Latest news with #Crock-Pot
Chicago Tribune
7 days ago
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
The best small appliance deals on Amazon this week
If there's a kitchen appliance you've been coveting, there's never been a better time to buy. Amazon is having a huge sale on small kitchen appliances like Ninja air fryers, KitchenAid hand blenders and electric kettles. These handy gadgets help to make cooking easier while not taking up too much space, so at these prices, there's almost no point in not treating yourself to a new kitchen great deals on small appliances when you shop for them on Amazon right now Ninja SP101 Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven with 8-in-1 Functionality This countertop air fryer does it all: bake, air fry, dehydrate, roast, toast and more. The crumb tray is removable for easy cleaning, and you can flip it and store it against the wall to save counter space. Keurig K-Classic Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker If you're the only coffee drinker at home, this single-serve machine is a great way to save space. It makes six cups before you need to refill the water reservoir and has an auto shut-off feature — perfect for people who are on the go. Chefman Electric Kettle Boil water for coffee, tea or cooking in three minutes with this stylish electric kettle. It has a 360-degree swivel base for a comfort grip and an easy pour and both automatic shut-off and boil-dry protection features. Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker There's nothing quite like a classic Crock-Pot! It can make so many dishes and makes cleaning up after dinner a breeze. This 7-quart slow cooker has an auto-adjust cooking cycle, a control screen for scheduling cooking time and cook-and-carry handles for easy transport. KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender This small kitchen appliance has a variable speed trigger switch to make blending, pureeing, frothing, whipping and chopping as easy as pressing a button. It also comes with a blending jar, lid and pan guard. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Yahoo
Why Buy A Camper When You Could Build A Stealthier One Out Of Pallets Yourself?
There's just something about hitting the open road with no need to book a hotel or stay with a friend, because you're hauling your own place to stay for the night. Sure, current hashtag vanlife trends may be motivated by how ridiculously expensive housing has gotten, but even before Reagan voters set the U.S. on a path to ruin, Americans loved their RVs and travel trailers. The biggest problem, though, is that travel trailers are also ridiculously expensive. Want an Airstream like you see on TV? Well, the least-expensive Airstream costs nearly $50,000, and the Pottery Barn Special Edition will run you an eye-watering $171,300. That isn't even the most expensive Airstream, either. At that point, you might as well buy one of those stationary condos with an HOA and zero wheels. Wait, actually, I just checked, and the wealthy NIMBYs just blocked the new condos that were supposed to get built. Can't risk their property values, after all. So if you want a travel trailer but don't have six figures to throw around, are you out of luck? Nope. Just build your own like our friend Steve Wallis did here. It isn't pretty, but that's actually the point. Read more: These Are The Worst Transmission Recalls Of The Last 5 Years As we all know, the second-biggest problem with campers is that, even if you can afford one, everyone immediately knows what they're looking at. They all scream, "Someone's sleeping in here, and they probably have their stuff with them." And cops don't like it when people sleep somewhere without a foundation. Disguise your travel trailer as a stack of wood pallets, though, and there you go. Problem solved. Instead of everyone assuming you're a shifty ne'er-do-well, they'll just think you're headed to a bonfire or a Real American (TM) doing Real Work. Sure, he could have probably done a slightly better job ensuring the entire setup was watertight, but it's not like the travel trailers and RVs people spend six figures on have the best reputation there, either. Plus, it has a skylight. And modern batteries mean it's possible to set up interior lights, an entire security system with exterior cameras and a slow cooker. Just don't let anyone from Louisiana see that Crock-Pot "jambalaya" he makde for dinner, even if it probably tasted better than the vast majority of camping meals. Does Canada have Tony Chachere's? Surely, you can at least get good ole Tony C's up in Canada, Steve. What are you gonna do while the jambalaya's slow-cooking? Well, that's the great thing about campers. Just walk into a nearby corporate chain restaurant, catch the Canadian Ice Soccer game on one of the many TVs, sip a beer or two, and even if two turns into 12, you've still got a bed within stumbling distance and a pot of warm jambalaya to go back to. If that isn't luxury living, I don't know what is. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Set it and forget it with the best slow cookers for 2025, tested and reviewed
