There is hardly any other time in the world where convenience in meal preparation means more than in the present generation. Whether young working people, or parents with many tasks, it becomes extremely helpful to have appropriate kitchen utensils. One of such tools is the Crock Pot rectangular slow cooker. Whether you have been actively searching for a sturdy and multi-functional slow cooker that will get the cooking job done right, this rectangular slow cooker is worth a look.
In this guide, we will look at rectangular crock pot slow cookers and their strengths and why are they so popular today and why everybody needs one. From the novice cook to the professional that wants to prepare meals in the comforts of their home this appliance will shift paradigms of cooking.
What is a Crock Pot Rectangular Slow Cooker?
Before we go any further, let me explain what a crock pot rectangular slow cooker is, in case you have no idea what I am talking about! In simple terms, it can best be described as being a modern, rectangular shaped version of a classic slow cooker. One can notice that this is a departure from the more traditional round or oval designs, which can actually provide a slew of advantages which I will discuss further. These rectangular crock pot slow cooker are electric cooking appliances that can slowly cook meals under a uniform low heat for a long time.
That is why they are ideal for slow cooking when you can prepare your meal in the morning and come home to a well-cooked meal in the evening or later. Since slow cookers provided the recipes below take a long time to cook the food inside of them, their temperatures remain low – this prevents burning, overcooking and inedible unevenness. The crock pot rectangular cooker can be used for casseroles and stews as well as roasts and even desserts without a lot of hassle.
Crock-Pot Small 3.5 Quart Manual Casserole Slow Cooker and Food Warmer, Navy Blue (SCCPCCM350-BL)
Why Choose a Rectangular Slow Cooker Over Other Shapes?
Anthropomorphically it is easy to consider the shape of a slow cooker as unimportant at first realization. However, the rectangle slow cooker design offers several key advantages over its round and oval counterparts:
Ideal for Roasts and Larger Cuts of Meat
This appliance is in fact mainly advantageous due to its large surface area, which is suitable for marinating and slow cooking large pieces of meat like porks, ribs and chickens. Thanks to the rectangle shape, you can fit larger and slimmer products in comparison with round or oval cooker, and that is great for roasting.
Better for Casseroles and Bakes
Sure you do or maybe you enjoy cooking lasagna, enchiladas or layered dishes and casserole. Compared to round slow cookers, a rectangular slow cooker such as the crock pot is perfect for these kinds of meals because they create more space for spreading your ingredients. At least in the round ones middle part can be too thick or sides too thin; while in the rectangular one all is of equal depth and flat surface area; so everything evenly cooks.
Space-Saving Design
Slow cookers from previous brands are available in a rectangular crock pot shape which is not only good for cooking but for storing as well. Due to the rectangular shape of the design, the straight edges make it easier to stack or otherwise fit into more confined cabinet spaces compared to the rounder and more bulky anodized ones. Secondly, depending on the model, the shape of the dishwasher is usually rectangular what makes it more suitable for the contemporary kitchen design.
Multipurpose Use
Slow cookers in the rectangular shape are very suitable because they can be placed in a kitchen, or even someplace else on the premises. You can use them for cooking slow cooked foods such as soups, stews or for baking bread, making cakes and even pastas. The shape offers you the versatility that you would prefer for a larger number of meals making the rectangular crock pot slow cookers crucial in every household.
Key Features to Look for in a Rectangular Crock Pot Slow Cookers
Today we have defined the reasons why a rectangular slow cooker may form the best option to consider in the kitchen; now we will explore and outline key aspects to consider when selecting one.
Capacity
The size of the crock pot rectangular cooker that you take should depend on how many people are going to be fed. Models of standard range from 3.5 to 8 quarts. Now for an average couple or a micro nuclear family, a 4 to 6 quart model is enough. 8 quart slow cookers are preferable for big families, or those who often host, as the size of the pot is much larger.
Programmable Features
The first aspect of slow cooking that makes people love slow cookers is its ability to cook the food on its own. Most of the crock pot rectangular slow cooker available in the current markets today offer user interface options where you can set both time and temperature. Some even have automatic warm features which help retain the warmth of your food once cooking is through. This keeps your food on stand-by and ready to serve you any time you decide it is time for a meal.
Multiple Heat Settings
Choose a cooks crock pot slow cooker with different cooking temperature. Majority of the models have low-medium and high modes. Some also have a ‘keep warm’ button which is very useful if you have food that has to remain hot but not burn.
