Price Point: Mid-to-High Range
Available in both 4 and 6-quart models, the Cuisinart 3-In-1 Cook Central Multi-Cooker, Slow Cooker and Steamer offers a lot of great features you may appreciate.
Unlike many lower-end models, this particular slow cooker offers separate temperature and timer displays. You can tell at a glance how your cooking is going and one touch is all it takes to switch from one mode to the next. The larger 6-quart nonstick aluminum cooking pot can feed up to 8 people, while the smaller 4-quart model is perfect for a single person or couple.
The clear view glass lid with “cool touch” handle allows you to monitor your meal without letting any heat escape. A couple additional features you won’t find on most entry-level slow cookers are the removable steaming rack and three-year warranty. Yet another nice feature mentioned by those who bought this slow cooker is the extra long 44-inch power cord. This comes in handy when you are tailgating or have limited power outlets in your kitchen.
Plus, cleanup is simple, thanks to dishwasher-safe removable parts. Use Reynolds Metals 00504 Slow Cooker Liners for even easier cleanup with zero scrubbing or soaking. All you have to do is toss the inexpensive liner in the trash when you are done!
The 3 cooking modes you can choose from are slow cook, steam and brown/sauté. Another handy feature is the auto warming function. In case it takes you longer to return home and enjoy your meal than you anticipated, this smart machine immediately switches to warming mode after your pre-programmed cook time is finished.
The temperature range runs from 150 to 400 degrees on the Cuisinart 3-In-1 Cook Central Multi-Cooker, Slow Cooker and Steamer. This gives you a lot more flexibility than you’ll find with less advanced units. Many reviewers also pointed out that the sauté cooking mode works extremely well for browning meat.
With a price tag of $250 or more in some stores, The Cuisinart 3-In-1 Cook Central Multi-Cooker, Slow Cooker and Steamer may be priced out of your budget. Fortunately, the same unit is sold on Amazon for less than half that amount. This may partly explain why this versatile, full-featured slow cooker boasts a nearly perfect 4.5 out of a possible 5.0 star rating among those who have reviewed it.
Inexpensive slow cookers can handle long-term, low-heat cooking extremely well. But if you want the added flexibility of being able to sauté, brown, and steam your food, the Cuisinart 3-In-1 Cook Central Multi-Cooker, Slow Cooker and Steamer is a much more attractive option. When you consider that Amazon offers this product at roughly half the price of other online retailers, you can see why it is the one of the bestselling slow cookers on their entire site, regardless of price.
