Recommendations for Slow Cookers please

kazd

My big beastie is still sitting in the sitting room in its box. I am undecided whether to do lamb shanks or braised steak tomorrow.

However, I agree that I would rather have to big than to small, and to be honest the bigger one is cheaper I believe.

Curry_Queen

I've cooked soup and stew in mine filled to the brim, and also cooked a couple of pork steaks with just enough sauce to cover them, and they all came out fine. I'd definitely recommend the bigger one, especially if you're planning to cook a whole chicken or leg of lamb in it at any time

Minxz

I have been considering a slow cooker for a while now, wasn't sure whether I could afford one, but seeing the Morphy Richards one at just over £25 on Tescos has convinced me!
i have started cooking in bulk, spag bols, etc and freezing, not only to save money, but also time as i work and am studying(and have 3 hungry kiddlies... )
Are casseroles and meat joints the only things i can cook in one? Can you use them to cook puddings?
Thansk to all in this thread, it was v helpful

Curry_Queen

Minxz wrote:

Are casseroles and meat joints the only things i can cook in one? Can you use them to cook puddings?
Thansk to all in this thread, it was v helpful

If you have a look at this thread you'll find a variety of recipes and ideas, including some for puddings

DingDong_3

Had a look in Tesco today to see if they had slow cookers to compare the size. They didnt have 6.5 litre one but are selling the 3.5 litre for £28.97. It looks quite large but I couldnt make up my mind so I got a ruler from the stationery section and a large fresh chicken! The chicken fitted in fine (well once the plastic tray is removed it would) and the measurements of the inside are approx: 19 x24.5cm and 11cm deep. Can someone please measure their 6.5 L and post the measurements?

My kitchen is tiny and I think the 3.5 will be adequate for a single person. I was all set for getting the 6.5 but I dont know now. Does anyone on here have the 3.5L?

By the way, it's 150watt compared to 350W. Would this make a difference?

DingDong_3

Found it here

http://www.qed-uk.com/?i=12gLWZ06R23i&vp=6&bg=341&bp=48710x&bi=0

£7.76 p&p. Total £25.79

kazd

DingDong,

Just waiting for my first meal to come out of it, so will measure it and post details later. Have done Lamb Shanks, if its nice I will post the recipe later. We are going to have it with roasted vegetables.

Kazd

kazd

Ok, have now washed up and measure crock pot. Measurements are approx 31cm x 23cm x 12.5cm (depth). Lamb was lovely, ended up having to pick the bones out, because the lamb just fell off the bones. Will post the recipe soon.

filigree_2

Still dithering about buying a slow cooker. I know I want one eventually, but I've got a tiny kitchen and I'm about to move, so I'm thinking I might as well wait till the new place, but then the special offer at Tesco might not be running. Ah well, I'm sure some eagle eyed moneysaver will spot another bargain buy ;o)

I have seen a Russell & Hobbs model for about £32 in Tesco described as "dual pot". It has two inner crockpots, one of 2 litres and one of 4 litres. I thought this might be useful for say, cooking a casserole then putting the spuds in towards the end. I'm not sure if it's possible to use just one pot, perhaps with plain water in the other pot so it doesn't burn. That would be useful for days when you don't want to cook a lot. What it doesn't say is if it's possible to remove the inner part and revert to full 6 litre capacity for really large joints.

Does anyone have any experience of these dual pots? Opinions?

Ticklemouse

Haven't seen the dual pot one, but I shouldn't think you'll be able to convert to a single pot, unless the small pot is within the big one. You need the pot to put the food in and you can't cook on the inside bit - it's just a heated metal inner which isn't waterproof so juices etc will get through the screw holes and onto the element. Unless you know you'll be doing 2 competely separate dishes ie roast in one and milk pud in another, you won't need 2 pots. You can put your potatoes or rice etc in with your meat, in a separate dish and they will cook OK.