Removable Insert
A removable insert is especially important for cleaning the cooking vessel, as well as to use during serving times. The stoneware insert is safe for use in the dishwasher as well as the microwave which makes cleaning easier and the cooker can be used in more ways than one.
Locking Lid for Transport
If you are among those people who often carry dishes to pot lucks or family events, a crock pot rectangular cooker that has a locking lid will come in handy. This feature enables your food not to spill during transport, so you are sure of what you prepare without the worry of accidents.
Crock-Pot SCCPCCM355SS 3.5 Quart Capacity Rectangular Shape 9 Inch x 13 Inch Casserole Slow Cooker with Locking Lid, Stainless Steel
Popular Recipes to Try with Your Crock Pot Rectangular Slow Cooker
Having a rectangle slow cooker means variety of recipes will be possible for you to undertake. Here are a few classic and creative options to inspire your next meal:
Pulled Pork Sliders
Barbecued pulled pork is always a big winner, and it couldn’t be easier to cook in a cooks crock pot slow cooker. Just put your pork shoulder in your slow cooker, apply whatever spices you fancy, turn it on low heat and let the magic happen for the next 8 hours. Once that is done, I shred the pork using a fork and serve on the slider buns and accompany it with coleslaw.
Lasagna Casserole
Place the pasta, cheese and marinara sauce in layers in a rectangular crock pot Slow Cookers making them cook every layer uniformly and portioned well. The rectangular shape enables more layers as opposed to the slow cooker and it resembled more of a casserole.
Hearty Beef Stew
An example of crock pot is a crock pot rectangular cooker which is excellent for beef stew because of heat distribution. Fill it with beef chunks and carrot, potatoes, onions, and the seasonings that you want and let it cook on slow all day. Hopefully, you’ll get a warm and a satisfying meal as you had before.
Baked Ziti
Like my Spaghetti Bolognese, another nice pasta dish is baked ziti which does very well in a rectangle slow cooker. It also means that the rectangular shape helps the ziti bake uniformly all the way through ensuring pasta and cheese are cooked nicely with no burning at the sides of the pan.
BBQ Ribs
From the crock pot rectangular slow cooker, there is no reason to buy and use a grill when cooking. This is the barbecued ribs recipe that is basted with barbecue sauce then slow cooked to make them very tender. The rectangular design makes it easy to lay the ribs in the manner that allows equal cooking on both sides.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Crock Pot Rectangular Slow Cooker
As is evidenced by the slow cooker recipes above, these appliances are very easy to use, but here are some useful tips and tricks.
Don’t Overfill the Slow Cooker
When using a slow cooker, ensure that your slow cooker is not overfilled, the recommended limit is half to two-third full. This they say facilitates heat distribution, therefore providing a more consistent cooking platform.
Layer Ingredients Properly
It is also important to make layers in cases of cooking with a crock pot rectangular cooker. Denser ingredients like root vegetables should go on the bottom, while meats and more delicate vegetables can be placed on top. This ensures everything cooks evenly.
Resist the Urge to Lift the Lid
Each time it is opened there is loss of heat and this means one has to take much more time to cook the food. Allow the rectangular crock pot slow cooker to do its work without having to open it severally.
Use the Right Size
The reason is simple; a food batch that fits a large slow cooker is likely to overcook or end up dry by the time it has been cooked completely. However, remember to look for the appropriate size depending on the amount of food that you are going to prepare.
Add Dairy and Fresh Herbs Last
This means that should you decide to prepare cheese, cream or yogurt and use the slow cooker then be ready for a curdled dish. Probably fresh herbs should not be added early when preparing the sauce so as to prevent it from losing its flavors. These should be added in towards the last half an hour in order to get the best flavor.
Crock-Pot Small 2.5 Quart Casserole Slow Cooker in White/Blue, Enjoy Eye-Catching Quick Meals, Durable and Compact
Conclusion
A crock pot rectangular slow cooker is not just another gadget to be placed in the kitchen; it is an apparatus that is quite capable of changing the way a food is prepared. This rectangle slow cooker is perfect for anyone who wants an appliance that can do it all; from soups, stews, casseroles, to roasts and everything in between.
At home in the kitchen use for cooking, preparing meals ahead oftime for the week, or reheating a dish for a large group of people, the rectangular crock pot slow cookers is perfect for those hearty meals filled with wholesome goodness with minimal effort. Becoming an owner of one of these kitchen’s wonders, you will buy not only time and effort but also guarantee the regular presence in your table home cooking.
So, if one has a right crock pot rectangular cooker and a little imagination, almost everything can be prepared!
