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It's often great to make several portions in the slow cooker, either to treat loved ones or to keep for your lunch box. If you're someone who only makes casserole dishes, you don't need as big of a slow cooker as those who want to cook large pieces of meat, ribs, and so on.
There are generally slow cookers with a capacity of 2–6 litres, but if you are not looking for an extra small model, we recommend a slow cooker with a capacity of three litres. This size is usually suitable when cooking for four people, while a model with at least five litres is ideal for larger groups.
As with most kitchen appliances, there are both simpler and more advanced slow cookers. Many models come with smart features that both simplify handling and enable different cooking methods. Some smart and useful features include:
Timer: With a timer, you don't have to keep track of time while cooking. Many models also have a feature that switches them off automatically when the timer ends.
Heat retention: A slow cooker with heat retention keeps your food warm even when the cooking time is over. Some models will start by themselves, while others will require you to turn on the heat retention function.
Different heating modes: Models with multiple heat settings make cooking more efficient, as you can also use the slow cooker to sear, steam, and saute, etc. For example, you can saute vegetables before changing the heat setting, and continue with the rest of the cooking process.
Smart functions are all very well, but it is also important that the slow cooker and its functions are easy to use. Display, clear buttons, and a non-stick coating are all small details that make the slow cooker more user-friendly.
How easy the slow cooker is to clean can also be a factor in how often it is actually used. Most models are cleaned by removing the removable inner pot and washing it up. Some slow cookers require hand washing, but there are also some that you can put in the dishwasher.
Would you like some tasty recipes for dishes to cook in your slow cooker, check out this page.