Buying a slow cooker (which? & why?)

daska

coolagarry wrote: »

Most comments you see are not really directed at the actual make of crock pot (because there is nothing really that can go wrong with them they are so simple) but the actual 'crock pot way of cooking'.

I'm sure all of the above will do an excellent job so it comes down to appearance and size. All have a removable container that you can take to the table - so no real difference there. The 3.5L size, which they all are, is well able to deal with 4 people but doesn't make any allowance for dinner party's etc.

If you are sticking with the 3.5L then I would go for the cheapest.

That's largely true but there are differences in size (mine is 6.5l) and, if you read the reviews, some makes are more prone to burning, and there was (not sure if it's still available) one that had two compartments (for main and sweet) where people complained that the flavours weren't kept separate. So, it's worth taking a look at the reviews, especially if your considering one with a 'special feature'.

I'm very happy with my morphy richards BTW.

System

Thanks for your replies, appreciated. I've seen this one which is half price in Argos but it has no reviews so not sure whether to get it :-

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4231473/Trail/searchtext>SLOW+COOKER.htm

I did see the 6.5 lt one but that might be too big I think..

blueberrypie

coolagarry wrote: »

Most comments you see are not really directed at the actual make of crock pot (because there is nothing really that can go wrong with them they are so simple)

Erm, well, yes, but...

There are things that can go wrong with them, just as with any electrical appliance - and it's worth knowing what kind of response you'll get from the retailer/manufacturer if it does. Morphy Richards do seem to stand behind their slow-cookers, but my experience with Russell Hobbs was that they don't want to know, even when it's something that's a common fault with that model.

I'd also avoid digital controls, because there's no real benefit to them, but they add to the likelihood of a problem occurring - but even with non-digital models, things can go wrong - which is why when I replaced my RH, I went with a MR.

lucielle

As the title shows I am contemplating buying a slow cooker but I'm unsure what capacity and model to get. Any advice appreciated.
L

sexykellylovespink

i have a 6litre slowcooker and that would easily feed 6 people, hope this helps, kelly x

zippychick

check these links

Which and why?

Complete slow cooker collection

My first short links, did they work?!

jcr16

i have a 4.5 . we are a family of 5. ( 3 are small children) i find if i am using it to say cook chilli ( which i'll serve with either jackets or rice.) the 4.5 makes loads enough for freezer. if i'm making a casserole with dumplin's there will be enough for all of us , plus maybe 1 portion for freezer. i can cook a 2.4 chicken in it perfectly.

i guess it all depends on your portion sizes and if yu would like any left over for freezing. If i was you i'd be thinking of buying a 6.5 ( they have one on offer in argos for about £22 i think).

i will prob when my kids are older and eating more go up to a 6.5 later on.

Cashew

Do you think the 4-in-1 slow cookers are any good? http://slow-cooker.org.uk

ravylesley

There are six of us and we have the 6.5l Morphy Richards Slow Cooker and its plenty big enough for us to have a meal from it and have leftovers for the freezer

Lesleyxx

daska

ravylesley wrote: »

There are six of us and we have the 6.5l Morphy Richards Slow Cooker and its plenty big enough for us to have a meal from it and have leftovers for the freezer

Lesleyxx

Ditto (except there are 5 of us). I love that I can cook a leg of lamb with veg in one pot!

The reviews for the tefal 4-in-1 look very positive but there's no indication of the size. Also, a couple of the reviews indicate that they already have other slow cookers and use this primarily for rice.