Have you ever walked from the cupboards to the fridge, opening the doors just to close them ten times because you don't know what to make or you didn't plan when you went grocery shopping? Yup, that would be me too. I did that just yesterday when I got home from work and it always ends the same, I reach for the only thing that I can make with very little ingredients, pancakes. Not a bad option but not the best for what I need to fuel my body.
So, this fall I am going to try something new. I'm going to start making slow cooker meals so I can avoid this back and forth and start eating right. I have always loved a good slow cooker meal because there is nothing better than getting home after a long day, opening the door and smelling supper that is READY TO EAT!
Here are my recommendations for the best slow cookers that I have actually used and why I love them. I will also give you the link so you too can buy it, use it and love it as much as I do.
Slow Cooker Recommendations
Please note that my recommendations are purely based on the slow cookers that I have used and have worked for me. If you have a different brand, place to shop or recommendations please leave them in the comments below. I'd love to hear what's worked for you.
In my short time as an adult, I have had the pleasure of testing slow cookers like my mom's stone brown, 80s era crock pot to a brand-new Instant Pot. I have overfilled them, burnt food to the side that a whole bottle of Dawn couldn't get off and, believe it or not, have made some pretty delicious meals.
Here are my three favourite slow cookers:
1. Crockpot Stainless Steel Slow Cooker - 5L: this one is a great price for those that don't want to break the bank, fits a lot of food so you have left overs and cooks evenly. The only draw back to this model is it doesn't have a timer on it. It is basic with a high, low and warm setting so you can't set it and forget it while at work unless your recipe needs a full day to cook. I do love that it is easy to clean and really easy to use.
Where to buy:
2. Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker - 6 qt: this one is a bit more expensive at $99.99 + tax but it fits a lot of food, does have a timer and, if you're cooking meat, you can set the temperature probe to detected when the meat is cooked and the pot will switch to warm mode. It is a true "set it and forget it" slow cooker. This is my favourite because it has several other features that I love: the timer of course, the lid locks into place so you can take it to a potluck without fear of spilling and it's non-stick. East to clean is my jam.
Where to buy:
3. Instant Pot Duo Pressure Cooker - 8 qt: this is not a traditional slow cooker but you can make anything in this thing. From yogurt to oatmeal to wings, it does everything and it does it well. This is the most expensive option at $169.99 but this pot has amazing power and does so many things that I think it's worth the investment. You can also get it in different sizes depending on how many people are in your household.
Where to buy:
Now get out there and start rocking out with your crock out! You can also check out our collection of delicious slow cooker recipes here to get you started today: Slow Cooker Recipes.
-Hayley