The Cooks' Den » Slow Cookers http://www.thecooksden.com Cooking Tools - Gear for Cooks and Chefs Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:49:11 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Breville Slow Cooker Review | Stove & Oven Insert Saute Pan, Stainless Steel Nonstick BSC560XL http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-slow-cooker-review-stove-oven-insert-saute-pan-stainless-steel-nonstick-bsc560xl/ http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-slow-cooker-review-stove-oven-insert-saute-pan-stainless-steel-nonstick-bsc560xl/#comments Wed, 15 Jun 2011 19:04:07 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12448 Breville Slow Cooker Review A lot of thought went into this Breville slow cooker, rated "Best" by Cooking Light Magazine. I can tell that the manufacturers wanted to incorporate extra elements in this product that would actually be improvements, not just extra bells and whistles.

One feature that stands out is the EasySear Insert with roasting rack. This is a tall pan that can be used on its own as cookware, made from non-stick die-cast aluminum. It's meant for saving prep steps, i.e. browning onions or roasting meats before using them in a slow cooker recipe. I used to avoid recipes that called for a lot of prep work beforehand, but I don't have to anymore. This means one less skillet I have to wash.

The heating technology is different as well, in a good way. The Breville has an extra heat setting beyond the normal "low" and "high," called "dual." Its suggested use is for prime cuts of meat or dishes with grains that need anywhere between 4-8 hours of cooking time on a medium temperature. And to help preserve an even cooking surface, the slow cooker has a wrap-around heating element.

Both the power cord and silicone grips on the handles are removable -- this makes it easier to transport from the kitchen to my buffet table. Cleanup is easy, too, since it's a non-stick pan. In order to keep the non-stick qualities intact, I wash it by hand right after getting the leftover food put away. The Breville only comes with a 1-year warranty, so I'm not taking any chances.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/breville-slow-cooker-review-stove-oven-insert-saute-pan-stainless-steel-nonstick-bsc560xl/feed/ 0 Rival Roaster Countertop Oven 22 Qt. | Chrome Enamel Steel Pan | Large Slow Cooker http://www.thecooksden.com/rival-roaster-countertop-oven-22-qt-chrome-enamel-steel-pan-large-slow-cooker/ http://www.thecooksden.com/rival-roaster-countertop-oven-22-qt-chrome-enamel-steel-pan-large-slow-cooker/#comments Sat, 12 Dec 2009 22:52:06 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8760 Rival Roaster Countertop Oven 22 Qt. The Rival 22 Quart Roaster Oven does more than roast full size turkeys -- this particular model can be used as a spare oven, capable of baking, roasting, or even slow cooking soups and stews. Maximum turkey size for this device is over 18 pounds, with room left over for roast vegetables.

If you need extra oven space for big family holiday gatherings, this countertop roaster lets you cook a second main course right at home. You can even bring turkey and fixings directly to the dining table in this compact brushed silvered chrome appliance.

The steel enameled roasting pan is easily removed for cleaning; hand cleaning is recommended. This oven runs hot, and that heat extends to the metal sides, so make sure you place it away from walls, knife blocks, and other items that might not respond favorably to heat stress.

Warranted for one year, the Rival Roaster Oven will hold up well to occasional use as a backup system, but shouldn't be counted upon as a complete substitute for a full-sized oven. As a portable cooker or a holiday helping hand it's very useful, and the simplicity of the dial type temperature control contributes to dependability. Nothing about the Rival is automatic, so plan to be home when it's in use.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/rival-roaster-countertop-oven-22-qt-chrome-enamel-steel-pan-large-slow-cooker/feed/ 2 Hamilton Beach 3 In 1 Slow Cooker | White Nested Crock Pot Set 33134 http://www.thecooksden.com/hamilton-beach-3-in-1-slow-cooker-white-nested-crock-pot-set-33134/ http://www.thecooksden.com/hamilton-beach-3-in-1-slow-cooker-white-nested-crock-pot-set-33134/#comments Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:59:23 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8313 Hamilton Beach 3 In 1 Slow Cooker I truly didn't believe the crock pot could be improved upon. My mind has changed. This set comes with crocks in three sizes which fit into a single base. The glass lid fits all three sizes. Now I can cook and store in the choice that fits my meal size. I can serve in all three for a matching set. Since they're safe for the oven and microwave, I can cook or warm in all three as well.

