slow cooker quick questions thread

Penelope_Penguin

thecatswhiskers wrote: »

I apologise if I've missed a thread somewhere but I'm new to these boards. Could someone explain a slowcooker to me and what I'd use one for? I'm not very domesticated.
Thank you.

Just remember, you don't have to have a SC to be Old Style Try using a pan on the hob or in the oven first, and see what you like to cook, then think about buying gadgets

I'll add this to the Slowcooker QQ thread later, to keep ideass together.

Penny. x

ruthemma

Hi, sorry if this has already been asked but I don't have time to scan through all the pages. I want to buy a slow cooker, and I was wondering what sort of size I should go for-does it matter? I'm thinking about getting either a 3.5L or 6.5L but I've had a read around and have heard very conflicting advice. I'd be mainly using it to feed a family of 4. I'd like to try casseroles, soups and roasts but it would be lovely to know that I could feed more than 4 with one or try different recipes (does the size depend on the recipe?) Any help would be very much appreciated

geordie_joe

ruthemma wrote: »

I want to buy a slow cooker, and I was wondering what sort of size I should go for-does it matter? I'm thinking about getting either a 3.5L or 6.5L

If you can, go for the 6.5L one. A Slow cooker will be happy only being half full, but you can't get 4.5L of stew in a 3.5L slow cooker.

cooking-mama

I agree with Geordie-joe,go for larger rather than smaller....altho i did previously have a 6.5l one that i gave away because it was too big(we were a family of 4,but youngest was a toddler at that point)years later and i now have a Breville 4.5L that i find is ideal for a family of 4,(2 adults and 2 teens),and there still plenty of room in the 4.5 to increase to feed 6-possibly more)the other day i made a complete meal of mince with veg and included the baby potatoes,enough in it to feed 5....so anything 4.5 and above should be adequate...other tips are,choose an oval shaped-better for roasts/whole chicken etc,...choose one with 3 settings of high/low/auto,and personaly i dont thin k its worth paying extra for a digital timer....also shop around for the best price,prices vary dramaticaly,Argos have some reduced just now. http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Browse/ID72/14418592/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CKitchen+and+laundry%7C14418476/c_2/2%7Ccat_14418476%7CSmall+kitchen+appliances%7C14418587/c_3/3%7Ccat_14418587%7CSlow+cookers+and+ovens%7C14418592.htm

Penelope_Penguin

ruthemma wrote: »

I'd like to try casseroles, soups and roasts

You can't roast in a SC

Penny. x

*Maya*

Penelope_Penguin wrote: »

You can't roast in a SC

Penny. x

Indeed you can. Put the joint into the slow cooker without any liquid. The joint will release liquid so it is important to periodically remove it as one does with a normal roast and the joint will roast in the dry heat generated by the slow cooker. With little or no liquid the joint will brown nicely too.

avstar

*Maya* wrote: »

Indeed you can. Put the joint into the slow cooker without any liquid. The joint will release liquid so it is important to periodically remove it as one does with a normal roast and the joint will roast in the dry heat generated by the slow cooker. With little or no liquid the joint will brown nicely too.

Really, thats bloomin fab news:j
T'other half loves roast chicken but trying not to put the oven on for hours at a time, my bills are eyewatering!

pollywollydoodle_2

I always cook whole chickens in my slow cooker. Soooo tender

billieboy_2

pollywollydoodle wrote: »

I always cook whole chickens in my slow cooker. Soooo tender

How long do you cook it for say a 1.5Kg chicken, low or high? TIA.

chaosweddings

Hi,

ive had my 6.5L crockpot slowcooker for about a year now but all i seem to cook in it is stew and dumplings, chilli, meatballs and sauce and a tomato sauce for pasta.

is there anything else i can cook as we want to use it more but getting bored with the same stuff, i love cooking from scratch and tend to make the tea in the slowcooker at about 11am so its ready when i get back from work....

thanks in advance