Shopping for a Slow Cooker

With new appliances hitting the market every day, it's important to understand which appliances are worth their space in the kitchen. Slow cookers are definitely one of those appliances that you want to have at home. They can cook nearly anything and meals in the slow cooker are some of the most hassle free, simple meals to prepare.

When shopping for a slow cooker, here are a couple things to keep in mind;

• Slow Cookers come in a variety of sizes generally ranging from 3 to 7 or 8 quarts. Consider how often you use it, how many people you feed regularly, and how much kitchen space you have. Keep in mind, larger pots are rarely much more expensive and are a better value. Soups, stews, chili, these meals can all be frozen and enjoyed at a later date so they are good for larger batches!
  
• Different brands and more expensive pots will have various controls and settings but if you're looking for basic, you want to see 4 minimal settings.
  1. OFF
  2. LOW
  3. HIGH
  4. WARM    

These basic settings are all you truly need. Most recipes you follow will likely use the low or high setting so other temperatures and settings are fairly unnecessary. The WARM setting is great for dips that you want to keep warm

• What's in a name? Crock Pot brand is what I grew up with so there is a familiarity there but there are so many varieties of slow cooker available. Use online reviews, compare information on the box at the store, and ask friends for the best choice. All slow cookers are basically doing the same thing no matter the brand, design, or settings so a lot of it will be to your own tastes and preferences in design and appearance.

http://www.crock-pot.ca/

As I said, one of the best kitchen appliances you can have is a slow cooker. Even your friend who can't toast bread can use a slow cooker and make a great meal! I hope these suggestions help you when shopping for a slow cooker!