Slow Cookers - How to select the Best Crock Pot for You!
As you start to study crock pots, it swiftly becomes clear that there are Many options out there.
Hamilton Beach Crock Pot Recipes
Slow cookers vary by capacity or size, shape - round vs oval, and features: programmable, warming mode, food probe, manifold size crocks... The variations seem endless.
Here are some suggestions to help you sort straight through all of the noise and confusion.
Crock pot capacity (how much food a given crock pot will hold) and the shape of the appliance (round or oval) are both extremely foremost factors to consider.
Crock Pot Size Does Matter
The crock's capacity is an issue because recipes are specific to each size of pot. In other words, it is difficult to make changes to a recipe if your pot is larger or smaller. In addition, the capacity of the crock pot governs how may citizen can be fed from it.
Crock pot capacity varies from 1-pint mini pots to extra large 7-quart cookers. In order for maximum efficiency, it is best fill a cooker only half or up to three quarters full.
The small units are good for hot dip recipes, and can also be used for serving. They are also thorough for cooking a meal for one or two people.
The mid-range cookers -- think 4 quarts, will make a house sized stew, soup, or chili recipe.
The extra large 6 and 7 quart models are good for exciting or cooking for large groups.
Keep in mind that because the size has such a direct consequent on what can be cooked, you may find that you prefer having a integrate of distinct sizes in order to meet your needs. If this is the case, start with the size that you anticipate using most often.
Slow Cooker Shape is Important
The shape of the cooker affects the type of food that can be cooked. In most instances, this will have a direct consequent on the type of meat that will fit into the pot itself.
If you expect to do a lot of meat cooking - rib roasts or whole chickens, for example, plan on purchasing an oval shaped cooker, and probably one of the bigger ones.
Access the Slow Cooker Features Carefully
Looking at the distinct cooking options, you will see everything from a simple and basic model to programmable ones that achieve a range of functions.
The bare bones basic models will have high and low settings. You need to be nearby to start and stop the cooking manually.
If you won't be nearby to do this, you can take the next step up and look for one with an self-operating timer. Many of these have a simple dial.
A digital display choice makes it easy to see at a sight how much time has elapsed. Keep in mind that digital controls are often priced higher, so you'll need to settle if this adds value to the functionality that you are also wiling to pay for.
More sophisticated units allow you to set start and end times for cooking. They can also switch to keep the food warm when the cooking time has ended.
A new option, ready on some high end models, will turn temperature settings mid-way straight through the cooking process. If a recipe needs to start cooking on high and then be switched down to low part way though, this can be useful. Like other features however, it may add to the allembracing price.
Some units have a temperature probe. When inserted into the food, it will gauge the cooking by internal temperature, rather than time elapsed. Once the food (usually a cut of meat) reaches predetermined temperature, the unit stops cooking and switches into the Keep Warm Mode. Again, this feature will be reflected in the price of the slow cooker.
Choosing the Best Crock Pot for You?
So, how to choose?
Consider your extra circumstances:
How may citizen do you want to feed?
What types of food do you anticipate cooking?
Are you home all day?
If you are working elsewhere, are you often delayed?
Because these appliances are size specific, you may reconsider buying size with specific features to start and plan on adding other sizes with distinct features down the road.
Crock Pots - pick the Best Slow Cooker for Yourself
