Nice People 13: Nice Save

PasturesNew

Right .... slow cookers. Spec:
- oval, not round
- no fancy "searing", just a regular SC
- 3.5litres. I did think about smaller (1.5 L), but it's hard to scale down a lot of ingredients; I'd certainly not want one bigger. 3.5L allegedly serves 3-4, so is the maximum volume I'd want to be churning out.

Here are the ones I've found, the right shape/size, in budget - in order:

1/Russell Hobbs] http://direct.asda.com/Russell-Hobbs-Cook%40Home-19790-56---slow-cooker/001587171,default,pd.html
2/Crock Pot] http://www.tesco.com/direct/crock-pot-35l-black-slow-cooker/207-1034.prd?pageLevel=&skuId=207-1034
3/Breville] http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4201276.htm
4/Sains] http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/shop/gb/groceries/all-kitchen-appliances/sainsburys-compact-slow-cooker-32l

I am a sucker and probably leaning towards the 1/Russell one based mostly on the price/discount showing, which is probably a daft reason.

After that one I'd probably veer towards the Crock Pot as it looks different, then the Breville based on discount and finally the Sains one.

ukmaggie45

PasturesNew wrote: »

Right .... slow cookers. Spec:
- oval, not round
- no fancy "searing", just a regular SC
- 3.5litres. I did think about smaller (1.5 L), but it's hard to scale down a lot of ingredients; I'd certainly not want one bigger. 3.5L allegedly serves 3-4, so is the maximum volume I'd want to be churning out.

Here are the ones I've found, the right shape/size, in budget - in no particular order:

1/Sains] http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/shop/gb/groceries/all-kitchen-appliances/sainsburys-compact-slow-cooker-32l
2/Russell Hobbs] http://direct.asda.com/Russell-Hobbs-Cook%40Home-19790-56---slow-cooker/001587171,default,pd.html
3/Crock Pot] http://www.tesco.com/direct/crock-pot-35l-black-slow-cooker/207-1034.prd?pageLevel=&skuId=207-1034
4/Breville] http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4201276.htm

Edited.

Let me know if you want me to PM further details on any!

PasturesNew

ukmaggie45 wrote: »

Sainsburys 54%.
Russel Hobbs 65%.
Crock-Pot 61%
Breville 75%

Let me know if you want me to PM further details on any!

That's the trouble with Which, they only test a handful of what's for sale when they do the tests... it doesn't contain everything. So, it comes down to guesswork really doesn't it.

No need for any further searches. Cheers for your input/effort.

I'll see what others say and then choose/decide by midnight.

I've 99.99% chosen the Zanussi F/F and will order that tonight/tomorrow.

ukmaggie45

PasturesNew wrote: »

That's the trouble with Which, they only test a handful of what's for sale when they do the tests... it doesn't contain everything. So, it comes down to guesswork really doesn't it.

I guess there are just so many different model numbers they can't check all. I find reading the reviews at least makes me think about things like how easy is it to clean something, what's energy rating, how easy is it to use for someone who doesn't have great manual dexterity, that kind of stuff.

Generali

FWIW, I have a Breville slow cooker and I have had no problems with it. It works first time every time.

The thing is, a fridge freezer or a slow cooker should last well over a decade if you get a decent one.

With a fridge/freezer/fridge-freezer that isn't being moved at all except to be cleaned under once in a while should last almost forever really. The only things to go wrong are the thermostat and the seal, the latter being the limiting factor on its life. That's what makes Zanussi better than Bush or something. The seal is simply better.

Again with a slow cooker, there's just so little to go wrong and very little stress put on the components. If you get a decent one it should outlast you as long as you don't drop the lid or bowl.

Just a thought PN. You are on a very tight budget. Thought about a pressure cooker instead...?

GDB2222

Generali wrote: »

FWIW, I have a Breville slow cooker and I have had no problems with it. It works first time every time.

