Tired of guesswork in the kitchen? Do you dream of perfectly cooked meals without all the fuss? So many slow cookers promise convenience, but which one actually delivers the results you crave? It can be overwhelming to pick the best one, especially when you want reliable, tested advice.
That’s where America’s Test Kitchen comes in. They are known for their rigorous testing and honest reviews, and their slow cooker recommendations are no different. They’ve done the hard work for you, so you don’t have to waste time and money on a slow cooker that doesn’t measure up.
In this post, we’ll dive into what makes an America’s Test Kitchen-approved slow cooker a game-changer. You’ll learn what features they look for and why their top picks are worth your consideration. Get ready to discover the slow cooker that will become your new kitchen hero and unlock a world of delicious, effortless meals.
Our Top 5 Slow Cooker America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Slow Cooker America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. The Complete Slow Cooker: From Appetizers to Desserts – 400 Must-Have Recipes That Cook While You Play (orWork) (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series)
Rating: 8.6/10
The Complete Slow Cooker: From Appetizers to Desserts is a fantastic cookbook for anyone who loves delicious, easy meals. This book, part of the ATK Cookbook Series, offers a whopping 400 recipes. You can make everything from tasty appetizers to sweet desserts. The best part is that your slow cooker does most of the work. You can cook while you’re busy with other things, like playing or working.
What We Like:
- Huge variety of recipes: 400 options cover all meals and courses.
- Convenience: Recipes are designed for hands-off cooking.
- Reliability: ATK cookbooks are known for tested and trusted recipes.
- Versatility: It shows you how to use your slow cooker for more than just main dishes.
What Could Be Improved:
- Recipe complexity: Some recipes might require specific or less common ingredients.
- Visual appeal: While recipes are clear, more photos could enhance the experience.
This cookbook truly lives up to its name, offering a complete guide to slow cooker cooking. It’s an excellent addition to any kitchen for those seeking flavorful and effortless meals.
2. Slow Cooker Revolution: One Test Kitchen. 30 Slow Cookers. 200 Amazing Recipes.
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready to transform your cooking with “Slow Cooker Revolution: One Test Kitchen. 30 Slow Cookers. 200 Amazing Recipes.” This book is your ultimate guide to delicious, easy meals. It’s packed with tons of recipes tested in a real kitchen. You’ll find everything from quick weeknight dinners to impressive dishes for guests. This book makes slow cooking simple and exciting for everyone.
What We Like:
- Huge variety of recipes: You get 200 amazing recipes to try.
- Tested recipes: All recipes were tested in a real test kitchen.
- Easy to follow: Instructions are clear and simple.
- Great for beginners: If you’re new to slow cooking, this book is perfect.
- Inspires creativity: Discover new ways to use your slow cooker.
What Could Be Improved:
- No specific slow cooker recommendations: The book tests 30 slow cookers but doesn’t tell you which ones are best.
- Limited visual appeal: It’s mostly text, so there aren’t many pictures of the food.
This book truly lives up to its name, offering a revolution in slow cooker cooking. It’s an excellent resource for anyone looking to expand their slow cooker repertoire.
3. Healthy Slow Cooker Revolution: One Test Kitchen. 40 Slow Cookers. 200 Fresh Recipes.
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready for a kitchen transformation with “Healthy Slow Cooker Revolution: One Test Kitchen. 40 Slow Cookers. 200 Fresh Recipes.” This isn’t just a cookbook; it’s your guide to making delicious and healthy meals easily. Imagine whipping up tasty dishes without spending hours in the kitchen. This book makes that possible by showing you how to use your slow cooker to its full potential. It’s packed with ideas to make your meals healthier and more exciting.
What We Like:
- Offers a huge variety of 200 fresh recipes.
- Focuses on healthy cooking, perfect for families.
- Tests 40 different slow cookers, giving you insights.
- Simplifies meal preparation with easy-to-follow instructions.
- Inspires new ways to use your slow cooker for everyday meals.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some recipes might require specific ingredients that aren’t always available.
- The sheer number of slow cookers tested might be overwhelming for some readers.
This book is a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to eat healthier and save time. It truly revolutionizes how you think about slow cooking.
4. Slow Cooker Revolution Volume 2: The Easy-Prep Edition: 200 All-New
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners with “Slow Cooker Revolution Volume 2: The Easy-Prep Edition: 200 All-New, Ground-Breaking Recipes.” This cookbook is packed with fantastic new recipes designed to make your life easier. It focuses on simple preparation, meaning less time chopping and more time enjoying delicious, home-cooked meals. Whether you’re a busy parent or just looking for convenient cooking solutions, this book has something for everyone.
What We Like:
- Offers 200 brand new recipes, giving you plenty of variety.
- Emphasizes easy preparation, saving you time in the kitchen.
- Features “ground-breaking” recipes, suggesting exciting new flavors and dishes.
- The “Easy-Prep Edition” title promises straightforward instructions.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “N/A” feature indicates there might not be specific visual aids or dietary information readily available.
