When shopping for a slow cooker, several key points must be kept in mind. First and foremost is how you will use the device.
If you frequently prepare fatty cuts of meat, an electric roaster with an integrated temperature probe could be beneficial in reaching an appropriate internal temperature for each slice. Other helpful functions may include sauteing and delay start options.
1. Cuisinart Cook Central 3-in-1
The Cuisinart Cook Central 3-in-1 slow cooker is an easy and reliable choice for everyday family meals.
Its spacious stoneware insert can accommodate most family meals comfortably while its easy dial with low/high settings as well as keep-warm function made it stand out in our tests.
While it did take longer than other models to reach its desired cooking temperature, its steady heat produced creamy beans as well as tender pull-apart pork for our test recipes.
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Discover the Versatility: Why the Cuisinart Cook Central 3-in-1 is the Best Slow Cooker |
We appreciate that this model offers a manual setting for those who prefer cooking their food at lower temperatures than what the preset options allow, helping prevent overcooking which occurs when too much heat gets to food before it has finished its journey through cooking cycles.
Locking lids are also great features to consider when transporting the slow cooker to a potluck, helping prevent chili spills like Hester experienced during her travels.
This slow cooker boasts not only traditional slow-cooking functions but also features a brown/saute function for searing meat and vegetables directly within the pot - our testers found this convenient feature saved them time from using separate pans for this step that often leads to overcooked and stringy food.
Keep in mind, however, that adding extra features may increase its price; carefully consider any possible trade-offs before making your final purchase decision.
2. Hamilton Beach Temp Tracker
No matter the occasion or size of your dinner party, there is a slow cooker available that is suitable.
For large families or those who like creating multi-step dishes that involve roasting, sauteing and slow cooking processes, models such as the Cuisinart Cook Central 3-in-1 6-Quart Multi-Cooker are highly recommended.
If you're shopping for an entry-level slow cooker, we recommend one with a digital display showing which features are selected.
The Hamilton Beach Temp Tracker 6-Quart Slow Cooker is our value pick due to its programmable temperature probe which helps prevent overcooking of meat which could result in tough and dry results.
Krissoff appreciates this model's medium-size capacity that "holds enough food for our family of three, plus enough leftovers".
Additionally, she appreciates its locking lid and airtight gasket which help secure food during cooking or transport.
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The Perfect Cook Every Time: Why the Hamilton Beach Temp Tracker is the Best Slow Cooker |
An additional key feature to look out for in a slow cooker is an easily removable insert that's safe for use in both hand washing and the dishwasher, with removable parts designed to make cleaning simpler and quicker.
In order to minimize potential chemicals leaching into food during its long cooking time, high quality materials should also be considered a factor - our Best Buy model, the Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 6-Quart Slow Cooker meets this criteria with its ceramic insert and stainless steel base unit which can both be safely washed by either method - our Best Buy model is well suited to fulfill these criteria with its ceramic insert made from high quality materials that's both dishwasher and hand washeable base unit making cleaning effortless!
3. KitchenAid Crock-Pot 6.5-Quart Cook & Carry
This KitchenAid model provides both high and low settings as well as a warm setting, making it one of our top choices.
As our other top picks do, this one cooks recipes perfectly as well as being designed specifically to keep food warm while traveling; in our tests this cooker did an admirable job of keeping ingredients warm without overcooking; its airtight lid ensured your car interior would remain free from spilled slow-cooked soup!
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Perfect for Gatherings: Discover the Best Slow Cooker - KitchenAid Crock-Pot 6.5-Quart |
Consider user-friendly features when purchasing a slow cooker.
Look for appliances with user-friendly control panels that make programs, settings and options easily readable without having to fumble around with confusing buttons and manuals for an answer.
Consider whether or not your appliance can brown and saute foods directly within its bowl, saving both time and kitchen equipment costs by eliminating step one of your cooking process.
Also take into account its size as this will determine its footprint on your counter as well as storage needs; portability should also be taken into consideration, with many slow cooker models offering convenient carrying handles to make transport easy.
4. Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry
The Crock-Pot Cook & Carry is an excellent value among lower-priced slow cookers. During our tests, it proved itself exceptional at producing tender beef stew that featured just a slight chewiness, thick sauce and tender vegetables with some light crunchiness.
Furthermore, its handles did not get hot even during cooking cycles and it locked securely shut.
The TCP100 comes equipped with three temperature settings and a very basic LCD timer that works to its intended function at an accessible price point.
In our test of holding its temperature after being unplugged for 2 hours - an important capability when cooking chili for friends - only 4 degrees changed, making this model highly reliable.
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Easy Cooking, Hassle-Free Transport: The Best Slow Cooker is the Crock-Pot 6-Quart |
The main disadvantage to this model is its inability to be used on both the stovetop and oven, so if searing and baking will also be part of your slow cooking repertoire, we would recommend opting for another of our top picks instead.
The Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker Pro 8.5-Quart would make for an ideal machine; its stainless steel cooking pot offers easy cleanup after use while not containing harmful PFAS chemicals that might be an important consideration for some families.
