A programmable slow cooker can be a lifesaver for a working mother on a tight schedule who still wants to provide her family a hot, nourishing, home-cooked meal. A slow cooker that can be programmed ahead of time provides all the benefits of a traditional slow cooker with the added convenience of fitting your busy schedule. In the past, the only options available were to simply turn it on and off.
While those traditional slow cookers are great appliances, a programmable slow cooker gives the chef in the family peace of mind in knowing that while he or she goes about a busy day, a delicious meal is cooking and will be waiting at home hot and ready to serve in the evening. For example, just set the cook time for the appropriate amount of hours before leaving for work, and it will cook and automatically switch to a warm setting once the cooking time is over. The meal stays hot until you arrive home in the evening, but it does not burn by continuing to cook.
In addition, a crock pot typically has an oval insert in which the food is placed, but it can also serve as an attractive serving dish. Leftovers can also be kept in the insert and stored in the refrigerator. Usually microwave-safe, the leftovers can be reheated in the microwave if desired. Not only is a slow cooker extremely convenient for cooking, but it is also saves time that would normally be spent washing any dirty dishes, and they are usually dishwasher safe as well.
When shopping for a programmable crock pot, some of the more popular models available include the Hamilton Beach 33967, the Hamilton Beach 33162H, the Cuisinart PSC-350, and the Cuisinart PSC-400. Each of these should fit any budget, and the investment in any crock pot will quickly pay off for anyone concerned about providing the family high-quality meals.
The Hamilton Beach 33967 Set ‘n’ Forget is a stoneware 6-quart Slow Cooker with an LED digital control panel. It also features three automatic cooking options as well as automatic keep-warm. Safety features include power-interruption protection, a clip-tight gasket lid, and side handles for safe transport.
The Hamilton Beach 33162 Stay or Go is also a 6-quart stainless steel model featuring manual and automatic modes. This crock pot also has large full-grip handles and features a convenient spoon rest on the lid.
The Cuisinart PSC-350 is a 3-1/2-Quart Slow Cooker with touchpad controls and a 24-hour LCD countdown timer. This slow cooker also offers four cooking modes, stay-cool handles, and non-slip rubber feet.
The Cuisinart PSC-400 is a 4-quart brushed stainless steel model with touch pad controls and a 24-hour timer. This programmable crock pot features a cooking rack for use with bakeware such as ramekins, and it is also packaged with a spiral-bound cookbook containing over seventy gourmet recipes.
If you are in the market for a time-saving, reliable programmable slow cooker, it should not be difficult to find one to fit both your aesthetic taste and budget.