Slow Cookers, also known as Crock Pots, have been around for decades. Their success comes from their simplicity, ease of use and versatility. But what is a Slow Cooker? What can you do with them? And with the recent introduction of multi-cookers and other similar appliances, do Slow Cookers still have a place?

Slow Cookers 101

In brief, a Slow Cooker is an electric cooking pot used to simmer food at a lower temperature than most other cooking methods. This allows food to be slowly cooked unattended over many hours, without the need for constant stirring or monitoring. Slow Cookers are especially good for making soups, stews and pot roasts, but can also be used for making desserts and even baked goods such as cakes and bread.

Slow Cookers are very user friendly with limited controls (often just a single control knob) and are remarkably easy to clean and maintain. They come in a range of sizes, from small pots designed for 1 to 2 people, to super sized models suitable for bulk cooking. Slow Cookers also come in a wide range of price ranges too. Basic models are reasonably cheap, while more complex units featuring extra features (such as built-in timers etc) can be a little more expensive.

Do I Need a Slow Cooker?

Personally, I consider a Slow Cooker to be an essential part of my kitchen. I use mine dozens of times a year, for everything from making stews and soups, to roasts and even cakes. While bulky and heavy, a Slow Cooker is easily stored in a kitchen cupboard when not in use, so you needn’t worry about it taking up valuable counter space.

Slow Cookers are excellent for those who are new to cooking, people with small kitchens or those who like to cook in bulk.

Slow Cookers are very economical to use. Despite cooking for up to 8 hours at a time (sometimes longer with some dishes) a slow cooker uses only a fraction of the electricity a conventional oven or stove would use to cook the same recipe. Also, despite being quite cheap to purchase, my Slow Cooker has worked reliably for over 20 years – not bad for an original purchase price of just $20!

Does Size Matter?

For the most part, Slow Cookers – regardless of the size – operate more or less the same. They cook at the same temperature, take the same amount of time to cook food, and are mostly identical in electricity use. So choosing what size of Slow Cooker to purchase is really down to your own personal requirements. If you are just cooking for yourself; are unlikely to do much bulk cooking; or don’t have much room in your kitchen, a more compact model will probably do you. If you do have space to spare, a larger model is the better choice, since it gives you the option for cooking larger quantities when required, and more room to fit larger foods (such as roasts) which can come in handy.

Basic vs Premium Models

Most premium models include a few bonus features, such as a built-in cooking timer, keep warm functions and more. For the most part, these extra features are rarely worth the extra money. Basic models will cook your food in more or less the exact same way in the same amount of time – for a fraction of the price. Unless the premium model has features you think are worth the higher price tag, or have a preference for a specific brand name, I recommend going for a cheaper model.

Cleaning

Slow Cookers are very easy to clean. The ceramic pot and glass lid are both dishwasher safe. You can also clean both in the sink with hot soapy water. The outer pot (the part with the electronics) should not be immersed in water or put in the dishwasher. In the event of spills, the outer pot should be unplugged, wiped down with a damp (not wet) cloth and dried with a clean towel. If in doubt, refer the instruction model that came with your Slow Cooker.

Do Your Research

When it comes to most kitchen appliances, it’s worth doing some research before making a purchase. Once you have decided on what type of Slow Cooker you are interested in, specifically size and function, shop around and compare models. Read online reviews and even search video platforms like YouTube for reviews of specific models that put the appliances to the test. I have found that many of these video reviews have been invaluable in making a final decision on which appliance to purchase.

Buyer Beware

Beware of appliances that seem a little too cheap. Snagging a bargain is one thing, but a price that seems a little too low could be a warning that the appliance you are considering is a dodgy device.

Ultra cheap kitchen appliances, including Slow Cookers, have been flooding the market for decades. They are often of inferior quality, poorly constructed and dubious in reliability. I strongly recommend avoiding super cheap appliances.

That doesn’t mean you have to buy the most expensive model available, but do your research and avoid wasting money on a cheap, unreliable bit of rubbish that will inevitably need to be replaced far sooner than necessary.

One Pot Chef Recommends:

Basic Slow Cooker: Healthy Choice 8L Slow Cooker

A large, basic Slow Cooker with three heat options (low, high and keep warm) with dishwasher safe accessories. Big enough for bulk cooking but easy enough for daily use.

Amazon Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/4aF4kxV

Premium Slow Cooker: Breville the Ultimate Cook 6 in 1 Slow Cooker

An expensive but remarkably versatile Slow Cooker that has many bonus functions to justify it’s price tag. The unit slow cooks (low and high options) but also sautes, sears, steams and has a fast cook function. Featuring an oven-safe cast iron 5.5 Litre cooking pot and lid that can withstand temperatures of up to 200 degrees C / 400 degrees F. Easy to use intuitive controls allow for flexible cooking options and simple operation. Pricey, but worth it if you do a lot of entertaining or bulk cooking.

Amazon Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/46iAQEX

In Conclusion

If you are in the market for a Slow Cooker, there is a wide variety of options available to you, depending on your needs and kitchen space. Do your research and keep an eye out for ultra cheap appliances that might not be the bargain they appear to be.