A triple slow cooker is a kitchen appliance that consists of three separate slow cookers in one unit. This allows you to cook three different dishes at once using the slow cooking method. Slow cookers use low heat over a long period of time to tenderize tougher cuts of meat and blend flavors together in soups, stews, chilies and more. Having three slow cookers in one device is convenient for cooking large meals or a variety of foods at the same time.
How does a triple slow cooker work?
A triple slow cooker has three oval-shaped stoneware crocks, each with its own lid and heating element. The crocks fit into a metal housing unit on a countertop or tabletop. Each crock can hold approximately 6 quarts of food. The three crocks function independently, so you can cook on high in one crock, low in another, and warm in the third. This allows you to make an entire meal with different dishes that require different cook times. Each crock has its own temperature dial and indicator light. The lids help seal in heat and moisture. The exterior metal housing contains the wiring and electrical components to power the three crocks. The crocks provide even, consistent gentle heating from the bottom and sides to cook the food without burning or drying it out.
What are the benefits of using a triple slow cooker?
There are several advantages to using a triple slow cooker:
- Cooks three dishes simultaneously – Perfect for making a whole meal at once. The meats, sides, and dessert can all cook together.
- Saves time and effort – With one appliance doing the work of three, you gain considerable time and efficiency. You also only have one device to clean up.
- Convenient size for large recipes or leftovers – Each crock holds a generous 6 quarts. You can prepare recipes with lots of servings, or use the leftovers for meals throughout the week.
- Allows different cook times – With three separate crocks, you can cook items that take less or more time on different settings simultaneously.
- Uses less energy than oven or stovetop – Slow cookers use less electricity than an oven. You can save energy by using a triple slow cooker in hot weather instead of turning on the oven.
- Frees up oven/stovetop space – By preparing your meal in the slow cooker, you don’t have to occupy your stove, oven or other cooking appliances.
- Easy travel to potlucks and parties – The triple crock is perfect for transporting different dishes, soups, dips and more to gatherings and events.
What are the features of a triple slow cooker?
Triple slow cookers have the following features:
- Three stoneware crocks – Typically oval shape, with 6 quart capacity each. Dishwasher safe.
- Individual temperature dials – Each crock has its own temperature control with low, high and warm settings.
- Glass lids – The lids allow you to view food while cooking without lifting the lid and releasing heat.
- Indicator lights – Shows when a crock is turned on and preheating.
- Removable crocks – The crocks lift out for easy serving and cleaning.
- Metal housing – Sturdy metal exterior holds crocks in place and contains electrical components.
- Clip-tight locking lids – The lids seal tightly to lock in heat, moisture, and aroma.
- Cool touch handles – Allows lifting and transporting the hot crocks safely.
- Programmable timers – Some models have digital timers to switch to warm automatically.
What dishes can you make in a triple slow cooker?
The triple slow cooker is ideal for cooking:
- Chili
- Stews
- Curries
- Pulled pork
- Pulled chicken
- Pot roasts
- Soups
- Brisket
- Ribs
- Meatballs
- Mac and cheese
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal
- Pasta sauce
- Lasagna
- Cheesecake
- Bread
- Pudding
- Dips
- Fondue
The moist environment and indirect heat of the slow cooker allows you to create flavorful dishes, melt-off-the-bone roasts, hearty braised meats, vegetarian meals and decadent desserts. You can cook food in bulk and refrigerate or freeze the leftovers for future meals.
What size options are available for triple slow cookers?
Triple slow cookers come in these main size configurations:
| Crock Capacity | Total Capacity |
|---|---|
| 3 x 5 quarts | 15 quarts |
| 3 x 6 quarts | 18 quarts |
| 3 x 7 quarts | 21 quarts |
The most standard size is three 6-quart crocks, for a total capacity of 18 quarts. This size can feed large gatherings of 20-25 people. Smaller 5 quart crocks may be less expensive options but limit how much you can cook. Larger 7 quart crocks are available for very big cooking jobs.
How do you use a triple slow cooker?
Using a triple slow cooker involves a few easy steps:
- Prep ingredients – Chop vegetables, brown meats, mix spices and sauces. Prepare ingredients as recipe directs.
- Fill crocks – Place corresponding ingredients into each of the three crocks. Don’t overfill past 3/4 capacity.
- Add liquids – Pour in liquids like broth, tomato sauce, or water.
- Cover – Place lids on each crock to lock in heat and moisture.
