The basic slow cooker was devised forty years ago. Since then, its design and features have evolved considerably to bring us the programmable slow cooker. Programmable slow cookers can cost more because they have more features than the basic models. Some of the cheaper, more basic models will only have one switch which has to be manually turned on.

A well-designed programmable cooker should have a clear display LED control panel on the outer unit. It should also have several cooking settings. Other features to look for include an automatic cut off mechanism, tight fitting lid to keep the steam in when cooking, sturdy and heat resistant handles, and dishwasher safe.

A basic slow cooker works through creating heat from under a metal or earthen-ware base unit. The base consists of an electric metal unit lined with some very sturdy copper coils. When the slow cooker is turned on by you, it will heat the base of the crockery dish. The meat or vegetables are cooked at a constant temperature either at night or for up to eight hours during the day. The easy thing about slow cookers is that the meal is cooked requires only some liquid to cook in. You can choose from a huge range of recipes to make exciting and tasty meals without much effort.

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 comes with a ceramic insert and costs $200. It has all the basic features of reliable programmable slow cooker. It has the cooking insert, a clear lid, digital timer, and can be programmed 26 hours in advance to switch on and cook. It has some excellent user reviews when tested for liquid cooking. It also has a very visible LED display, and looks really neat on the dinner table.

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.

Choosing the best programmable slow cooker for your needs can seem like a major undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re having a hard time deciding what to get, you really can’t do better than a Cuisinart slow cooker.

categories: programmable slow cookers,kitchen appliances,home appliances,home improvement,appliances,cooking,kitchen,home,family,tools