
Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Slow Cookers
Today, we’ll be discussing everything from the basics of slow cooking to advanced tips and tricks for getting the most out of your slow cooker. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for easy dinner solutions, a novice cook looking to expand your recipe collection, or a seasoned pro looking to try out new techniques, we’ve got you covered. So, grab your apron and get ready to learn everything you ever wanted to know about slow cookers!
What is a slow cooker?
A slow cooker is a kitchen appliance that cooks food at a low temperature for an extended period. It typically consists of a pot made of ceramic or metal, with a heating element around the bottom and sides, and a lid that fits snugly on top to trap in moisture and heat. Slow cookers are often used to make soups, stews, casseroles, and other dishes that benefit from long, slow cooking. Food is placed in the pot, the lid is placed on top, and the slow cooker is then plugged in and set to the desired temperature and cooking time.
Why are slow cookers popular?
Slow cookers are popular for several reasons. A big one is convenience; slow cookers allow you to prepare a meal in advance, and then have it cook while you’re away at work or running errands. This means you can come home to a hot and ready-to-eat meal. They are also energy efficient and cost-effective way to cook.
Overall, slow cookers are a convenient and versatile kitchen appliance that allows you to cook delicious meals with minimal effort and time. The low and steady heat also allows for the flavours of the ingredients to blend together and for the food to cook through gently and evenly.
Is a slow cooker the same thing as a crock pot?
Yes. Crock Pot is a popular brand of slow cooker, and so the terms “slow cooker” and “crock pot” are often used interchangeably.
What foods should you use a slow cooker for?
A slow cooker is well-suited for cooking a variety of foods, including:
- Meat dishes
Slow cookers are great for cooking tougher cuts of meat, such as pot roast, beef stew, and pulled pork, as the low and slow cooking method helps to break down the collagen in the meat, making it tender and flavourful. - Soups and stews
Slow cookers are perfect for making hearty soups and stews, as the long cooking time allows the flavours to meld together and the vegetables to become tender. - Beans and legumes
Slow cookers are great for cooking dried beans and legumes, as they can be cooked without the need for pre-soaking and without boiling over on the stovetop. - Vegetables
Slow cookers can be used to cook a variety of vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and squash.
In general, foods that are good for braising, stewing, and simmering are great choices for a slow cooker, as they require long cook times in moist heat to become tender and flavourful.
What food should you not cook in a slow cooker?
While slow cookers are versatile appliances that can be used to cook a wide variety of foods, there are some foods that should not be cooked in a slow cooker or should be used with caution. These include:
- Delicate fish and seafood
Slow cookers can cause fish and seafood to become overcooked and rubbery. They are better suited for stovetop or oven cooking. - Dairy products
Dairy products such as milk and sour cream should not be added to the slow cooker until the last 30 minutes to an hour of cooking, as they can curdle if they are exposed to heat for too long. - Certain vegetables
Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower should also be added to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking, as they can become mushy if they are cooked for too long. - Fried or breaded foods
Because of the low temperature that a slow cooker uses to cook food, it can be hard to get a crust to form on food, or to make food that is crispy. Foods that have been fried or breaded should not be cooked in a slow cooker, as the breading will become soggy. - Foods that require high heat
Foods that require high heat, such as grilled meats or stir-fries, will not cook properly in a slow cooker. - Foods that need to be cooked at specific temperatures
Because most slow cookers only have high and low settings, you cannot be sure of the exact temperature you are heating your dish to. If your recipe requires you to heat something to a specific temperature, you should not use a slow cooker.
In general, it’s best to stick to recipes that are specifically designed for use in a slow cooker, as they will consider the unique cooking characteristics of the appliance.
What is the difference between the high and low settings on a slow cooker?
High and low do not actually cook at different temperatures. The high and low settings indicate how long the slow cooker will take to reach its maximum temperature.
Foods that are cooked on the high setting will typically be ready in 4-6 hours, while foods that are cooked on the low setting will take 6-10 hours to cook.
The high setting is better for dishes that don’t require a long cook time and for tender cuts of meat, and the low setting is better for dishes that require a longer cook time and for tough cuts of meat.
Are slow cookers energy efficient?
low cookers are generally considered to be energy efficient appliances. They use less energy than an oven or stovetop to cook food, which can help to reduce your energy costs.
A slow cooker typically uses less that 250 watts of power, while an oven can use up to 3,000 watts of power. Slow cookers are also more energy-efficient than stovetop cooking methods, which can use significantly more energy.
Additionally, slow cookers are designed to retain heat, so once the food has reached the desired cooking temperature, it can maintain that temperature with very little energy. This helps to conserve energy and to keep the food at a safe temperature for consumption.
Another advantage of slow cookers is that you can use them to cook food when electricity rates are lower, for example, during non-peak hours, which can help to further reduce energy costs.
It’s important to note that the energy efficiency of a slow cooker can be affected by the temperature of the room, the size of the slow cooker, and the amount of food being cooked.
Can you deep fry foods in a slow cooker?
No, even on high your slow cooker will not reach a high enough temperature to deep fry foods. If you want to deep fry your food, consider using an air fryer, or purchasing a mini deep fat fryer instead.
Can you cook deserts in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook some deserts in the slow cooker. As an example; fudge is a fun recipe to make in the slow cooker. However, many baking recipes require you to cook your desert to specific temperatures, which is not possible using a slow cooker.
Slow cooker tips
While slow cookers are easy to use and have minimal controls, there are still some things you can do to improve your experience and get better results.
- Don’t use as much water
Because of the low heat and tight lid that slow cookers have, hardly any moisture will evaporate from your food while it cooks. For this reason, you should reduce the amount of liquid in a recipe to prevent having a result which is too watery. For example, if a stovetop stew recipe says I should add 300ml of water, I would only add 150ml water to my slow cooker instead. - Use a paper towel to absorb moisture
Another solution to the problem of excessive water, if to place a dishcloth or paper towel underneath the slow cooker. This will help to absorb the moisture from the steam and prevent it forming into droplets which drip back onto the dish as it cooks. This can also help to crisp the upper layer of the dish you are cooking. - Sear meat before putting it in the slow cooker
While it is safe to cook raw meat in the slow cooker, the results will generally be much better if you sear your meat first in a pan. I often use my cast iron pan to put colour onto chunks of beef or lamb before I place it in the slow cooker. Searing the meat adds extra texture and flavour and only takes a few extra minutes. - Sautee your aromatic ingredients
Certain aromatic ingredients like onions, garlic, and ginger will benefit from being sauteed in a pan first before being added to the slow cooker. This can add more flavour and avoid the sharp or butter taste of raw garlic/onions.
Start Using Your Slow Cooker More Often
In conclusion, slow cookers are a convenient and energy-efficient way to prepare delicious meals. They are perfect for cooking a variety of dishes including meat, soups, stews, beans, and even desserts.
With this guide, you should now have a better understanding of how to use your slow cooker, what foods are best suited for slow cooking, and how to choose the right temperature and cooking time for your dish.
You should also know the foods to avoid cooking in the slow cooker and the difference between the high and low setting.
We encourage you to put your new knowledge to the test by trying out some new recipes and experimenting with different ingredients. A slow cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance that can help you to create delicious meals with minimal effort. So don’t hesitate, get your slow cooker out and start cooking!