Slow Cookers
Slow cookers  (also known by the brand name Crock Pot ) cook at atmospheric pressure and low heat over a long period of time. Slow cooking retains much of the flavor that would be lost by other cooking methods. Food is placed inside a pot, which is then lowered into a second pot which is filled to a certain level with water. The water is heated to boiling, which slowly cooks the food. Some crock pots actually cook without the water, having the external pot just heating up the internal pot.
Unlike a pressure cooker, a slow cooker can never explode, since the contents are always at normal atmospheric pressure.
On the other hand, a pot roast that would take 8-10 hours in a slow cooker can take as little as 50 minutes to an hour in a pressure cooker.
Features to Consider - Capacity -- Even for one or two people, a larger cooker can prepare a wider variety of foods. You can always freeze the leftovers. Consider how much space you have to store the larger size. Models range from 4 to 7 quarts.
- Variety of Temperature Settings -- Newer models often have settings beyond Low, High and Off. "Keep Warm Setting" is like a low setting used to keep food warm, but not cooking. It is available on most models. Some models feature a timer, which some may find useful. The majority of the models don't have timers.
- Ease of Cleaning -- A removable crock makes cleaning a lot easier. Dishwasher-safe models are also easier to clean, which includes most of the models on the market.
- Lid -- The lid needs to seal well. Avoid lids that don't sit flush against the cooker.
- Shape -- Many slow cookers are now oval rather than round to fit larger cuts of meat.
- Price -- The majority of models cost from $30 to $60.
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