The crocks nest to save space. They are safe for the dishwasher. The electronics are uncomplicated and the pot has large, wide set handles, making this a good set for anyone who has visual impairments or trouble gripping. If you're clumsy, like me, having a spare one or two crocks will ensure you can still use your appliance if there are any accidents.

The pot is sized just right to bring to the table to heat or serve food. The meal will stay warm for seconds, and there are no extra trips back and forth to the kitchen. This would be well suited for parties, keeping a dip or hot drink at the ready. The crocks could be switched out as needed. For football parties, you could even serve a different dish at each break.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/hamilton-beach-3-in-1-slow-cooker-white-nested-crock-pot-set-33134/feed/ 1 Rival Crock Pot Oval Slow Cooker | Programmable Red 5.5 Quart http://www.thecooksden.com/rival-crock-pot-oval-slow-cooker-programmable-red-5-5-quart/ http://www.thecooksden.com/rival-crock-pot-oval-slow-cooker-programmable-red-5-5-quart/#comments Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:12:40 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=7708 Crock Pot Oval Slow Cooker Don't we all wish at times that there was someone to do the cooking for us? With a Crock Pot product, you get as close as possible to
that wish without having to hire a personal chef. Add your ingredients, press the button, and do your housework, errands, or head to work. If you're nearby, soon you'll begin to detect the delicate tendrils of the smell of slow-cooked food wafting through the house. This has become such a staple of cooking that there are whole websites dedicated to recipes and ingenious ideas for meals, desserts, and snacks. Things you might never be brave enough to stick in the oven for fear of drips and mess can be handled without a care in the pot, because the interior lifts out for serving and cleaning.

Make some of the most tender, delicious meats you've ever tasted. The oval shape accommodates whole birds and larger cuts more readily than round models. Vegetable companions can cook right alongside your main, soaking up the flavors. What about pasta? Yes, even pasta, from lasagna to macaroni and cheese! Breads and cakes, especially thick, moist versions like coffee cake and banana bread, bake nicely right on the counter. And you can enjoy hot food, not a hot kitchen.

Also see the Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Slow Cooker Set.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/rival-crock-pot-oval-slow-cooker-programmable-red-5-5-quart/feed/ 0 Sanyo Micro Computerized Rice Pot | Slow Cooker 5 1/2 Cup ECJ-HC55S http://www.thecooksden.com/sanyo-micro-computerized-rice-pot-slow-cooker-5-12-cup-ecj-hc55s/ http://www.thecooksden.com/sanyo-micro-computerized-rice-pot-slow-cooker-5-12-cup-ecj-hc55s/#comments Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:12:11 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4828 Sanyo Micro Computerized Rice Pot On my first visit to a real Asian home kitchen years ago I was immediately disappointed to find that it ran on a Sanyo electric rice cooker and a propane fired wok. Then I ate the food and I was happy.

Carefree efficiency, easy cleaning, and dependability made the original popular in Asia. Sanyo has improved this mainstay appliance of Asian homes considerably over the years, and the simple electric rice cook pot I brought home that summer has evolved into the ECJ-HC55S 5 1/2 Cup Micro Computerized Rice and Slow Cooker. It's very much better.

This machine comes from a country where people care about rice and want it done right. In the half of the world where there are more than two kinds of rice, this machine will cook them all to perfection. Select from a list of pre-programmed one touch functions to prepare white, brown, mixed, sushi, haiga, and more. The cooker's micro computer automatically adjusts temperature and cooking times. A cookbook and instruction manual with advice from Chef Martin Yan brings American chefs up to speed.

Two titanium coated pots allow other uses including vegetable steaming cycles of up to 58 minutes and slow cooking of soups and stews up to 12 hours. If you're really adventurous and can spare a day, there's even a special program for using this cooker for producing delicious and nutritious homemade tofu. But don't expect that on the first try. Tofu takes some practice.