We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals . This classic slow cooker from Crock-Pot does exactly what it's supposed to do, plus it's portable! (Amazon) If the idea of dumping a few ingredients into a pot and sitting down hours later to a fully cooked, delicious meal sounds appealing (how could it not?!), keep reading. Years ago, I received a slow cooker as a gift, but despite attending culinary school, I never knew what to use it for. Eventually, I gave it away, but now that I'm a mom who regularly cooks for four or more — and values the set-it-and-forget-it functionality — I was intrigued to test the best slow cookers for 2025. There are so many recipes for slow cooker meals I've wanted to try, but couldn't ... until now. The quintessential slow cooker meal might very well be beef stew, so that's the dish I used to put the slow cookers through their paces. I discovered that there are nuances to slow cookers — many have stoneware inner pots (or crocks), some have nonstick-coated metal inner pots, some have brown/sauté settings so you can get a crust on proteins before setting them to braise, some come with steaming racks and some with temperature probes. And did you know that Crock-Pot is a brand name? Like Popsicle is to ice pop, Crock-Pot is to slow cooker. After browsing through dozens of slow cookers, I narrowed down the testing pool to eight popular picks, including, yes, some of the best Crock-Pots. I ruled out manual models in favor of user-friendly displays with programmable timers that allow for at least four to eight hours of slow cooking and automatically switch to a "warm" setting (at a food-safe temperature) once cooking is finished. I looked for even heating, ease of use, a variety of functions and value. My picks for the best slow cookers are real kitchen helpers that allow you to whip up a comforting meal, even if you have to leave for the office or take care of other tasks at home. Table of contents Best slow cookers of 2025 Lisa Schweitzer/Yahoo Best slow cooker overall Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker Capacity: 6 quarts | Settings: Slow cook on high or low, keep warm | Weight: 11.9 lbs. | Dimensions: 17"D x 11.8"W x 9.8"H When you're called upon to bring a dish to family gatherings, the Crock-Pot Cook & Carry will be your go-to solution. A locking lid with a rubber gasket ensures that food and sauce stay inside and don't spill onto the backseat of your car. And it's easy to carry thanks to the generous handles. This stainless steel slow cooker from an iconic brand offers slow cooking at low and high temperatures for cook times up to 20 hours, plus a keep-warm setting that turns on automatically when a programmed cook time ends or can be used on its own. The stoneware crock is microwave-safe and oven-safe up to 400°F. I found the control panel easy to read and foolproof to navigate. Just choose high or low for the temperature and then use the up and down arrows to set the cooking time, which counts down on a digital display. I checked a batch of beef stew periodically and found the temperature was consistently at 194°F. When I returned to the stew after eight hours on low heat, it was rich and velvety. I can already tell that this is the kind of dependable appliance that will last for years. It may not have tons of bells and whistles, but that's its charm. You can set it and forget it and trust that it will do what it's supposed to. Maintenance is simple — wipe the outside clean with a damp cloth and wash the inner crock and lid by hand. It's the best Crock-Pot I've tested. Pros Easy to program Portable with locking lid Automatically switches to keep-warm setting when cooking time ends Generous handles Cons The outside of the cooker gets very hot $70 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $80 at Lowe's Lisa Schweitzer/Yahoo Best upgraded slow cooker Cuisinart MSC-600 Cook Central 6-Quart Slow Cooker Capacity: 6 quarts | Settings: Slow cook, steam, brown/sauté, keep warm | Weight: 17.4 lbs. | Dimensions: 18"D x 11"W x 10.5"H This Cuisinart brings you all the bells and whistles: Want to steam fish or chicken and veggies? Like to brown and braise cuts of meat or chicken? This is the slow cooker for you. Though the large rectangular shape of this slow cooker eats up countertop real estate, it makes up for it with its quick-heating inner pot and excellent control panel with buttons for all of its functions. The backlit display shows the timer on one side and the temperature on the other. I loved that you could set the brown/sauté function to 400⁰F. This means you don't have to use a separate skillet on the stove to sear meats (which adds depth of flavor) before braising them for eight hours. The unit comes with a steamer insert that's perfect for delicate proteins and vegetables and doubles as a roasting rack for a whole chicken or roast. The inner crock is made from nonstick-coated aluminum. It washes clean easily with warm water and a soapy sponge, but you can also put it and the lid in the dishwasher. Pros Lots of functions Large control panel that's easy to use Time and temperature alerts Pot and lid are dishwasher-safe Cons Expensive Large footprint $134 at Wayfair Explore More Buying Options $134 at Amazon$160 at PERIGOLD Lisa Schweitzer/Yahoo Best nontoxic slow cooker GreenPan Elite 8-in-1 Programmable Slow Cooker Capacity: 6 quarts | Settings: slow cook on low and high, brown/sauté, steam, keep warm | Weight: 21 lbs. | Dimensions: 11.81"D x 22.13"W x 16.1"H When you want all the features and value nontoxic cookware and great design, the GreenPan Elite 8-in-1 Slow Cooker is the answer. This 6-quart model is so versatile! It offers eight functions: slow cook, sauté, steam, simmer/buffet, proof, bake, reheat, high temperature, low temperature and warm. The inner crock is made with a PFAS- and PFOA-free ceramic coating that's also certified by the NSF, meaning it meets strict