Crock Pot or slow cooker - what's the difference?
What are some advantages of slow cooking?
Does a slow cooker get hot enough to cook foods safely?
What foods are not suited to slow cooking?
Do I have to brown meats before adding them?
Why are my potatoes still hard after hours of cooking?
Can I use a timer on my slow cooker?
What size slow cooker should I buy?

Crockery cooker or slow cooker - what's the difference?

The most common models have a crockery pot insert and the
heating elements are housed in the sides, so the heat actually
surrounds the food. The two heat settings are low (200 degrees)
and high (300 degrees). The slow cooker, or "multi-cooker"
usually cooks from the bottom and might have a thermostat
allowing a wide range of temperatures. Even if your slow cooker
has a crockery insert, you may need to stir some recipes
occasionally to prevent scorching. Every time the lid is lifted, add
20 minutes to the overall cooking time.

The commonly used term Crock-PotŪ is actually Rival
Manufacturing Company's trademarked name. Most recipes
designed for the crock pot are with the two-setting Rival model
in mind, so adjust accordingly if using another brand of cooker,
and read the manufacterer's instructions.

What are some advantages of slow cooking?

The extended cooking times allow better mingling of flavors in
many recipes.
The lower temperatures lessen the chance of scorching of
foods which tend to stick to the bottom of a pan and burn easily
in an oven.
Less expensive or tough meats are tenderized through the
long cooking process. The slow cooker is a good choice for
cooking many venison dishes.
The slow cooker frees your oven and stove top for other
uses, and should always be considered as an option for large
gatherings or holiday meals.
Convenience! A slow cooker can be left unattended all day
for many recipes. You can put recipe ingredients in it before
going to work and come home to a meal.

Does a slow cooker get hot enough to cook foods safely?

Even at the low setting, internal temperatures of foods are raised
well above 140 degrees, the minimum temperature at which
bacteria are killed.

What foods are not suited to slow cooking?

Natural cheeses tend to break down, so should be avoided,
replaced by process cheese, or added late in cooking. Milk will
curdle over long cooking times, but you can substitute
evaporated milk or stir in heavy cream or sour cream near the
end of cooking.

Fish and seafood are not usually good candidates for the slow
cooker, and should be added late in any recipe for soup or
chowder.

Do I have to brown meats before adding them?

Browning meats help reduce the fat content and enhance the
flavor and texture of dishes, but it is not necessary. Because of
the condensation in a slow cooker, reduce the liquid if you are
making a sauce or gravy from it.

Why are my potatoes still hard after hours of cooking?

Root vegetables, like potatoes, carrots, and turnip, should be cut
in small pieces, about 1-inch, and layered on the bottom of the
crock so they will start to cook as soon as the liquid heats.

Can I use a timer on my slow cooker?

A timer will allow you to cook a dish requiring 6 hours even
though you will be away for 8 hours. Make sure all ingredients
are chilled, and for safety, start the cooking no longer than 2
hours later. For poultry, no longer than 1 hour later. The cooked
food should not stand for longer than 2 hours after the cooking
time ends.

Another alternative for a dish requiring a short cooking time is to
cook it the night before, cool for no longer than 2 hours, and
refrigerate. Heat it in the microwave the next day.

What size slow cooker should I buy?

Popular sizes are 3 1/2-, 4-, and 5-quart models. Most have
removable liners. The 3 1/2-quart models are fine for most
dishes and needs, but the 5-quart models allow you to insert
other dishes, such as souffle, spingform pans, or pudding molds,
giving you a wider range of options. Manufacturers usually
recommend filling the pot half to three-quarters full, so if you're
cooking for two, this might be an important consideration.