Slow cookers (sometimes known by the brand-name Crock Pot) are simple yet ingenious devices for people on the go. You just can't get slow-cooked flavor from a microwave. Slow cookers can be turned on in the morning and offer hot chili, Swiss steak, or another satisfying meal for dinner. Because they are so simple, there is little that can go wrong with them. Let's take a look inside.
This slow cooker has a friction washer on the bottom that will be damaged in removal and must be replaced.
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How Does It Work?
A slow cooker is a small appliance with a ceramic pot, a heating element, and a metal shell for slow cooking foods in liquid. The wire element made of Nichrome encircles the metal liner that transfers heat to the crock. The tight lid and low, steady temperatures reduce evaporation and promote thorough cooking. Most slow cookers have a removable pot for easier cleaning--and easier access to internal parts.
What Can Go Wrong?
This smaller slow cooker (actually a potpourri pot) has a removable nut on the bottom that allows access to internal parts.
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Fix-It Tip
Most slow cookers have a maximum power rating of less than 300 watts, making them relatively safe to leave on all day or overnight. However, make sure the unit is placed on a surface that can withstand spills--just in case contents boil over.