standards for public health and safety. This high-end slow cooker shepherded a batch of beef stew from browning right in the pot at 400°F to braising on low for eight hours, resulting in tender meat and vegetables with a luxurious slurry. The LCD display was easy to read and made programming a cinch. The unit features a handy set of prongs in the back that allow you to rest the lid without taking up counter space. It also comes with a steamer insert, which, along with the pot and lid, is dishwasher-safe. Now on to its good looks. This sleek model comes in a variety of tasteful colors, including glossy white, navy, sage green and charcoal — you will surely find one that integrates into your kitchen decor. Just don't forget to consider the space it takes up on the counter or in a cabinet. Pros Lots of functions Excellent browning Generous handles Attractive enough to leave on the counter Cons Expensive Large footprint $200 at Wayfair Explore More Buying Options $200 at Amazon$252 at Macy's (back to top) Factors to consider when choosing a slow cooker My time spent testing slow cookers yielded these considerations to keep in mind when you're shopping. Features: I value the ability to brown/sear meats directly in the unit rather than using a pan on the stovetop and then adding the meat to the slow cooker. Some people like the option of steaming fish and veggies in their slow cooker. But if you tend to use recipes that don't benefit from these features, and all you want is a timer and either a low- or high-temperature setting, you'll have many options to choose from at various price points. Dimensions: Limited storage space means some models may not work for you. You should consider whether or not you'll use a slow cooker often enough to keep it on the countertop or store it in a cabinet — always check the height of the model before you commit. Capacity: If you cook large-batch soups and stews and whole roasts or chickens, a 6-quart model should satisfy most of your needs. If you cook for two to three people, you can get away with a 4-quart model. And if you want to keep lots of food warm for a tailgate or a family gathering, some 8-quart models work nicely. (back to top) I checked this stew periodically during the eight hours it cooked to ensure the food was in a safe temperature zone. (Lisa Schweitzer/Yahoo) How we tested slow cookers After opening each package, I noted if there was any setup required and how easy these appliances were to program. I gave each inner crock and lid a quick wash with soap and water before cooking a classic beef stew in each one. To rank on our list, the gadgets had to excel in the following tests: Temperature test: A safe cooking temperature generally falls between 170°F and 280°F, according to the USDA, but in practice should hover somewhere below boiling, or 212°F, or you will overcook most proteins. Did the slow cooker meet these requirements? Sauté/brown test: Is there a sear/sauté function? If there is, does the pot get hot enough to properly brown meat? Stuck-on food test: After food cools, it can get pretty sticky and adhere to the inside of a pot. I waited for a while to wash the inner crocks to see how much work was involved in getting them clean. Each slow cooker has a slightly different control panel — and some were easier to navigate than others. (Lisa Schweitzer/Yahoo) (back to top) Other slow cookers we tested Crock-Pot MultiMeal Programmable Slow Cooker ($210): I love this Crock-Pot's promise of being able to make two dishes at the same time, which might require different settings and cook times. However, this appliance does not offer a slow cook setting that goes for the traditional eight hours, only one that cooks for four hours, which was not long enough for the stew, nor for the convenience of letting a dish cook all day. Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Slow Cooker with Temperature Probe ($76): This and one other slow cooker from Hamilton Beach feature a temperature probe, which none of the other brands I tried have. At first, this seemed like a must for checking the cooking temperature, but you're better off buying an instant-read thermometer that you can use for many other cooking tasks. Outside of that added feature, this model has the popular high, low and keep-warm settings. Hamilton Beach Portable 6-Quart Set & Forget Slow Cooker with Temperature Probe & Defrost ($77) Much like the model above, this Hamilton Beach slow cooker covers basic slow cooking tasks, has a temperature probe and can cook food from frozen, which is a feature none of the others have. If you know you'll forget to defrost the chicken breasts in the middle of a hectic week, this model might be the answer. I understand the appeal of dumping a bunch of ingredients into the pot in the morning, turning it on and coming home to a hot meal. (Lisa Schweitzer/Yahoo) Instant Pot Superior Cooker 7.5 Quart Slow Cooker ($80): I had high hopes for this large-capacity slow cooker from the popular multicooker brand because it has a sear/sauté feature. The downfall here is the metal inner pot — it's too thin and doesn't get hot enough to sear meat properly. It almost feels flimsy. Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 4-Quart Slow Cooker ($35): This was the smallest slow cooker I tested, as the 6-quart version was unavailable. The most exciting feature on this appliance is the lid holder — it's removable, but I loved how I didn't have to clear space on the counter to set down the lid. Unfortunately, this unit cooked food at too high a temperature and therefore resulted in an overcooked, dry stew. There is also no clock to let you know how much time is left in your cooking cycle. (back to top) What is the difference between a crock pot and a slow cooker? Crock-Pot is a brand name many people use to refer to the generic term for a slow cooker. It's not unlike using the word Kleenex (also a brand name) when referring to facial tissues. (back to top) We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Rare deal: The electric Crock-Pot lunch box that teachers and truckers love is down to $28
