Are Rival Crock Pot Slow Cookers Good?
Having a Rival Crock Pot can be one of the most convenient, healthly, and economical forms of cooking. It's convenient because it requires very little attention. You won't have to harbor over a slow cooker stirring food every minutes. In fact, you can leave for work, leave it on, and have a tasty meal waiting for you when you get home! Also, leftovers from crock pots can last you a week! It's also healthy because slow cooking preserves nutrients (and makes food taste better too!). Crock pots are economical in the sense it requires a lot less power to cook with these babies as opposed to a conventional oven. Now that we've gotten how great a Rival Crock Pot can be let's get to the nity gritty... BUYING ONE.
1. Crock Pot vs. Slow Cooker
Don't be fooled by the hype. A Rival crock pot is a slow cooker. “Crock-Pot®” is actually a brand name by a company called Rival. Indeed they are amongst the most popular; but Rival still has some “rivals”(pun intended) to watch for. Some of those companies are: Hamilton Beach, Sunbeam, Cuisinart, and Proctor Silex just to name a few. With that said, whether it's a Rival Crock Pot or a Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker. It will all do the same job.
2. Size
Choosing which size slow cooker to buy depends a great deal on the amount of people you're cooking for. Most people opt for a larger unit of 6 quarts or more to fit roasts or chickens in there. Like I mentioned earlier, leftovers can last about a week! So think about the cost of your lunch everyday and the ease of coming home to something already prepared. I'd personally go with a 6-quart or above as well. But there are smaller 3 or 4-quart units you can buy for small meals.
3. Shape
Slow cookers come in a oval shape or square shape. I'll just tell you now, oval is what you want! Sure with the right size a roast can fit into both, but which would you rather be cleaning? Squares have tight crevices, Ovals are easy and well-rounded. (I'm an oval man myself!)
4. Removable Crock Insert
Like the oval-shapedness, having a removable crock insert is serious! Single units can't be submerged in water because of the electronics. A removable crock insert can be soaked in the sink and be placed in the fridge for easy storage. This is certainly one feature you don't want to skip on.
5. Get A Glass Lid
Slow cookers have about 3 different types of lids. Metal, plastic, and glass. Metal lids can rust, plastic lids get warped and discolored, glass lids... well, stay glass lids! Glass lids are also great for one other big reason; you can see your food!
6. Other Features
Rival Crock Pots and other brand slow cookers are really basic appliances. But although basic, some can come with some cool features.
- Crock Material: Some slow cookers are made of stoneware which can come in different colors and decorations. While others are metal with non-stick coatings. It really boils down to preference but stoneware will probaly last longer, look more presentable and holds heat better.
- Digital vs. Dial: Another feature which can make your crock pot look really cool (especially if it's steel) are buttons with digital display. Of course that comes with a price, but the functionality of the digital vs. the dial is the same.
- Settings: Every slow cooker comes with the basic Off, Low, High, Warm settings. But higher end models can be programmed to cook at a desired time, have timers, with more temperature choices. Having a programmable unit may come in handy for those who have fluctuating work schedules.
At the end of the day, your basic dial slow cooker will make the same food taste the same way. But if you can find a full-featured model at a steal, let me know because I'll sure grab it!
7. Prices You really don't have to break the bank to get yourself a good slow cooker. They can range in price from $20 up to $200. Of course once you get in the hundreds a lot of that is features and brand name. Here are some great slow cookers that have a good balance of features but priced just right:
  Hamilton Beach Stay or Go 6-Quart Slow Cooker - White ($34.99)
  Hamilton Beach Set & Forget Stay or Go 6-Quart Slow Cooker - Stainless-Steel($49.99 on sale)
 Crock-Pot Designer Series 6 Qt Slow Cooker - Stainless-Steel/Black($39.99 on sale)
 Hamilton Beach Stay or Go 4-Quart Slow Cooker - Black ($29.99)
Slow Cooker Recipes
Now that you've ordered your Crock Pot now you need some recipes! Here's a few Vegitarian Recipes. There you'll find crockpot soup recipes. You can also find chicken crock pot recipes on the Meat Lovers blog.
You can also pick up some great slow cooker cookbooks too:
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