The best triple slow cooker is ideal for families who want to get the most out of their weekly cooking. You can use it to make three different meals at once, so you're free to pop away and do other things while dinner is being prepared.
You'll be able to prepare meat, stews or casseroles in a single batch rather than having to cook each meal separately. This means that you'll save time and energy when it comes to making your favorite dishes – perfect if you have little ones running around demanding attention. It's also a good idea if you're shopping on a budget and trying to find ways of cutting food costs without compromising on flavor. A triple slow cooker allows you to cook enough food for everyone in your family at once, which means that there's no need for excess leftovers.
If you don't have room on your countertop for a full-size slow cooker, this appliance could be just what you need. With three separate pans inside one unit, there's plenty of space for all the ingredients needed for whatever meal it is that day – with none of them spilling over onto the next pan like they might with two pans side by side. The best part? You won't even have to turn these crock pots off when refilling them because they're already set up within each other – so long as your hands are clean!
How We Choose
We've reviewed the best triple slow cookers on the market to help you find the perfect one for your needs. Whether you want a large capacity so you can make big batches of food, or you need a variety of functions in one device, there's a triple slow cooker for you.
TRU Triple Silver Slow-Cookers
The Tru 3-tier Triple Buffet Server by Select Brands is a great option for any buffet style dinner. This electric triple buffet server has three 2.5 quart oval removable stoneware inserts which means you have plenty of space to serve food.
The removable stoneware inserts also make it easy to clean, and there's even a handy lid rest spoon included so your dishes don't get damaged during storage. The stainless steel construction ensures durability while the hand held controls allow for precise temperature control.
This triple buffet server does not come with warming plates but each insert can be heated independently, making this an excellent option for catering large gatherings. While it does not come with warming plates, these could easily be added if needed - just know that they will add some bulk to the set-up of this product!
Megachef Triple 2.5 Quart Slow Cooker
The Megachef Ceramic Triple Slow Cooker with Buffet Server is a great multi-use slow cooker that excels at both buffet serving and cooking.
Weighing in at only 19.95 pounds, this ceramic slow cooker is easy to maneuver around your kitchen without weighing you down or causing you any back pain. The 3 quart ceramic pot can fit three separate settings - low, high, and warm - which means you can cook three different meals without having to worry about the stove temperature changing while you're busy prepping other dishes.
The included lid rests allow guests to serve themselves hassle free, eliminating the need for clumsy hands and spilled drinks as well as saving time on cleanup afterwards. We think this would be an excellent addition to any home buffet table or potluck event so everyone can enjoy their meal together without having to lift a finger!
BELLA 3 x 1.5 QT Triple Slow Cooker
The Bella 3.5 Quart Electric Chafing Dish Server is a great option for any buffet or large meal. This server has three 1.5 quart per pan capacity pans, so you can prepare plenty of food at once.
The variable heat control feature means that you can adjust the temperature to warm up food without burning it. The clear dome lids allow you to check on your food without having to open the chafing dish, and the removable dishes are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. The brushed stainless steel base and bowls make this an attractive piece for your buffet table, and it's sturdy enough to hold up against heavy use.
While this isn't necessarily designed for everyday use, it's perfect for those special occasions where you need a lot of space and speed in a small package.
Sunvivi Triple Slow Cooker Buffet Server
The Sunvivi Slow Cooker truly is the best all-round slow cooker you can buy, and we've tested it against some of the very best. It has an ergonomically designed handle, which makes it comfortable to use for hours on end.
The ceramic pots are also dishwasher safe so cleanup is a breeze – something other slow cookers don't offer. The triple-pot set includes three different sizes (1.5 quart, 3 quart and 6 quart), so you're able to cook multiple dishes at once without having to clean more than one pot in between them. And with a removable glass lid that stays cool during cooking, this crockpot will keep your food warm while you prepare the rest of your meal.
With its three settings - high heat, low heat and warm - this crockpot will ensure your food stays hot up until the last minute before serving time, meaning less reheating needed in the future when entertaining guests or needing leftovers for lunch tomorrow. Overall this is a great option if you want versatility and easy cleanup when preparing meals but don't mind paying a little extra for it too!
Triple Slow Cooker FAQs
We love the convenience of a slow cooker, but with all the different brands and models out there, it can be tough to figure out which one is best for you.
There's no need to worry, though! We've put together a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions about slow cookers so that you can make an informed decision when buying one for yourself or as a gift.
What Should You Not Cook In A Slow Cooker?
While slow cookers are designed to be versatile, they're not the best choice for everything. Most recipes that require browning or sautéing before cooking in a slow cooker will result in better flavor and texture. However, there are some exceptions. For example, while many people think of baked goods when they think “slow cooker,” this is one situation where you should not use your slow cooker. It's true that certain types of cookies or cakes can be cooked in a slow cooker; however, the results will almost always be inferior to those made in an oven (or even microwave).
While we don't recommend it generally – unless you have no other choice – we would also advise against cooking anything raw in your slow cooker unless it's something like a stew or soup dish where the food is already mostly cooked. This includes things like whole chickens or pot roasts. The reason? If you fill your slow cooker more than two-thirds full (as recommended by most manufacturers), the contents of your pot could overflow as they expand through hours of cooking time.
Can You Put Raw Meat In A Slow Cooker?
Technically, yes. However, you may find that raw meat takes a very long time to cook in a slow cooker, due to the low heat setting. For example, when we tried this experiment by adding raw chicken thighs to one slow cooker and raw squash slices to another and cooking both on high for four hours, the chicken was fully cooked after four hours but the squash was still hard.
