Slow Cookers

Buying a slow cooker means choosing the convenience of filling it in the morning and eating in the evening: hours of gentle cooking at a low temperature make braised meat fork-tender and extract flavor from every stew — without anyone having to stand over it. At Strex, you can compare two ceramic sizes: 3.5 liters for small households and 6.5 liters for families and batch cooking.

Which slow cooker size is right for you?

One nuance the table doesn't mention: a slow cooker works best when filled between half and three-quarters full. Too empty, and dishes cook too quickly and edges dry out; too full, and the center won't cook evenly. If you are cooking for two but want to freeze portions, the 6.5-liter model is still the right choice, provided you actually fill it.

Why a ceramic inner pot?

Ceramic retains heat and distributes it slowly and evenly — exactly what slow cooking requires. No hot spots where the bottom burns, no non-stick coating that flakes off after two years. The inner pot can also be removed from the appliance: serve directly at the table, then soak in soapy water or put in the dishwasher. It is the reason why slow cookers have kept the same formula for generations.

What should you look for when choosing?

• ✔ Capacity — 3.5L for two, 6.5L for a family (see table)
• ✔ Settings — low for the full workday, high for half days; keep-warm setting for late diners
• ✔ Removable ceramic pot — serve and clean without lifting the entire device
• ✔ Glass lid — check without opening; lifting it every time costs cooking time
• ✔ Warranty — 2 years standard at Strex

The golden rule: do not lift that lid

The most common slow cooker mistake costs twenty to thirty minutes each time: lifting the lid to "take a look." A slow cooker builds a stable temperature slowly; opening it every time lets the built-up heat escape and effectively turns back the clock. That is what the glass lid is for: looking is allowed, lifting is not — except in the last hour, if you are adding herbs or fresh vegetables. For those who prefer to cook quickly and crisply on weekdays: an airfryer is the counterpart to the slow cooker, and together they cover almost every evening meal. You can find more kitchen aids in the kitchen collection.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a dish stay in the slow cooker?

On the low setting: count on 6 to 8 hours for braised meat and most stews — perfect for a workday. On the high setting, that is approximately halved to 3 to 4 hours. Vegetables and fish need less time and should be added later, otherwise, they will cook to mush.

Is a slow cooker energy-efficient?

Yes — that surprises many people. A slow cooker works on low power; even after 8 hours of simmering, it generally consumes less than an oven running for an hour and a half at 180 degrees. So, cooking for a long time does not mean cooking expensively here.

Can the ceramic inner pot go in the dishwasher?

Yes, the removable ceramic pot and the glass lid are dishwasher safe. Stuck-on edges after a long stew? Let the pot soak in warm water with a drop of dish soap for half an hour first — then the dishwasher is often not even necessary.

Do I have to sear meat before putting it in the slow cooker?

You don't have to, but it pays off: briefly searing in a hot pan gives the stew the browned layer of flavor that really finishes off a "slow-simmered all day" dish. No time in the morning? Skip it — the dish will still be tender, just a little less deep in flavor.

Check out the ceramic slow cookers from Strex in 3.5 and 6.5 liters — and come home to the scent of a meal that has cooked itself.

Want to know more? Read our article "Slow cooker for beginners: how to get started".