Choosing the Best Programmable Slow Cooker: The Top Six 2017 Models Reviews
Cooking is fun. However, it’s much more than that when you use the right appliance. With the best programmable slow cooker, you don’t have to worry about your food burning, over-cooking, or undercooking at all. Programmable cookers are the latest addition to the cooking world and whoever has tried them before having nothing but praises for them. Well, you may have thought of grabbing one for yourself. If you have, let’s make the job easy for you.
Our experts have reviewed some of the very best programmable slow cookers. From pricing, durability, functionality, to accessories, they have turned every cooker upside down. Read along to find out which type of slow-cooker is suitable for your lifestyle and why. Here are the top six programmable slow cookers that we chose for our review.
Top Six Best Programmable Slow Cooker Reviews
[su_table]Picture | Top Picks | Size | Rating | Price | Review |
Cuisinart MSC-600 3-In-1 (6-Quart) Multi-Cooker: Slow Cooker, Browning, Steamer | 12x19x9.5 | 5.0/5.0 | $$$ | Read Review | |
Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker With Temperature Probe | 16 x10.2x 16.1 | 5.0/5.0 | $$$ | Read Review | |
Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S 6-Quart Oval Programmable Slow Cooker With Digital Timer | 10x15x15.2 | 4.8/5.0 | $$$ | Read Review | |
Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1 Programmable Slow Cooker (2-Quart) | 16.5 x 14.2 x 11.8 | 5.0/5.0 | $$$ | Read Review | |
BLACK+DECKER SCD4007 Programmable Slow Cooker (7-Quart) | 17.3 x 9.6 x 14 | 4.7/5.0 | $$$ | Read Review | |
All-Clad SD700450 6.5 Quart Programmable Oval-Shaped Slow Cooker | 14 x 19.87 x 11.38 | 5.0/5.0 | $$$ | Read Review |
Cuisinart MSC-600 3-In-1 (6-Quart) Multi-Cooker: Slow Cooker, Browning, Steamer
The Cuisinart MSC-600 3-In-1 (6-Quart) Multi-Cooker: Slow Cooker, Browning, Steamer is perhaps the best slow cooker that you can find easily. Though a little pricey than many other models of the same type, the Cuisinart MSC-600 has some of the best features to die for.
It comes with one-touch switch modes as the best slow cooker reviews would point out. This mode allows you to combine many recipes without necessarily having to plan the ingredients. In fact, when we tested it we realized that all we needed to do was throw in all the ingredients and press on the one-touch switch mode.
It also has an extra-large blue backlit LCD display. Like many other great cookers of its kind, the Cuisinart MSC-600 3-In-1 (6-Quart) Multi-Cooker gives you an easy display, easy-to-read timer, and easy-to-read temperature settings. Thanks to the extra-large LCD display that it comes with.
Additionally, this 6-quart slow-cooker also comes with an easy-to-wash and maintain aluminum cooking pot. The pot has non-stick qualities. It also has a Teflon coating that makes it extremely efficient for use. Above all that, the pot is durable as the aluminum used is of very high quality.
The one area that the Cuisinart MSC-600 3-In-1 (6-Quart) Multi-Cooker: Slow Cooker, Browning, Steamer beats most of its competitor brands is on the lid. The gasket lid is made of glass for an obstructed view. It also comes with a cool-touch handle for comfortable handling.
In fact, this slow cooker model is also very dishwasher-friendly. Meaning it is easy to care for, maintain, and clean. This makes it one of the very best hygienic models that we have today. The cooker features a steaming rack and few other removable parts for easy cleaning.
Apart from that, the Cuisinart MSC-600 3-In-1 (6-Quart) Multi-Cooker features a stainless steel coating. This is pretty much durable. It doubles up to make the cooking presets efficient. Indeed this makes the model super cool for foods that require slow-simmering say soups.
The product is also easy to carry around. It weighs just about 16 pounds and measures 12 x 19 x 9.5 inches in exact dimensions. It comes with plastic coated handles so you can move it around with ease. You don’t have to worry about sustaining burns when using the Cuisinart MSC-600.
The LED display works together with the cooking presets that the Cuisinart MSC-600 3-In-1 (6-Quart) Multi-Cooker: Slow Cooker comes with: Such programs include the slow cooking option, browning/ sauté, and steaming. A 24 hour keep warm technology is also applicable to this product.
Usability
The Cuisinart MSC-600 3-In-1 (6-Quart) Multi-Cooker: Slow Cooker, Browning, Steamer is so easy to use. Once you have set in your food, you can power it on, cover the lid, and press on your most suitable cooking program. Indeed this is the best programmable slow cooker for any medium household.
