Buying a slow cooker (which? & why?)

HalfaSixpence_2

Well I cooked a piece of rolled brisket in the large crockpot today for lunch. It looked a little lonely sitting there in all that space, and all it had to keep it company was a chopped onion (browned) and half a can of Guinness. Normally with pot roasts I put loads of carrots etc in too, but my husband had obviously gone on a carrot and hummus jag at some point and the carrot-cupboard was unexpectedly bare. I was definitely worried it would dry up as I was out from 8.30 until nearly 1. I put it in last night with the timer set to cook from 5am to 1pm and had to restrain myself from adding lots of extra liquid just in case. I am so glad I didn't - there was no sign of drying up; just the right amount of the most delicious rich caramelised onion gravy you ever tasted - no thickening or reducing needed. The meat was falling apart - I could have done with it being a little less well cooked, but it wasn't dry and was very yummy. So it does seem as if smaller quantities can be cooked in the big cooker without disaster ensuing.

kizandcorez

Yeah bought one today now i need to learn how to use it. we got one as an engagement prezzie years ago it sat in the cupboard unused then i gave it away :-(

emmwri

I'm researching slow cookers for my Mum. She has recently seperated from my Dad and has had to move into a council flat so has no appliances. She can't afford to get a cooker and is surviving on a microwave. I wondered if a cheap slow cooker might be an alternative for her? Does it just cook stew type things? I have noticed some people saying they put a joint in - as in a joint to have a roast-type dinner? Does it cook anything else? Someone told me they cook pizzas and things in theirs but now I'm not sure if they meant some sort of mini oven rather than a slow cooker?

SpursDave

Hi and welcome! So far as I know, no slow cookers don't do roasts and the like. I think the one your referring to is a Remoska, see other threads.

Your Mum should be able to apply for a grant or loan from the social if she is re-settling into a new flat as a result of enforced homelessness (i.e. divorce/separation), wich can help pay for the nessecities of life and I would argue a cooker is one of them. She should be able to get a reasonable priced electric cooker too. Try posting a question on the benefits section or see your local Citizens Advice for details of grants and loans.

bigmuffins

Hi
Just bought this Rival Crockpot: :money:
http://www.johnlewis.com/230399046/Product.aspx

reduced to 21 pounds in John Lewis as it was good price and can use on hob and oven as well as as SC but as haven't really used a slow cooker before, I googled it but haven't seen any good reviews!
Am now a bit concerned that was not a good buy and would appreciate advice from anyone who uses one of these (or has tried one)
Can anyone help? Should I take it straight back or is it worth trying out?
Thanks in Anticipation!
:beer:

emmwri

Thanks SpursDave - I will have a search for Remoska instead.
Will also enquire on the benefits thread. My Mum works full time though, she just can't afford a cooker because of debt so i don't know whether that would be looked upon as her own fault really and it's tough if she can't have a cooker. I will ask though and see.

Emma x

SpursDave

Eating has got be more important than paying debts..........

HalfaSixpence_2

emmwri wrote: »

I'm researching slow cookers for my Mum. She has recently seperated from my Dad and has had to move into a council flat so has no appliances. She can't afford to get a cooker and is surviving on a microwave. I wondered if a cheap slow cooker might be an alternative for her? Does it just cook stew type things? I have noticed some people saying they put a joint in - as in a joint to have a roast-type dinner? Does it cook anything else? Someone told me they cook pizzas and things in theirs but now I'm not sure if they meant some sort of mini oven rather than a slow cooker?

Yes; that sounds more like a Remoska. They are great; wonderful at roasting a small joint or little chicken (or there is a big Remoska for more people, but I use the little one and there are 4 of us.)

If I had to choose Remoska or slow cooker I'd go for the remoska unless I knew I was going to be out long hours and needed to come back to a hot meal.

HalfaSixpence_2

SpursDave wrote: »

Eating has got be more important than paying debts..........

A good debt-repayment program will make sure you have enough for necessities before calculating how much you pay off each month. CAP (Christians against Poverty; CAP.org.uk, I think) provides a good, totally free service with no strings attached.

flippin36

Hi, I would really appreciate your advice (hoping that this is the right place to post)

I am wanting to purchase 2 slow cookers. One for my mum and dad (who need something small) and one for us (needs to be family sized).

I have been looking today and was a bit taken aback at the difference in prices. What I want to know is - is a slow cooker a slow cooker, or is it worth paying more. I have never used one before so have I don't have a clue.

Is there a particular brand you would recommend or a particular function that I should look out for. Are they economical?

Thank you in advance :A