Happy January! The holidays are behind us, the winter chill has settled in, and we are all looking for ways to simplify our meal routines while staying cozy. That’s why January is officially designated as National Slow Cooker Month, the perfect time to celebrate the hardest-working appliance on your countertop.
The magic of the slow cooker is simple: toss in ingredients in the morning, and come home to a house smelling divine and dinner ready to serve. But who says the appliance itself has to be boring?
This month, we’re ditching the standard stainless steel and highlighting six incredible slow cookers that bring serious personality to the kitchen. From Disney fun to game-day glory, we’ve matched six unique cookers with six themed recipes designed perfectly for them.
Let’s get slow cooking!
1. For the Ultimate Host: The TRU Triple Slow Cooker
If you love entertaining, the TRU Triple Slow Cooker is a game-changer. It features three separate 2.5-quart stoneware inserts with individual heat controls. It’s less about a single giant meal and more about creating the ultimate buffet station.
The Theme: The Party Platter Trio You need a recipe concept that utilizes all three crocks simultaneously to impress your guests.
Featured Recipe Idea: The Ultimate Game Day Dip Bar Forget choosing just one appetizer. Utilize this triple slow cooker to serve a flight of hot dips that will keep the party gathered around the food table.
Crock 1: Classic Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip (loaded with cream cheese, hot sauce, and shredded chicken).
Crock 2: Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip (rich with parmesan and garlic).
Crock 3: Zesty Queso Blanco with Chiles (the perfect texture for tortilla chips).
2. The Reliable Classic: Toastmaster 7 Quart Slow Cooker
Sometimes, you just need a dependable workhorse that can feed a crowd. The Toastmaster 7 Quart Slow Cooker is the definition of classic reliability. Its large capacity means it’s perfect for batch cooking, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a large family.
The Theme: Sunday Comfort This cooker calls for those traditional, stick-to-your-ribs meals that define comfort food.
Featured Recipe Idea: The Essential Sunday Pot Roast Put that 7-quart capacity to work with a massive chuck roast. Surrounded by large chunks of potatoes, carrots, onions, and a rich beef broth seasoned with thyme and rosemary, this is the meal that makes a house feel like a home on a cold winter Sunday.
3. For the Gridiron Fanatic: The Pro Pots Football Slow Cooker
This isn't just a slow cooker; it's a centerpiece for your next tailgate party. Shaped exactly like a football, this 1.5-quart cooker is designed for sides, dips, or appetizers that need to stay warm while you watch the big game.
The Theme: Tailgate Essentials The recipe needs to be hearty, shareable, and perfect for eating while cheering at the TV.
Featured Recipe Idea: "Touchdown" Mini Beer Brats Utilize this fun cooker for a savory appetizer. Simmer cocktail-sized sausages or cut-up bratwurst in a mixture of your favorite amber ale, caramelized onions, and a touch of brown sugar mustard. They’ll stay warm through overtime!
4. Bring Home the Wonder with the Mickey Mouse 6 Quart Slow Cooker with Trivet
Add a dash of enchantment to your meal prep with the Mickey Mouse 6-Quart Slow Cooker. This model features a charming design inspired by everyone’s favorite mouse and comes with a matching trivet to protect your surfaces. It is a wonderful way to involve children in the kitchen and make the process of cooking feel like an adventure. While it has a slightly smaller footprint than the 7-quart models, it still offers plenty of space for family-sized meals and remains a highly practical tool for daily use.
The Theme: Main Street Wonder A recipe for this cooker should be cheerful, fun, and a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Featured Recipe Idea: Mickey’s Hot Diggity Dog BBQ Pulled Pork Lean into an American classic that captures the spirit of a theme park visit. Place a pork shoulder in the cooker and cover it with a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Pour in a bottle of sweet honey barbecue sauce and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Cook on low for eight hours until the meat is easily shredded with a fork. Serve the pulled pork on soft brioche buns with a side of corn on the cob. It is a happy, flavorful meal that brings a bit of Disney joy to your dining room.
5. For the Galactic Traveler: Star Wars 7 Quart Slow Cooker
Whether you lean towards the light side or the dark side of the Force, you still need to eat. This massive 7-quart cooker is perfect for fans of the saga who want to bring a little sci-fi flair to their dinner prep.