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Pros
- Extra-large LCD control panel
- 24 hour keep warm option
- Durable stainless steel coat
- Dishwasher friendly aluminum cooking pot
- High compatibility with cooking accessories
Cons
- Easy to sustain damage if mishandled
- Pricey compared to other models
- Needs the use of a manual while learning
Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker With Temperature Probe
When it comes down to slow cookers a cooker that allows you to program, set, and forget your cooking while you enjoy many other activities is the real deal. The Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Best Programmable Slow Cooker With Temperature Probe gives you exactly that. How cool is that?
First is comes with a clip-tight gasket lid. The lid prevents vapor and steam from escaping while you are preparing your food. It also keeps off any messy spill that could escape through. Additionally, the lid also has a user-friendly cover that allows you to handle it easily if needed.
The Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker With Temperature Probe also comes with an easy-to-use extra-large LCD for display. The display is obvious and very easy to view. It shows the exact temperature readings and will also highlight the timer with a view of the type of food.
The best part of the Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker With Temperature Probe is, unlike the many slow cookers that we have, Hamilton comes with three automatic cooking options. It has a probe, manual, and programmable (set n’ forget) cooking options. This model operates as any other Best Electric Pressure Cooker would.
In fact, this same model also features a thermometer probe that will help you in displaying the actual temperature of every food that you could be preparing and especially meat. This is really good as you can monitor how your food cooks or know when it is ready to be served.
Again it features a full grip handle. Such handles are often ideal for carrying heavy meals with ease around the table or when you need to start serving. They also work well with standard cooking when you want to set your food in a good place to start cooking.
Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker With Temperature Probe is also cool. It features a metallic color and comes with a durable aluminum coating. Above all that it has an ideal capacity of up to 6 quarts. This is adequate for any medium-sized family/ household.
This slow cooker will also take up a sizable space. It measures 16 x 10.2 x 16.1 inches in exact dimension. It also weighs 2.24 ounces making it one of the lightest slow cookers that we have around. While using it, we realized that it also has a 6-quart removable stoneware crock.
You can cook large pieces of meat, simmer soups, and prepare veggies in the Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker With Temperature Probe without a sweat. The model is awesome for many types of foods.
Usability
Set your food inside the Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker. Power up the cooker and set it to a suitable temperature. Set your timer to an ideal recipe time. Wait for your cooker to prepare the meal.
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Pros
- Set and Forget Slow Cooking Technology
- Durable aluminum pot for easy cooking.
- Highly portable cooker for easy setting.
- Easy to wash, clean, and maintain too.
Cons
- Easy to damage if mishandled
- Rigid to learn for the first-timers
- Not ideal for large families/ households
Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S 6-Quart Oval Programmable Slow Cooker With Digital Timer
Another easy-to-use programmable slow cooker that we found was the Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S 6-Quart Oval Programmable Slow Cooker With Digital Timer. While it is a very affordable slow-cooker, it also had some features that any user would fall in love with.
First of all the Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S 6-Quart Oval Programmable Slow Cooker had one of the best capacities for a standard family. At 6-quart you could easily use it to prepare large chunks of meat for up to seven guys in a sitting. In short, it can carry up to 6 pounds of roast.
As one of the best programmable slow cookers, the Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S 6-Quart also comes with a tightly lockable gasket lid. The cover is easy to use. It is also very ideal for tightly locking in the vapor and steam. This will help any user to stay away from a messy cooking spree and makes this product an outstanding option.
Additionally, the Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S 6-Quart Oval Programmable Slow Cooker With Digital Timer also comes with an easy-to-read LCD display control panel. The panel can be used to display temperatures and timers. It also comes with a programmable cooking option for easy use.
With digital programmable cooking presets you don’t have to set your time manually, no! The simplest thing to do is to put your food in the cooking pot and choose a customized cooking preset to go with. With the Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S, this programmed cooking ranges anywhere between 30 minutes and 20 hours.
The Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S 6-Quart Oval Programmable Slow Cooker With Digital Timer also shifts to Keep Warm automatically. This happens once your cooking time is complete and the food is ready. You don’t even have to monitor the cooker to set it in this serving functionality.
One thing that we loved with the Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S 6-Quart Oval Programmable Slow Cooker was its oval shape. Unlike many other slow-cookers, this cooker comes with an oval cooking pan. The cooking pan is removable and is made out of durable stoneware – ideal for serving.
The Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S 6-Quart Oval Programmable Slow Cooker With Digital Timer is made out of durable stainless steel. It weighs just about 8 pounds and measures 10 x 15 x 15.2 inches. The gasket lid comes with an easy-to-use handle on the top. It is also made of glass and will allow you to take a peek at your food.
Above all that the cast also makes it a smart choice the best programmable slow cooker. It has two great handlers. You can easily use the handles to carry the pot around and to set it in a suitable place.
Usability
Using the Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S 6-Quart Oval Programmable Slow Cooker With Digital Timer is pretty easy. Put the stoneware into the heating base. Add all the ingredients to the pot. Cover the lid of the Crock-Pot and plug in your Crock-Pot. Choose your temperatures and timer settings and let your food cook by itself. Serve when ready.
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Pros
- Easy to operate
- Programmable cooking options
- Durable stainless steel cast
- Removable stoneware cooking pot
- Easy to clean up of any mess
- Automatic Keep Warm option
Cons
- Needs the manual to learn
- Needs to be handled with care
- Slightly heavy for general use
Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1 Programmable Slow Cooker (2-Quart)
Oval in shape, the Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1 Programmable Slow Cooker (2-Quart) comes close to the Crock-Pot that we just saw. This is why the Cuisinart PSC-350 is considered one of the best programmable slow cookers that we have today.
When we looked at it keenly, we found out that the Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1 Programmable Slow Cooker (2-Quart) comes with an easy to use 3 in 1 ceramic pot. It was also programmable, and you didn’t have to keep an eye on it while your food was cooking.
Additionally, the Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1 Programmable Slow Cooker (2-Quart) also came with a touchpad control panel. The panel is easy to use and would fit any cook including the starters. It serves the 2-quart pot well and ensures that you save time and energy while preparing your dish.
Indeed the Touch-Pad features many tips that will make your cooking experience quite an enjoyable one. For starters, it comes with a 24 hour LCD countdown timer. It also has four programmable cooking options customized for specific types of dishes suitable for the cooker.
As if that is not enough, the Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1 Programmable Slow Cooker (2-Quart) also features an Automatic keep warm Technology that allows your food to switch from cooking to an ideal serving temperature once your food is ready. This is so cool for anyone who doesn’t want to consume their food immediately it is cooked.
Apart from all these features, this best programmable slow cooker also features an easy-to-use tight seal gasket lid. The cover is made out of glass and is awesome for anyone who wants to steal a glance at their food while it cooks. The cooker also has rubber feet.
The rubber feet are non-slip and will ensure that the slow-cooker remains secured in any place that you set it. This works so well with the “stay-cool” handles that the Cuisinart PSC-350 comes with for maximum safety and a burn-free cooking experience.
Washing is also a breeze. In case of any kind of a mess, the Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1 Programmable Slow Cooker (2-Quart) is easy to wash; it is dishwasher friendly, and you could also wash it manually. The parts that will need routine cleaning include the cooking pot, the lid, and the coat.
This slow-cooker is made of a durable stainless steel metal alloy and comes with an easy-to-use instruction manual with recipes included. It is slightly heavier, weighs up to about 10 pounds, and measures 16.5 x 14.2 x 11.8 inches in exact dimensions.
The major turn-off that we found with the Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1 Programmable Slow Cooker (2-Quart) was in its capacity. This unruffled slow cooker only has a capacity of about 3 quarts. This makes it ideal for three people. However, it cannot serve a huge family.
Usability
In just three easy steps you can set up your food on the Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1 Programmable Slow Cooker (2-Quart) and have it when ready.
- First of all, place your Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1 Programmable Slow Cooker (2-Quart) on a suitable heating base.
- Add your ingredients. Cover the lid before setting your timer and temperatures. Power up the Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1 Programmable Slow Cooker (2-Quart).
- Wait for your cooking to be completed before serving.
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Pros
- Durable stainless steel brushed coating
- Easy to use a user manual
- Additional recipes
- Digital display control panel
- Automatic Keep Warm Technology
Cons
- Small incapacity
- A little weighty
- Prone to damage if mishandled
BLACK+DECKER SCD4007 Programmable Slow Cooker (7 Quart)
With all the best slow cookers that we have seen, the list is yet to end. 2017 is presenting us with some great slow-cooking appliances to look out for. Another smart best programmable slow cooker is the BLACK+DECKER SCD4007 Programmable Slow Cooker (7 Quart).
By just being reasonable cheap in almost every franchise that we looked at, the BLACK+DECKER SCD4007 Programmable Slow Cooker (7 Quart) qualifies to be one of the most affordable slow-cookers that any kitchen can have today.