- Without more details, it’s hard to know if the recipes cater to specific dietary needs like vegetarian or gluten-free.
This cookbook is a must-have for anyone who loves their slow cooker. It delivers on its promise of easy preparation and exciting new recipes.
5. Cook It in Your Dutch Oven: 150 Foolproof Recipes Tailor-Made for Your Kitchen’s Most Versatile Pot
Rating: 8.9/10
If you own a Dutch oven, this cookbook is a must-have. It’s packed with 150 delicious recipes designed specifically for this amazing pot. You’ll discover how to make everything from hearty stews to sweet desserts. The recipes are easy to follow, even for beginners. Get ready to unlock the full potential of your Dutch oven and impress your family and friends with amazing home-cooked meals.
What We Like:
- Offers a huge variety of recipes, covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts.
- Recipes are clearly written and easy for anyone to understand.
- Focuses on making the most of your Dutch oven’s versatility.
- The “foolproof” aspect means less stress and more success in the kitchen.
- Great for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some recipes might require less common ingredients.
- Could benefit from more visual aids like step-by-step photos.
This cookbook truly makes cooking in a Dutch oven a breeze. You’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.
Your Guide to the Best Slow Cooker from America’s Test Kitchen
What Makes a Slow Cooker Great?
Slow cookers are kitchen helpers that cook food gently over a long time. This makes tough meats tender and flavors blend together. America’s Test Kitchen tests many slow cookers to find the best ones. This guide will help you pick the perfect slow cooker for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
Size Matters
Slow cookers come in different sizes. A small one is good for couples or side dishes. A large one works for families or when you have guests. For most families, a 6-quart slow cooker is a good choice.
Easy Controls
You want a slow cooker that’s simple to use. Look for clear settings like “Low,” “High,” and “Warm.” Some have timers that turn the cooker off automatically. This is a great feature for busy people.
Durable Materials
The Pot
The best slow cooker pots are made of ceramic or stoneware. These materials heat evenly and hold heat well. They are also easy to clean. Make sure the pot is removable. This makes serving and washing much easier.
The Outer Casing
The outside of the slow cooker is usually made of metal. Stainless steel is a popular choice because it looks nice and is strong. It also cleans up easily.
What Makes a Slow Cooker Better or Worse?
Even Heating
A good slow cooker heats your food evenly. This means your food cooks properly. If a slow cooker has hot spots, some parts of your food might burn while others are undercooked. America’s Test Kitchen checks for this.
Lid Fit
The lid should fit snugly. A tight lid keeps the heat and moisture inside. This helps your food cook perfectly. If the lid is loose, too much steam escapes, and your food might dry out.
Ease of Cleaning
Nobody likes a messy kitchen. The best slow cookers have removable pots and lids that are easy to wash. Many are dishwasher safe, which is a big plus.
User Experience and Use Cases
Simple to Use
Most slow cookers are very easy to use. You just add your ingredients, set the temperature, and let it cook. This is perfect for busy weeknights. You can come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.
Versatile Cooking
You can cook many different things in a slow cooker. Soups, stews, roasts, chili, and even desserts are possible. It’s great for making large batches of food to share.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Slow cookers are excellent for meal prepping. You can cook a big meal on the weekend and have lunches or dinners ready for the week. This saves time and money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about America’s Test Kitchen Slow Cookers
Q: What are the main Key Features I should look for in a slow cooker?
A: You should look for a good size for your needs, easy-to-use controls like “Low,” “High,” and “Warm,” and a removable pot for simple cleaning and serving.
Q: What materials are usually best for slow cooker pots?
A: Ceramic or stoneware pots are generally the best because they heat evenly and retain heat well.
Q: How does the lid fit affect the quality of a slow cooker?
A: A snug-fitting lid is important. It keeps heat and moisture inside, helping your food cook properly and preventing it from drying out.
Q: Is an automatic shut-off timer a useful feature?
A: Yes, an automatic shut-off timer is very useful. It lets you set the cooking time and the slow cooker will turn off by itself, preventing overcooking.
Q: What size slow cooker is best for a family of four?
A: A 6-quart slow cooker is usually a good size for a family of four, allowing for leftovers.
Q: Can I cook frozen food in a slow cooker?
A: It’s generally not recommended to cook frozen food in a slow cooker. It’s better to thaw your food first to ensure it cooks safely and evenly.
Q: How do I clean a slow cooker pot?
A: Most removable slow cooker pots are dishwasher safe. If washing by hand, use warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge.
Q: Are there any specific brands America’s Test Kitchen recommends?
A: America’s Test Kitchen tests many brands and often highlights specific models that perform best in their rigorous tests for even heating, durability, and ease of use.
Q: What kind of recipes are best for slow cookers?
A: Slow cookers are great for recipes that benefit from long, slow cooking, such as pot roasts, stews, chili, pulled pork, and hearty soups.
Q: Can I leave a slow cooker on overnight?
A: Yes, many slow cookers are designed to be left on overnight on the “Low” setting, especially for recipes like roasts or whole chickens.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!