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.
Any decent programmable unit will have a LED digital control panel, several cooking presets, a power cut off mechanism, a pressure tight lid to keep the juices in, extra big handles for a good grip, and should be washable in the dishwasher.
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.
High Performance Programmable 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 Kitchen Aid 7 Quart Slow Cooker is $130.00 and is much bigger than most other cookers. Its unique feature is that the programmable slow cooker cooks on high for the first two hours, then it shifts to low, for the rest of the cooking duration. Reviewers like the rectangular shape of the insert for easier pouring, the sleek table top design, variety of colors and capacity markings in the insert for high liquid cooking.
Many people buy a Cuisinart slow cooker because it is well known brand, but a little research will give you a wider range of choices. Point your browser to programmableslowcookers.org