Buying a slow cooker (which? & why?)

Merlot

I just bought the MR 6.5ltr one for us, we are a family of four and big eaters, Tesco have it in at 23.97 http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.100-1403.aspx

They are out of stock today but check again tomorrow or pop into your local store.

I have used my for the first time today and so far so good, but DH hasn't tasted the food yet, he's not home until after 7.00pm.

njc_2

I'm glad this thread's still going as I am in the running for buying a SC. Unfortunately I'm in Australia so can't buy the same makes & take the benefit of all your reviews though. We've only just come out here & in temporary accomodation that has a crap kitchen so I was looking for alternatives methods to cook & after picking up a random book at the library on SC-ing I'm convinced. Also I'm not working over here so plenty of time to get into cooking & later on there will be a little one arriving so hopefully will find time-saving an advantage.
Also another advantage over here is apparently they don't heat up the kitchen as much as using ovens or hobs so better if it is a hot day & you don't want to add to your heat burden!
Actually are there are bad points about SC-ing? All I've read so far seems amazingly positive but I guess it would help in the interest of balance if there are any obvious downsides.

newlywed

njc - there is only a few things I could think of for downsides (but don't have a slow cooker yet).

1. You have to think ahead and have your meat etc defrosted by the morning.
2. You have to prepare the meal first thing in the morning or the evening before (and keep in the fridge - which is the option I'm planning).
3. If something crops up during the day and you need to have an earlier meal - then I'm not sure that you can!

That's about all I can think of from reading all the threads on here


OH has finally given in to the pressure and ordered me a slow cooker - arriving next Friday.

trying-very-trying

newlywed wrote: »

njc - there is only a few things I could think of for downsides (but don't have a slow cooker yet).

1. You have to think ahead and have your meat etc defrosted by the morning.
2. You have to prepare the meal first thing in the morning or the evening before (and keep in the fridge - which is the option I'm planning).
3. If something crops up during the day and you need to have an earlier meal - then I'm not sure that you can!

That's about all I can think of from reading all the threads on here


OH has finally given in to the pressure and ordered me a slow cooker - arriving next Friday.

Nw,
1) just take out the meat from the freezer at night, it'll be ready to cook in the morning. I have even put frozen beef in the sc, but I'd be more careful about chicken.
3)Of course you can have an earlier meal. It might have to be beans on toast, but what's wrong with that At least you know you'll have a delicious meal the next day.

trying-very-trying

I am so well chuffed:j and so is my dd. Why buy?? I just got a free slow cooker(cordon blueu) from freecycle. It's 3l, 130w. It's the same as my own, but a slightly older model, the woman even had a recipe book for it. I hadn't even heard about freecycle until I started reading this site, so I placed a request for a sc(for my dd getting first home) and got one today. I was so excited, I just had to tell someone(who wouldn't think me sad).

givememoney

I have just bought a Prima slow cooker as recommeded by WHICH

I must say I am disapointed. I had it on for 8 hours for a stew and although ok i expected delicious gravy but it was quite watery and the veg was cooked but a bit firmer than i like them in a stew.

i cooked it on auto which is high for a few hours then it drops to low

any suggestions?

juno

I'm buying my friend a slow cooker for Christmas. At this rate, everyone I know is going to get some form of old style present :-/

Anyway, does anyone know any good deals atm? I'd rather buy online so I can get it sent straight to my friend, and he only needs a small one.

mummyof3_2

I have been toying with buying a slow cooker for a while and would like to know everyone's opinion on them. Will I be impressed, willl I REALLY use it, Is it worth it and what recipes can I do in it?:rolleyes:
I work in the evenings so OH gives the children their meal.
I often struggle to think of what to prepare in advance that can be neuked in the microwave.
All help and advice would be deeply appriciated x:beer:

Olliebeak

I'm sure that many on here will echo my sentiments about slow cookers. I'm delighted with mine - one of my best ever buys.

Whichever one you decide to go for, I'd then think again - and get a bigger one if possible. So many opportunities to make more than needed and then freeze into individual portions for a quick lunch/supper etc.

I'm sure that somebody else will be along shortly and maybe re-direct you to the slow cooker thread (I'm no good at doing that kind of thing).

HariboJunkie

This....

Slow Cooker Recommendations

and this....

The Complete Slow Cooker Collection


may help you decide.