The Mini Crockpot You Need in Your Life
Updated: Oct. 13, 2023
The Crockpot isn't just about big-batch slow cooking anymore!
There’s a whole lot to love about the Crockpot Lunch Crock Food Warmer, which took the No. 1 spot on our roundup of products to make your desk lunch SO much better:
Get a hot desk-lunch with no standing in line at the microwave
If you’re like us, you’ve probably caught onto the notion that bringing your lunch to work is kind of underrated. Just take a look at these cool and delicious portable lunches, and you’ll wonder why you haven’t been bringing your lunch every day. But when you’re longing for a nice hot desk lunch, things get a bit more complicated. For one thing, you have to plan for heating that lunch. Is there an office microwave? If so, is there always a line to use it?
The Crockpot Lunch Crock Food Warmer eliminates these questions. Just plug it in, and it heats up your pre-cooked lunch while you’re working. By the time you get your break, your lunch is at the perfect temperature.
Let’s not forget about breakfast!
The food warmer may have “lunch” in the name, but it’s perfect for bringing a nice, hot breakfast to enjoy at your desk while you get a head start on the day. Try it with any of these grandma-approved oatmeal recipes.
It’s a lunch tote and a food warmer
Not only does this Crockpot warm your food, it transports it seamlessly from your kitchen to your desk. Its sleek design includes an easy-carry integrated handle and a removable dishwasher-safe food container-insert that pops into an insulated exterior container that stays cool to the touch. And that insert comes with an air-tight lid that keeps the exterior—and you, your clothes, and your tote bag—perfectly spotless. So if you’re craving one of these cozy winter soups, you can satisfy that craving at the office (or anywhere else!) without having to worry about spills on the way.
You can wave bye-bye to BPA
One of the easiest ways to reduce your exposure to the harmful chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) is by avoiding placing plastic food containers in the microwave. With an interior made from food-grade stainless steel, it not only eliminates the need to microwave your food in a plastic container, it cuts the need for the plastic altogether.
It lets you master portion control
Watching your waistline? Try one of these healthy chili recipes, then heat it up into this handy little Crock, which comes in your choice of two sizes: 20 ounce and 24 ounce. Either way, it’s up to you how much food you’ll be eating for lunch. Once you decide, there’s nothing more to think about. Lunch? For one? Done, and done!
Slow Cooker Chuck Roast
My husband and I like chuck roast recipes, so this slow-cooker chuck roast recipe is terrific. You'll also love how flavorful and tender this comforting beef chuck roast turns out. —Bette McCumber, Schenectady, New York
Roast Beef and GravyThis slow-cooker roast beef and gravy is unbelievably easy. On busy days, I put this main dish in the crock and forget about it. My family likes it with mashed potatoes and fruit salad. —Abby Metzger, Larchwood, Iowa
Slow-Cooker Pot RoastBecause I work full time, this slow cooker pot roast is my go-to when I want a hearty, home cooked meal. It’s a comfort to walk in and smell this roast simmering. —Gina Jackson, Ogdensburg, New York
Slow-Cooker Beef StewWhen there's a chill in the air, nothing beats this beef stew. Seasoned with thyme and dry mustard, the hearty slow-cooker beef stew is chock-full of tender carrots, potatoes and meat. —Earnestine Wilson, Waco, Texas
Crockpot Ham
Overwhelmed by all the holiday recipes taking up your oven real estate? Here's how to heat up a precooked ham in a slow cooker for a tender, flavorful feast. — Taste of Home
Hungarian GoulashTalk about your heirloom recipes! My grandmother made this Hungarian goulash recipe for my mother when she was a child, and then Mom made it for us to enjoy. Paprika and caraway add wonderful flavor, and sour cream gives it a creamy richness. It’s simply scrumptious! —Marcia Doyle, Pompano, Florida
Calico Cowboy BeansThis cowboy beans recipe is tradition when my girlfriends and I go up north for a girls' weekend. The husbands and kids are left at home, but the slow cooker comes with us! —Julie Butsch, Hartland, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooker Lamb ChopsThese slow cooker lamb chops are, without a doubt, the lamb dish we like best. I usually simmer them on low for hours. The aroma is irresistible, and they come out so tender, they practically melt in your mouth! —Sandy McKenzie, Braham, Minnesota
Slow-Cooker Memphis-Style RibsAfter my dad and I had dinner at the legendary Rendezvous Restaurant in Memphis, I was inspired to create a slow-cooked version of tasty dry-rub Memphis ribs. Smoked paprika in the rub mimics the flavor that the ribs would get from being grilled over hot coals. —Matthew Hass, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin
Za'atar ChickenIt's hard to find a dinner that both my husband and kids will enjoy—and even harder to find one that's fast and easy. This is it! No matter how much I make of this dish, every morsel is eaten. —Esther Erani, Brooklyn, New York
Cube Steaks with GravyCube steaks and gravy are a hearty home-style dinner your family will love after a busy day. The slow-cooked beef is wonderful served over mashed potatoes or noodles. —Judy Long, Limestone, Tennessee
Creamy Italian ChickenItalian salad dressing mix is like a secret weapon for adding flavor to this creamy chicken dish. Served over rice or pasta, this Italian dressing chicken is rich, delicious and special enough for company. —Maura McGee, Tallahassee, Florida
Slow-Cooker Rump RoastI enjoy a good pot roast, but was tired of the same old thing. So, I began experimenting. Cooking the beef in horseradish sauce gives it a tangy flavor. Even my young children love this slow-cooker pot roast with its tender veggies and gravy. —Mimi Walker, Palmyra, Pennsylvania
Championship Bean DipMy friends and neighbors expect me to bring this irresistible dip to every gathering. When I arrive, they ask, "You brought your bean dip, didn't you?" If there are any leftovers, we use them to make bean and cheese burritos the next day. —Wendi Wavrin Law, Omaha, Nebraska
Slow-Cooked Lemon ChickenGarlic, oregano and lemon juice give spark to this memorable main dish. It's easy to fix—just brown the chicken in a skillet, then let the slow cooker do the work. I like to serve this dish to company. —Walter Powell, Wilmington, Delaware
Slow-Cooker SpareribsEven my three little ones love these easy-to-make and delicious-to-eat slow-cooker spareribs. The succulent meat falls right off the bone! —Julie Czmer, West Bloomfield, Michigan
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Originally Published: January 03, 2019
