Slow cooker can prepare wholesome meals without monitoring the stove constantly that lets you do other important tasks. However, if you have ventured out in the search of best slow cooker, you may have to make a key choice between programmable and manual slow cooker. Comprehending the crucial differences will help you select the one that can suit your routine, budget, and cooking habits. Read on to find out more.
Slow cooking method can significantly enhance spices by letting flavours to mix deeply over low, prolonged heat. The slow and prolonged heat lets spices like coriander, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and cumin release essential oils in a gradual manner.
Slow cookers have emerged as must have kitchen appliances as they help you prepare mouth-watering rajma, tender meat, biryani, pulao, and stews, among others. The appliance can prepare wholesome slow cooker recipes without monitoring the stove constantly. However, if you have stepped out to buy best slow cooker, you need to make a selection between programmable and manual slow cooker. Understanding the vital differences and features will help you choose the one that can suit your routine, budget, and cooking habits.
It is equipped with simple controls that contains a know with key settings such as Low, High, and Warm. It allows you to set it, switch it on, and allow it to cook. Manual slow cooker can effectively maintain a steady temperature. You can adjust time and heat manually based the slow cooker recipe you are planning to prepare. The slow cooker is perfect for people on a budget, for beginners looking for simplicity, and for those who need to make food at predictable times.
It is equipped with digital control features that allow you to set cooking time and temperature without any hassle. Several models of programmable slow cookers offer delayed start and auto warm functions. The feature allows you to set your curry in such a way that it gets ready precisely at the dinner time even if you leave for office in the morning. The slow cooker is ideal for office goers and students, for families with erratic schedules, and for people preferring hand-off cooking.
| Key Highlights | Manual Slow Cooker | Programmable Slow Cooker |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Convenience & Flexibility | You need to start and stop cooking on your own. Manual slow cooker might overcook food. | It allows you to set cooking duration ahead of time. It is ideal if you need to leave for office or college early and reach home late. |
| 2. Ease of Use | Simple and intuitive and ideal for beginners | You need to learn the timer settings and functioning of buttons. Once set up, it is extremely easy to use |
| 3. Meal Quality | Cooks slowly at low heat that can give well blended spices and better flavour. | Cooks food slowly at low heat thus giving you better flvour meals. However, programmable slow cooker helps avoid overcooking thus giving consistent results everytime |
| 4. Price & Value | They are cheaper and last longer with basic use. | They cost higher but offer features that can save time and effort |
| 5. Safety | Safe to use | Safe to use. However, it has an edge over manual slow cooker as it offers auto shut off, warm mode, and timed cooking cycles and these features offer you peace of mind in case you forgot to check your meals. |
You may select a manual slow cooker if you cook mainly when you have abundant time at home. If you seek a reliable and economical appliance, prefer simple controls, then you should opt for manual slow cooker. However, if you lead a busy lifestyle and want food ready at a set time, desire the feature of “set and forget”, you should opt for programmable slow cooker. Meanwhile, both slow cookers prepare healthy meals. If you are new to slow cooking and have a tight budget, manual slow cooker will meet your requirements. If you have an unpredictable schedule, opt for programmable slow cooker.
| Product Name | Features | Deal Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crock-Pot 6 Quart 8-In-1 Multi-Use Express Crock Programmable Slow Cooker | Stainless Steel Material, Capacity 6 Quarts, Finish Type Chrome | Rs 7,118 | Buy Now | |
| Pringle Electric Slow Cooker | Automatic Keep Warm Function, Removable Ceramic Pot, Tampered Glass Lid | Rs 5,899 | Buy Now | |
| Bergner Supreme Electric Cooker | Ceramic, Stainless Steel, Tampered Glass Material, 1.5 Litres Capacity, 100 watts | Rs 4309 | Buy Now | |
| Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker | Stoneware Material, 215 watts, and Capacity 4 Quarts | 17,417 | Buy Now | |
| RoadPro RPSL-350 12V 1.5 Quart Slow Cooker | Ceramic Material, 2000 Watts, Capacity 1.5 Quarts, Weight 2.04 kg | Rs 9,725 | Buy Now | |
The electric slow cooker is available at a whopping discount of 53% during the Great India Republic Sale. It offers 6 quarts capacity, stainless steel material, chrome finish, and touch control method. Equipped with a wattage of 100 watts, the programmable slow cooker can cook meals 70% faster than conventional cooking method thus allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen with 5.6 litre capacity. With the availability of 8 pre-set pressurized settings for several foods, you can select to eat earlier or slow cook the settings to come later for piping hot meals. You will also receive a recipe featuring several mouth-watering slow cooker recipes that you can prepare for your friends and family members.
You can get up to Rs 1000 discount if you make payment using SBI credit card. There is an additional cash back of Rs 213 available as Amazon Pay Balance.
The programmable slow cooker is available in copper colour, ceramic material, 300 watts, with a capacity of 4.5 litres. Weighing 8.39 kg, the appliance features a lid made of tempered glass that lets you check the entire cooking procedure. It features cool handles that helps you transport the appliance from countertop to table using the integrated side handles. The removable inner oval ceramic pot and lid rest make the serving and cleaning a hassle-free process. The ceramic slow cooker offers an automatic keep warm function that can keep food warm until ready to serve.
Bergner Supreme Electric Cooker has a capacity is 1.5 litre, available in multi pot and single pot, the device can let you cook two dishes at the same time if you opt for multi pot device thus letting you save time and energy. The material is ceramic, stainless steel, and tempered glass. With a wattage of 100 watts, the energy efficient slow cooker is ideal for small families. If you are looking to buy budget slow cookers, it can suit your requirement.
The automatic slow cooker is available in stoneware material with a wattage of 215 watts, weighing 3.77 kg, and a capacity of 4 quarts. It offers flexible programming options. There is no requirement of watching because when cooking time is up, it will automatically shift to warm.
The multi-function slow cooker's price has come down 51% during the ongoing sale with additional discount of up to Rs 1000 with SBI Credit Card. It features ceramic material, wattage of 2000 watts, weighing 2.4 kg, and dishwasher safe. It offers a touch control method.
Can I use a slow cooker for Indian dishes?
Absolutely! Slow cookers are perfect for dal, curries, biryanis, rajma, chole, and even khichdi. The slow cooking method actually enhances the flavors of Indian spices and creates tender, flavorful dishes.
How much electricity does a slow cooker use?
Most slow cookers use between 150-300 watts, making them extremely energy-efficient compared to conventional ovens (2000-5000 watts) or gas stoves. Running a slow cooker for 8 hours typically costs less than ₹5 in electricity.
What size slow cooker do I need for a family of 4?
A 4-6 quart (4-5.5 liter) slow cooker is ideal for families of 4-5 people. This size allows you to cook enough for dinner plus leftovers. For smaller households (1-2 people), a 1.5-3L cooker is sufficient.
Can slow cookers replace pressure cookers?
Slow cookers and pressure cookers serve different purposes. Pressure cookers are faster (30-40 mins) while slow cookers take 4-10 hours but produce more tender, flavorful results. Many households benefit from having both.
Do I need to add water to a slow cooker?
It depends on the recipe. Most slow cooker recipes require less liquid than stovetop cooking because minimal evaporation occurs. For curries and stews, add about 1/3 less liquid than traditional recipes. Always follow your recipe guide.
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