Programmable Slow Cookers – Selecting The Best One For Your Needs
The electric slow cooker was invented four decades ago. Since then, it has undergone considerable transformation and the programmable slow cooker a lot more electronic gadgets and features. Electronic slow cookers can be pricey because they have a lot more features than the inexpensive ones. The earlier programmable models only had a turn on and off switch and a light to show that the cooker is working and cooking.
On any good cooker there must be digital controls on the front panel of the cooker. It should have 3 cooking programs: program, manual & probe, automatic keep-warm. It should also have a cut off switch, attachable spoon holder, pressure tight lid, strong handles, and be dishwasher friendly.
What is it that makes a slow cooker work? Slow cookers cook through indirect heat from below an iron or pottery stand unit. The bottom unit consists of an upright food container lined with coils. When the cooker is switched on, it transmits heat to the pottery dish in the unit. The food is cooked at a low temperature either overnight or during the day depending on the program. The good thing about slow cookers is that the food requires no stirring or basting or turning over. Experts argue that lifting the lid and stirring the food will reduce the cooking temperature and affect the whole cooking process.
A programmable slow cooker is great for cooking tough and inexpensive cuts of meat, roasting large meats, making perfect rice and much more. To get the maximum out of your programmable slow cooker, it is important for it to have a good shape. Most people find that the oval shape is perfect as it takes up very little room. It can hold a lamb roast or a big chicken and some vegetables. You must make sure you leave enough room for the meal to cook, otherwise your meal might be undercooked.
Top Rated Slow Cookers:
The All-Clad 99005 7-quart Slow Cooker costs $275, and is the most expensive one on the market. It has a stove compatible insert made from cast aluminum that can be used for braising sinewy cuts of meat prior to adding to the slow cooker to cook. The insert is small and any browning has to be done in smaller batches.
The All-Clad 6.5-quart Slow Cooker has a ceramic insert and costs $200. It has all the basic features of reliable programmable slow cooker. But its best features are a clear lid, digital timer, and its ability to be programmed 26 hours in advance to switch on and cook. It has excellent results when tested for slow cooking. Reviewers like its prominent digital display, and stylish design.
The Cuisinart PSC-400 is a 4-quart slow cooker. It costs $75 and has had some really good reviews. The PSC-400 slow cooker consists of a stainless-steel exterior, a ceramic crock and a clear glass lid. It has a programmable 24-hour timer with digital LCD display and four temperature settings. Once the cooking is done, it has an auto button for a warm when timed cooking ends. Its insert and lid is dishwasher-safe, and has a long warranty of three years. The Cuisinart PSC-400 has a very stylish touch pad control panel on the front making it easy to program. It comes complete with a cooling tray, a retractable cord and a spiral bound recipe book.