The Art of Slow Cooking

Slow Cookers Consist of Three Parts: (1) a metal casing, which contains an electric heating element and heat controls; (2) a ceramic insert, or crock, which fits inside the metal casing; and (3) a lid. (For more details, see Choosing a Slow Cooker.) The main benefit of slow cooking derives from the heating properties of ceramic. The material heats up slowly and gives off heat gradually. Provided that the heat source is steady and controlled, a ceramic pot can warm food to a set temperature and keep it there for hours without fear of scorching or overheating.