Slow cookers, also known as crockpots, are countertop appliances that cook foods at low temperatures for long periods of time. They are an increasingly popular kitchen gadget, especially among busy people who want the convenience of coming home to a hot, home-cooked meal. But are slow cookers a practical and useful appliance for college students? There are pros and cons to consider.
Benefits of slow cookers for college students
Here are some of the main benefits of using a slow cooker as a college student:
Requires minimal effort
Slow cookers are designed to be incredibly easy and hands-off. All you need to do is prep the ingredients in the morning or night before, toss everything into the slow cooker, turn it on, and let it cook while you go about your day. The food slowly simmers away and is ready to eat whenever you get home. This simplicity is perfect for busy college students who don’t have a lot of time for complicated recipes.
Very affordable
Slow cookers allow you to transform cheap ingredients like beans, lentils, potatoes, and inexpensive cuts of meat into delicious meals. Since food cooks slowly over several hours, cheaper cuts become meltingly tender. You can make a meal for a fraction of what it would cost to get takeout or fast food every day. Slow cooking is one of the most budget-friendly cooking methods.
Cooks while you are in class
One of the biggest perks of a slow cooker for college students is that you can prep your meal and let it cook all day while you’re in classes and running errands. When you get back to your dorm at the end of a long day, you’ll have a hot, home-cooked meal waiting for you. No need to order takeout or dig into another bowl of ramen!
Makes large batches for leftovers
Slow cookers are designed to hold larger quantities of food. This allows you to cook a sizable batch of chili, stew, or soup and then eat the leftovers for a few days. Having ready-made meals in the fridge keeps you from hitting up the fast food joint or ordering pizza on nights when you need dinner in a hurry. Slow cookers promote healthy eating habits.
Adds variety to campus dining
After a few weeks, the dining hall menu can start to feel repetitive. Using a slow cooker gives you more options and prevents you from getting bored. You can make soups, chilis, oatmeal, dips for snacking – anything you’re craving that the dining hall doesn’t offer. A slow cooker expands your dorm cooking abilities.
Promotes independence
Part of the college experience is learning independence and taking care of yourself. Using kitchen appliances like a slow cooker helps you gain important life skills like following recipes, planning meals, and cooking for yourself. These are talents that will serve you well beyond college. Slow cooking teaches responsibility.
Can be used for dips and appetizers
In addition to cooking full meals, a slow cooker is handy for keeping dips and appetizers warm when you have friends over to study or hang out. Use it to melt cheese or chocolate for fondue. Make meatballs, chicken wings, or barbecue meatballs. Your slow cooker isn’t just limited to stews – get creative with party foods!
Potential drawbacks of slow cookers
While slow cookers certainly have their advantages, there are also some downsides to consider:
Takes up space
Dorm rooms are notoriously cramped. Stashing yet another appliance can be challenging, especially if you have a smaller slow cooker that still takes up a decent footprint of counter space. Make sure you have a spot cleared and ready before purchasing.
Can be power-hungry
Slow cookers need to run for hours to fully cook meals. This constant low power draw can drive up your electricity bill, especially in an older, less efficient model. Newer programmable slow cookers with timer settings can help save energy.
Restricted diet
While you can make a diverse array of foods in a slow cooker, the recipes do tend to focus on soups, stews, chilies, and braised meat. If you follow a restricted diet or avoid meat, the options are more limited. Expanding your slow cooker recipe repertoire takes effort.
Need for advanced planning
To make the most of a slow cooker, you need to think ahead about meal prep. It takes intentionality to shop for ingredients and get everything prepped and cooking in the morning or night before. Maintaining this routine amid a hectic student schedule can be challenging.
Potential for food safety issues
Since food cooks over longer periods at lower heats, you have to be extra diligent about food safety. Properly thawing meats, maintaining safe temperatures, avoiding cross-contamination, and promptly refrigerating leftovers are critical. Following safety guidelines takes diligence.
Can tie up shared kitchen
If you live in a dorm with a communal kitchen, your slow cooker can prevent other people from accessing the counters, stove, and outlets. Be considerate by keeping your slow cooker and ingredients neatly contained to a limited area and cleaning up promptly after use.
