Slow Cooker Round-up

Find the Perfect Slow Cooker for Your Family

Slow cooking is no longer a 70s thing in fact this great little kitchen appliance is making a huge comeback. Today, slow cooking is making mealtime possible for busy families while offering an affordable approach to mealtime planning.

Finding a slow cooker can be a daunting task considering the myriad of styles, shapes and prices available today. While some do the bare minimum others offer unique features that make mealtime prep and slow cooking better than ever.

Whether you’re looking for your first slow cooker or considering updating your current model, this round-up will help you decide which slow cooker is right for your family.

What to Look For

There are a few things to consider when selecting a new slow cooker for your family.

• Consider the size of your family. Larger families may select a 6 or 7-quart slow cooker while smaller families may opt for a 5 or 6-quart model.
• Do you want a programmable model? If you are at home and are able to switch from the cooking feature to the stay warm feature, a standard model may be all you need. If on the other hand you will be out of the house or unable to monitor the slow cooker a programmable model will mean you can preset the cooking time, the slow cooker will then automatically turn to the warm setting.
• How much space do you have? Some models take up a lot of counter or storage space. While round models are still available, the trend seems to be more towards the oval shaped slow cookers.
• If you like to brown your meat in the same pan you cook in you may want to consider a slow cooker that allows you to brown on the stove prior to cooking. Both the All-Clad Stainless Steel Slow Cooker and VersaWare by Crock-Pot offer this feature.
• Do you want to cook more than one dish at a time? Consider a larger model for main dishes and a smaller model for side dishes, drinks and desserts.

CPO’s Top Slow Cooker Picks

All-Clad Stainless Steel Electric Slow Cooker

It is not a surprise that a company who is well known for quality stovetop cookware would be a leader in the slow cooking world! This pick really is the mother of all slow cookers and a good choice for anyone who is serious about slow cooking. The sleek stainless steel exterior begs to be left out and admired! The base has a rubberized rim, which is a nice addition to the overall look and function of the pot. The riveted cast stainless steel handles make the pot easy to transport and the programmable timer lights up during cooking.

While there are two styles of slow cookers, each has its own unique features. The Stainless Steel Electric Slow Cooker with Ceramic Insert comes with a see-through glass lid, while the Deluxe Model, features a coated aluminum pot and stainless steel lid. This light weight pot can be used directly on the stove top to saute and brown foods and it can be used in the oven to finish dishes after cooking. Both pots offer a programmable feature letting you set the timer for up to 26 hours, the slow cooker switches automatically to the warm setting when the time runs out. Both the ceramic and coated pot make cleanup a breeze! While these two models truly are the Cadillac of slow cookers and more expensive than most, the results make them a top pick and worth the investment. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
3 settings: Warm, Low, High | Dishwasher Safe

Crock-Pot Versaware 6-quart Slow Cooker

For years families have looked to Crock-Pot for their slow cooking purchases. The company continues to offer a great line of slow cookers with varied prices and options. One of the latest releases, the Versaware Slow Cooker, is hands-down one of the CPO’s team all-time favourites. Not only is it affordable, but it also offers many options and it does a really nice job cooking meals.

If you are looking for a slow cooker insert that can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, and in the microwave this is a good choice. The heat diffuser, which comes with the slow cooker, allows you to sauté ingredients before cooking in the slow cooker, which keeps the flavours in the pot! The programmable feature means you can set the cooking time and temperature and let it turn to warm when the recipe is done. The pot washes well and is nice enough to leave on the counter.
3 settings: Warm, Low, High | Dishwasher Safe

Hamilton Beach Set 'n Forget Slow Cooker

When it comes to safe food handling this slow cooker is at your side. The stoneware crockery can play host to all kinds of recipes including soups, stews and roasts. With three cooking options, you will want to try a new recipe everyday. The programmable setting lets you select the time while the Probe lets you set the desired internal temperature of meat. The programmable and probe options switch to warm when they have reached the desired time or temperature. This pot will even let you cook manually.
3 settings: Warm, Low, Hot | Dishwasher Safe

KitchenAid® 7 Quart Slow Cooker

This rectangular shaped slow cooker comes in two colours and looks nice on a countertop. The programmable feature offers 10 hours of timing and an alarm sound at the end of the cooking time before switching to the warm mode. The 7-quart ceramic pot has plenty of room for larger families.
5 settings: Auto, High, Low/simmer, Buffet, and Keep warm | Dishwasher Safe

Hamilton Beach Stay/Go 6 Quart Slow Cooker

If you like to cook and go this is the slow cooker for you. While the Stay or Go doesn’t offer a programmable feature, it makes up for it with the locking lid and stable heat source. The oval stoneware washes nicely and the lid has a built in spoon holder and accompanying spoon. The front of the pot has an oval space where the name of the dish can be place, perfect for a buffet or potluck. Even if you have a slow cooker or choose a programmable pot – this is a great addition to your kitchen, as it will come in handy when you want to take dinner with you.
3 Settings: Warm, Low, Hot | Dishwasher Safe

Crock-Pot Embossed Oval Slow Cooker

There is a lot to be said for a traditional slow cooker. This oval shaped crock-pot does a great job with all kinds of recipes. The heat is evenly distributed and the results are excellent. This pot is an affordable pick and perfect for anyone who is going to be home at the end of cooking. The pot itself is attractive making this a nice serving crockery as well.
3 Settings: Warm, Low, Hot | Dishwasher Safe

Cuisinart 4 quart

Whether you have a small family or are looking for a second slow cooker for desserts and dips this 4-quart removable slow cooker is a good pick. The programming option lets you set your recipe for up to 8 hours and the auto-shift feature means it will switch to the keep warm setting. This pot features a retractable cord and a cooking rack. The pot cleans well and is dishwasher safe.
3 Settings: Warm, Low, Hot | Dishwasher Safe