{"id":1456816,"date":"2020-04-17T18:43:37","date_gmt":"2020-04-17T23:43:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=1456816"},"modified":"2025-01-29T15:21:28","modified_gmt":"2025-01-29T21:21:28","slug":"slow-cooker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/slow-cooker\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Slow Cooker Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"Slow cookers are truly kitchen superstars. They make cooking a cozy meal for the family uncomplicated, are easy to care for and can last for years. But how much do you really know about slow cookers? We collected all of our slow cooker info, from how to use a slow cooker to how to clean it, and put it in one place to help seasoned cooks and kitchen newbies alike. Keep reading for our insider tips and tricks for the slow cooker<\/a>.\r\n\r\nBefore you start, check out our\u00a0most popular\u00a0slow cooker recipes<\/a> to get your mouth watering.\r\n

What Is a Slow Cooker?<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

\"\"<\/h4>\r\nA slow cooker is an electric appliance that simmers food at a low temperature over a long period of time. Because of this low-and-slow method, slow cookers are great for breaking down and tenderizing large pieces of meat like\u00a0pot roasts<\/a> or beef stews. But that\u2019s not all they can do. Slow cookers are also a home cook's go-to choice for soups\u00a0and ribs<\/a>, plus dips<\/a>, drinks<\/a> and bread.\r\n\r\nIn addition to its versatility, there are many other benefits to using a slow cooker, like its ability to evenly cook foods hands-free. This frees home cooks to do other things around the house, run errands or go to work for the day. Plus, slow cookers are straightforward to use and usually require no more set up than plugging it in.\r\n\r\nNot to mention, there\u2019s a sneaky way you can put a slow cooker to work around the house<\/a>.\r\n

What\u2019s the Best Slow Cooker to Buy?<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nWhen it comes to buying a slow cooker, there are several factors to consider, such as how many people you\u2019re usually cooking for, what price point you\u2019re at and what features are a must. Our Test Kitchen rated the following brands worth your money:\r\n