Slow cooker is usually called as crock pot in the United States. It is actually a trademark that becomes a generic call for the counter top electrical cooking device that uses moist heating method. The cooking method usually for relatively low temperature cooking that has to maintain stabile temperature for a longer time than usual cooking method. The cooking can be lasts for hours and can be unattended by the chef.
The best rated one consist of a lid and a cooking pot made of glazed ceramic or porcelain wrapped in metal housing that contain the electric heating element. The lid is usually made of glass or transparent heat proof material. The lid is seated in a groove in the edge of the pot. The condensed vapor will be collected in the groove and create a low pressure seal to the atmosphere. It is very different with pressure cooker, for haven’t abrupt pressure danger.
The best rated slow cooker allows longer period of cooking without any worries of burned food. The slow cooking method can soften meat with connective tissue and muscles. But most vegetables will lose their nutrients due to the constant and long period of heat exposure and evaporation. Modern slow cooker has thermostat and timer to prevent over heating and over cooking. These features enable unattended cooking since the cooker can be set for preferred heat and cooking time.
There are some slow cooking models that stated as the best rated slow cooker. The Hamilton Beach 33967 Set ‘n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker is one of them. This slow cooker is equipped with thermostat and timer hence the Set and Forget tag line of the brand. Its dimension is 16 x 10.4 x 16.1 inches and weighed 15.2 pounds. The lid and the pot can be easily assembled. It has three automatic cooking options and also has the manual cooking feature. There is also keep warm option on the device. After the cooking duration is completed, the cooker can be automatically switched into keep warm mode to prevent over cooked food or cold food. The device has stainless steel housing and power interrupt protection for safety. There is also clip on spoon, clip tight gasket lid and full grip handle for comfort and safety. The flat digital panel and LED are easy to read.
Another best rated slow cooker is the Hamilton Beach Stay or Go 33163. It scores a very good rate on a professional testing. The cooker is stylish, durable, easy to use and easy to clean. The lid is locked perfectly and worked as a spill proof lid even when the cooking is in progress. This type does not have a timer, but the stay and go cooker has three temperature settings. It is dishwasher safe stoneware. The serving spoon is a built in spoon rested on the lid. It has a user friendly control panel and full grip handle for comfortable lifting and safety. The stay or go best rated slow cooker is cheaper than the set and forget cooker.