If you want to enjoy good meals without spending the evening behind the stove, the slow cooker is your best ally. Extremely popular in North America, the electric slow cooker is less known in France. It is however very useful and deserves to be known. Discover the most important criteria to take into account when choosing the right slow cooker and the best models available on the market.

What is an Electric Slow Cooker?

The electric slow cooker is a household appliance allowing gentle and slow cooking of food. It allows you to make stews curries and soups effortlessly and without supervision. We put all the ingredients inside the tank, we press the button and it’s over. It cooks slowly but surely, for hours without even having to stir. This is a very significant time saver.

Why buy an electric slow cooker?

It’s the perfect tool if you work during the day: with the programmable option, the meal is ready when you return. You have almost nothing to do in the morning. Just put your ingredients in the slow cooker. Small bonus: you are welcomed home with the delicious smell of the good little dish that has been simmering for hours.

For parents overwhelmed in the evening: between trips home from school homework and baths, it’s hard to cook up a good meal during the week. The slow cooker allows you to put your ingredients to cook in the early afternoon (during the children’s nap if you have little ones who are still napping). When you return from school you are available for the children, the meal is cooked by itself, without special supervision and will be ready at dinner time.

Vary the recipes: a whole new universe of recipes opens up to you. Great classics super simplified thanks to the slow cooker. Beef Bourguignon, veal Blanquette, but also shredded pork, chicken, chili con carne, soups… Something to change your routine and discover new recipes! And for those of you who speak English, the Internet is full of recipe ideas and sites dedicated to slow cooker cooking (Type “Slow cooker recipes” or “Crock Pot recipes” on Pinterest and let yourself be carried away in the gourmet universe slow cooker!)

It consumes little and frees up space on your hob, which will then be less cluttered when preparing large meals. Another advantage: it can be installed anywhere (worktop, table). It is enough that there is a socket next to it.

Remarkable ease of use: it couldn’t be easier to use. We put all the ingredients in the tank, close the glass lid and forget about everything else. She takes care of everything.

How to choose the most suitable slow cooker for your needs?

Here is a list of the most important criteria to consider when choosing the right slow cooker:

The capacity

3.5 litres, 6 litres, 8 litres, there’s something for everyone. The 3.5 liter models are suitable for 2 to 3 people. The 6 liter models for 4 to 6 people and the 8 liter are ideal for large families. Even if you are not very numerous at home, the 6-litre model remains more interesting than the 3.5-litre. It allows you to prepare enough food for a 2nd meal. Bring the leftovers to the office the next day at noon or freeze them for a night when you won’t have time to cook.

Timer

This is a very useful option because we tend to forget to stop the slow cooker after several hours of cooking. If you opt for a model without a timer, don’t forget to set an alarm on your phone.

Programming

Some slow cookers are programmable. It’s the perfect option if you’re working and want to get in and put your feet under the table. Just place the ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning before you leave and set the cooking start time based on your time of arrival home. You are greeted by the delicious smell of the small simmered dish that awaits you.

Which electric slow cooker to choose?

Depending on your needs and the criteria listed above here are some of the best models available on the market today.

Best value for money:

If you are at home most of the time, you can do without programming and timer options. These simple but effective models offer excellent value for money. Click on the photo or description in red of the model of your choice to get the price.