Monday, March 7, 2016

The Story of the Ever-Dependable Crock Pot

To some, cooking is a joy to indulge in. However, there are others whose hectic schedules do not always allow them enough time to prepare a special dinner for their families or make them too tired to have the luxury of preparing slow-cooking recipes. It becomes more of a hassle when you do not have the right tools. The ever-reliable crock pot is a traditional slow cooker that has been around for a very long time. It is still considered one of the most essential equipment in the kitchen because it allows for effective low heat distribution during cooking and makes it possible to leave the cooking unattended. There are modern types available in the market today that are a far cry from the original ones of yesteryears.
Crock Pot
The traditional crock pot is made of glazed ceramic or porcelain and is round in shape. Nowadays, stove tops have different settings for different cooking methods, such as simmering and slow-cooking, and you may still opt to use the traditional one. But you may also want to consider using electric types that come with their own cooking settings and plenty of other features.

When the traditional crock pot was first re-invented, it was improved by making it electric and with low and high settings. These settings didn't allow for easier, much less unattended, cooking and was more limiting than it was effective. The 1990s, however, saw the further improvement of the modern type into smart cookware. More programmable features were added allowing for almost an unlimited number of recipes that can be used. The more sophisticated types appealed to the busy workers who rarely had the luxury of time, and even the patience, to constantly keep an eye on the food they're cooking.

Depending on the features that you require, modern crock pots are very affordable. But there are certain important factors that you always have to consider when looking to buy one. First and foremost is the size which would be determined by how many people you usually cook for. The bigger the family, the bigger you would need. It is also more practical to choose a removable crock pot for easier cleaning and to be used as storage for leftovers. The crock pot lid also determines proper and efficient cooking; the fit of the lid over the pot should be just right to maintain the right amount of steam while cooking. The crock pot itself should be durable and have a solid base for free airflow. The handles of the crock pot should be secure and easy to grip.

The most popular manufacturers of modern crock pots are Rival, Hamilton Beach, Magic Chef, and West Bend Housewares. They have produced different models of sophisticated ones to accommodate different lifestyles, cooking methods, and recipes. The crock pot, whether traditional or with various programmable settings, will always be an indispensable tool in the kitchen. Whether you prefer the original type that comes with only the high and low settings, or the modern models with more advanced features, make sure to find the right one that will best suit your cooking needs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Karen_Lincoln/95844

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