Reasons to Use a Crock Pot

Food/Cooking - General

By: CookinMama 05-Nov-2010

Introduction:

I remember when I was a little girl seeing these avocado green crock pots on the counter at my granny's house. That was pretty much the only exposure to crock pot cooking I had until I was in my late teens when my mama starting making vegetable beef soup and pinto beans in crock pots. Well, they're making a comeback now and here is why you should use them.

Crock Pots Are Inexpensive to Operate

Crock pots plug into a 110 volt outlet in your home. Your stove (if electric) plugs into a 220 volt outlet. Common sense tells me that since you are using half the voltage to run the crock pot that is is cheaper to operate. Right? RIGHT!

Crock Pots Are Easy to Operate

I don't know about all of you, but when I see an appliance that only has the options of OFF, LOW and HIGH that makes me happy. With such few options, how much simpler could it be to operate a crock pot?

Crock Pots Are Easy to Clean

When I've made something in the crock pot for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the best thing (to me anyways) about it is I only have one thing to clean. To prevent having to soak the crockery or scrubbing the crockery Reynold's now makes Slow Cooker Liners that REALLY make the clean up a cinch. **check out the link below**

Crock Pots Have Come a Long Way

Since the days when I was a little girl, crock pots have come a long way. They now make them that have removable crocks, digital timers and warm settings. You can also find accessories for crock pots such as travel bags and bread making inserts. Not to mention an array of sizes. I have them from 16 ounces to 7 quarts. There is truly a crock pot for any occasion.

Crock Pots Make Inexpensive Ingredients Taste Very Good

Over the years I have learned that the leaner cuts of meat (which usually translates to the more expensive cuts of meat) can easily dry out in the crock pot. Therefore I have found that the cheaper cuts of meat do better. The low and slow method tenderizes these normally tough cuts of meat and make them very pleasing to the palate.

It's not only meat that can get expensive. By using fresh ingredients, such as dried beans and seasonal vegetables (as opposed to canned goods and prepackaged foods), in your crock pot you can cut down on your grocery bill quite a bit.

Final Thoughts

If you haven't used your crock pot in a while, get it out of the cupboard and put it to good use. Don't be afraid to experiment with it and to make great use out of it. The crock pot will be your new best friend, I PROMISE! :)

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Comments

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dptstretch 10/12/2012
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I totally agree and for someone who works, you can put it on low before you leave and come home to a meal that is ready and the whole house smells good too! H5
goodselfme 3/27/2011
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Crock pots are a great kitchen appliance.Thank you for these smart reasons.
ElaineChastain 12/28/2010
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The high, low, warm and off model is back. I love my crock pot. Now I'm thinking about those blackeyed peas.
PajamaMommy 11/7/2010
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I cook in my crock pot at least twice a week. Love it!
bossypants 11/5/2010
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I'm a convert to the crock pot faithful! Your second reason made me smile because when I had to replace a crock pot a few years ago, it seemed so many of them had extra settings and dials and I kept thinking: "I don't want an appliance that's smarter then I am!" Finally found a good old "high,low, warm" model. Nice list!