There are so many choices in new crockpots! Before you buy one, go through this list before you head to the store or purchase online.
Consider the Size of Your Family
Crockpots range in size from 1 pint all the way up to 7-quart capacity. The small crockpots will feed 1-2 people nicely, but for a crowd and for cooking large cuts of meat you'll need a bigger appliance. Remember that the crockpot must be filled 1/2 to 2/3 full for best results.
What Features?
The features in a crockpot range from simply plugging in and selecting high and low to programmable features including a delayed start, keep warm features, and temperature variations. If this is your first crockpot, buy a simple version.
Oval or Round?
Aesthetics and what you cook are the considerations here. If you cook whole chickens and large roasts, an oval crockpot is usually a better choice. Its shape mimics the shape of these foods so they will fit better and cook more evenly.
Construction
Be sure that you are buying an actual crockpot, which has the heating element in the sides of the appliance, not just in the bottom. And always look for a crockpot which has a removable liner. This makes cleaning much easier, as the liners are usually stoneware and dishwasher safe. A crockpot with a non-removable liner should usually be lined with a cooking bag for easier cleanup.
