Slow Cooker Add-ons: 7 Must-Have Kitchen Tools for Any Home Cook
Take your slow cooking to the next level with slow cooker accessories. These 7 must-have gadgets will allow you to make incredible meals, save time and cleanup is easier than ever.
Beginning to end slow cooking has become a staple for busy families. Unfortunately, most never realize that the proper accessories can drastically improve their performance. With perfectly portioned meals to mess-free serving, these tools move your crockpot from straight-up slow cooker to fancy kitchen friend.
Why Premium Crockpot Accessories Make the Difference Between Good and Great
This is the difference between good and great. NOTE: These crock pot accessories are made of food grade plastic material.
It doesn’t need much more than basic slow cooking. But quality accessories totally change the game in your kitchen. These gadgets provide solutions to problems that everyone who uses a slow cooker can relate to.
Think back to the last time you slow-cooked. Did food stick to the bottom? Was serving messy? If you did, how did you deal with it? The right kitchen gadgets take all of that annoyance away.
This concept is not lost on professional chefs. Their tools are high quality, because they understand that equipment can influence results. Why shouldn’t home cooks have the same advantage?
1. Slow Cooker Liners For Mess-Free Slow Cooking
Slow cooker liner bags are the number one kitchen asset. These little plastic bags fit snugly inside your crockpot and ensure that nothing sticks to the ceramic insert.
Benefits of Using Liner Bags
Liner bags make clean up a breeze. Rather than scrubbing, you should be able to remove the bag and throw it away. Your slow cooker stays spotless.
These bags also help to stop flavors migrating between meals. Cook fish one day and chicken the next without any lingering flavors. This feature is especially great for food allergic homes.
Some liner bags are also designed to withstand up to 400°F. They’re compatible with all common slow cooker sizes and don’t affect cooking times or food quality.
Choosing the Right Liner Bags
Find BPA-free bags that are in compliance with FDA safety standards. Reynolds and Crock-Pot offer dependable options. Purchase them in bulk to save money.
Some bags feature twist ties for easy removal. Others have reinforced bottoms to prevent ripping. It will depend on your style of cooking and budget.
2. Digital Probe Thermometer: Always Have the Ideal Temperature
Food safety is achieved through correct internal temperatures. Digital probe thermometers tell you when your food is at a safe temperature for eating but not overcooked.
How a Probe Thermometer Makes Slow Cooking Better
These gadgets track the temperature of food as it cooks. Most also have alarms that beep when you’ve hit your target temperature. This avoids undercooking or overcooking.
Probe thermometers are particularly good for large cuts of meat. Pop the probe into the thickest part, set your target temperature and let the device do the monitoring.
Features to Look For
Pick thermometers with long cords that are heat resistant. The probe should reach through your food while the display remains outside of the slow cooker. Wireless systems provide even more ease of use.
Find pre-programmed settings for various meats. A few models offer recommendations for cooking times based on weight and degree of doneness. This makes temperature detection totally foolproof.
3. Silicone Dividers: Cook Different Foods at the Same Time
Silicone dividers section your slow cooker into compartments. Cook vegetables in one spot, meat in another. This add-on unlocks the potential of your crockpot.
Advantages of Compartment Cooking
Various foods need various cooking times. Dividers allow you to add ingredients in stages. Begin with meat and add vegetables later for perfectly timed cooking.
They also stop flavors from mingling when you don’t want them to. Cook sweet and savory foods together without any flavor transfer! Children appreciate this feature to keep foods separate.
Selecting Quality Dividers
Opt for food-grade silicone that is dishwasher safe. The dividers should fit tightly into your slow cooker without any gaps. Some models have lids for every compartment.
Flexible silicone is easy to remove and super-easy to clean. Hard dividers are prone to cracking or snapping after multiple uses. Purchase good quality silicone for lasting performance.
4. Lifting Straps: Secure Hands-Free Food Removal
It’s hard to lift whole roasts and whole chickens when cooked. Lifting straps are a safe and effective way to solve this issue.
How Lifting Straps Work
You place your food directly over these cloth strips before cooking. When you are done, grab both ends and lift directly upwards. The straps distribute weight evenly and keep food intact without breaking it apart.
Lift straps are especially useful for fragile items, such as fish or stuffed vegetables. They preserve food quality on removal and protect your hands from hot surfaces.
Material and Design Considerations
Opt for cotton or food-safe fabric straps, which will not melt. Avoid synthetic materials that could leach chemicals when heated. The straps need to be wide enough to support heavy items.
Some lifting straps are equipped with silicone grips to make them easier to hold. Others have extra long handles for taller slow cookers. Match the strap size to your slow cooker model.
5. Slow Cooker Steamer Baskets for Healthier Cooking
Steamer baskets raise food over liquid for steaming. This method can be used for vegetables, fish, and dumplings. Steam cooking helps ingredients retain all their nutrients and flavors while providing tender textures.
Steam Cooking Benefits
Steaming preserves more vitamins than boiling or braising. The vegetables remain bright and colorful, and their textures crisp. Fish cooks easily without falling apart or turning tough.
Steam cooking removes excess fats while food is cooking. Extra grease drips off food instead of being reabsorbed. This results in healthier meals that don’t compromise on flavor.
Basket Selection Tips
Stainless-steel baskets are more durable compared with their plastic counterparts. Opt for collapsible styles that work with multiple sizes of slow cookers. Handles allow for much safer insertion and removal.
