Why don’t you spoil yourself and your family with an appliance that is easy to use, economical and will not take up much of your time – with the result being a succulent homemade dish that is fit for a king? A slow cooker is your answer and we did a little research on the different options that is available to suit every budget and need.
What is a slow cooker?
According to Wikipedia.org: “a slow cooker, or Crock-Pot (name used in USA), or Slo-Cooker (name used in UK), is a countertop electrical cooking appliance that maintains a relatively low temperature compared to other cooking methods, for many hours allowing unattended cooking of pot roast, stew, and other suitable dishes.”
A slow cooker is normally oval or round in shape, has a lid and is made from ceramic or porcelain, which is surrounded by metal containing an electrical heating element. The ceramic insert (crock) can be used as a cooking container as well as a serving dish that will retain the heat perfectly. Most slow cookers have two or more heat settings and some is even equipped with a “keep warm”-function.
Advantages
- Some foods can not be boiled because it doesn’t taste so well, but sometimes it is the only cut that you can afford. Slow cooking will soften even the toughest meat, leaving it succulent and tasty due to the long cooking time and the low temperature it is cooked at.
- Cooking the meal in a single pot reduces washing up, and the low cooking temperature and glazed pot make cleaning it very easy.
- It saves you time because after the initial preparation the slow cooker can be left alone to do the work. You can even leave it on during the day, so you don’t have to worry about dinner in the evening.
Disadvantages
- If you add too much water during slow cooking that needs to be reduced a lot of vitamins and minerals are lost.
- Sometimes foods can be watery and therefore one must be very careful not to add too much liquid when using a slow cooker.
Pineware® 3.5ℓ oval slow cooker
Looking for a good quality slow cooker that will do the job, without spending a fortune? Then look no further – the Pineware® 3.5ℓ oval slow cooker is not only in a modern, oval shape but its clean white colour and lines will be complement any modern kitchen. This appliance is equipped with a ceramic insert which can be used as a serving dish and also ensures that the cleaning process is quick and easy. It also has a tempered glass lid (that won’t crack easily) and cool touch handles which makes it easier to handle. The slow cooker has three settings – Low, High and Auto shift and the latter will ensure worry-free cooking. This device putts out 1900w, but is very economical and will ensure that your family gets delicious stews, soups and other warm delights without causing you too much trouble.
Salton Elite® slow cooker
This modern slow cooker with its stainless steel feature has a 6ℓ capacity and is still a very affordable option to consider. The modern oval shape accommodates more food than the original round slow cookers of the past. It has a removable ceramic insert for stylish serving, a tempered glass lid and cool touch handles. The crock and glass lid are dishwasher safe and the bottom of the slow cooker is fitted with non slip rubber feet to prevent your pot from moving around. It has three heat settings – Low, High and Auto shift and the latter will ensure worry-free cooking. Ideal for young, modern couples who wants an appliance that will blend in with their modern décor and still gets the job done perfectly.
Russell Hobbs® 6ℓ stainless steel slow cooker
If you are looking for a high quality slow cooker and are not too worried about the price, this is the correct option for you. This appliance has a 6ℓ capacity and digital control and timer. It is fitted with High, Low, Auto and Off-settings and has independent boil dry protection. It has a removable oven-proof cooking pot and a dishwasher safe oven bowl. A recipe booklet, full of interesting ideas also accompanies this slow cooker to make the task at hand even easier and hassle free.
Russell Hobbs® Dual Pot Oval Slow Cooker
This is a top of the range product and ideal for those people who have more specific / specialised needs when it comes to slow cooking. It is now possible for you to cook more than one type of dish in your slow cooker at the same time, without your food getting mixed up. This 6 Quart oval slow cooker has an electronic LCD display. It has removable stoneware with split pot in black for dual function cooking. It has a tempered glass lid, cool touch handles and lid knob and a single heating element. The appliance puts out 2 400w and the brushed stainless steel finish will most certainly complement any modern kitchen. If you want to be a step ahead, you can not go wrong with this product.
For more information on the slow cookers mentioned above, visit http://www.amap.co.za/
A useful guide
Slow cooked
Author: Women’s Weekly (Australia)
Published by ACP Books
If you are new at the slow cooking thing, why not try this delicious guide for some interesting ideas and useful tips. This handbag sized book contains recipes of everything that can be made in your slow cooker, from soups and stews to roasts! It might take a while for these foods to cook, but is definitely worth the wait and it will not take a lot of effort from you.
Try the Spanish Chicken Casserole or the Steamed Jasmine Rice for a mouth-watering experience for you and your family.
This book is available at CNA or can be ordered online from http://www.acpbook.com.au
No comments on this post yet.