The Theme: Bold Flavors from a Galaxy Far, Far Away This cooker deserves a recipe that is adventurous, perhaps a bit spicy, or visually striking like something fit for a Jedi Master or a Sith Lord.
Featured Recipe Idea: "The Dark Side" Black Bean and Beef Chili Embrace the dark aesthetic with a deep, rich chili. Use black beans, chunks of beef chuck, dark chili powder, a square of unsweetened chocolate for depth, and perhaps a splash of dark stout beer. It’s hearty enough to fuel you up before jumping to hyperspace.
6. For the Tropical Soul: Disney Lilo & Stitch Slow Cooker
If you’re tired of winter and dreaming of an island getaway, this adorable Disney Lilo & Stitch Slow Cooker is your ticket to paradise. The bright, floral design reminds us that "'Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten", especially at dinnertime.
The Theme: Island Vibes The recipe needs to be bright, fruity, and savory, bringing a taste of Hawaii to your kitchen.
Featured Recipe Idea: "Ohana" Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Transport yourself to the islands. Use chicken thighs slow-cooked in a sauce made of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Add chunks of fresh pineapple and bell peppers during the last hour of cooking. Serve over fluffy white rice for a taste of sunshine in January.
7. Relax with the Friends Slow Cooker
The Friends Slow Cooker is a nostalgic tribute to the iconic 90s sitcom. Featuring the Central Perk logo and classic motifs from the show, it is a must-have for anyone who grew up watching the gang at the coffee house. This cooker is perfect for casual meals that you can enjoy while sitting on the couch with your own group of friends. It brings a sense of comfort and familiarity to the kitchen, making it the perfect choice for a relaxed night in.
The Theme: The One with the Ultimate Comfort Food The recipe for this cooker should be inspired by the hearty appetites of the characters and the classic New York City vibe.
Featured Recipe Idea: The Joey Special Meatball Subs Joey Tribbiani famously loved his sandwiches, and this recipe honors that passion. Place high-quality frozen or handmade meatballs into the cooker with a large jar of marinara sauce, extra garlic, and Italian herbs. Let them simmer on low for six hours until the flavors are perfectly melded. Serve the meatballs on long hoagie rolls topped with melted provolone and parmesan cheese. It is a meal that is simple, satisfying, and perfect for sharing with your best friends.
Why Slow Cookers Belong in Every Kitchen
Slow cookers continue to be one of the most versatile kitchen appliances available. They allow for consistent results, easy prep, and meals that work around your schedule instead of the other way around. From themed designs to family sized staples, Select Brands offers options that blend performance with personality.
Shop National Slow Cooker Month Favorites
Celebrate National Slow Cooker Month by upgrading your kitchen routine with a slow cooker that fits your style. Explore the full slow cooker collection and bring these recipes to life by shopping now at selectbrands.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave my slow cooker on while I am at work?
Yes, slow cookers are designed to be left unattended for long periods, provided they are placed on a flat, heat-resistant surface. Most modern models have internal safety features to maintain a consistent temperature without overheating. If you follow the recommended cook times and liquid levels, your meal will be safe and ready when you return home.
How do I prevent my meat from becoming too dry in a slow cooker?
To keep meat moist, ensure you are using cuts with a bit of fat, such as pork shoulder or beef chuck, which break down beautifully over long periods. Keeping the lid closed is also essential, as opening it lets out the steam and moisture required to tenderize the meat. If you find your meat is often dry, try reducing the cook time or ensuring there is enough liquid in the bottom of the pot.
Is it necessary to brown the meat before putting it in the slow cooker?
While you can put raw meat directly into the cooker, browning it in a pan first adds a significant amount of flavor through the caramelization process. It also helps to lock in juices and improves the visual appeal of the finished dish. If you are in a rush, you can skip this step, but your meal will have a deeper flavor profile if you take the extra few minutes to sear the outside.
How full should I fill my slow cooker for the best results?
For the most even cooking, you should aim to fill your slow cooker between one-half and two-thirds of the way full. If the pot is too empty, the food may cook too quickly and dry out; if it is too full, it may take much longer to reach a safe temperature. Following this rule ensures that the heat circulates properly and your meal cooks as intended.