Some baskets come with dividers for preparing more than one dish simultaneously. Some have adjustable heights for varying liquid depths. Select according to your normal cooking requirements.
| Feature | Benefit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Collapsible Design | Space Saving | Easy Storage |
| Stainless Steel | Rust Proof and Long Lasting | Frequent Use |
| Long Handles | Safe Removal | Hot Foods |
| Raised Design | Food Doesn’t Touch Liquid | Steam Cooking |
| Dividers | Separates Foods | Multiple Items |
6. Slow Cooker Recipe Holders/Stands
Recipe holders protect your cookbook or tablet from kitchen spills. Keep recipes at eye level so you can see them easily while you’re cooking. This small item stops the constant washing of hands to turn pages.
Protecting Your Recipes
Splatters from the kitchen can damage cookbooks and electronic devices. Simply slip your recipe into the protective pocket. A number of models adjust for alternate viewing angles.
Tablet holders often have splash guards or clear screens. These features guard against steam and spills on expensive equipment. Certain stands will also charge your phone while showing you a recipe.
Stand Features and Options
Consider adjustable height and angle settings. Non-slip bases don’t slide on wet countertops. Weighted stands remain stable even if accidentally bumped.
There are convenient folding designs that fit in virtually any drawer. Some variants are equipped with an integrated timer or conversion chart. You can find quality recipe holders and other kitchen accessories at https://dtdfhomeandkitchen.com/ to enhance your cooking experience. Select features that complement your cooking style.
7. Heat-Resistant Serving Utensils
Normal plastic utensils can melt in hot slow cookers. Heat-resistant serving tools handle high temperatures without damaging your non-stick cookware.
Material Options for Serving Tools
Heat resistant silicone tools withstand up to 500°F. They also won’t scratch ceramic or nonstick surfaces. Wooden utensils also hold up well and provide a rustic, farmhouse look for serving.
Avoid metal in non-stick slow cookers. They scrape surfaces and reduce cookware life. Silicone, wood and heat-resistant plastic options are your best bet.
Essential Serving Pieces
Slotted serving spoons allow excess moisture to drain away while serving. Large ladles handle soups and stews well. With a good pair of tongs, you can remove meat and veggies without them falling apart.
Slow cooker utensil sets are ideal for specialized uses. Those are frequently shaped and sized for specific purposes. Sets generally cost less than purchasing the pieces separately.
Making the Most of Your Investment in Cooking Tools
Good quality slow cooker accessories make good sense in the kitchen. They enhance the quality of food, minimize cook time, while making clean up a breeze. Begin with one or two essentials, and slowly grow your collection.
The accessories you select should reflect the way you cook. For on-the-go families, liner bags and carrying cases are most useful. Probe thermometers and smart gadgets may appeal to cooking enthusiasts.
Purchase accessories from well-known brands that come with good warranties. Check out customer reviews so you can get a sense of real-world performance. Well-made tools last for years and make countless meals better.
Transform Your Slow Cooking Experience Today
The perfect slow cooker accessories help create delicious and memorable meals. These seven tools solve common problems and open up new ways to cook.
Begin with liner bags for simple clean-up, then add additional accessories according to your needs. When used together, each tool works in conjunction with the others to form a comprehensive slow cooking system.
As we all know, great cooking starts with the best tools. Invest in quality accessories to suit your cooking style and your family size. Your future self will thank you for simplifying mealtime. For additional cooking tips and techniques, check out resources from the Culinary Institute of America.
Slow Cooker Accessories FAQ’s
What are the slow cooker accessories that I need to buy first?
Begin with liner bags for easy cleanup, and a digital probe thermometer for food safety. These two items solve most slow cooker problems and pay off right away.
Can you use crock pot liner bags safely?
Yes, high quality liner bags comply with FDA safety standards and are safe for cooking at temperatures up to 400°F. Opt for BPA-free options from trusted brands like Reynolds or Crock-Pot for the best results.
May I use common kitchen utensils in my slow cooker?
Do not use metal utensils in non-stick crockpots as they scratch the surface. Instead, use silicone, wood or heat-resistant plastic utensils. They protect your cookware and endure high temperatures.
Are steamer baskets compatible with all slow cookers?
Most steamer baskets are designed to fit standard oval and round slow cookers. Make sure to check dimensions before purchasing and opt for a collapsible design that can be adjusted for various sizes.
Why do lifting straps make slow cooking easier?
Lifting straps are placed beneath food before cooking and ensure removal of substantial or delicate items is easy and safe. They prevent food from falling apart and guard hands against heat.
Are smart slow cooker accessories worth the extra cost?
Smart accessories provide convenience for tech-savvy cooks who want to monitor their food remotely. They are particularly useful if you have a busy schedule, although they’re not essential to the slow cooking process.
What should I look for in a slow cooker carrier?
Opt for insulated cases with heavy construction and perfect fit to your model. Look for reinforced handles, water-resistant materials and interior pockets for accessories.
How frequently do I need to replace slow cooker accessories?
Replace liner bags after every use. Other accessories should last you years if well cared for. Replace tools as they wear out and thermometers when the readings become unreliable.
Can I use oven-safe accessories in my slow cooker?
Many oven-safe accessories can work in the slow cooker, but be sure to check temperature ratings. Most slow cookers operate at 200-300°F, far lower than most oven-safe items are designed for.
Do expensive accessories make food taste better?
Quality accessories add convenience and safety more than anything else. Focus on solving specific issues you face rather than purchasing the most expensive options available.