We found that if you want your dish done in under six hours, it's best to first sauté or brown your meat before adding it to the slow cooker. This method is worth it if you're making dishes like pulled pork or chili where the flavor of well-cooked meat really counts. Otherwise, it may be better for you just to use canned or frozen meats that are specifically made for slow cookers instead.
What Is Difference Between Crockpot And Slow Cooker?
Crockpot and slow cooker are actually the same thing – at least in terms of brand names. The name “Crockpot” was coined by a brand that made early slow cookers, but it quickly became synonymous with the appliance itself. Other companies began making them as well, so you'll sometimes see “slow cooker” on packaging too.
Technically, a Crockpot is any brand of slow cooker made by Rival Products LLC (which owns the trademark), while any other brand might be considered a slow cooker, even though they're all basically the same thing.
What Is The Point Of A Slow Cooker?
A slow cooker is a small, portable electric cooking pot that allows you to make hot, home-cooked meals without having to watch over the stove. The appliance uses very little power and once it's set up on your kitchen countertop or workroom floor, you don't have to do much except add ingredients and turn on the machine.
The best thing about a slow cooker is that it lets you create hearty, filling meals with less fat and fewer preservatives than many other types of canned foods. But most importantly, you don't need to be at home for hours while it cooks!
Is It OK To Leave House With Slow Cooker On?
When you're running late, running back home to turn off your slow cooker is the last thing you want to do. While we don't recommend leaving your slow cooker on while you're out of the house all day, it can be safe to leave it on for a few hours when you're home as long as you follow some simple precautions. First, never let the pot boil dry; add water if necessary. Second, always set your slow cooker on a mat or trivet unless it has a heatproof base that won't scorch your countertop (check your owner's manual). Third, keep an eye on your appliance and turn it off promptly once the food is done; even with nothing in the pot, slow cookers generate a lot of heat after they've finished cooking.
Can I Put Raw Chicken In The Crockpot?
Technically, yes. But it's not a good idea. For one thing, raw chicken contains water, which means it will take much longer to cook than other meats you put in the slow cooker. Chicken that has been cooked in the Crockpot for eight hours still won't be very tender unless you remove the meat from the bone and shred it first. Even then, your chicken is likely to come out tough rather than succulent and juicy.
Another reason why you shouldn't put raw chicken in a slow cooker is because of food safety concerns. As mentioned above, bacteria can grow in the “hot spot” under the lid of your slow cooker even when you've properly heated up your dish – especially if there's excess moisture on top such as sauce or soup or water from frozen vegetables (which should be defrosted first). The high heat inside your Crockpot works to kill these unwanted microbes over time; but if that hot spot isn't sealed properly after a few hours of cooking (or an hour or two with tougher cuts of meat), well-done dishes may become contaminated before they're finished cooking and served. Once again: It's best to only add fully cooked meat – preferably beef or pork – into your slow cooker recipes for safe eating overall!
Is It OK Not To Brown Meat Before Slow Cooking?
While it's true that browning meat before adding it to a slow cooker can add flavor, we found that after 8 hours of cooking in our tests, the flavor was comparable between meats that had undergone browning and those that hadn't. If you're pressed for time or don't want to dirty another pan, feel free to skip this step. Note that the taste and texture of the final dish will be slightly different though.
Does Meat Get Softer The Longer You Cook It In Slow Cooker?
In a word, yes. This is because slow cooking effectively braises meat in its own juices for hours on end. Braising creates a moist, almost stew-like consistency within the meat itself and also gives it time to soften and absorb flavors from surrounding ingredients.
When you first add your meat to the slow cooker, it will be quite tough and firm but as it cooks over several hours, it will become softer and more tender. This is one of the reasons why many people choose to add potatoes or other vegetables to their recipes; these foods help thicken up the sauce as well as provide additional flavor and texture to your meal. As mentioned above, this process can take anywhere between 4 to 8 hours depending on which cut of beef you use so plan accordingly.
Should Food Be Covered With Liquid In A Slow Cooker?
The short answer is no. It may seem counterintuitive, but covering your slow cooker's contents with too much liquid can actually lead to overcooked food and an unpleasant texture – especially in the case of soups and stews. That's because the high heat environment within a slow cooker allows for evaporation, which essentially removes some of the liquid from your dish. If you cover it with too much water or broth, however, there won't be enough evaporating away from your food to bring it up to optimum cooking temperature.
The ideal amount of liquid for a slow cooker is about half an inch (about 1 cm) or just enough so that you can see just the tops of the ingredients when looking through the lid opening without stirring. You might also want to think about adding flavor enhancers like salt and pepper at this time as well since taste preferences can vary widely among family members.
Does Food Taste Better In A Slow Cooker?
The short answer is no. While it's true that a slow cooker pot of stew or chowder will taste better after several hours in the cooker, it won't taste any better once you add flavor enhancers like salt, pepper and spices. Those flavor enhancers do change the way food tastes in a slow cooker, but that doesn't mean you'll enjoy your meal more than you would if prepared on the stovetop.
That said, many people swear that food does taste better when cooked in a slow cooker because of its consistent temperature and gentle cooking style. That consistency means less evaporation and fewer burned edges or overcooked centers. But even if your dinner isn't technically better tasting when prepared in a slow cooker, it may be easier to prepare – especially for first-time users who aren't familiar with how long to cook various cuts of meat or which setting works best for different recipes.
Conclusion
Triple slow cookers are a great choice for families that want to be able to prepare multiple meals at once. They come in a variety of sizes and price points so you can find one that fits your needs. They also have digital controls, removable bowls and inserts, as well as non-stick surfaces for easy cleanup. With a triple slow cooker, you can make family-friendly meals like soups, stews, roasts and casseroles with ease.
