Slow Cookers

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What is the difference between a crock pot and a slow cooker?

Both slow cookers and crock-pots cook the same types of food using moist heat. Great for making soups, stews, and kid-friendly weeknight dinners, they require longer cooking times to ensure a delicious result. Crock-pot is the name of a famous household brand created in the 1970s, initially marketed as an innovative bean cooker. While a slow cooker refers to a metal pot appliance that sits on a heated surface to cook rather than inside a heating unit or “crock.”

How does a crock pot work?

Crock pots and slow cookers have been around for generations and continue to be a popular choice for families and working professionals as a simple and easy way to make delicious mouth-watering meals without spending hours in front of a stove. Thanks to their braising technique, slow cookers use moist heat at a low temperature to turn tough cuts of meat and dried beans into tender and succulent dishes. Crock pots are slow cooker appliances that combine a heavy stoneware crock with a snug-fitting lid.

What cannot be cooked in a slow cooker?

While slow cookers can create many delicious meals and soups, there are foods you should steer clear of unless you want a recipe disaster. A dairy product like milk, cream, cheese, or yogurt often curdles when used in a slow cooker. Couscous and rice are a couple of grains to avoid. When using a small slow cooker, they become mushy or undercooked. Lean meats, like chicken breast, should be avoided when using a slow cooker because they can dry out quickly and don’t require long cooking times. For faster cooking options check out our selection of Pressure & Multi-Cookers from popular brands like Instant Pot that offer an alternate one-pot option for whipping up some delicious dinners in less time.