There’s a whole lot to love about the Crock-Pot 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 Crock-Pot 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 Crock-Pot 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!
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Slow-Cooker Pork Chops
Everyone will enjoy these fork-tender, slow cooker pork chops with a creamy, light gravy. Serve with a green vegetable, mashed potatoes and coleslaw or a salad. These are the best slow cooker pork chops. —Sue Bingham, Madisonville, Tennessee
Flavorful Pot Roast
On hectic days, this pot roast is so quick and easy to prep! Convenient packages of dressing and gravy combine to create a delicious sauce for a fall-apart roast. —Arlene Butler, Ogden, Utah
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Meat Loaf
When my husband and I were first married, he refused to eat meat loaf because he said it was bland and dry. Then I prepared this version, and it became his favorite meal. —Suzanne Codner, Starbuck, Minnesota
Tangy Pulled Pork Sandwiches
The slow cooker not only makes this an easy meal but keeps the pork tender, saucy and loaded with flavor. —Beki Kosydar-Krantz, Mayfield, Pennsylvania
Slow-Cooker Mac and Cheese
What could be more comforting (or easy!) than a slow cooker mac and cheese? Nothing! This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish, and I've never met anyone who didn't ask for second helpings of the cheesy dish. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
Contest-Winning Chicken Cacciatore
My husband and I own and operate a busy farm. There are days when there's just no time left for cooking! It's really nice to be able to come into the house at night and smell this wonderful slow cooker chicken cacciatore. —Aggie Arnold-Norman, Liberty, Pennsylvania
Country Ribs Dinner
Ribs slow-cooked with carrots, celery, onions and red potatoes are pure comfort food for us. To add a little zip, we sometimes sprinkle in cayenne. —Rose Ingall, Manistee, Michigan
Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings
Here's a homey dish that people just can't wait to dive into! Yes, you can have chicken and dumplings from the slow cooker. The homemade classic takes a bit of work but is certainly worth it. —Daniel Anderson, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Easy Pot Sticker Soup
Since my husband and I have soup often, I’m always coming up with something new. I saw potstickers in the freezer and decided to feature them in Asian soup. The results were delicious. Rice vinegar provides just the right tang, and the green onions and carrots add color. Stir in chopped cabbage or bok choy if you like. A little sesame oil goes a long way, but you can always add a bit more. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
This slow cooker teriyaki chicken always goes over big with my family. The chicken thighs turn out just right, every time. —Gigi Miller, Stoughton, Wisconsin
Cube Steaks with Gravy
Here's 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
Forgotten Jambalaya
During chilly months, I fix this jambalaya recipe at least once a month. It’s so easy…just chop the vegetables, dump everything in the slow cooker and forget it! Even my sons, who are picky about spicy things, like this dish. —Cindi Coss, Coppell, Texas
Slow Cooker Lasagna
Convenient no-cook lasagna noodles take the work out of this traditional favorite adapted for the slow cooker. Because it's so easy to assemble, it's great for workdays as well as weekends. We like it accompanied by Parmesan bread or garlic cheese toast. —Lisa Micheletti Collierville, Tennessee
Herbed Slow-Cooker Chicken
I use my slow cooker to prepare these well-seasoned chicken breasts that cook up moist and tender. My daughter, who has two young sons to keep up with, shared this great recipe with me several years ago. I've since made it repeatedly.
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
These filling and flavorful peppers are an updated version of my mom's stuffed peppers, which were a favorite when I was growing up in upstate New York. Whenever I make them, I'm reminded of home. —Melissa McCabe, Long Beach, California
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chuck Roast
My husband and I like chuck roast recipes, so this slow-cooked recipe is terrific. You'll also love how flavorful and tender this comforting roast turns out. —Bette McCumber, Schenectady, New York
Stephanie’s Slow-Cooker Stew
Start this warming one-pot meal before you head out for the day. By the time you get home, the well-seasoned meat will be tender and mouthwatering. —Stephanie Rabbitt-Schappacher, Cincinnati, Ohio
Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole
A comforting casserole with mass appeal is just what you need when cooking for a crowd. For added convenience, it stays warm in a slow cooker. —Virginia Krites, Cridersville, Ohio
Slow Cooker Enchiladas
As a busy wife and mother of two young sons, I rely on this handy recipe. I layer enchilada ingredients in the slow cooker, turn it on and forget about it. With a bit of spice, these hearty enchiladas are especially nice during the colder months. —Mary Luebbert, Benton, Kansas
Potluck Macaroni and Cheese
This is a great way to make America's most popular comfort food. The dish turns out cheesy, rich and creamy. —Jennifer Babcock, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Slow-Cooked Lemon Chicken
Garlic, 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 Short Ribs
These ribs are an easy alternative to traditionally braised short ribs—you don't need to pay any attention to them once you get them in the slow cooker. (That makes it my favorite beef short ribs recipe!) —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Potato Chowder
One of the ladies in our church quilting group brought this savory potato soup to a meeting, and everyone loved how the cream cheese and bacon made it so rich. It's easy to assemble in the morning so it can simmer on its own all day. —Anna Mayer, Fort Branch, Indiana
Slow-Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake
Everyone who tries this dessert falls in love with it. Using a slow cooker liner makes cleanup a breeze. —Latona Dwyer, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Shredded French Dip
A chuck roast slow-simmered in a beefy broth is delicious when shredded and spooned onto rolls. I serve the cooking juices in individual cups for dipping. —Carla Kimball, Callaway, Nebraska
