Buying a slow cooker (which? & why?)

Edinburghlass_2

fairylights wrote:

Right, so I've found this slow cooker in Argos and reserved it for pickup tomorrow. 8.99 from 17.99, and I really want to use it, but I'm not sure whether it's a necessary expense. I've seen lots of recommendations, but I'm just not sure. I don't want another appliance cluttering my kitchen unnecessarily (am already thinking about swapping the breadmaker for a comprehensive food processor instead).

Are they REALLY worth their weight?

I have that slow cooker and would say it is worth the fairly small amount of money that it costs. I only cook for two and its plenty big enough and doesn't take up a lot of room.

Breadmaker though does and has already been consigned to the garden hut

HTH

larmy16

I have one. Probably the one you are thinking of buying? Cookworks? I dont use mine that often. I am just not organised enough! However I purchased one at a boot sale for £2.50 (as a spare!) and gave it to my sister when she thought of buying one.

She uses it a lot. I think also because I rarely eat meat, I dont think of using it for stews etc. I have done applesauce in it, with cinamon for a crumble.

You saying this has made me think I must get it down and make something!

henhog

I love my slow cooker and do use it a lot. Look at the recipes here for inspiration, or go to the library and get a slow cooker recipe book out. I bought The Slow cooker cook book by Gina Steer. Lots of lovely recipes, including a veg section.

chrislee765

When it says slow cooker.. how slow is slow?
Also what is the advantage of using a slow cooker?
Thanks

Rikki

I love mine. Start it off in the morning and its all ready to eat in the evening.
Porrige overnite. Christmas pudding on christmas day.
And lots more.

A good book is:- Slow Cooker Receipe Book by Catherine Atkinson.

Princess_Fiona_2

I received my slow cooker as a pressie several years ago. I love it. Okay I dont use it as much in the warmer weather but during the winter months it is used weekly. From whole chickens to legs of lamb. Also cheaper pieces of meat eg braising steak is great just add herbs spices a couple of onions, peppers and chopped toms and voila just needs a bit of thickening. Serve with jacket pots. Yum yum.

PF

Angel101_2

How much electricity do slow cookers use? Has anyone noticed an increase in their electricity bill since using one? Thanks!

Loretta

I love my slow cooker I am sure I read somewhere that they cost as much as one light bulb to run.

Slow means as slow as you like, it is not like an oven where something takes a certain length of time. Just chuck it all in, say, in the morning, and when you come back from work it is ready. Things like casseroles cooked on low it doesn't matter if it gets an extra couple of hours, and when you have had your meal if someone else is coming in later to eat, kids etc, the same meal is there, just as good rather than having to do quick frozen chips or something. I think you need one bigger than you think, with bolognese sauce, or anything cook double what you need for that day and freeze the rest for another day then you have a meal ready or eventually you can live off these 'extras' for a week, saving both time and money! and buy an oval shaped one so that a chicken etc fits in.

BellaBargains

I really fancy getting a slow cooker - someone has found this one at Argos for £11.49 (should be around £22 apparently) but is it any good....

http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=3801&productId=160334&clickfrom=name

sorry - don't know how to do short links

Davidboy

Well Bella, don't have that particular model but have a Cookworks one (fairly cheap at the time). But works great. Does some great stews etc. At that price you can't really go wrong. Go for it.

We have had trouble finding recipes for slow cookers, they are not the "IN" thing right now, but found a couple on Amazon for a reasonable price. Will be trying some recipes soon!

Food really does come out good, meat tender etc.

D