Since their peak in the early 1970s, slow cookers have come a long way. Slow cookers are now used to produce everything from overnight oats to real Indian curries, and they’re no longer used just for stews and tough cuts of meat. When it comes to extra features, slow cookers have also improved. Your only cooking options used to be High, Low, and Warm. You can now steam meat and veggies, cook rice, sauté, and even have your food stirred for you! With so many possibilities, we’re confident we’ve found a slow cooker that meets your needs.
What are“Crock Pot” Slow Cookers
Slow cookers come in a variety of brands and styles, but they all have one thing in common: they cook low and slow and do all the work while you’re away. “Crockpot” style cookers have a ceramic or porcelain saucepan that lies inside the heating unit with heat settings being: LOW wattage (for temperatures between 200 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit) and HIGH wattage (for temperatures between 300 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit). A third, lower-wattage warming option is available in some models. Crock-Pots and Crock-Pot-style slow cookers cook constantly when turned on.
How do Alternative Types of Slow Cookers Work
There are various other types of slow cooking appliances where a metal pot sits on top of the heating unit (rather than inside a “crock,” or heating unit) as in some slow cookers. With these alternative slow cookers the bottom of the pot is the only source of heat. Because the heat is concentrated at the bottom of the pot, food cooks more slowly than in a Crock-Pot, has a higher risk of scorching on the bottom, and requires more frequent stirring. Because of the extra stirring, the lid must be opened more frequently, releasing heat and lengthening the cooking time.
Heat settings typically include more than simply low, high, and warm heat settings. Most have at least five different heat settings. These bottom-heated slow cookers can be set to work in cycles, turning on and off as needed. Some models additionally include a timer that allows you to cook for a set length of time.
Which Type of Slow Cooker Should You Choose
Depending on how much time you want to actively spend cooking your meal choose whichever method will be most useful to you. Cooking with a crock pot will allow you to just put your food in, turn on the pot to low or high then walk away until it’s done. Using a “non-crock” appliance will allow you to set your specific cook time, choose a specific temp, (some can also sear, saute, bake and sous vide) or use as a standard slow cooker. Using any other method than slow cooking with an alternative slow cooker may most likely require the need to stir the contents or check it periodically to avoid risk of burning.
