Crock Pot [upd] — Electric

Crock pots use very little electricity—roughly the same as a light bulb. They are far cheaper to run than a conventional oven.

Would you like a printable cheat sheet of cooking times for beef, chicken, and beans? electric crock pot

Tough, inexpensive cuts like chuck roast, pork shoulder, or chicken thighs become fork-tender after hours of moist heat. Crock pots use very little electricity—roughly the same

Unlike stovetop simmering, liquid does not evaporate in a crock pot. If you are converting a soup recipe, cut the liquid by 25–50%. Tough, inexpensive cuts like chuck roast, pork shoulder,

You can throw raw meat directly in. However, searing the meat in a pan first adds a deep, rich flavor (Maillard reaction) that the crock pot alone cannot achieve.

Place root vegetables (potatoes, carrots, onions) at the bottom. They take longer to cook than meat. Put meat on top.

Because the exterior stays relatively cool and there is no open flame or hot stovetop, it is safe to leave running while you are away (provided you follow safety guidelines).