W H A T’S CO O K IN G
The smallest are the
i-quart cookers—useful
for appetizers or cooking
just enough for one. Most
popular is the 4 !/>- to 5-quart
size, which accommodates
most pork and beef roasts
and can cook a main course
for up to 5 people. The
7 '/2-quart cookers are great
for entertaining or if you
want leftovers.
l^ ^ ^ ^ g T h e traditional
round size uses less space in
your cabinets; ovals can hold
longer cuts of meat. One
convenience worth looking
for is a stovetop-safe insert
that allows you to brown
meat without a skillet. If
you're a frequent potlucker,
look for portable models with
comfy handles and lid locks.
Many
models allow you to
customize cook times from
30 minutes to 26 hours so
your meal stops cooking
but stays warm until you're
home. Also look for easy-
to-read digital controls that
include a countdown of cook
time remaining.
I You can pay as little as
$10 for a 1-quart model and
up to $200 for a stainless-
steel 7.5-quart model. Best
balance of features and price
is in the $40 to $80 range.
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Recipes for
% 94
Find more versatile recipes for
everyone’s favorite appliance in
Slow Cooker Recipes for
2 ,4
or
More
(Meredith Books, $
19
.
95
).
POTLUCK PERFECT Sturdy lid clamps,
no-spill gasket, and easy-grip handles
mean you won’t lose a drop. Oval, 6-quart
Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Slow Cooker,
white, $37; hamiltonbeach.com
WORKHORSE Features polished stainless
exterior, stay-cool handles, and three heat
settings. Insert and lid are dishwasher-
safe. Round, 6-quart West Bend Crockery
Cooker, $49; focuselectrics.com
TEMP TECHIE Has a probe to track
doneness, two custom cook cycles, and its
timer shifts to warm automatically. Oval,
6-quart Crock-Pot Smart-Set Premium Slow
Cooker, black, $70; target.com
FORM W ITH FUNCTION Sleek stainless
body, black ceramic insert, and a glass lid,
give this cooker its good looks. Program
up to 26 hours ahead. Oval, 6.5-quart
All-Clad Slow' Cooker, $180; allclad.com
VERY VERSATILE Stoneware insert can
be used on stovetop to brown meat; also
includes programmable time and temp.
Oval, 6-quart Rival Crock-Pot Versa Ware
Pro slow cooker, $80; crock-pot.com
RIGHT SIZED Three heat settings plus
nesting 2-, 4-, and 6-quart stoneware
inserts let you choose the right size and
temp for recipe. Hamilton Beach 3-in-One
Slow Cooker, $85; hamiltonbeach.com
1 9 8 OCTOBER2008 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