Slow Cooker Beef Vegetable Stew
Come home to warm comfort food! This vegetable beef stew is based on my mom’s wonderful recipe, but I adjusted it for the slow cooker. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan to each bowl for a nice finishing touch. —Marcella West, Washburn, Illinois
Potato Soup
I decided to add some character to a basic potato chowder by adding roasted red peppers. The extra flavor gives a deliciously unique twist to an otherwise ordinary soup.—Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma
Sunday Pot Roast
With the help of a slow cooker, you can prepare a down-home dinner any day of the week, not just on Sundays. The roast turns out tender and savory every time. —Brandy Schaefer, Glen Carbon, Illinois
Barbecued Pork Chop Supper
I start these slow cooker BBQ pork chops in the morning and enjoy a tasty supper later with no last-minute work. We just get to eat! —Jacqueline Jones, Round Lake Beach, Illinois
Tomato Hamburger Soup
As a full-time teacher, I only have time to cook from scratch a few nights each week. This recipe makes a big enough batch to feed my family for two nights. —Julie Kruger, St. Cloud, Minnesota
Slow-Cooker Beef Stew
When there's a chill in the air, nothing beats this stew. Seasoned with thyme and dry mustard, the hearty slow-cooked stew is chock-full of tender carrots, potatoes and beef.—Earnestine Wilson, Waco, Texas
Slow-Cooker Pasta e Fagioli
This chunky soup is good to the last spoonful. It's my go-to recipe because it's so hearty and we all always want more. —Penny Novy, Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Slow-Cooked Chili
This hearty chili can cook for up to 10 hours on low in the slow cooker. It's so good to come home to its wonderful aroma after a long day away. —Sue Call, Beech Grove, Indiana
Slow-Cooker Pot Roast
I work full time, so this slow cooker roast beef is my go-to when I want a hearty, home cooked meal. It’s a comfort to walk in and smell this simmering slow cooker pot roast that I know will be fall-apart tender and delicious. —Gina Jackson, Ogdensburg, New York
Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken
Of all the recipes I make in my slow cooker, this is my favorite. If you like your barbecue sweet with a little spice, this will be your new favorite, too. —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington
Shrimp Chowder
I simmer my rich and creamy shrimp soup in the slow cooker. Because the chowder is ready in less than four hours, it can be prepared in the afternoon and served to dinner guests that night. —Will Zunio, Gretna, Louisiana
Slow-Cooker Barbacoa
My husband adores this beef roast simmered in lime juice, chipotle and cumin. He would eat it one a week if I would make it that often! We have it over rice with cilantro and a spritz of lime. —Aundrea McCormick, Denver, Colorado
Slow-Cooked Swiss Steak
This is one of my favorite recipes to make because I can flour and season the steaks and refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, I just put all the ingredients in the slow cooker, and I have a delicious dinner waiting when I arrive home from work. —Sarah Burks, Wathena, Kansas
Cheddar Spirals
Our kids just love this cheesy pasta and will sample a spoonful right from the slow cooker when they walk by. Sometimes I add cocktail sausages, sliced Polish sausage or cubed ham to make it into a hearty dinner. —Heidi Ferkovich, Park Falls, Wisconsin
Slow Cooker Spaghetti & Meatballs
I’ve been cooking 50 years and this dish is still one that guests ask for frequently. My No. 1 standby slow cooker meatballs recipe also makes amazing hero sandwiches, and the sauce works for any pasta. —Jane McMillan, Dania Beach, Florida
Slow-Cooked Chicken a La King
When I know I'll be having a busy day with little time for cooking, I prepare this tasty main dish. Brimming with tender chicken and colorful vegetables, it smells so good while cooking. —Eleanor Mielke, Snohomish, Washington
Slow-Cooked Sauerkraut Soup
We live in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, which has a rich heritage of German culture and dishes that include sauerkraut, potatoes and sausage. We enjoy this recipe on cold winter evenings, along with muffins and fruit. The "mmm's" start with the first whiff as the door opens after school or work. —Linda Lohr, Lititz, Pennsylvania
Slow-Cooked Sunday Chicken
Here’s a hearty dish for two that satisfies the biggest appetites. It’s loaded with good old-fashioned flavor. —Ruthann Martin, Louisville, Ohio
Slow Cooker Mushroom Chicken & Peas
Some amazingly fresh mushrooms I found at our local farmers market inspired this recipe. When you start with the best ingredients, you can't go wrong. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Slow Cooker Beef Tips
As a busy mom, I love my slow cooker meals! Beef tips remind me of a childhood favorite. I cook this beef tips recipe with mushrooms and red wine, then serve over brown rice, noodles or mashed potatoes. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Tex-Mex Shredded Beef Sandwiches
Slow cooker meals, like this shredded beef sandwich, are my favorite kind. After I get a few ingredients into the slow cooker, I can do my own thing. Plus, I have a hearty, satisfying meal when I come home! —Kathy White, Henderson, Nevada
Comforting Cheesy Potatoes
As a four-generation Idaho family, we love our easy cheesy potatoes. I have served this cheesy potato recipe for weddings, family dinners and more. These company potatoes have become a favorite for many. —Karla Kimball, Emmett, Idaho
Slow-Cooker Bacon Mac & Cheese
I’m all about easy slow-cooker meals. Using more cheese than ever, I’ve developed an addictive spin on this casserole favorite. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Slow-Simmered Burgundy Beef Stew
My mother-in-law shared this recipe with me almost 25 years ago. Ever since then, it's been a go-to whenever I need a lot of food without a lot of fussing. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Slow-Cooked Pork Stew
Try this comforting stew that's easy to put together, but tastes like you've been working hard in the kitchen all day. It's even better served over polenta, egg noodles or mashed potatoes. —Nancy Elliott, Houston, Texas
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