Slow cooker drying out

Wobblydeb

I bought a slow cooker recently (Breville 4.5l) but have not had much success thus far....

Can you suggest where I am going wrong?

I tried the same recipe (provencal braised lamb) twice, and really dried out the ingredients first time around - using an auto setting for 6 hours or so. All the liquid had gone and the remaining ingredients were stuck to the bottom of the cooker. Second time the leg had been de-boned so I just cooked it on low for about 4 hours. The meat was still dry, but at least there was liquid left in the sauce. Too much in fact, so that I had to thicken it afterwards. I really don't understand how the meat was so dry

I decided to make it easier for myself and make some soup last night. Veg, beans a handful of split red lentils and about 1 litre of stock, and set it going on the low setting overnight (probably about 10 hours).

This morning I woke up to the smell of (ever so slightly) burnt soup filling the house All the liquid was gone, and a couple of vegies were stuck to one side of the pot. The rest are fine, so I hope it is salvageable, but it is not the panacea I was expecting from slow cooking!

Steam does seem to escape from my cooker - is there a possibility it is faulty or am I doing something wrong?

Fruball

I would take it back. It sounds faulty to me.

Mine seems to create water!!! Seriously, I have to be very careful not to put too much liquid in mine as it really doesn't evaporate at all.

bluebag

Yes, that sounds faulty to me to. I've left soups and things in for 12 hours or more without problems. Sounds as if the thermostat is Kaput.

ariba10

The modern large Slow cookers seem to run a lot hotter than the older smaller ones.

I take it that the lid is a good fit?

Wobblydeb

ariba10 wrote: »

The modern large Slow cookers seem to run a lot hotter than the older smaller ones.

I take it that the lid is a good fit?

Reasonably - although on the Auto or High settings I find the condensation bubbles and spits, rattling the lid and allowing steam to escape. I end up with water on the counter top.

mrbadexample

Wobblydeb wrote: »

I find the condensation bubbles and spits, rattling the lid and allowing steam to escape. I end up with water on the counter top.

Mine does that too (3.5l Swan, I think). The condensation builds up on the inside of the lid until such time as it runs down and forms a seal between the lid and the pot. Then pressure builds up until it lifts the lid, and a little water & steam escapes. I get a little puddle underneath it too.

I can counter this by using something to wedge under the lid so it won't form a tight seal (I use a bent paperclip - make sure you don't drop it in your dinner ) I get no more puddles, and only a little more steam escaping.

Even with those problems, it wouldn't dry out for ages. Hard to be sure but I think it would take more than 18 hours on high, and over 24 on low or auto.

It does sound like yours is faulty in some way.

mlz1413

I'd go for faulty too.

I've left stuff in mine for 24 hours on low, I've never seen steam form let alone escape, yes my lid gets condensation and the contents are piping hot but never to the point of steam rattling the lid.

parsonswife8

Mine also makes a lot of gravy/liquid.

Mind you, I have never left it on while being away from the house.

I turn my joint over a few times and baste it, or stir whatever I am cooking, a few times, whilst cooking.

Have never had it dry out, even though my lid rattles quite a bit. ...

maman

Definitely take it back. Most people (me included) have complained that the slow cooker makes much more watery sauce than oven cooking and have to adjust liquids accordingly. I have a Rival Crockpot and I'm delighted with it.

pigpen

I have a large morphy richards one.. about 7 litres I think.. and everything is ultra moist..

I bung a large chunk of meat or 2 chickens in about 12 and they are cooked by 5ish.. loads of liquid for gravy etc.. I'd take it back.. or possbly ring the manufacturer customer services they may have a faulty batch and not know about it yet!

ariba10

I would be inclined to mention it to the makers.

I would not be surprised if they offered to change it.