There
are a few different types of slow
cookers based on size, shape and heating style. Although most meals can
be cooked in all of the variations of slow cookers, certain design aspects may
affect which type is best for some types of cooking.You can get more information from of
A
key component in all the styles of slow cookers is the lid. The lid should fit
snuggly as the retention of steam
helps ensure the necessary amount of liquid needed to prevent drying and
burning as well as thorough cooking.
Slow Cooker Shapes
- Round – The most common slow cooker shape is the circular pot-style. Though best for soups and stew meals, the pot style can also be used for cooking some small cuts of meat. This style does not work as well for casserole or roasted dishes.
- Oval – The oval-shaped slow cooker allows for a bit more versatility than the round shape because larger cuts of meat can be cooked well in this shape. It is also possible to cook casseroles in this shape.
- Rectangular – By far the most versatile shape, the rectangular slow cooker is easy to use for conventional roasting dishes, casseroles as well as soups and stews as long as it is made with adequate depth.
Heating Elements
There
are two types of heating elements in slow cookers: the electric pot and the
griddle. Though both can accomplish cooking all types of slow cooker meals,
there are some distinct differences worthy of note.
- Electric Pot – This type of heating design is most common in the round and oval styles of slow cookers. The crock or actual cooking pot rests within the electric walls of the outer casing. In some styles, the crock is removable which makes cleaning more convenient. The controls for this type are usually very simple consisting of low, medium or high settings.
- Griddle – The griddle style of heating element is usually confined to the rectangular slow cooker. The crock sits on top of the griddle so it is always detachable and may be used on the stove or in the oven as well as used to store the contents in the refrigerator. The griddle itself can be used to cook other foods. The temperature control on the griddle will have more settings often by degrees instead of levels of heat.
Programmable Slow Cookers
The
majority of slow cookers will not vary from the temperature on which they have
been set until the user turns them off at the end of cooking. Recent
innovations in slow cooker design have produced programmable models which can
be set to cook at one level and
then shift to another level such as warming until the user disengages the
appliance.
This
type of slow cooker has an internal
sensor which can ascertain when the food has reached a set temperature
and switch to a new heat setting based on what was programmed by the user.
Start times cannot also be set in advance due to the hazard sitting food can
present.
Slow Cooker Sizes
The
size of slow cookers is measured in quarts. The smallest is usually in the
round shape and measuring 1 to 2 quarts. These are often referred to as mini slow cookers. Standard or medium
sized slow cookers will range between 3 to 6 quarts and offer more space to
cook medium to large sized meals. The largest slow cookers are 7 to 8 quarts,
offer the most versatility and can cook larger cuts of meat than the smaller
sizes.
