm ” and nosh all day .
Plus , “ compared to other countertop appliances like an Instant Pot , toaster oven or large strain fryers , slow cookers are n’t outrageously price , ” Grant - Vose tally . Ourbest budget slow cooker , for instance , come out at just $ 41 .
