8 Slow Cookers for Your Most Delicious Holiday Season Yet
There’s nothing better than coming home after a long day to a delicious, hot meal. On days when you don’t feel like ordering-in and whipping something up is just not an option, preparing things ahead of time with a slow cooker can be a simple way to get a homecooked dinner with minimal effort. But not all machines are created equal! We rounded up six of the best slow cookers that’ll help you make this season your most delicious one yet.
What Is a Slow Cooker
A slow cooker is a kitchen appliance that’s designed to cook food at a low, consistent temperature, making it the ideal device for hands-off cooking. While most tend to associate slow cookers with soups and stews, these handy machines can actually make everything from dessert to your Thanksgiving turkey. Though they can take hours to cook (some recipes can take up to 10!) they’re key for meal prep, since you can set up your dinner ahead of time and come home to a hot and ready-to-serve meal.
How to Choose a Slow Cooker
Keep pot size in mind. The most important choice you’ll have to make when buying a slow cooker is the size of the pot, since you’ll want to make sure you have enough room for all of the meals that you plan to make. Luckily, slow cookers range in size from tiny 2-quart models ($9.99, Target) all the way to 10-quart behemoths ($49.99, Macy’s).
Keep storage in mind. While the size of your pot is important for cooking purposes, it’s also important for storage purposes. We’d all love to have a 10-quart slow cooker on hand to be prepared any dinner guests, but they also tend to take up a lot of precious kitchen real estate. When shopping for a slow cooker, always keep your storage and counter space at the forefront of your thoughts.
Keep features in mind. With an array of models and brands available, your decision will likely involve more than basic slow-cooking capabilities. Additional features may include everything from the ability to sear and sauté to easy-to-clean non-stick coatings and dishwasher-friendly parts. Check out all the features available with your specific model before clicking “add to cart”.
Best Slow Cookers
Ready to upgrade your kitchen setup? From miniature slow cookers ($9.99, Target) that are perfect for small spaces to top-of-the-line cookers ($249.95, Amazon) that are well worth the splurge, we’ve got something for everyone on this list. Keep scrolling to shop FIRST for Women’s picks for the best slow cookers.
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