Here's a simpler model for comparison:  the Sanyo Electric Rice Cooker.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/sanyo-micro-computerized-rice-pot-slow-cooker-5-12-cup-ecj-hc55s/feed/ 2 West Bend Versatility Deluxe Everyday Slow Cooker | Stainless 6 Quart 84846 http://www.thecooksden.com/west-bend-versatility-deluxe-everyday-slow-cooker-stainless-6-quart-84846/ http://www.thecooksden.com/west-bend-versatility-deluxe-everyday-slow-cooker-stainless-6-quart-84846/#comments Sun, 14 Jun 2009 21:39:16 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4918 West Bend Versatility Deluxe EverydayWest Bend has an excellent reputation for creating durable cookers. This West Bend cooker comes with a lift out roasting rack, a glass cover, and three settings: low, medium, and high. The oval shape is better designed to hold meats for roasting. The stainless steel cooking pot can be used to heat or serve, goes from the stove to the oven, and can be placed in the refrigerator or freezer. The interior is nonstick. You can brown and then slow cook in the same pot, saving labor and energy. You can also cook with less liquid as the construction keeps moisture in. This means you'll need less seasoning, which is a big money saver. The pot, lid and rack are also dishwasher safe.

The cooker is really two products in one as the base can be used as a nonstick griddle. This would be a wonderful addition to a small kitchen space or dorm because of the many uses it offers. While this unit may not heat into the sides like a crock pot will, the stainless steel is a fantastic distributor of heat. The device cooks items quickly and efficiently, so much so that you may need to experiment the first couple of times you use it, keeping watch over the meal until you're used to the cooking time. Plus with this appliance, you don't need to worry about chipping the crock.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/west-bend-versatility-deluxe-everyday-slow-cooker-stainless-6-quart-84846/feed/ 1 Reco International Classic Romertopf Clay Baker | Terra Cotta Slow Cooker 14 Pound http://www.thecooksden.com/reco-international-classic-romertopf-clay-baker-terra-cotta-slow-cooker-14-pound/ http://www.thecooksden.com/reco-international-classic-romertopf-clay-baker-terra-cotta-slow-cooker-14-pound/#comments Mon, 04 May 2009 20:59:30 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4905 Reco International Classic RomertopfThe clay pot Romertopf allows you to benefit from the wisdom of generations through an ancient method of cooking. Some of the more creative seasoning involves the use of beer, wine, spices or butter, but you can cook without adding any fat or liquid to your dishes if you choose. They will still come out tender and flavorful because the clay releases moisture into food as it cooks. This makes it great for meats (especially ones prone to drying out as they cook), soup or slow roasts.

Made in Mexico, the porous clay of the Romertopf is free of impurities and contains no lead or cadmium. It should be protected from sudden changes in heat, so place it in the oven and allow the oven to heat along with the baker. The unglazed clay breathes and seasons over time as you cook with it. The clay pot prepares food for up to six people and then it cleans "green" with just a wash of baking soda and vinegar. Wash by hand and dry immediately for best results.

The Complete Guide to Claypot Cooking and The Good Health Claypot Cookbook are two titles available to guide you if you're unsure about how to best use the baker, but it really is as simple as presoaking the clay and adding the ingredients. The baker will contain steam and lock in flavor. It saves time and creates a one pot meal through slow cooking, yet doesn't take hours to complete a dish.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/reco-international-classic-romertopf-clay-baker-terra-cotta-slow-cooker-14-pound/feed/ 0 West Bend Oblong Slow Cooker | Crock Pot 5 Quart 84905 http://www.thecooksden.com/west-bend-oblong-slow-cooker-crock-pot-5-quart-84905/ http://www.thecooksden.com/west-bend-oblong-slow-cooker-crock-pot-5-quart-84905/#comments Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:29:56 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3445 West Bend Oblong Slow Cooker Prepare small or large amounts of food in a variety of ways in the West Bend Slow Cooker. The vessel has a nonstick interior cooking surface. The cooking pot is safe for the oven, stove, and freezer, and comes with a glass lid. The base can also be used by itself as a nonstick griddle. Use the keep warm setting for heated seconds and safe holding temperatures. The metal pot and glass lid are dishwasher safe. Starter recipes for dinners and desserts are included with the cooker. This item has a one year limited warranty and is UL listed.