The BLACK+DECKER SCD4007 Best Programmable Slow Cooker (7 Quart) has a large capacity and could serve up to seven guys in a sitting. From large chunks of meat to veggies and fruits, using the BLACK+DECKER SCD4007 Programmable Slow Cooker (7 Quart) is a super cool experience for anyone.
Indeed the BLACK+DECKER SCD4007 Programmable Slow Cooker (7 Quart) comes with a 7-quart capacity. It also comes with a travel-friendly gasket lid that covers the cooking pot tightly keeping any form of the cooking mess away. The lid has two locks on either side which makes it extremely efficient.
The BLACK+DECKER SCD4007 Programmable Slow Cooker (7 Quart) also comes with a removable oval stoneware. The stoneware is easy to clean and so are the top and the outer cast. The Lid is made of glass, and you can use it to take a quick peek at how your food is cooking right inside the cooking pot.
Apart from being dishwasher friendly the BLACK+DECKER SCD4007 Programmable Slow Cooker (7 Quart) also doubles up as a serving bowl. You can just use it to bring food to the table and serve it to your pals. This makes it one of the very best cooking and serving options for parties.
Let’s just say that the BLACK+DECKER SCD4007 Programmable Slow Cooker (7 Quart) is designed for portability. At a weight of just about 14 pounds, this slow-cooker measures 17.3 x 9.6 x 14 inches in exact dimensions and can be easily moved around even though it is heavier than many other cookers.
This best programmable slow cooker is a grand way to eliminate hassles and mess when transporting or cooking your dishes. The BLACK+DECKER SCD4007 Programmable Slow Cooker (7 Quart) is entirely programmable. You don’t have to keep watch while your food cooks. It comes with an LCD display that allows you to choose the time and also the amount of heat.
The BLACK+DECKER SCD4007 Programmable Slow Cooker (7 Quart) is quite compatible with many cooking accessories including trays, cooking stoneware, and serving spoons. This will depend on the type of dish that you choose to go with for your slow cooker.
Finally, the BLACK+DECKER SCD4007 Programmable Slow Cooker (7 Quart) has a chalk surface. The exterior of the slow-cooker is made of a chalk surface. This is dope if you want to draw down a few recipes of your own. There are chalk-sticks included that make the job very easy.
Usability
If you want to enjoy healthy home-cooked meals with the BLACK+DECKER SCD4007 Programmable Slow Cooker (7 Quart)you can set it on a cooking base and add the cooking ingredients to your pot. Once done you can then set the cooker to either Low or High depending on your type of food and how fast you want the food to get cooked. Once cooked, set the cooker sets on “warm” automatically to allow it to remain at serving temperatures.
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Pros
- Dishwasher friendly
- 7-quart capacity
- Removable oval stoneware
- Vapor-free lockable lid
- Chalk surface for recipes
- High-end digital display
Cons
- A little heavier
- Difficult to learn for starters
- Easy to damage if not used well
All-Clad SD700450 6.5 Quart Programmable Oval-Shaped Slow Cooker
With its sleek and stylish design the All-Clad SD700450 6.5 Quart Programmable Oval-Shaped Slow Cooker is one of the best programmable slow cookers with a contemporary touch to blend.
The slow-cooker comes with an ideal oval shape. It also has a 6.5-quart capacity. This makes the All-Clad suitable for large chunks of meat. It also gives it an outstanding touch with a simple setting that makes it okay for serving a large group of people (up to seven or nine guys at a sitting).
The All-Clad SD700450 6.5 Quart Programmable Oval-Shaped Slow Cooker also has a stainless steel cover. This means it is very durable and could withstand high levels of wear and tear. This cover has a removable black ceramic insert. This is super ideal for spreading the heat evenly while cooking.
The black insert is also very easy to wash. It is spacious enough to hold larger quantities of food. You don’t have to worry in case of any spillage or mess. Simply push it in the dishwasher and let the black ceramic pot wash up as clean as you’d love it to be.
The pot is actually dishwasher-friendly. The same applies to the tight gasket lid that the All-Clad SD700450 6.5 Quart Programmable Oval-Shaped Slow Cooker comes with. The lid has a user-friendly handle on the top that you can use to grab/ hold it without any worries of burns.
Apart from all these the All-Clad SD700450 6.5 Quart Programmable Oval-Shaped, Slow Cooker has an easy to read LCD-display panel. This control features some programmable presets that you can use for customized cuisines and for setting the heat and timers while cooking.
