Guide Note

A slow cooker is a stand alone counter top appliance that cooks food slowly over a period of several hours. It has a large capacity and is convenient for working families. If set up in the morning the slow cooker will have dinner ready by the evening.

Fast Facts

1. Price range: $10 to $200
2. Developed by: Rival Industries
3. Debuted: Early 1970s
4. Cooks dishes containing water at low temperatures
5. Also known as a Crock-Pot
6. Warning: Do not use with kidney beans; may cause food poisoning

Pre-cooking vegetables and meat by searing, will save on cooking time and add flavor to the finished meal.

Consider buying a slow cooker liner for easier clean up.

Do not cook kidney beans in the slow cooker; they require high temperatures to destroy naturally occurring toxins.

Be careful to follow the recipe cooking time as overcooked food tends to be bland. There isn't much risk of burning with a slow cooker because of the low heat.