Items can be browned in the cooking pot before placing it on the heating base. The temperature control has a variety of heat settings to select from. Instructions in the manual should be consulted regarding whether to season the pot or not after certain types of cleaning and use. The manual also contains helpful tips on how to achieve the best results with different foods, how much liquid to add and how to adjust seasoning.

If you enjoyed owning a crock pot, you will be even more happy with this appliance. While the pot is metal, this version does more than the traditional model, essentially combining several products in one for even greater convenience and utility. An extremely useful and long lasting twist on the slow cooker.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/west-bend-oblong-slow-cooker-crock-pot-5-quart-84905/feed/ 0 Sanyo Rice Cooker | Digital Crock Pot 10 Cup ECJ-HC100S http://www.thecooksden.com/sanyo-rice-cooker-digital-crock-pot-10-cup-ecj-hc100s/ http://www.thecooksden.com/sanyo-rice-cooker-digital-crock-pot-10-cup-ecj-hc100s/#comments Sat, 14 Mar 2009 22:29:13 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3633 Sanyo Rice Cooker With rice being the number one food eaten worldwide, it's no surprise that there are many high tech devices for preparing the perfect pot of starchy goodness. Even if rice isn't a part of your daily meals, this machine really raises the bar for what a rice cooker can help you accomplish with meal preparation.

The first thing that gets your attention is the name. How many other kitchen appliances advertise being micro-computerized? The list of features and foods this Sanyo cooker can handle is truly impressive. It has built-in settings for not just rice, but many rice varieties. Add to that timed slow cooking, vegetable steaming, egg cooking and even making tofu. There are a number of included components such as two separate inner pots with lids for multi-part meal preparation, a vegetable steaming tray and a tofu holder, as well as a measuring cup, rice paddle and a recipe booklet.

The inner rice pot is titanium coated and nonstick for easy rice removal. The digital display allows precise control and timer/keep warm setting, and also features a clock. The steam vent comes out for cleaning, and the cord is retractable. There is also a fold down handle for toting the unit around with you and bringing right to the table for serving.

I like the simple modern style of the unit, although with the control panel it looks as suited to a computer desk as a kitchen counter. Since arriving on the scene, this rice cooker has been getting rave reviews from users, so it seems that Sanyo has learned a thing or two in over 50 years of making kitchen appliances.

Here's a similar Sanyo rice cooker with a smaller, 5-cup capacity.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/sanyo-rice-cooker-digital-crock-pot-10-cup-ecj-hc100s/feed/ 1 Fagor 3 in 1 Electric Multi Pressure Cooker | Stainless Crock Pot Rice Automatic http://www.thecooksden.com/fagor-3-in-1-electric-multi-pressure-cooker-stainless-crock-pot-rice-automatic/ http://www.thecooksden.com/fagor-3-in-1-electric-multi-pressure-cooker-stainless-crock-pot-rice-automatic/#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2009 22:22:52 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3630 Fagor 3 in 1 Electric Multi PressureIf you have a small kitchen and want to maximize counter space, or upgrade from an old slow cooker to a slick new feature packed model, then this might be the appliance for you.

The Multi-Cooker from Fagor combines three very useful cooking functions in one rather modern looking unit. As is often the case, you are sacrificing some features for the all-in-one convenience, although not too much here. The pressure cooker would be a good introduction for those new to the method. There are two pressure settings and safety features to keep the pressurized cooker under control- such as an interlock that prevents the lid from being opened while under pressure. The pressure developed is a bit less than that produced from a dedicated pressure cooker, however that shouldn't be too noticeable when preparing pressure cooked meals.

The slow cooker feature has a timer for controlled cooking without supervision. Also there is a high heat setting for browning meats in the pot before adding the liquids.

The rice cooker feature has only a single setting for cooking rice. Since the cooker uses steam pressure to cook, it promises to have that rice ready for you in only six minutes. There is a delay timer as well to hold off the cooking for up to eight hours. Another useful feature is that as soon as any of the cooking cycles finishes, the cooker switches to keep-warm mode until you return.

With a 6-quart nonstick insert pot, this can prepare a family size meal or side dish with a minimum of work, even hours ahead of mealtime. Or if you need dinner on the table in minutes, the Multi-Cooker can handle that too.

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