Days To Fitness
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    • Blog
    • Newsletters
    • About
    • Contact
    Days To Fitness
    • The Best
      • Choosing the Best Blender for Smoothies
      • Best Superfood Powder
      • Best Meal Replacement Shakes for Weight Loss
      • The Best Protein Bar for You
      • The Best Blender for You
    • 21 Day Fix
    • Recipes
    • Workout Plans
      • 21 Day Fix
      • 21 Day Fix Extreme
      • P90X3 Complete
      • Home Workout Routines
    • Eating Healthy
      • No-Sugar Days Diet
      • Meal Replacement Diets
      • Healthy Protein Bars
      • The Easy Low Carb Diet
    • Motivation
    • Resources
    Days To Fitness
    You are at:Home»Slow Cooking»Programmable vs. Analog Slow Cookers
    Programmable vs. Analog Slow Cookers post cover

    Programmable vs. Analog Slow Cookers

    0
    By Sarah on June 2, 2017 Slow Cooking

    All types of slow cooker are basically the same: they have a metal outer shell that contains a heating element, and a usually ceramic or stoneware hot pot with a lid, typically made of glass. This simple but brilliant combination allows you to cook healthy meals without the need for long food preparation or, indeed, much in the way of kitchen skills.

    I love slow cooking because it allows me to make healthy meals without even having to be in the kitchen. In fact, sometimes I am not even at home!

    Slow cookers come in all shapes and sizes but, when you boil things down to the basics, there are two main types – programmable digital models and analog models. Both can work but choosing the right one depends on your needs and your budget too.

    Analog slow cookers

    Analog slow cookers have a temperature adjustment dial and maybe, on some models, a timer that counts down to zero before either turning your cooker off or switching it to warm mode. That’s it – that’s all they do.

    This means that, if you want to do any slow cooking, you must set your temperature and timer, if you have one, and then turn it on to start the cooking process. You are then free to go about your day while your meal cooks.

    Most slow cookers of this nature do not even have a timer, so it’s up to you to keep an eye on the clock. I recommend you use a kitchen timer or the timer on your phone. Some people say that it doesn’t matter if you leave your slow cooker running for longer than is specified in the recipe.

    I am not one of them!

    Despite cooking slowly and at low temperatures, it is still possible to overcook your meal if you lose track of time. And if too much water evaporates, your meal can burn and stick which means you might have wasted all that time and energy and cleaning your slow cooker will be a major chore.

    If you have an analog slow cooker, I suggest you are nearby for the last hour or so of cooking to ensure that your meal is not ruined by overcooking.

    Programmable slow cookers

    Programmable slow cookers have digital displays and controls so you can set the start time and the end time for your cooking. You can also set them to switch to “warm” mode once your meal is done. Some will even allow you to vary the temperature during cooking e.g. start on high and then switch to low part way through.

    This means that you can put your ingredients in your slow cooker in the morning, head off to work, and then your slow cooker will automatically start later in the day so that, when you get home in the evening, your meal is cooked and then kept warm all by itself. You, the chef, are now redundant!

    Of course, such technical wizardry does mean a programmable slow cooker will cost more than an analog model, and there is a little more to go wrong, but the convenience of having complete control over start and finish times means that these minor worries may be worth tolerating.

    Which one is best? 

    In this battle, there is no winner. For some, the simplicity of an analog slow cooker is hard to beat – especially if you are usually around while your food cooks. However, if you often have to leave your cooker to work unsupervised, you’ll find a programmable cooker very useful.

    I’ve both programable and manual. I share my favorite models and guide you on how to the find the model that best suits your needs and wallet, My favorite Slow Cookers. I  also explain the different sizes and features and also provides my recommendations for the best slow cookers around.

    Still unsure which one is right for you? Check out my article “Find the best slow cooker for you” .

    Opt In Image
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    One Email Every Friday

    1 Email Every Friday

    2 Simple & Healthy Recipes

    One Article with Tips and Tricks to Boost your Well-being

     

    100% FREE: One email per week, exclusive content, no ads, and, of course, you can unsubscribe anytime you want.

    analog vs programmable features slow cookers
    Previous Article5 Minutes Stretching Routine for Back Pain Relief
    Next Article Vegetarian Chilli
    Sarah
    • Website

    Hi, my name is Sarah and I’m so happy that you’re here! I've shared my story here

    Related Posts

    5 Reasons the size of your slow cooker matters

    A Healthy Way to Lose Weight

    Save Money and Enjoy Tender Meats

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    ideal shape meal replacement shake
    Guides
    February 2, 2023

    How to lose weight with Meal replacement Shakes

    October 19, 2018

    Nutrition Guide – What, When and How Much to Eat 

    October 11, 2018

    How to Lose Belly Fat – The Complete Guide

    August 10, 2018

    Running Guide for Beginners 

    July 4, 2018

    Walking for Health – Workout Included

    September 21, 2017

    Inversion Therapy

    April 27, 2017

    Slow Cooking – Quick Start

    February 4, 2017

    Days to Yoga Bliss – A Yoga for Beginners Guide

    September 8, 2016

    My Superfoods – My Superfood Guide

    August 1, 2016

    Nutrition Facts – A Practical Guide About Nutrition 

    July 27, 2016

    Welcome to 20 No-Sugar Days Diet

    July 16, 2016

    What Are Carbs ? A Beginner’s Carbs Guide

    December 5, 2015

    Start your Smoothie Experience

    September 4, 2015

    Beginner’s Guide to Protein Powder

    • Popular
    August 18, 2015

    21 Day Fix Eating Plan

    July 27, 2016

    Welcome to 20 No-Sugar Days Diet

    April 4, 2015

    Shakeology alternatives

    August 10, 2015

    Get Your Copy of Days to Fitness Recipe Book

    March 15, 2023

    Best Meal Replacement Shakes for Weight Loss

    April 3, 2015

    3 Approved Breakfast Recipes for 21 Day Fix

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    One Email Every Friday

    1 Article + 2 Healthy Recipes

    Lose Weight and Boost Your Well-being

    Days To Fitness
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    One Email Every Friday

    1 Article + 2 Healthy Recipes

    Lose Weight and Boost Your Well-being

    Copyright ©2018 Days to Fitness | Affiliate Disclosure | Privacy Policy | Designed by Plus Attitude|Newsletters

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.