Buying a slow cooker (which? & why?)

Kimberley

The only thing about the recipes is that it doesn't give you the actual amount of each ingredient or how long to cook it for otherwise i'd use mine which has been sitting in the corner of the kitchen for ages. I'm scared to use it and leave it on whilst i'm at work.

newlywed

Kimberley wrote: »

The only thing about the recipes is that it doesn't give you the actual amount of each ingredient or how long to cook it for otherwise i'd use mine which has been sitting in the corner of the kitchen for ages. I'm scared to use it and leave it on whilst i'm at work.

I think that's because it depends how big your slow cooker is

I just guess the amounts judging by what 2 people or 4 people will eat (as I cook for both those amounts) Sometimes if the cooker doesn't look even half full I will add extra veg and use leftovers for lunch

As for the time, it depends if you put it on high, medium or low. If you cook on low then most recipes seem to be about 6-8 hours although I leave mine on longer as I am out for 10 hours and it's fine on low for that long

As for leaving it on all day - leave it on one day when you are in - don't fill it completely to the top so it doesn't bubble over at all. Then you will build up more confidence about leaving it. Mine is 150W - that's only a bit more than a lightbulb and I'd leave a light or two on all day without worrying

The whole point is that they have been designed to be on for hours

Kimberley

Newlywed ok i'll try using it on saturday, so as i'm at work 4 hours, i'd be ok to have it on medium whatever I cooked? Mine is 3.5 litres. There is just me and my three children

astonsmummy

Kimberly, just dont forget about it, i went out on sun, popped into my neighbours on the way home and when i popped back home to grab something, i rmebered i had food in the slow cooker, lets just say the sausages were like mush, good job they had invited me for dinner :rotfl:

newlywed

If you're using root veg then I might be tempted to try it on high for 4 hours to be honest, otherwise you might end up with crunchy carrots (unless you like em that way). Sausages and chopped meat should cook ok in that time just not sure how soft your veg will be

maddriver

Have used mine 4 times so far, in each case left it on auto setting (High for a few hours then down to low till you turn it off) for 8-9 hours.

Used frozen carrots on the first attempt, even they came out tender. most recent attempt was belly pork with veg and apples, and a drop of cider. mmmmm

Its easy, stick food in in the morning, turn it on, come back home serve and freeze the excess. I'm only cooking for myself, but cook 4 portions. And its difficult to overcook, the worst you'll do is turn things into mush.

On the other hand, I've just cremated a piece of fish in the microwave. I thought they were meant to be easy??

loujsully

Hi everyone ,talking of slow cookers.....

Everytime i use my I end up with LOADS of fat floating around top and its look very unappetising.... do I just scoop it off or an I doing something wrong?? I have the Morphy Richard 3 in 1 slow cooker/rice cooker/steamer and its only got 1 setting, not sure if its high or low and have lost the instructions!

newlywed

loujsully - I always trim the fat off the meat before it goes into the slow cooker. I would do that with any meat however I was cooking it. When cooking chicken thighs, I skinned them as apparently this makes a big difference.

I don't add any extra fat to my casseroles etc.

Skint_Catt

loujsully wrote: »

Hi everyone ,talking of slow cookers.....

Everytime i use my I end up with LOADS of fat floating around top and its look very unappetising.... do I just scoop it off or an I doing something wrong?? I have the Morphy Richard 3 in 1 slow cooker/rice cooker/steamer and its only got 1 setting, not sure if its high or low and have lost the instructions!

I just skim it off, but i agree it doesn't look good!

Catt xx

davetaylor

I have bought the Morphy Richards 48715 6.5 ltr. I'm not sure if I'm happy with it. It seems to heat up really quickly. Even when I have it on low. I had a smaller MR unit and I could certainly leave it on for longer.

Has anyone else found this?

Dave