Slow Cookers and Chicken

balabooberlies

Thank you Nelski

goldfinches

You asked about having to fill a sear and stew completely and like @Nelski I agree that you won't and can run it at whatever capacity level you want. I tend to use mine for a minimum of four portions, that would be at least a litre of liquid once you've taken tinned tomatoes and stock into account, which is less than a third of its capacity and I have no problems or with filling it nearly to the brim either. 
As regards flavour, in my opinion, the sear and stew is better because keeping everything in one pot retains every ounce of your maillard reaction or soffritto/mirepoix mixture and there are also fewer occasions for mess and spillage if you are not transferring between cooking vessels. But this is just my opinion, do choose what's best for you not me!
Happy casseroling, goldfinches.
PS if you like dumplings in your slow cooker meals have a look at good housekeeping's website, they have a good roundup list of them that's currently available.

balabooberlies

Thank you Goldfinch.  I know it's going to take time to create a relationship with whatever I buy but am determined not to keep getting to a point in the day where I am wondering what to cook.  And to have things in the freezer that can be taken out in the morning would be wonderful.  Not wasting is also huge consideration.

bala

goldfinches

balabooberlies said:

Thank you Goldfinch.  I know it's going to take time to create a relationship with whatever I buy but am determined not to keep getting to a point in the day where I am wondering what to cook.  And to have things in the freezer that can be taken out in the morning would be wonderful.  Not wasting is also huge consideration.

bala

I think you're being very sensible about the whole decision and that whatever you decide will prove to be a life enhancer.

As you know I've my own challenges around purchasing but I certainly find the fridge shelf full of portioned meals a great boost to the self esteem and it truly does one good to eat well consistently. Since I began taking better care of myself in this respect my health has improved dramatically.
I also find that food provides an absorbing and challenging interest that can be enjoyed daily, from choosing and planning through the exercise incumbent upon provisioning to preparation and eating, there is much to immerse oneself in and forget many other matters entirely.
I shall now wobble and hobble down off my soap box and hie me to bed, goodnight and sweet dreams, goldfinches.

Skip76

I chop a lemon into quarters and put them inside the chicken with lots of garlic and some fresh thyme. Also put slices of lemon, garlic and fresh thyme, salt and pepper on top. Lovely!!

lyndyloub

At the weekend  I bought a new one from Curry's was not cheap but it's 6.5  so takes an extra large chicken. It has a seat & stew metal liner rather than a crock pot & I love it already. 

balabooberlies

Lyndy.........can you share what make you bought ?