Crock-Pot iStir stirs up slow-cooker innovation

Generally speaking, slow cookers do not need a lot of attention. The basic idea is for the average home cook to throw a bunch of stuff in the pot and let it cook for a long time. Not only does this process bring out a lot of flavor in foods, but it also allows for less expensive cuts of meat to be used in a variety of recipes thanks to a long cook time. This tried-and-true method of cooking has been successful for generations. But just because slow cookers are slow doesn't mean the innovation has to stop.

The Crock-Pot SCCPVC600AS-P Digital Slow Cooker with iStir Stirring System takes a modern slow cooker and gives it a twist. A specialized lid houses the stirring unit, and allows for hands-free mixing while ingredients are cooking. Two different stirring paddles are included as well as a regular lid for old-timey, nonstirring slow-cooking action. Or non-action, as the case may be.

Crock-Pot has come out with some pretty neat stuff in the recent past. For example, it has a customizable service where it will create a unique slow cooker based upon photos you submit. How a self-stirring slow cooker is best put to use is left for the home cooks to discover. It would seem that some long cooking recipes would benefit, but perhaps more exciting is what else the home cook will develop. Perhaps when paired with an inexpensive noncirculating sous vide unit, kitchen sleuths, in time, will come up with a whole new array of even slower slow-cooked recipes.