Buying a slow cooker (which? & why?)

tiff

My Argos one does the same when its on high.

Amanda65

Hi all
I have been inspired by the delicious sounding recipes on this board and would like to purchase a slow cooker. Having never used one before though I wondered what size you would recommend? We are a family of 5 (me, OH, 2DD's and 1 DS) but as the girls are mid-teens and my son is 11 with the appetite of a horse I really cook portions for 5 adults so would need a cooker to cater for that number.

pollys

Hi Amanda, I have a Prima it's a really good size for a family, there are 6 of us, trouble is I've had it for ages and I'm not sure if you can still get them. It holds plenty and usually a bit leftover for the next day, great for parties too.

MATH

Get as big as you can get, remember that as well as stew you may want to chuck in dumplings or cobbler for the last hour and it's amazing how easy it is to 'do a bit extra' and freeze for the odd 'emergency meal'.

Providing the crock is about 1/2 full it will work so don't think you have to fill a large crock all the time to use it.

Amanda65

They all seem to be sold in litre sizes - do you happen to know what yours is?

pollys

Hi Amanda I've just googled Prima slow cooker and it holds 5-6 litres, you can still get them and they cost between £20-25.

Sorry I have no idea how to do links.

Iowa_Lot

the one from netto

aussielle

I wouldn't bother with the little ones, get a 6.5 litre. Great for a large piece of meat, whole chicken or making family meals with leftovers to freeze

Pink.

Another vote for the 6.5 ltr 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. As there are five of you I'd go for the biggest one you can find.

Pink

hitchhiker_2

The biggest is probably best. You can freeze any extra. I live alone and have the smallest one (I think it's 2litres), I already find it too small as by the time you get the vegetables and a few small pieces of meat in, I always wish I could make more and keep some for leftovers!