Good things come to those who wait, and the beauty of slow cooking is that the result is more than worth the time spent. I’ve had countless savory meals and soups that simply involve throwing some ingredients together, setting the heat level, and letting a slow cooker work its magic over several hours while I go about the rest of my day. Easy, labor-free and delicious — what’s not to like?
My slow cooker of choice is the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, which is now on sale for a hefty 50% discount during Black Friday Week on Amazon. But what makes the Crock-Pot a favorite cooking tool in my kitchen? Here’s the breakdown.
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, $24.99 (50% off)
What I like the most about the Crock-Pot is its simplicity and durable construction. No fancy displays or far-out curves — just a straightforward stainless steel exterior and an oval-shaped pot that can accommodate larger cuts of meat, like whole ducks or chickens, as well as regular roasts or dishes. This Crock-Pot has a generous 7-quart capacity that can handle a 7-pound roast or cook up a meal to serve a large gathering.
As with most slow cookers, the Crock-Pot has high and low heat settings as well as a warm mode that lets you keep food warm over a long period. Creating a meal with the pot couldn’t be easier; just add ingredients, set the temperature and let the cooker do the rest. (Just one note of caution: The outside of the Crock-Pot can get hot, so be sure to situate your cooker in an area where people won’t accidentally bump into it.)
The Crock-Pot is versatile, too. The stoneware interior can be used in the microwave or the oven at temperatures up to 400°F. Even better, cleaning the pot and the glass lid is as easy as cooking with them, as they’re both dishwasher safe. Another plus with this slow cooker is that it takes a lot less energy to run compared to an oven or stove top.
The only limit to what you can create with the slow cooker is the length of your recipe book. Stews, soups, one-pot meals — the possibilities are nearly endless. (If you seek inspiration, I’d recommend Slow Cooker Gourmet, which is updated every week with new recipes.)
Put it all together and the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker is a solid, versatile cooking machine that gets the job done without need for fancy bells and whistles. And now is a great time to get one for its current sale price on Amazon. Whether you’re a casual cook like me or want a piece of kitchen equipment that can expand your cooking capabilities, the Crock-Pot deserves a place in your home.
