Here's some info from Kenji:
https://www.seriouseats.com/2016/10/why-pressure-cookers-are-better-than-slow-cookers.html
That was my first thought [emoji2] The liquid reduction and browning of the fond make a huge difference in the flavor of the final dish.Here's some info from Kenji:
https://www.seriouseats.com/2016/10/why-pressure-cookers-are-better-than-slow-cookers.html
This article was a big help, thanks! And I had a feeling that, except for the possible fire hazard, the d.o.’s the way to go.Thanks for posting that article. I remembered reading it before but couldn't remember where.
I didn’t thank you yet! This article was exactly what I needed to read!Here's some info from Kenji:
https://www.seriouseats.com/2016/10/why-pressure-cookers-are-better-than-slow-cookers.html
Slow cookers are good for keeping food warm for a crowd. That's about it.I didn’t thank you yet! This article was exactly what I needed to read!
Guess the crock pot gets relegated to the garage. It wasn’t anything special, anyway! Think I’ve used it twice.
If we're talking about flavor, then the slow cooker is not the best choice. Yes, it's convenient and if that's the goal, then great. But while you can brown before cooking with a slow cooker, it won't brown further, and the liquid won't reduce, during the cook time. That does happen when cooking in a Dutch oven and it significantly improves the flavor of the final dish.You can debate all you want about what is "best", but for most people, convenience is a huge factor. You can make a pretty decent meal in a slow cooker, just as you can make a pretty decent meal on a gas grill.
You can always brown meat before putting it in the slow cooker (which is commonly recommended), but some of the newer slow cookers have a saute function, so you can brown the meat first, then switch to slow cook mode.
Another factor is the amount of heat given off from an oven on a hot summer day or while the AC is running. Some use their slow cookers (or Instant Pots) during the summer for this reason.
Seriously?
CD
This article was a big help, thanks! And I had a feeling that, except for the possible fire hazard, the d.o.’s the way to go.