12 Brilliant Slow Cooker Tips Every Food Lover Needs to Know!

 

Do you own a slow cooker? Are you making the most out of it? Worry no more! Check out this list of “Brilliant Slow Cooker Tips Every Food Lover Needs to Know!”

Probably, one of the most useful kitchen appliances, what’s not to love about our favorite slow cooker?

• They offer a healthier, low-fat method of cooking.
• Require the least amount of effort
• Great for making the most of budget ingredients
• They’re cheap to buy (prices range from under $25 to $200+) and economical to use.

 

 

 

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QUICK TIP: When buying a slow cooker there are only a couple of features to look for: Does it have high, low, and keep warm? Also, if you’re planning to bring it to potlucks, it is nice to have a latching lid. Other than that, I see no reason to get overly extravagant with your slow cooker purchase.

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Brilliant Slow Cooker Tips Every Food Lover Needs to Know!

(This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my disclosures here.)

 

1. Save time and effort by avoiding recipes with a lot of “pre-preparation.”

Via: Dear Crissy

The ease of using a slow cooker is one of its main attractions.

So once you are looking for recipes, avoid those that suggest a lot of pre-preparation.

For instance, in soups and stews, you really can just throw the entire ingredients in. (Recipe for Cheesy potato soup here.)

 

2. Leave your slow cooker recipe alone.

View on Amazon:  ♦ Crockpot

Right! Slow cookers are designed to work on their own.

You don’t need to keep checking the contents from time to time.

If you do so, it only releases some of the heat making you increase the cooking time even more.

 

3. Use slow cooker liners to cut clean-up time.

Shop for Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners.

One of my favorite slow cooker tips. All checked!

• Easy cleanup
• No soaking or scrubbing
• Hearty, reliable BPA free material

 

4. Figure out High Vs. Low

Via: Krazy Coupon Lady

Root vegetables will take longer to cook than meat and other veggies.

Therefore, placing those close to the heat source, at the bottom of the pot will do the trick.

 

5. Brown meat first.

Via: Simply Scratch

Not necessary but quickly searing the meat adds a savory caramelized flavor you just can’t get from the slow cooker on its own. (Try this French dip sandwiches)

 

6. Use seasoned flour or cornflour to thicken slow cooker recipes.

View on Amazon:  ♦ All Purpose Flour

Because the liquid doesn’t reduce, it also doesn’t thicken.

Try rolling meat in seasoned flour before placing it in the slow cooker.

You may also use cornflour to thicken sauces by removing a spoonful of sauce from the pot and whisking in 1-2 tbsp before returning to the pot.

 

7. Make Two Dips At Once.

Another cool slow cooker tip. Turn your crockpot into a double cooker with this hack.

Use aluminum foil to act as a divider and put a liner within. This is the perfect setup when you want to make a different set of dips and you don’t have enough time.

 

8. Prepare for slow cooking the night before

Avoid the morning rush by preparing everything you need the night before.

Using the slow-cooker dish, put your slow-cooked meal. Cover and store it in the fridge overnight.

Preferably, the dish should be as close to room temperature as possible.

So take it out of the fridge when you wake up and leave it for 20 minutes before turning the cooker on.

If you need to heat your dish beforehand, put the ingredients in a different container and transfer them in the morning.

 

9. Get rid of stubborn stains with white vinegar + baking soda.

Via: Life Should Cost Less

Can you believe that it got that clean and was only scrubbed for less than thirty seconds? See the instructions here. 

 

10. Big, fattier cuts of meat are usually what slow cookers do best.

Via: Dinner then Dessert

When heated for long periods, lean meat (like chicken breasts) can get tough.

But fattier cuts — like shanks, short ribs, or shoulder — are ideal when they’re cooked low and slow.

The heat lets them break down over many hours, and the fat helps keep the meat juicy and tender.

 

11.  Go easy on the liquid when using a slow cooker.

Via: Lighttraveler/Shutterstock

Don’t overfill your slow cooker, or it may start leaking out the top, and the food won’t cook so well.

Half to two-thirds full is ideal – certainly no more than three-quarters.

 

12. You can also use your slow cooker to make DIY projects, like homemade potpourri.

Via: How Sweet Eats

Besides the standard chili, barbecue, and oatmeal smell, your slow cooker is perfect for making DIYs this Holiday season — from soap to dip-dyed candles, to homemade Play Dough — at Brit + Co.

 

Related Article: 16 Awesome DIY Hacks to Make Your Home Smell Amazing!

 

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On More Slow Cooker Safety Tips

As simple as they’re to use, slow cookers can pose a health risk if the food is not cooked properly. The federal Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends the following.

• Keep perishable foods refrigerated until prep time. If you cut meat and vegetables in advance, store them separately in the refrigerator.
• Always thaw meat or poultry before putting it into a slow cooker.
• Match the amount of food to the capacity of the slow cooker; check the owner’s manual for suggested amounts. Make sure you add the right amount of liquid.
• Never place a cold stoneware insert into a preheated slow cooker. Let them heat up together.
• If the power goes out during the cooking process and you are not at home, discard the food even if it looks done. If you are at home, finish cooking it by some other means such as on a gas grill or at a neighbor’s.
• Don’t put a hot stoneware pot into the refrigerator, a sudden temperature change can lead to cracks. It’s better to transfer any leftovers into a shallow container and store them in the refrigerator.
• Don’t reheat leftovers in a slow cooker. Instead, use a conventional stove or microwave and heat to an internal temperature of 165° F. After that, you can return the food to the slow cooker for transport or serving. (Source: Consumer Reports)

 

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That’s about it, friends! I hope you’re enlightened with these brilliant slow cooker tips and tricks so you can make the most out of it.

Do you have your crockpot hacks to share? Let me know in the comments!

 

And if you’re a big fan of it, don’t miss our other slow cooker ideas!

• 12 Scrumptious Slow Cooker Casserole Recipes
• 30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes Kids Will Love!
• 12 Best Instant Pot Casseroles to Simplify Your Dinners
• 30+ Slow Cooker Dessert Recipes You Should Make This Fall!
• 12 Flavorful Mexican Crockpot Recipes to Spice Up Your Kitchen

 

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