Selecting a Slow Cooker

Most slow cookers hold 6 quarts and cost around $35-50, but they can cost over $100, and upwards to $250. They are fairly simple devices, and it is not necessary to pay for a lot of bells and whistles. This guide will help you sort out the most desirable features.

Removable Insert
Most inserts are ceramic, but some are metal. The advantage of a metal insert is you can sear or brown the meat directly in the insert, and then put the insert into the slow cooker. One less pan to wash! America’s Test Kitchen gave Westbend’s Versatility Cooker ($55) a favorable review, partly because it had a removable insert and oval shape. The Faberware Millennium ($30) also received high marks for performance, price, and shape.

Temperature Settings
Most slow cookers have a high setting (about 250-300°Fahrenheit), low setting (about 185-200° Fahrenheit), and a warm setting (about 165-175°Fahrenheit). For food safety reasons, make sure your slow cooker heats the food above 135° as quickly as possible.

Timers and Programmability
Most slow cookers have a four hour and eight hour setting, and many recipes are written for this time frame. Timers and programmability are essential; as they let you walk away from the cooking process. It is best to buy a slow cooker that automatically switches to the warm mode when the cooking is finished; a timer for the warm setting is also desirable. America’s Test Kitchen gave the Rival Programmable Smart Pot ™ and All Clad 6-1/2 quart Programmable slow cooker ($150) high marks, since they are both programmable. Another option is to buy a Smart-Part Programmable module ($15).

Clear Lid
A clear lid lets you view the food without opening the lid which can affect the temperature.

Power Indicator Light
A power indicator light is essential, as you want to know the slow cooker is working.

Size
We recommend a 4-6 quart slow cooker. A minimum of 6 quarts is recommended if you will be cooking 5 pound briskets, roasts, or pork loins, and is recommended if you regularly cook recipes with 6 or more servings.

Shape
Oval-shaped slow cookers make it easier to cook large cuts of meat, such as roasts, ribs and even whole fish. An oval shape makes it easier to cook meat in a single layer rather than stacking it.

Dishwasher Safe Lid and Insert
Both of these are essential for simpler clean up.