Slow cookers have found their way back into homes today. Being an invention of the late 1930s, this electric cooker has been found to be better than electric ovens in many ways. Among the different benefits it provides is that it was a great attraction for customers mainly due to two reasons: energy efficiency and time efficiency.
Over the years, various types of slow cookers with advanced features have emerged in the market. They, in addition to the early usage, also provide additional benefits that have made them more preferable than ever before.
Slow cookers majorly constitute a pot or the insert (removable pot in the case of improved designs) usually made of ceramic and heating elements wrapped around electric coils within the metallic exterior that surrounds the pot. All slow cookers are counter top appliances. They cook at low temperatures but elongated time.
Slow cookers are not very technical. They are quite simple to use. You just need to keep a few tips in mind while using them. And the most important of all is where you should place the slow cooker in your kitchen. Their place and position are paramount in terms of your own safety and the cooking performance.
Following are some factors you need to consider while selecting the precise spot for your slow cooker.
1. Firm Base
The most important of all factors is having a strong and sturdy base for your countertop cooker. A firm base ensures that your cooker stays in a stable position. The heating elements are designed to function in a particular condition. If your cooker is unstable or gets tilted to one side; it may affect their cooking performance. This can have effects on the food being cooked and the utensil itself. Tilting may also cause the liquids in your cooker to shift to one side with solid ingredients remaining on the other. This will result in non-homogenized cooking.
Do you want to avoid burning or scorching marks on your slow cooker? Do you want an evenly cooked food? Then place your cooker on a proper base.
2. Proper Ventilation
Slow cookers dissipate heat. Although the exterior casing of these cookers is designed such that they maintain the required temperature inside but stays cool on the outside, they may still get heated up. If proper circulation is not provided, the accumulated heat may slowly reduce the heating capacity of your cooker. This will, to a significant extent, affect its heating capacity.
3. Other Appliances
The heat generated by slow cookers is not such that it will make the entire kitchen warm (like it happens in the case of ovens), but some of it does get absorbed by the surroundings. If there are any other electrical appliances stationed just beside your slow cooker, they will slowly absorb this heat and begin to malfunction after a certain time. This will not only affect your slow cooker but also damage other appliances in the long run. Proper ventilation will help protect your kitchen appliances by removing the produced heat.
Hence, you should place your slow cooker in an open area that provides proper circulation and ventilation of air.
4. Avoid Crowding
A slow cooker should be placed in an open area. The space around the cooker should be preferably empty or not over-crowded with other kitchen tools, piles of loose papers, random kitchen towels, other utensils, etc. If puddles of water might form in this area, then it’s certainly not a right spot for your cooker. The cooker should be placed away from the window and taps; otherwise, water, dust, and other particles will accumulate around it.
5. Cord
Always keep checking that the cord of your cooker does not get crimped or stuck under a corner of the pot or gets tangled within itself or with other cords. Place your cooker near a switch so you can directly plug the cable. Avoid using extension cords. They will create a lot of hassle in your cooking.
6. Sufficient space for assembling
From time to time, you need to remove the inner pot of your slow cooker; may be to put in the ingredients, takeout food or wash them. This regular removal and re-assembling of the parts require sufficient space that allows easy removing and placing of the parts. The presence of other utensils or tools near your cooker will be a hindrance during cooking. This will not only elongate the cooking time but could also cause injuries to you.
Hence, place your cooker in a spacious area; one that is not over crowded. This will increase the ease and efficiency in your work.
These are some tips for the slow cooker in your kitchen. Always remember, safety is paramount in kitchens. In addition to having cooking appliances, you need to ensure that they are safe to use. Just follow these handy tips and you will make your slow cooker function properly and prepare delicious food for yourself for many years to come.
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