The thing is, a fridge freezer or a slow cooker should last well over a decade if you get a decent one.

With a fridge/freezer/fridge-freezer that isn't being moved at all except to be cleaned under once in a while should last almost forever really. The only things to go wrong are the thermostat and the seal, the latter being the limiting factor on its life. That's what makes Zanussi better than Bush or something. The seal is simply better.

Again with a slow cooker, there's just so little to go wrong and very little stress put on the components. If you get a decent one it should outlast you as long as you don't drop the lid or bowl.

Just a thought PN. You are on a very tight budget. Thought about a pressure cooker instead...?

Our Electrolux fridge and freezer were bought around 1992 and are still going strong. Only repair has been a thermostat on the freezer. Spare part was easy to source and fit.

I am expecting one or other's compressor to emit the magic smoke some time. Apart from that, they should keep going a bit longer. Some fridges die through a leak that lets out the CFCs, apparently. DW's cousin stabbed her's to death whilst defrosting a bit too vigorously!

Spirit_2

Tomorrow evening DD is having friends round to celebrate her birthday on Sunday.As I am not in full catering mode food for 20 people is sausages and mash. Three types of mash, plain, cheese, mustard. I will make onion gravy, mushy peas and beans to accompany. Any suggestions on how to improve these? There will be Ketchup and HM bread.

Puddings are M&S and for the first time she has a shop bought Birthday cake.

I am assured no one is veggie, and I know that there are no faith /cultural based diets to consider.

AS well as making baked beans more appealing what else is needed to make bangers and mash seem like a party supper?

OH is shooting tomorrow, he is potato peeling tonight, DD and Bf will get house ready tomorrow. I am management.

ukmaggie45

Spirit wrote: »

AS well as making baked beans more appealing what else is needed to make bangers and mash seem like a party supper?

Selection of chutneys? Or even just bog standard Branston. Tomato relish. Pickled onions.

Have some of the baked beans curried ones (just add some curry paste to taste).

Brown sauce as well as ketchup - HP or Daddies. (jazzes up mash well)

Well, that's what comes to mind immediately!

ivyleaf

Doozergirl Glad your breathing is improving. PITA having had to go into work and have an argument though

PasturesNew I have the Crockpot - mine is a few years old now and is white, but otherwise it seems identical. I use it fairly regularly and am glad I've got it. Officially you're supposed to brown all the meat and veg before putting them in, but I only do that if I'm feeling conscientious. It can take a small whole chicken or joint. I suggest buying a book about slow-cooking too - mine is called "Slow Cooking Properly explained"by Dianne Page, it was a paperback (well, it still is!) and wasn't at all expensive, but there are quite a number of similar books on the market. HTH

Maggie I hope you and your DH feel better very soon.

ETA Spirit, I've just seen your post about the saus and mash and it sounds yummy, especially the three types of mash. :drool: Garlic and olive mash is lovely too, but probably rather fiddly to make atm. Must admit I've only had it in a hotel restaurant

GDB2222

Spirit wrote: »

Tomorrow evening DD is having friends round to celebrate her birthday on Sunday.As I am not in full catering mode food for 20 people is sausages and mash. Three types of mash, plain, cheese, mustard. I will make onion gravy, mushy peas and beans to accompany. Any suggestions on how to improve these? There will be Ketchup and HM bread.

Puddings are M&S and for the first time she has a shop bought Birthday cake.

I am assured no one is veggie, and I know that there are no faith /cultural based diets to consider.

AS well as making baked beans more appealing what else is needed to make bangers and mash seem like a party supper?

OH is shooting tomorrow, he is potato peeling tonight, DD and Bf will get house ready tomorrow. I am management.

Just to keep things simple, as well as ketchup I'd have mustard (French or German) plus HP sauce. Plus any other relishes you happen to have in the cupboard, as long as they are served in the jar!

PS: Do you have any Linda McCartney sausages in the freezer, as somebody's bound to be veggie after all, probably as a new year resolution?