This best programmable slow cooker also features slow-cooking settings that are very convenient and ranges between 4 -20 hours. This makes this cooker one of the very best slow-cookers when it comes to preparing home-cooked meals on any schedule.
The control panel also has durable buttons. The pushbuttons are made out of large rubber for intuitive use. This makes them perfect for any form of programs that you would want to find or use from the All-Clad SD700450 6.5 Quart Programmable Oval-Shaped Slow Cooker.
Additionally, this slow cooker is made out of durable stainless steel. The stainless steel alloy is easy to clean and also to maintain. It doubles up to grace the All-Clad SD700450 6.5 Quart Programmable Oval-Shaped Slow Cooker with an ideal weight of 12.5 lbs and an exact dimension of 14 x 19.87 x 11.38 inches.
Luckily the cooker is also convenient and saves you energy and time. You can set in your food, lock it, power it up, and hit the road. You don’t have to worry about the temperatures. It comes with a keep warm option that the cooker switches to automatically once your food is prepared.
One deal-breaker that we found with the All-Clad SD700450 6.5 Quart Programmable Oval-Shaped, Slow Cooker is the integrated handles. While they are meant for easy grip, they are not made of any user-friendly materials. Meaning you must use a pad to hold them to avoid burns.
Usability
Like the best programmable slow cooker should work place your All-Clad SD700450 6.5 Quart Programmable Oval-Shaped Slow Cooker on a cooking base. Set in all your ingredients, set your cooker to the most suitable temperature and time. Lock it in and let your food cook. Once done it will automatically set to the “keep the warm option” and allow you to serve your food while hot.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Programmable cooking options
- Durable stainless steel cast
- Removable stoneware cooking pot
- Easy to clean up of any mess
- Automatic Keep Warm option
Cons
- Needs the manual to learn
- Needs to be handled with care
- Slightly heavy for wide-range use
The Top 10 Merits of Using a Slow Cooker
We have seen the best types of slow cookers for any household. Now let’s look at why many people prefer such cookers in the first place. These appliances have got numerous advantages. If you look carefully you might even fall in love with them more. While many models can be found between the price ranges of $50 – $100 making them highly affordable; to find suitable benefits, it’s usually important that you use a cooker. Here are some of the most general gains that a slow-cooker will offer.
Saves Lots of Money Too
You may not believe it, but just like traditional pots and pans, the best programmable slow cooker can equally prepare a delectable dish of beef stew or brown meat. However, unlike these conventional methods, slow cookers will leave you with an exceptional delicacy – so much full of flavor and taste. This allows you to enjoy the full value of your food. In turn, not even a dollar will have gone to waste. Because they also prevent wastage of heat energy (energy efficient) you don’t have to spend more.
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Save Lots of Cooking Time
Contrary to what many people think, the slow cooker doesn’t take a whole day to prepare a single meal, no! To be precise, they cook really quickly. Some even do a dish is less than half an hour. The choice is, however, yours. You can preset your food to cook evenly through the night. Sometimes this will also depend on the type of cuisine that you are preparing. Better still you can use your slow-cooker to store your prepared dish. Just make sure you seal it properly so that it remains fresh.
High but Suitable Temps
The best programmable slow cooker can hit up to 400 degrees F, but even with such high temperatures, it won’t pose a threat. The liquid won’t burst out during cooking. In fact, slow cookers don’t leave the steam to escape. They are quite different from these modern hyped cooking and are indeed very close to the ordinary conventional cooking than anything else – forget all the myths you have heard about slow cookers. These appliances are common for your high temp household use.
Effortless and Enjoyable Time
With slow cookers, you don’t have to endure long and highly exhaustive cooking. You always have an option to make quick dishes, follow simple recipes, and have your food served in no time. All you need to do is throw all your ingredients in and let the cooker do the job for you. Use raw onions, carrots, brown meat, and many other friendly ingredients, and see how it turns out. Such a trouble-free cooking experience is what we all yearn for. A slow cooker can give it to you.
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Low Maintenance Costs
Under this category, the best programmable slow cooker will have durable casts, cooking bowls, and exceptionally powerful DC motors. These components are easy to maintain and take care of. For instance, some of them can be wiped off with a damp microfiber pad while most of them are also dishwasher friendly. You don’t have to stick around to scrub it either. The durable stainless steel is also easy to clean. In case you have harsh food particles; just add water to the cooker, close the lid, and set it on a high temp.
