Slow Cooker. How to choose?

I'm on the hunt for a slow cooker. I've never owned or used one before, but love the thought of coming home to a warm meal that's ready to eat. I don't have a lot of counter or storage space in my apartment and am mostly cooking for two. Any suggestions?

[Jenise]

Alexandra, welcome to the forum!

I have a slow cooker I hate. It cooks unevenly and has basically two settings, Hi and Lo, which should be called Overcook and Undercook because that's what they do. As a result I basically never use it. But I can see the possibilities if the machine worked as I intuitively would expect it to, and I'm convinced the newest version by Kitchen Aid is exactly that machine for the reasons outlined in the Cooks Illustrated article I've provided a link to below. It doesn't hurt that I'm also a fan of the Kitchen Aid brand--if you have any problems with anything you buy from them there exists a sympathetic Customer Service number manned by real representatives who will take care of you. That's kind of rare these days!

I don't know if smaller units are available--I understand your concerns about space, but most slow cookers are sized to the average chicken or pork butt--popular cuts for slow-cooking.

https://www.cooksillustrated.com/equipment_reviews/1552-slow-cookers

We have a Hamilton Breach Crock Watcher that has served us well for many years. Like Jenise's it just has High and Low settings, but don't think this a problem because we always use Low for the same reasons you are considering getting one.

Ours is pretty big (we keep in basement). Crock Pot Smart Pot. It works fine, but not sure better than comp. We don't use a lot, but it is a great option when you are gone all day (especially if you then have guests). But I would recommend making sure you get a good slow cooker book or look for feedback for any online recipes. If you are an experienced cook, you're going to screw up if you try to guesstimate liquids.

I actually own four crock pots in varying sizes. The small one is great for breakfast oatmeal or a side dish of dried beans. The largest can hold a whole chicken or small turkey or baked potatoes for the whole family. And the in-betweens are perfect for a typical chili or soup meal.
The one MUST HAVE feature is a removable insert; the first one I ever had (a hand-me-down from my parents when I was in college) was a one-piece thing, and it was a pain to wash. A removable insert can to into the dishwasher. Beyond that, the differences are minimal - of course, I must admit that I have no experience with the browning features; they might be worthwhile.
I'll also recommend two websites: http://topreviews.best/main-review/slow-cooker and http://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/ You'll be surprised at just how many things you can cook in a crock pot.

I've never owned a crock-pot but I love the idea of them.

[Jenise]

Julia, are you and Alexandra partners on these websites? I see you're friends on Facebook.

Smells like pink meat to me.

[Jenise]

Smells like pink meat to me.

Sure does!

Certainly more clever than usual.

But yeah,,,,,