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We Know: How to Buy a Crock Pot
What is a crock pot?
A crock pot is a pot (often made of crockery but not always) with a built-in heating device. The pot holds food which
is slow cooked over a low heat for a period of several hours or
more, depending on the recipe. A crock pot makes food taste very tender. Some people choose to set their crock pot up to
cook their evening meal while they're away at work. When they come home, their meal is ready.
Optional Features for Crock Pots
A crock pot may have one or more of the following:
- Multiple heat settings: A good crock pot will have at least two settings, but the best ones have three. This
gives you the option of cooking the food even slower, which is particularly advantageous if you're cooking while at work.
- Convenient cleaning: The parts should disassemble easily for convenient cleaning. Even better is if the parts
are dishwasher safe.
- Nonstick interior.
- Glass lid: Makes it easier to see the food cooking without releasing the heat or steam.
- Size appropriate: If you intend to cook roasts or other large pieces of meat, you'll need a larger pot.
Crock Pot Models
Crock pots are very popular and there are many models from which to choose. Here are several:
- Rival Stainless Steel Crock-Pot (model #33511LD-C): Five quart capacity, with three heat settings. Sells for
around $30.
- Hamilton Beach Oval Slow Cooker (model #33141): Four quart capacity, with three heat settings. Sells for around $25.
- Cuisinart Slow Cooker (model #CSC-650): Six and a half quart capacity, with three heat settings. Sells for around $98.
- West Bend Versatility Oval Slo-Cooker (model #84716): Six quart capacity, with three heat settings. Sells for around $50.
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