Preserves Nutrients/ Taste
Like we mentioned before, these appliances won’t overcook or undercook your food. The results are just right. Being the case, you will always end up with a properly prepared dish. Come to think of it such a domestic device will preserve nutrients, flavor, and taste, unlike the traditional pans that we often use. You can also use them to prepare very tasty delicacies. This is the main reason slow cooking is usually advisable for highly nutritious foodstuffs any day.
Consumes Fewer Liquids
Water wastage is a thing of the past if you choose to use a slow cooker. The best programmable slow cooker will use very little water to ensure that your food cooks. This is because they are usually sealed so tightly. Tight seals offer no escape routes for vapor/ steam. The steam is used to make sure that the food you are preparing eventually cooks pretty well. Remember, though, when cooking veggies, make sure that the liquid used covers them. Do not drown either.
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Special Results/ Gentle Heat
From numerous research done, slow cooking in a low setting is an ideal way to bring out nutrients, flavor, and tastes from your food. In short, your slow cooker provides exactly that. Therefore, program your slow cooker even when leaving your home for work. Leave your food to cook as remarkably as possible. Your device is designed to give only the best. You can read the best Pressure Cooker Reviews for more tips.
Consumes Less Oil Too
According to many expert chefs and cooks, the best programmable slow cooker consumes very little oil. This is contrary to what many conventional cooking devices would do. Because slow preparation of food will keep the moisture on top of your ingredients, it minimizes the consumption of oil as your recipe relies more on natural flavors. Similarly, they also reduce the use of fat as you’re not frying any food when using a slow-cooker. This option has made slow cooking one of the healthiest options.
Saves You Lots of Energy
The best programmable slow cooker doesn’t need any monitoring. It works its way just as a dishwasher. The best part is this. Since it can be programmed, a slow cooker will easily work on its own, better than any home appliance that you could think of. It will come with top-rated options that make this one very possible. For instance, the best programmable slow cooker could have a “keep warm” or “warm” feature. This helps your food to keep fresh and maintain super-serving temperatures.
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Types of Slow Cookers: Best Features and Designs
Choosing the best programmable slow cooker can be tricky especially if you have never done it before. From our research, we realized that there are many essential features by which any slow cooker can be chosen. It can be based on size, capacity, functionality, construction, and above all the cooker’s components. Additionally, slow cookers can also be determined based on their heating elements. In case you want to find one, you can always follow our simple guide.
Depending on Shape
Based on the figure of the slow cooker, the cooker can usually be categorized into three main types namely:
Round Shaped Slow Cooker
These come with circular styled pots/ coats. They are the most common cookers of all. They are readily available and are splendid at cooking stews and soups. They can as well hold small chunks of meat. However, they don’t work for roasted dishes and more notably the casserole.
Oval Shaped Slow Cooker
Usually more versatile than the round-shaped models, the oval-shaped slow cookers are some of the best cookers you could lay hands on especially if they were programmable. They give room for large chunks of meat cooking spree and specifically the casseroles that round models don’t.
Rectangular Slow Cooker
For guys who want the most versatile of all slow cookers, the rectangular cooker is the bomb! It can accommodate very many types of dishes and will easily support conventional roasts, casseroles, soups, and even meat stews. They also come in variable depths for the perfect plate.
Depending on Heating Elements
Unlike the best pressure cookers, based on heating elements, slow cookers will be categorized in two main ways namely griddle and electric pot.
Griddle Style Slow Cookers
Griddle-styled slow cooking doesn’t usually come in the best programmable slow cooker that is oval or round-shaped. It is typical of the rectangular slow cookers. Here is how you’ll determine griddle-styled cooking. Griddle Heating type has the detachable crock placed at the top of the cooker’s heating base. Most griddle-styled cookers are fine for traditional stoves and ovens. Similarly, you can always use such appliances for food storage. You can also cook different types of food in griddle-styled pots including slow-cooked foods. Most notables griddle cookers offer more temperature controls than their electric counterpart.
Electric Based Slow Cookers
Though not usually as versatile as the griddle-style, electric pots often feature modern digital models. It is common with the round and oval-shaped slow cookers and allows the cooking pot to rest inside the heating units. Electric pots can with no trouble catch the heat through the base and in turn, spread it evenly through the cooking pot. One such advantage that electric pots have is that they feature easy to remove and clean pots.
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Depending on Cooker Size
By the cooker’s size, the best programmable slow cooker can either be a mini-slow cooker, a medium-sized slow cooker, or a large slow-cooker.
The Mini Slow Cooker
This is the smallest slow cooker of all. It has a capacity of between 1 to 2 quarts. The mini-cooker is ideal for the smallest family sizes and more notable one with not more than three people.
