is it big enough???

tiff

I think a veg stew cooked on high for 3 hours would be ok. I think Sarahsaver said that rice pudding in a slow cooker does come out with skin on, or did I read that wrong?

If you're not sure about it, dont buy it. I dont mind all the chopping and peeling, so I can clear up and leave it all to cook. Its much easier when you've all been out for the day, to come back to a meal that is done. I like it, but maybe its not for everyone. I was reading another forum where the guy didnt like slow cookers because whole chickens tend to disintegrate if left too long. Thats not a problem for me, so its horses for courses I suppose

Magentasue

Continued my research and found that the 3in1 is only 3.2litres so probably not big enough to use as a slow cooker for my family. I do like the idea of bung it in and leave it but don't think it would get enough use in our house to justify the cost. What I was thinking was that it would be easy enough for OH and teenagers to use when they're at home and in charge of cooking. That happens May and June though and I don't think we would be wanting soup and stew every day then!

Bogof_Babe

Blimey mine must be a real tiddler - only 1.85 Litres! It's very old (must be over 25 years) and is a Prestige one. The outside is orangey-red and the pot is brown. It has a high and low setting. It is very shallow, only about 3" deep. There are only two of us, and as hubby is vegetarian it is tricky to think of suitable meals to do in it, but on the odd occasion I've done a veggie curry or stew, it has been enough for one main meal, with some left over to pad out with extra things the next day.

If only I could get the hang of doing jacket spuds successfully, it would be a boon, as it holds about 7-8 medium sized ones. Tried once but they were soggy and did too quickly. I might risk it without adding any water next time, but don't want the pot to shatter.

It's obviously not much good for bulk cooking or a larger family. I'm glad I've read this thread, as I've sometimes wondered how many portions it is supposed to fit.

Ticklemouse

My middle sized one is a Tower Family-de-lixe, 4.4 pints. That could be the one you're all refering to. I've done a veg curry in it and even filling it to the brim (which you're not supposed to do cos no room to cook properly) I think I got 4 portions out of it, but that did included spuds so we didn't need rice. If you like your veggie casseroles/curries, then 6.5L would be ideal. I made another beef and veggie curry last week and got 7 adult portions out of it.

Ticklemouse

LOL - Bogof - that's my little one. Used to be my mum's. It's fine for just doing 'flat' things like braising steak or milk puds. My understair cupboard looks like the 3 billy goats gruff den - Big slow-cooker gruff, middle slow-cooker gruff and little slow-cooker gruff.:D

homealone_2

have had a look and its made by tower and is 3.5 litres. explains why i thought it was small. am thinking now of getting one of the 6.5 you all seem to have, which one is the best and where is it the cheapest. guess my one would be ok for soups or stews witout potatoes

Ticklemouse

The consensus seems to be the Morphy Richards 6.5L, model no. 48715, still available at £25.25 incl free P&P. We all seem to have this one. You can't get rpoints or greasypalm points on it via amazon, even if that's still cheapest, although I think you save 12p all in all. Mine was delivered within the week.

furrypig

Tesco online are now selling this model for £25.25 inc postage too.
Might have to get one and join the slow cooker club!

Ticklemouse

Doh - part of my message seems to have disappeared. I did mean to say that it was available FROM TESCO's etc etc. That's where mine came from. That'll teach me not to read my posts. Cheers, furrypig