Buying a slow cooker (which? & why?)

Linda32

I'm sure you'll love it. I've got a slow cooker setting on my cooker so I used to use that. I really must start using it again. Nice hot meals in the winter :j

Pink.

Hi Spirited,

I love my slow cooker! It's ancient but has never failed to produce a good meal when I haven't had time to fiddle about.

We have another thread started on the merits of slow cookers today, so I've merged yours with it as it helps to keep all the replies together.

Pink

bulchy

I'm looking to buy a slowcooker tomorrow, does anyone have the Rival Crockpot 6.5 litre? Ideally I would like one with 'cool wall' but the AWT one is smaller than the Rival.So does anyone have one, can you tell me if this is coolwall, if not, how hot does the outside get, I have 2 cats and a clumsy son, between the 3 of them, I'm certain at least one of them will manage to hurt themselves on it if its too hot :rotfl:
Thanks in advance.
Sue

gingin_2

I would appreciate some advice on this slow cooker below. I am a slow cooker virgin and would like something big enough to cook meals for 8 (4 portions for 2 meals) and especially for soups and stocks. Do you think this looks good or should I go for a "brand name"? I would be grateful for any advice please .

http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=568806

Pink.

Hi gingin,

I think a lot of people on OS have the cookworks one, but if I was you I'd look at getting a bigger one.

Mine is 3.5 ltrs, it was a wedding present 23 years ago, but we are beginning to outgrow it as I now struggle to get a meal for five out of it. I'm thinking of buying this one.

Pink

gingin_2

Thanks pink-winged, that's exactly the info I needed. I definitely want to use it for bulk cooking so will probably go and purchase the larger one.

hole_in_pocket_2

we have the morphy richards one no problems cooking enough,easily fit a joint in or whole chicken.

one point is that the stainless steel sides do get hot (have seen others advertised with "stay cool" sides).
and the lid is not as well fitting as some other brands,but no major problems.

ps if you want to cook less ? you can easily fit a smaller casserole dish in and have an inch or so of water in the main cooker.if that makes sense.

annie-c

gingin wrote:

I would appreciate some advice on this slow cooker below. I am a slow cooker virgin and would like something big enough to cook meals for 8 (4 portions for 2 meals) and especially for soups and stocks. Do you think this looks good or should I go for a "brand name"? I would be grateful for any advice please .

http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=568806

I have that exact slow cooker and it's fantastic. Have had it 2 years now

I would say you'll get all-in-one meals for 6 in it (eg casseroles). If you're cooking someting like chilli you'll easily get 8 portions (because normally you'd add rice so don't need as big a portion). :T

I'm greedy and eat from big plates, if that helps you to judge!

gingin_2

Thanks as ever annie-c. I think I will have to go for the larger version but it looks like a good deal what ever the size .

mrsbez_2

Hi all,

Hope you can help.

I'm a SAHM who needs to buy a slow cooker for our expanding family so i can prepare it all and leave it going throughout the day.

I really don't know what size to get. I want one that can take quite alot as i will be batch cooking, but one that can be easily cleaned ideally in the dishwasher.

Obviously not too expensive! but open to suggestions.

Also, can you leave them on whilst your out of the house???

Thanks