Cold lunches are fine, but when the alternative is an extra helping of last night's satisfying dinner, why not bring it with you? The idea of barbecue leftovers or a hearty rice bowl should make your taste buds tingle. There's no reason for boring on-the-go meals when the top-selling Crock-Pot Electric Lunch Box exists, especially when an Amazon deal brings the price down to just $28, down from $45 — that's nearly 40% off. This No. 1 bestselling gizmo rarely goes on sale, and while it's not the lowest price we've ever seen for it, it's the lowest price we've seen for it since December. Plus, it has the respected Crock-Pot brand name and thousands of perfect ratings to back it up. Not sure what an electric lunch box is? This brilliant 20-ounce gadget is kind of like a mini slow cooker, but it's designed to warm up your food, not cook it. It's perfect for people who want to better preserve the flavor of their soup or leftovers, or for folks without ready access to a microwave. Inside the warmer is a metal bowl that holds your food. The lid on the inner bowl (along with the outer lid) minimizes spills and leaks when you're out and about, while the handle makes toting it a snap. There are no buttons to push — just a detachable cord that wraps around the base for easy storage. Plug it in about 45 minutes before you're ready to eat, and you'll have a hot meal when it's time to break for lunch. This electric lunch box is adored by over 7,600 five-star fans, including teachers and truckers. "I bought this for my significant other because I felt bad packing him sandwiches for lunch daily," shared a thoughtful spouse. "I love that there is an inner lid to prevent leaks. I like that it separates from the heating element so I don't have to worry about damaging it." "I am a teacher with only a 20-minute lunch period, and there are three microwaves in a building for 80 people," wrote an impressed educator. "I absolutely love that I can have hot soup right at my desk. I leave the warming part at work and just bring home the inner bowl and lid to wash every day." "Most convenient little thing ever!" gushed an excited shopper. "I'm a local truck driver, and I work up to 12 hours in a day. It's nice to put leftovers in this and plug it into my inverter in the truck while I work, and have hot, tasty food by the middle of my shift." Several users had the same note as this generally satisfied reviewer, who wrote, "[It's] a little difficult to get the top off, so if you have dexterity issues it might not be the best for you." (According to another buyer, it's because "the seal works a little too well.") "My only complaint (and it is not a big deal), but the cord is kinda short," wrote a final fan. They added, "I am a special education teacher, and a 25-minute lunch does not exist for most days, so to have my lunch all heated up when I need it is great. It works well, the food is nice, and it is hot. It has perfect portion control. If you are tired of waiting by the microwave at work, get this product!" If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
The best Valentine's Day gifts for your husband that will arrive by February 14
We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals. At this point in your marriage, you may feel like you've done and gifted it all. Even so, your guy deserves to be spoiled silly on all the special occasions, including the big one coming up on Feb. 14. Enter the best Valentine's Day gifts for husbands — yep, yours included. Trending Valentine's Day gifts: Crock-Pot Portable Electric Lunch Box for $40 AeroPress Portable Coffee Maker for $37 Pappy & Company Handmade Bourbon Balls, Pack of 12 for $32 Jteman Cell Phone Speaker for $27 From thoughtful, personalized presents that'll stand the test of time to more practical picks, this list of gifts for men includes a range of prices (picks start under $10!) and sentiments. My suggestion? Match his V-Day gift to his love language. If your husband appreciates quality time more than anything else, go with the couple's card game that'll put your relationship to the test (don't worry, I'm sure you'll pass with flying colors). Give him an electric scalp massager to showcase acts of service. Or customize a print with your go-to food order for a unique take on words of affirmation. The list goes on! Need even more gift ideas? We have another Valentine's Day gift guide for men, plus a handpicked list of last-minute gifts that are guaranteed to arrive in time. In this guide: Best Valentine's Day gifts for husbands under $25 | Best Valentine's Day gifts for husbands under $50 | Best Valentine's Day gifts for husbands under $100 Your next date night, delivered. Take turns drawing cards from five piles to challenge each other to dares, answer rapid-fire questions and more. "It has really helped us break the monotony of taking about the same things — work, kids, house, extended family, schedule — and instead truly connect with one another," one five-star fan raved. