Buying a slow cooker (which? & why?)

salster

hayley11 wrote: »

My mum bought be a slow cooker for Christmas! :T I've been wanting one for ages but couldn't really afford one...going to use it tomorrow

Excellent, I love mine.

Beef in Ale stew cooked for 8 hours - MEGA :beer:

sexykellylovespink

i got one too and i am gonna use mine tomoz cant wait

hayley11

sexykellylovespink wrote: »

i got one too and i am gonna use mine tomoz cant wait

:T Somebody called me a loser for being excited about having a slow cooker :eek: If they don't see how cool it is then I think it's quite clear who the loser is :rotfl:

champys

I happened to see one for sale in Aldi a week or so ago - couldn't resist it so I bought it, it is massive! Slow cookers are ridiculously expensive in France, so this was my chance at 19 Euros only. Does anyone else have the Aldi one (brand name is Quigg), and is it OK?

Jacqu79

I got one for Christmas too!!!:j A silver cookworks one.

so excited!!! have put a sausage casserole on about an hour ago. haven't a clue how long it'll take, but not too fussed!! just wanted to use it, and didn't have any other uncooked meat to put in it!:D

danksshady

I love my slowcooker - got it free from the catalogue as an incentive gift a few years ago
I made turkey casserole in it today and its always on once or twice each week

lauzjp

I bought one in the argos sale today, after dilly-dallying over it for a few days - at a tenner I can't complain really, will test it out tomorrow! Don't know what with yet though

look_after_the_pennies

I got a slow cooker too for Christmas! :j Can't wait to try it out!

car25

I'm after advice please.

I want to buy a slow cooker, but don't know what size to buy. There are 3 of us, and I would like to be able to make enough to freeze for another meal each time I use it. Would 3.5l be enough, or should I go for one of the 4.5l?

Is it also best to get the type that you can brown stuff on the hob in the crock, to save using (and washing) a frying pan.

Does anyone have any particular brand recommendations.

Many thanks.

lindos90

car25 wrote: »

I'm after advice please.



Is it also best to get the type that you can brown stuff on the hob in the crock, to save using (and washing) a frying pan.

Car25, thats just what ive come on here to search for too!!

Up to now ive only been able to confirm that some of the 'crockpot saute' range can be used to fry/seal off meat before cooking, how ever they do seem more expensive, but are a recognisable name.

I would much prefer to brown my meat in the pot rather than use a frying pan. Also ive heard it gives the meat a much better flavour to fry it first, and then when you put the slow cooker on, the pot is already hot and cooking starts sooner as it gets to temperature quicker.

Im wanting to know if its only the crock pot 'saute' range that allows you to fry in the pot, or if others do.

Another tip Ive seen is to get a brown or black pot, as the white ones discolour more easily.

Can anyone advise myself and Car?

Thanks