Tips for using a slow cooker successfully in college
Here are some tips to help you effectively and safely use a slow cooker as a college student:
Invest in a programmable model
Programmable slow cookers allow you to dictate cooking times down to the minute. This prevents over or undercooking. Models with a timer or warm setting keep food safe if you’re late getting home. Dishwasher-safe crocks simplify cleanup.
Double check appliance rules
Carefully review your dorm’s policies on small appliances before purchasing a slow cooker. Make sure they are permitted and any restrictions on size, power usage, etc. Follow your dorm’s appliance guidelines to the letter to avoid issues.
Cook in batches
To avoid slow cooker fatigue, cook two or three batches of different recipes on weekends and stock your freezer with individual portions. Mix and match varieties throughout the week by thawing servings overnight in the fridge.
Try liner bags
Disposable liner bags eliminate the need to scrub out your crock insert after use. Great for simplifying clean up in communal kitchens. However, some debate their safety and heat conduction abilities. Use at your own discretion.
Get a quick-release model
Newer quick-release slow cooker models allow you to rapidly depressurize the contents after cooking. This prevents overcooking on days when your schedule changes. Look for quick-release buttons when buying.
Use the auto setting cautiously
Some models have an automatic temperature setting meant to prevent over or undercooking. However, this runs the risk of keeping food in the bacterial “danger zone” too long. Use the auto function judiciously.
Resist lifting the lid
Lifting the lid frequently releases heat and steam, resulting in slower cooking times. Use a clear glass lid to peek inside if needed. Keep the lid on tight for best results.
Practice safe defrosting
Never defrost meats at room temperature or in hot water to speed the process. Defrost in the fridge overnight or in the microwave using the defrost setting. Don’t risk bacterial growth.
Brown meats first
Browning meat in a skillet before slow cooking adds deeper flavor. The fond left behind in the skillet can be used to make the sauce. Plus, browning helps render fat and avoid a greasy slow cooker meal.
Keep good records
Note cooking times, ingredient tweaks, and measurements when you test slow cooker recipes. This allows you to replicate successes and learn from any recipe failures. Keep logs to improve.
Easy slow cooker recipes for college students
Here are 5 easy, budget-friendly slow cooker recipes perfect for college students:
1. Slow cooker salsa chicken
– Chicken breasts or thighs
– Jar of salsa (your choice of heat level)
– Rice or tortillas
– Shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, etc. for tacos
Place chicken in slow cooker and cover with salsa. Cook on low 6-8 hours until chicken is tender and shreds easily. Serve in tortillas or over rice and add desired toppings like cheese, lettuce, etc.
2. Slow cooker balsamic chicken & vegetables
– Chicken thighs or drumsticks
– Potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic cloves
– Balsamic vinegar
– Chicken broth
– Fresh herbs
Toss chicken and vegetables with balsamic vinegar and broth in slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours. Shred chicken and serve veggies on the side. Sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs.
3. Slow cooker chili
– Ground turkey or beef
– Onion, peppers, garlic
– Canned crushed tomatoes
– Kidney beans
– Chili powder spice blend
Saute meat and veggies. Add remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Top with cheese, sour cream, etc. Freeze leftovers.
4. Slow cooker apple cinnamon oatmeal
– Steel cut or rolled oats
– Diced apples
– Cinnamon
– Milk or water
– Brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup to taste
Add oats, apples, cinnamon, and liquid to slow cooker. Cook on low 6-8 hours. Sweeten with brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
5. Slow cooker vegetarian lentil soup
– Lentils
– Carrots, celery, onions, garlic
– Vegetable or chicken broth
– Tomato paste
– Spices like cumin, thyme, pepper
Saute vegetables, then add remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours until lentils are tender. Blend half the soup for a creamy texture.
Conclusion
Slow cookers can be a very useful appliance for college students looking to save time and money. The convenience of coming home to a hot meal after a long day on campus is hard to beat. Simple, budget-friendly recipes allow you to avoid the dining hall and fast food rut. However, limited counterspace, communal kitchens, and hectic schedules can pose challenges. Choosing an appropriate smaller model, cooking in batches, and planning ahead help ensure slow cooker success. With some creativity and commitment to meal planning, a slow cooker can be a game-changing addition to your dorm kitchen. Taking the time to prepare home-cooked meals promotes healthy eating habits and invaluable independence.