slow cookers

cyclingyorkie

I love my slow cooker - soups, stews, curries, chillies - just to have it there is fantastic.

My next plan is to try and cook joints of meat in it - not ben brave enough yet.... any advice much appreciated..

CH27

I couldn't be without my slow cooker.

LandyAndy

MRSTITTLEMOUSE wrote: »

I'm just wondering whether or not to get a slow cooker or not.
To save energy realy.
I don't eat meat so it would just be for my husband,for when I make him casseroles etc.
Three questions realy.
Are they economical,fuel wise and how long do they take to cook a casserole.
Also what size should I be looking to get for one person.
Any recommendations for particular models would be appreciated.

Don't waste your money. Takes three times as long to do things half as well.

PS. I realise this may not be a popular opinion in here:D.

whiteguineapig

i am not a cook but i love mine, it gets used twice a week in winter , its so useful to be able to put something in early thats ready later for when i have to go to work

TryingHardToSave_2

cyclingyorkie wrote: »

I love my slow cooker - soups, stews, curries, chillies - just to have it there is fantastic.

My next plan is to try and cook joints of meat in it - not ben brave enough yet.... any advice much appreciated..

Ive only done pork, beef and turkey crown in mine. I put meat in slow cooker, fill about half way with water "dont quite cover all the meat" i use this with the meat juices to make gravy later. Add abit of seasoning, a couple of oxo's and leave it on slow over night. You wont need to carve the meat, it literally falls away. On the pork joint i so take the rind of and put this in the oven to crackle up.

TryingHardToSave_2

LandyAndy wrote: »

Don't waste your money. Takes three times as long to do things half as well.

PS. I realise this may not be a popular opinion in here:D.

I usually put the slow cooker on over night when im sleeping or when im at work so the amount of time it takes to cook really doesnt matter. As its not like im sitting around waiting for the meal to be ready.

And as for not doing things half as well, im sure this is a personal preference thing. I prefer nice tender, falling away meat then meat that hard and chewy! Even when doing a spag bol, chilli in there the mincemeat just tastes so much nicer.

lostinrates

I'm afraid I'm another who hates my slow cooker. I just don't get the insity of flavour I get when using the same ingrediants in the oven..plus, browning etc makes anothe rpan to wash up, making a one pot operating a two pot operation. FWIW I also expect tender metling meat. Its not the time I object too, its just...I don't like it much.

Sally_A

Re joints, I don't put water in - start with chicken fillets and pork loin staks until you get more confident. You don't get the texture of oven roasted meat, it is far more relaxed and moist.

To jolly them along a bit, put a knob of butter in, and maybe a crushed garlic clove.

I have done a small whole chicken, the meat was fine, but no crispy skin.

I don't think I'd do a whole beef joint in there (unless it was a tough one), as I like the well done ends.

gillypkk

i did a whole chicken in mine and ive also done gammon. i prefer the chicken done in the oven but the gammon was wonderful!

i need to make that again actually. hmmm im out on sunday for a BBQ so mondays tea seems to be gammon now! lol

OldSchool_3

I just want also to share my amazing slow cooker - stews, curries,soups and chillies. Good for winter.