10 Easy Pieces: Slow Cookers
Really, a slow cooker is the Easy Bake Oven improved–or, at least, the grown-up version. And while it might appeal to those whose culinary talents begin and end with cooking cake batter by light, I would not leave it out of your appliance arsenal. Why? Because the slow cooker is the ultimate casual kitchen appliance: no special attachments, it sits on the countertop (or in a stealth hiding spot), has minimal plastic parts, and the best part is the cooking itself. Toss it all in and go pour yourself a glass of wine.
According to Consumer Reports, the features to consider when evaluating a slow cooker are: electronic controls (manual versus programmable, warming buttons), locking lid for transportation, and if the cooker is oven safe (for reheating) and stovetop safe (for prep work). Here are our 10 favorite slow cookers.
