Slow Cookers

Slow cookers are cooking devices that are similar to rice cookers, but are more versatile when it comes to use and the variety of food that can be prepared using them. Slow cookers are electrically-powered and can cook food over a long period of time. Despite the use of electricity in cooking over long periods of time, slow cookers use up lesser energy than a conventional electric stove or oven. In fact, most slow cookers use up energy equivalent to a 100-watt bulb. These and many other types of slow cookers may be bought in kitchen aid shops.

Types of slow cookers

Slow cookers have been introduced by the Rival Industries under the tradename crock pot. Since then, many models and variations of slow cookers have come out. All these slow cookers operated on the basic cooking principle of slow cooking. The variations came in the sizes, shapes and capacities that different brands of slow cookers.

Slow cookers by shape

The shapes of slow cookers are determinants of whether or not one is better than the other. There are currently two basic shapes that slow-cookers have: round slow cookers and oval or oblong-shaped slow cookers.

Though round slow cookers are more compact and space-saving, many users prefer oval-shaped slow cookers as these can accommodate large roasts such as chicken and other irregularly-shaped chunks of meat. Pouring sauces or soups to another container is said to be easier with slow cookers that have crocks with "squared off" sides.

Slow cookers by size and capacities

Small slow cookers are ideal for singles or households with only two people. Medium-sized slow cookers that can accommodate 14 to 16 cups are suitable for preparing full meals for a family of five. Slow cookers that can hold 22 to 24 cups are perfect for cooking larger portions of meat such as roasts. Some recipes for medium-sized slow cookers can also be done in large crocks. Other kinds of pans and cookware can be inserted in large slow cookers for baking cakes or other desserts.

Cooking with slow cookers

When preparing food using slow cookers, it is important to note that the amount of water or liquid used should be significantly lower than what is required when preparing food using open stove-top cooking. With little or lesser evaporation involved in cooking with crock pots, any liquid or water used in slow cookers should not be more than three-thirds of the pot. Food items such as meat and vegetables generally release water content. Adding an adequate amount of water can help preserve the flavor and nutrients of the dish.