Slow Cookers

About Slow Cookers

Small kitchen appliances help maintain a healthy diet based on home-cooked meals, even with the busy daily schedules. Some machines are even so advanced that they do most of the job alone. 

Slow cookers are the best solution when the time is short, and it’s hard to spare a couple of hours for cooking a gourmet meal. They can handle any dish, preparing stews, soups, or different cuts of meat, simmering them at low temperatures for an extended period.

Preparing food slowly at low temperatures delivers a meal rich in nutrients and flavours. In most cases, it’s healthier than the same recipe prepared in a standard cooking pot on a hotplate or stovetop.

Advantages of Using a Slow Thermal Cooker

• It cooks food safely at low temperatures, producing a healthy dish full of flavours.
• The slow cooking process can tenderize hard meat and make it more enjoyable.
• The appliance can be left safely unattended for an extended time.
• Manual preparation requires chopping ingredients, placing them in one pot, and setting the temperature - with food processors, it can take less than 5 minutes.
• It helps to have a hot meal ready even after a whole day spent out of the kitchen.
• It makes less mess than traditional pot cooking, leaving fewer dishes to wash.
• No stirring and checking required.
• The appliance is energy-efficient, producing less heat in the kitchen.

Types of Slow Cooker

Controls

• Programmable slow cooker: The digital slow cooker has the advantage of electronic controls, with a digital timer for setting precise cooking parameters. Some models can even be programmed 24 hours in advance. Once the dish is ready, most models automatically switch to a keep-warm function, maintaining the ideal food temperature for hours.
• Manual slow cooker: Manual controlled units have the option of different settings, from low to medium or high. However, they feature no timers, which means the cooking process will not stop automatically. Some manual models come with a keep-warm setting, but it also has to be switched by hand. 
• Portable slow cooker: A lightweight and small slow cooker can be a great timesaver during camping or caravan holidays. It will allow the user to spend time in outdoor activities and return to a hot, ready meal afterwards. 

Shapes

Typical shapes are round or oval, but rectangular designs are also available. 

• Round shaped units are great for liquid meals, soups, stews, or side dishes.
• Oval shapes can conveniently accommodate large cuts of meat like ribs, roasts, whole chickens, or fish.  
• Rectangular designs feature deep sides, ideal for cooking large pieces of meats and a variety of casseroles. 
• All designs can also be used for baking desserts.

Sizes

• Mini pot sizes are perfect for singles or couples. They also fit small kitchens and limited storage spaces. 
• Medium-sized units can serve 3 to 4 people.
• Large pots fit more than four portions.
• XL sizes are perfect for bigger households or cooking for guests. They can easily accommodate sizable cuts of meat or a whole chicken.

While sizes provide an idea of capacity, some manuals suggest that the pot shouldn’t be filled over 3/4. The reason is to avoid the food being under or overcooked and to prevent spillovers. 

Materials 

Thermal cooking pots are typically made of ceramic, metal, or cast aluminium. 

• Ceramic models are heavier compared to the other types and allow versatility of use. 
• Metal pots using a bottom griddle as a heat source may not deliver results as consistent as other models. 
• Cast aluminium designs are less affordable but feature a non-stick surface for more convenient cooking with uniform results. 

Cleaning and Maintenance

The easiest and very efficient way to clean the slow cooker is to fill it with water and let it boil for a few hours. Vinegar can also help with removing some stubborn stains and spots.

It’s not recommended to use scouring pads or abrasive cleaners. The most persistent ring of crud inside the pot can be eliminated with a bit of baking soda. Filling the slow cooker with water, adding a few tablespoons of baking soda followed by a few drops of dish soap should do the job. The pot should be operating on a “low” setting during the cleaning. 

The heating base shouldn’t be immersed in water or other liquid.

Models marked “easy-to-clean” are typically suitable to go into the dishwasher.

Touchpad controls are easier to clean than standard knobs and buttons.

Things to Consider When Buying a Slow Cooker

Slow cookers can conveniently replace air-fryers or specialised rice cookers and steamers for the preparation of some recipes. 

Firm handles are essential for safe use. 

Roasting racks allow roasting and steaming.

A glass or clear plastic allows process monitoring without opening the pot and losing heat and moisture. Some models feature a hinged lid that comes in handy for serving food. A locking lid prevents food from spilling during transport.

If you need assistance to find the right slow cookers for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.