Medium Slow Cooker
This one falls between the mini and the large best programmable slow cooker. They are also called the standard slow-cookers. Medium slow cookers will fall between 3 and 6 quarts regarding capacity. They are not quite spacious but are pretty ideal for medium cut beef, larger meals, and a standard household.
The Large Slow Cooker
While a standard size slow cooker will serve up to seven people, the large slow cooker dish up much more. They come with a capacity of up to 8 quarts. Meaning, they can accommodate even the biggest meat cuts. They are cool for a large household and could serve up to 10 people at a time.
Choosing the Best Programmable Slow Cooker: What You Must Know
Like we mentioned before, choosing the best programmable slow cooker is no walk in the park. You need to have every useful tip that you can. The most important considerations should capture what you want to get out of the cooker. Whichever choice you make, your decisions should be influenced by the following factors.
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The Size of Your Household
We have seen how slow cookers are categorized. One of the most notable categories was based on size. From Mini, Medium, to Large, the type of slow cooker that you buy will depend on the capacity of the cooker which is directly proportional to the number of people that you want to serve. Mini cookers will wrap up to 3 guys; medium will not exceed six, while large slow-cookers will go up to ten guys. Consider the number of people you intend to serve when buying a slow-cooker.
How Much Time for Cooking
How much time do you set aside for preparing your food? The time spent in the kitchen will determine the type of cooker that you want. If you are spending under one hour, you could require the best programmable slow cooker that will prepare your meal below 30 minutes. If you want fresh food at a ready-to-serve temperature, a slow cooker will be your perfect choice. No doubt such factors will influence your buy.
Your Daily/ Personal Schedule
Are you the working class bachelor, stay-at-home mom, occasional cook, or a seasoned chef? Depending on your personal activities the best slow cookers will liberate you from highly demanding cooking activities. It will save you time, energy, and help you to prepare customized delicacies. All you need is to program your slow-cooker and take your time to hang out with loved ones. So while choosing your cooker, remember to keep your type of lifestyle in mind. Check out the best slow cooker reviews for more tips.
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How Much you Intend to Use It
The frequency of using your slow cooker should also determine the type of slow cooker that you aim to buy. If you mean to use your cooker quite often, then a cooking gadget that can easily withstand wear and tear would be an ideal option. Additionally, a cooker that serves very few people or cooks very minimal dishes will last longer. Always read the user reviews before buying one.
Amount of Space Available Too
Depending on where you intend to set your slow-cooker you must first find an ideal space. If you plan to use it on the worktop, the space created for the cooker should be readily available. Always look at the size of space that you have available and the type of cooker model that’s suitable for it before you spend your money on any cooker. This will ensure that you get the perfect fit cooker.
The Main Parts of a Slow Cooker
Irrespective of all the modern technologies, designs, and constructions, all the best programmable slow cookers have three basic parts in common: these three components include a gasket lid, cooking pot, and heating unit. Here is what you should know about each and every part.
Gasket Lid
A gasket top secures the slow cooker. It seals off any escape routes for steam and vapor. It is the main reason why food cooks properly (from all directions). Gasket lids may vary in size and also in the brand. As a matter of fact, they are manufactured from different materials. The most dependable ones are made out of stainless steel or hard plastic. They can be bought differently in case yours sustains any damages.
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Heating Unit
This is also known as the heating elements in a slow-cooker. In most cases, it will refer to the heating base that slow-cookers come with or any form of a dependable heating unit that provides a three-dimensional heating option. Just as we saw before, the heating unit can be a griddle or electric unit. Choose the best programmable slow cooker model that’s easy to learn, control, and offers many other extensive controls that you need.
Cooking Pot
Cooking pots are manufactured from different materials. From stainless steel to aluminum alloys, cooking pots will come in a variety of types but with many ideal materials. Most of the modern slow-cooker, however, comes with stoneware that will withstand even the highest heat. The best part is all cooking pots are removable, they are easy to clean, and thus highly hygienic.
What You Must Keep in Mind When Buying the Right Slow-Cooker
Believe it or not, the best programmable slow cooker is a modern-day resort for any contemporary kitchen. However, while choosing a slow-cooker knowing what you should go for can pose so much of a problem. Despite the budget/ price, it is advisable to concentrate on the following aspects. If you pay maximum attention to them, you won’t miss out on the best-cooker.
