The best digital slow cookers can take on tough cuts of meat, stews, and soups because they are specifically designed to simmer food over extended periods at a low temperature. Slow cookers allow you the luxury to prepare delicious meals while you tackle other tasks as well.
You must understand that slow cookers have a wide functionality and come in a variety of prices. The perfect one depends on what you plan to use it for.
If you have decided that its time you joined the slow cooker movement and buy your very first one, or replace your old one, then here are a few things to think about when you are shopping for one.
Heating method
Digital slow cookers are created with a base that fits snugly around a removable insert. At times the heating element will just be found on the bottom but with the best digital slow cookers, the heating elements go right up to the side of the base so that the heat is evenly distributed.
Other slow cookers only have a crock sitting on top of the heating unit. In most of these cases, the heat distributes unevenly so that you might need to keep stirring the food more often to prevent it from scorching.
Now that you are considering a slow cooker, you have probably asked yourself “what size of slow cooker do I need?” Well, the answer is simple, it depends on the size of your household and whether or not you like to have leftovers.
If you are a small household, and you don’t mind reducing on the size of recipes, small slow cookers with timers, around three-to four-quart will work. On the contrary, you might decide to go for the large capacity slow cookers if you are a larger household or if you cook for crowds or you enjoy doubling recipes.
However, most slow cooker recipes are meant for slow cookers of the average size, which is around 6 quartz. This is the best size for a beginner.
The key to choosing the best size is to find a slow cooker that needs to be half full to get good results.
Shape
The standard shape for slow cookers is either round or oval shapes. Which shape would be the best? Well, what do you want to use the slow cooker for? The answer should dictate the shape that you will eventually choose.
For example, ribs, whole chicken, or brisket will fit better in oval shapes but if you are thinking of making stews, soups, or beans the shape will not really matter more than the fact that you want it to fit in your cabinet or on your counter.
Timer
Nothing is better than a small slow cooker with a timer on it, be it a digital timer or a preset cooking timer. A built-in timer will be very convenient in such a case as when you are not at home to monitor and turn off the slow cooker once the food is ready.
Again, timers are important because they prevent food from overcooking and turning mushy.
Construction of the Crock Bowl
The most popular crock bowl options are ceramic and porcelain although you can find the metallic once too. All are efficient with conducting heat so it is really a matter of personal preferences. The important part though is that it should be removable to allow for easy cleaning.
If you opt for a slow cooker whose crock bowl is fused to the heating unit, you will not have a fun and easy time cleaning.
Sear Functionality.
For a higher price tag, the latest slow cookers now come with a sear function to make vegetable and onion sautéing and browning meats easier.
The functionality can come in two different designs; the first option is where you can sear the food in the insert using the sear settings before you change the setting to slow cooking again. This is a very important function for those who don’t have a stovetop. The second option is to first make sure that the stovetop insert is safe then place it directly on the stove, sear the meat in the insert then put the insert back into the slow cooker to finish cooking.
Warming function
Digital slow cookers have both low and high-temperature settings. Others come with a warming function as well. This function helps to hold food at a warm temperature for longer periods. They can also be set into built-in timers so that immediately the timer goes off the cooker switches to the warming function.
The warming function keeps food warm for parties and lets you come home to warm but not overcooked food in case you are out of the house longer than the time the food needs to cook.
The material of the lid
As you are cooking using the slow cooker, you will want to avoid opening the lid, because this lets out precious heat and eventually extends the cooking time. Slow cookers with glass lids are the best because you can see what’s going on the cooker without having to take the lid off.
Glass lids are better than plastic or opaquer versions.
Ease of cleaning
Consider buying a pot that is easy to clean and can go into the dishwasher easily. Remember also that knob and buttons are harder to clean compared to touchpad controls.