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but winter's nowhere near done. How's his hat looking? If he needs a refresh, gift him this one with a built-in light. That way, he'll be able to actually see whatever's in front of him when he's outside — the dog he's walking, the meat he's grilling or (let's hope) the chores he's completing. He's the Mario to your Luigi, and vice versa. Level up this Valentine's Day by giving him a card made from an actual Nintendo game cartridge. Select the characters that best represent you two, then submit a sweet message loaded with as many video game puns as you can muster. At-home mixologists swear by these Italian cherries. They're sweet with a punchy tang, making them a match for classic cocktails like whiskey sours, old fashioneds and Manhattans. A little goes a long way, which is a good thing since he'll probably want to whip up cocktails left and right after he tastes 'em. Because he stole a pizza your heart way back when. These funky, foodie-forward socks are sure to be the favorite in his collection, especially if he's the type to never pass up a slice (or five). Magnesium is said to be nature's muscle relaxant. This absorbent body butter is loaded with this magical mineral to help alleviate muscle and joint soreness after a hard push at the gym, a busy weekend with the grandkids and everything in between. And yes, it's only a 2-ounce tub, but one reviewer raved that "a little goes a long way" and it has "lasted me for months." Does he have a habit of cranking his phone volume up to 11? This three-in-one doodad is about to be his new best friend (besides you, of course). He can rest his phone or tablet on the stand for easy viewing, then connect it to the speaker via Bluetooth for easy listening. It even has a built-in microphone, so he can answer calls without, ya know, actually picking up the phone. Big, fancy coffee machines can be an eyesore, not to mention incredibly expensive. This little guy, on the other hand, brews coffee and espresso-style drinks in a minute tops — just fill it with ground coffee, add water and gently press. Thousands of Amazon shoppers swear by it, including one who called it "the Rock[y] Balboa of coffee makers" since it "even makes Folgers taste good." A way to a man's heart is through his stomach. That said, snag this electric lunch box to ensure that he can enjoy a warm meal even when he's far from home. He can just plug it in and heat up last night's leftovers, soups or stews without tracking down a microwave. "I'm on the road every day, this little crockpot is great to plug into the truck or at stops. Food is hot within an hour," one satisfied shopper raved, adding that it "doesn't dry out food either." Chocolate and Valentine's Day go together like you and your guy. Steer clear of the heart-shaped varieties and go for these Louisville classics, which are infused with Kentucky bourbon and topped with pecans. Over the years, you've become his on-call masseuse. And while you'd never think about finding a replacement (right??), he'll be tempted to make the switch once he puts this electric scalp massager to the test. It has 28 nodes that rotate in opposite directions to stimulate the whole scalp — toggle between four different speeds, from slow and relaxing to more thorough. "I bought this for my husband because he constantly wants his head scratched, like a dog," one happy shopper wrote, adding that it was an "instant hit" and it's "also really nice on the neck and shoulders." This surely beats yet another framed photo. Customize this print with your go-to food order — tacos and margs, a double serving of truffle fries, a heavy pour of vino, you get the idea. Pick the background color, write your own text and decide if you want to get it framed or not. A basic white frame is an additional $10, but prices go up from there. You've got a whole lifetime of love ahead of you, and now he'll have a point-and-shoot camera to capture it all. This isnt just any ol' camera; nope, this one gives twice as many images per film roll, so he'll get 72 half-frame photos instead of a standard 36. It's lightweight, easy to use, and as one five-star reviewer put it, "the perfect travel companion." Film and batteries aren't included, but you can snag a pack of Kodak film for an extra $10. He practically spends his life in front of a screen. And he's not alone, because this futuristic-looking eye massager is selling in droves — more than 10,000 in the last month alone, to be exact. "I use this eye mask for eye strain, dry eye, and headaches, and it helps alleviate all three," one five-star fan wrote. He can switch between five different modes, which have varying compression, heat and music levels, until he finds the one that's just right. Here's an unconventional way to take him back to the moment you said "I do." As he pieces together this jigsaw, he'll recognize some of the headlines from your special day, all of which are taken straight from The New York Times front page. His golf gear should be up to par — no ifs, ands or putts about it. Instead of splurging on new clubs, give him a protective headcover to take care of the ones he already has. This monogrammed beaut is made out of faux leather that he can easily wipe clean after a long day on the greens. The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication. Your go-to shopping guide: See all of our gift guides in one spot. We've got gift ideas for all the different people in your life — men, women, kids, you name it.
