Buying a slow cooker (which? & why?)

gairlochgal

Sorry am on iPad and can't work out how to post links - there is a long thread on this - have a look at the collections at the top of the board. It's in the kitchenware collection.

It really won't be clique-y OS folk wanting to keep their tips to themselves!

Penelope_Penguin

Sambucus_Nigra wrote: »

Please - merge me if there is an old thread running but I can't find it if there is!

Will do

Patr100

The Cookworks one gets a good rating in Which Magazine but it may not be the same one in the new Argos catalogue just out this weekend.

Living_proof

I am using a Cookworks oval one which is about £30 new but cost me the usual £5 at a Car Boot Sale! I have used it for three years now and it has been great, but I still think the Tower (earthenware) one I gave my daughter cooked more steadily. Because it was brown it didn't show any wear, whereas the white Cookworks one show disoloration and every scratch mark. I have a suspicion that the newer ones cook hotter, but maybe just a glitch.

lor6126

Thinking of buying one of these,as i understand it, we will be able to put it on in the morning and our meal will be cooked at night. Do they use a lot of electricity, and will we be able to save by cooking cheaper cuts of meat?. Also cant decide what one to buy for two people. Looking to spend hopefully no more than £25.
Thanks for any advice.

bluecelticgirl

A couple of months ago I bought a Breville one from Argos - love it - used it heaps. Not sure of size but it's not a small round one - it's a medium sized oval one - just not the largest you can get. I cook for two but sometimes cook double to freeze however this is great to also cook say a casserole for two only.. Not sure about running costs but I tried to research before I bought and could not find out definitely only that it appeared to be. Think I only paid less than £20 for mine. You can definitely cook cheaper cuts of meat in it - makes it so tender. I love putting it on in the morning and then coming home to a lovely cooked meal in the evening

deborahmcgeachy

Great thread!!!

When I use my slow cooker the food always seems to be full of liquid!!! Are there any good tips to stop this from happening??

Mine is from tesco (own brand) by the way and I have mine for freezing food once its cooked aswell, mine is quite large but not expensive!!

bluecelticgirl

I found I had too much liquid also - had to basically half (or even less) the liquid I would usually use. Think I have worked it out now - took a few goes though! When I said I got mine for around less than £20 it was on sale at the time

wammy77

I use my slow cooker LOADS, but agree that you need to reduce the water/liquid content of your dish by a fair amount.

If i'm doing a casserole I put in all the veggies and meat, then pour in stock to just cover the veg/meat. I cook on slow for 8 hours by which time it's thickened up nicely.... if i want it thicker still i stir in a tablespoon of cornflour

I make spag/meatballs in mine and it's sooo delicious!!! Just put a jar of passata, jar of chopped tomatoes, meatballs nad a splodge of tomatoe puree in along with some mixed herbs/salt/pepper. Cook on slow for abour 7 hours, add pasta twists and cook for final 20 minutes - yummy!!!

WastingMyTime

I love my slow cooker. Chilli, spag bog, Chicken, soups, casserole, joints of meat, fish, everything really. As it cooks slowly the meat is more juicy, I find.
Its fab for cheaper cuts meats so you can save some money.
Electricity wise I think that the lower the Watts = lower electricity. Mine is 150Watts, my mums is 350Watts (4person).
Should easily find one easily to suit your budget of £25.00
Enjoy!