How to Use a Slow Cooker to Discover the Joys of Easy, Delicious Meals!

Shortly after I married in 1970, the Rival Co. introduced a new kitchen appliance, the Crock-Pot. A hot item in my circles, it was touted to be foolproof and trouble-free. The original slow cooker came in one size with three settings (High, Low, Warm), a few colors, and a retail price of $17.99. I went for the popular Brady Bunch orange and assumed this baby would turn me into a world-class, gourmet cook overnight.

My first slow cooker landed where it did (carport storage shed) because it produced overcooked bland tasting meals that could at best be considered only semi-edible.

The problem was that I didn’t know the basic fundamental culinary techniques of slow-cooking. It wasn’t the Crock-Pot, it was me.

Over the years, I’ve learned a lot, having owned fewer than eight slow cookers, not counting the “slow cook” option on my Instant Pot.

I’ve had a slow cooker that was programmable (a real stretch if by programmable one would assume it could actually be programmed), a ginormous 7-quart size with a loose-fitting lid and knob that would get so hot I’d burn my hand every time, and every imaginable version between. I’ve had more than a few that would frequently burn the contents, others that just didn’t cook evenly, and one that could only be characterized as a fast cooker.

I’ve come to the conclusion that even the most expensive slow cooker out there still requires some level of manual operation. So far, no one has come out with a smart slow cooker that has a clock and a timer with wifi capability so you can set it to start and stop according to the time you plan to walk through the door.

Thankfully, slow cookers have improved immensely over the years, while the prices have remained remarkably affordable.

Generally, for the best value and performance, I recommend a basic, no muss no fuss slow cooker that has three settings, just like the original Crock-Pot, the ability to set the number of hours required, and a tightly fitting lid with a heatproof knob or handle.

Given this simple list of must-haves, here are my picks for the  Best Inexpensive slow cookers:

 

Best Inexpensive Slow Cookers

Basic small programmable slow cooker. Mix and match temperature with your choice of cooking times. User friendly and easy to clean. Perfect size for 4 lb. chicken or 2 lb. roast.

 

This slow cooker is programmable to the extent that you can set the amount of time you want it to cook, knowing that it will stop as directed and move into Warm mode. With its 6-quart size, the Hamilton Beach cooker has three settings, accommodates up to a 6-pound chicken (wow, that would be a big bird!)  or a 4-pound roast. The lid has a rubber gasket and clips to keep it tightly secured. The removable crock is dishwasher safe as is the glass lid.

 

This Hamilton Beach Set & Forget consistently cooks foods at a gentle simmer, making the most tender roast. It’s one of the few cookers I have tested that has a locking lid that seals tightly, as well as a probe thermometer so you can cook to a specific temperature. That one feature really sets this slow cooker apart from the rest.

Why slow cook?

Convenience

A slow cooker can be left unattended all day. You can load up the ingredients into the slow cooker the morning and forget about it until dinnertime without worry of burning the house down. It’s as safe as a nightlight.

Save money

The best slow-cooked ingredients are often the least expensive. Knowing dinner is all ready to go precludes unscheduled fast food runs and relieves guilt. According to the California Energy Commission (and based on California energy costs), a slow cooker operating for seven hours uses about .7 kilowatt hours and costs six cents—less than $.01 per hour. An electric stove at 350°F operating for one hour uses about 2 kilowatt hours and costs about $.16. Exact usage will vary based on your model and prices will vary based on your location.

Basic slow-cooking techniques

Follow a recipe

Use and carefully follow only recipes developed specifically for slow cookers. It’s a completely different way of cooking.

Don’t overcook

Just because six hours is good doesn’t mean eight hours will be better. Overcooking results in weird textures, tough, rubbery chicken, mushy messes and bland offerings. Yuck.

Brown meats

For best flavor and texture, ground beef or ground turkey should be browned on top of the stove before adding to slow cooker.

Don’t peek

Removing the lid for even a moment during cooking time allows the internal temperature to drop by up to 15 degrees. For each peek add an additional 20 minutes cooking time.

Start cold but not frozen

Keep perishable foods such as meats, poultry, and vegetables refrigerated until time to cook.

Re-season

Flavors often become diluted with long slow cooking. So before serving any slow-cooked creation, taste and adjust the seasonings.

Use a timer

Careful timing is key to slow cooking. If your slow cooker does not have a timer, a quick and easy way to give your slow cooker a timer is to plug it into a lamp or appliance timer device you can purchase at the home improvement store or online. A timer will allow you to cook a dish requiring say six hours even though you will be away for eight. Start the cooking no longer than two hours later after placing ingredients in the cooker. For poultry, no longer than one hour later.

Simple to use appliance timer turns small appliances and lamps on and off up to 24 hours per day in as small as 30-minute intervals.

In the meantime, if you are anxious to make amends with your slow cooker, here is a favorite slow cooker recipe of mine that will give you great confidence and your family a delicious meal. Enjoy!

 

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