The Cooker’s Convenience
How convenient is your cooker for your kitchen? Well, most slow cookers are however some are hardier than others. Depending on your lifestyle you will realize that your needs will be very different. But looking at a slow-cooker with a strict eye, the rectangular cooker will stand out for many kitchens. It will even be awesome if it came with many ideal basic controls including “keep warm” or “warm” presets. For a homeowner that wants a cooker that works under no supervision, a programmable option will be the best choice.
How your Cooker is Built
Instead of spending your money o any cooker that you first lay eyes on, here is a simple trick. Look out for the cooker’s construction. Watch out for the specs to find out much more about the design, technology, materials (stainless steel or brushed options), durability, ease of use and maintenance, and many others. Slow-cooker’s construction is an awesome way to get the very best selection. Additionally, you can look out for ceramic inner pots.
The Cooker’s Main Features
Here is the trick; slow-cookers have some major parts that make them easy to use and very ideal to work with. These features could vary from one unit to the next. They are numerous and will also apply to the best pressure cookers.
- Temperature control units
- LED Display control screens
- Inbuilt cooking timers
- Keep warm or Warm technology
These are high synonyms with the modern digital-slow-cookers. Cooking timers, for instance, will come with a different range. The latest models also have browning and steaming additions. Moreover, the best cookers come with internal sensors. Sensors are superior for determining whether food is ready and can be kept warm or not. Consider your best foods to choose an ideal model.
The Quality of the Food Cooked
We found out that the quality of the food prepared depends on the precision that your food cooks with. This relies on the type of slow cooker that you choose. The quality of food cooked depends on how heat is directed through your pot. A good cooker will allow heat to spread evenly all through the cooking pot. Some cookers only heat the bottom sections. This will make your food take longer before it is ready to serve. Crock-pot models are the best. Choose one and enjoy a continuous cooking spree.
Gives you the Value for Money
Every homeowner who buys the best programmable slow-cooker would love it if it guaranteed the value for their money. To do so, the best cooker should be durable enough. This can be determined by a stainless steel pot or a durable aluminum container. More fundamentally any cooker that gives you the value for your money should measure up to all the main features that led you to it in the first place. We recommend brands that offer the highest warranties. Consider the number of years.
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Final Word about Slow Cookers
Manual slow cookers come with no digital control panels. Due to this they just can’t regulate or vary the internal temperature of their own like the digital slow-cookers would unless you do it alone. Recently, though, we have found some improved models that have inbuilt sensors. They are smart and will give you the very best results without any external assistance. Because of this, they are also able to retain food flavors, maintain ideal serving temperatures, and above all keep the nutrients in place.
Irrespective of all these when it comes to the best programmable slow cooker there are so many considerations to make before choosing your final cooking model. Checking from our reviews, you can agree to that too.
The decision to choose a slow-cooker or not still lies with you, though. While we have covered the appliance from every angle every technicality that you could face in your kitchen or while shopping would influence how you choose your cooker.
Regardless of all these, there is a simple guide to buying the very best slow-cooking model and the Best Electric Pressure Cooker for your kitchen. Here is what you can always do anytime.
Consider every available factor before buying. Our review has delved deep in the many factors that you should consider. Read the best slow cooker reviews and determine the right cooker. You can always mull over programmable cookers, cheap slow cookers, or cookers with multiple functions.
Verify the model that you choose to use. Visit websites and learn more about the slow-cooker. You can trace the cooker from the manufacturer’s website to your e-commerce site of choice. If possible, also ask your loved ones for more information. Loved ones provide dependable views.
Read also the best slow cooker user reviews. To understand your product best, read the many reviews from previous users. You can visit e-commerce websites for precise reviews. You can also visit the product’s website. Preceding customers are the best way to get an honest opinion.
Look for the FAQs or Q & A Sections. Depending on how much information you have gathered, if you are in doubt have in mind the FAQs or the Question and Answer section. This segment will provide additional information about your type of product and possible compatible accessories.
FAQs and Q & A are essential for slow cookers as you will find numerous models that you don’t quite understand how to use. The technologies used are also different. Above all that you may locate basic knowledge about extensive slow-cookers that you never knew. We recommend looking through Q & A for any person who is new to using slow cookers.
Conclusion
If you want the best experience with your cooking, you must choose the best cooker. Reading through expert reviews including the best Pressure Cooker Reviews will make your choice simple. You can choose one depending on very many factors. The best considerations are size, price, functionality, durability, design, compatibility, and ease of operation. Your kitchen should be well-stocked in terms of foodstuff, kitchen appliances, and vital household crockery. Good luck with your next choice of the best programmable slow cooker for your kitchen.
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