- Plug in – Connect power cord and turn dials to desired temperature setting.
- Cook – Allow food to slowly cook on low or high setting as recipe dictates.
- Serve or store – Carefully remove crocks and scoop out food. Freeze or refrigerate leftovers.
Make sure to properly thaw frozen meats before cooking. Vegetables usually go on bottom with meats on top. Check periodically and add more liquid if needed. Stir and taste test for seasoning.
What temperature settings should you use?
Triple slow cookers have three temperature dial options:
- Low – Cooks at around 200°F. Use for longer cooking times 7-9 hours.
- High – Cooks at roughly 300°F. Best for dishes taking 4-6 hours.
- Warm – Keeps food at 170°F after cooking. Perfect for keeping food ready to eat for 2-3 hours.
For all-day cooking while you’re at work, the low setting is ideal. For cooking 6-8 hours overnight, try the high setting. Refer to recipe cooking times and adjust as needed if dishes are cooking faster or slower than expected in your model.
What are the best tips for using a triple slow cooker?
Tips for success when using a triple slow cooker include:
- Brown meats for added flavor
- Cut food into small, uniform pieces
- Defrost frozen ingredients before cooking
- Add enough liquid for moisture
- Layer ingredients for efficient cooking
- Max fill line is 3/4 full
- Keep temperatures consistent
- Use thermometer for accuracy
- Add dairy at end to prevent curdling
- Check seasonings and adjust before serving
What precautions should you take when using a triple slow cooker?
Be aware of these precautions for safe use of your triple slow cooker:
- Use oven mitts – the crocks get very hot!
- Unplug when not in use to prevent accidental turn on
- Sit on a heat resistant, stable surface
- Don’t immerse the metal housing in water
- Watch for risk of scalding from steam when removing lids
- Don’t use if crocks are chipped or cracked
- Ensure the glass lid fits snugly before transporting
- Let dishes cool before refrigerating
- Discard foods kept in warm mode longer than 3 hours
- Don’t leave unattended all day while cooking
Take care to keep children away while hot and use common sense for fire safety. Always monitor while cooking and unplug when finished.
What are the best triple slow cooker brands?
Top rated triple slow cooker brands include:
- Crock-Pot – Very popular brand known for quality and durability.
- Hamilton Beach – Affordable prices with consistent, tasty results.
- Proctor Silex – Budget-friendly basic triple crock cooker.
- Elite Gourmet – Excellent for large batch cooking and entertaining.
- Costzon – Sturdy stoneware and locking lid at a great value.
- KitchenAid – Slightly pricier but has advanced features and smart technology.
- Ninja Foodi – Part of the popular Foodi multi-cooker line with premium features.
Crock-Pot is the original brand that coined the name, making them one of the most recognizable and reliable slow cooker companies on the market.
What are the pros and cons of triple slow cookers?
The benefits of triple slow cookers include:
- Pros:
- Cooks three dishes simultaneously
- Convenient and time-saving
- Allows cooking at different temperatures
- Uses less energy than oven
- Portable for potlucks and parties
Potential downsides to consider:
- Cons:
- Large footprint takes up counter space
- Heavy when filled, may be awkward to carry
- Pricier than regular slow cookers
- Restricted to mostly stews, soups, roasts
- Can’t brown or saute ingredients like stove
Are triple slow cookers worth buying?
Triple slow cookers can be a very worthwhile investment for the right households. If you routinely cook large batches, make multiple dishes, or need to feed big families, crowds, or events, a triple slow cooker can make your life much easier. The ability to create three different menu items in one go is extremely helpful for time and effort. They can also save energy costs by using less electricity than the oven or stovetop.
However, the large footprint may not suit small kitchens with limited counter space. The price is also higher than regular slow cookers, so it’s a bigger spending commitment. If you mainly just need to cook stews or roasts for 2-4 people, a single oval slow cooker could be sufficient. But for larger scale cooking, a triple slow cooker can be a real game changer.
Conclusion
A triple slow cooker is an appliance with three separate stoneware crocks that allows you to create three different dishes using the slow cooking method. The individual crocks have temperature dials for low, high and warm settings so you can customize the cooking process for each recipe. Triple slow cookers provide delicious results and efficient hands-off cooking for pot roasts, soups, chilies, appetizers and more. They can save considerable time and effort in meal preparation for families, parties, potlucks and other events needing large batch cooking capacity.