They are in just about every kitchen and they are only growing in popularity. What are they, you ask? Slow cookers. These handy kitchen appliances allow you to come home from a long day of work and not have to deal with the hassle of cooking a meal from scratch. You can pretty much set it to your preferences and have a ready dinner when you arrive home, or shortly after.
There are numerous brands, sizes and styles available. Almost all of the major makers have at least one top-of-the-line model. Hamilton Beach, Cuisinart, Rival, Kitchenaid, Black & Decker and Procter Silex all have them. Choosing from among them can be a little confusing. That’s why we are here, to help show you the way to getting the right slow cooker for your particular needs.
Obviously when picking the right size, you are going to have to keep in mind size of your family, what you plan on making in it, and how much space you have available in your kitchen. The sizes will run anywhere from two quarts all the way up to six quarts and sometimes more. For a single person, couple or small family around three quarts (think Rival) should do. But if you have a large family then you may want to opt for six quarts.
Slow cookers for the most part have a wide variety of features available. Your choice should be based on finding one that has the features that meet your particular needs. One of the most desirable features and one you will want if you plan on having a meal ready for your arrival home, is a model with a programmable timer. Also look for models that have heating levels that you can set. For example, if you are already home and not going anywhere you can pretty much set it on high and have it cook quicker, while setting it low if you want it for much later.
As mentioned above, there are numerous name brands to choose from. With that said, your next step should be to read reviews of the various models, particularly ones that have the features you are looking for. Ideally you will want one that has a 4 or 5 star rating.
These cookers are also available in a variety of styles, designs and colors. Brushed stainless steel models are very popular, but you can also look for one that will match the color scheme and appliances in your kitchen.
Another biggie that you definitely do not want to overlook is ease of cleaning. Trust us on this; you do not want a model that is going to be a major pain to clean. Even if it is one that you really like. Although there are a number of factors to consider when shopping for your slow cooker, rest assured it is not rocket science. With a little homework you should be able to find the right slow cooker for you.
Some Popular Models
