Slow cooker if out for 10+ hours?

[ChangingStates]

Really want to buy a slow cooker to use on days where I am out at work but my days are often 12 hours- had a quick flick through a recipe book and it seems most recipes are 4-8hrs. Anyone with long days use one and if so what are your tips? Or should I just give up on the idea??

[MushroomSoup]

I do. Out of the house at 7 a.m. and not in before 6 p.m.

Despite what the recipe says, I cook on low!

[Fallulah]

I had this problem, now I prep it all and have a timer switch on the plug socket so that it is only actually on for 6 to 8 hours depending on what it is.

[AndNoneForGretchenWieners]

I have done it - sometimes I'm out for 14 hours with my long commute. It's fine for stews and chillis as long as you don't use a premade sauce - I find that the sugars in them makes them burn even on low. I love my slow cooker - I cooked a half leg of lamb in mine today, with a marinade of redcurrant and port, and it was immense. I could have just roasted it to be honest but wanted to try it a different way!

[Wolfiefan]

Plug in timers are not recommended as you leave food sitting out at room temperature so bacteria can grow. You can get slow cookers with a keep warm function which is safer I believe.

[Owlettele]

Used to leave ours on all day - similar length to what you mentioned. Found even on low sauces were singed and didn't taste great. Now we use a plug timer so can have on for the 4 hours or whatever is recommended.

[PurplePotatoes]

I have one with delay start and keep warm functions. Must admit I hadn't thought about the bacteria thing though!

[ChangingStates]

So if I just pick a low setting I can cook for longer than the recipe says? This is a whole new world
Any recommendations for ones I can use for longer on low-,or with a delay??

[ChangingStates]

Which one do you use purplepotatoes- delay start and keep warm may do it!

[PurplePotatoes]

It's this one

Andrew James Premium Slow Cooker with Timer, 4.5L Red Digital Cooker with Removable Ceramic Bowl, Tempered Glass Lid, Delayed Start and Keep Warm Functions www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0752QLM4F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_bK9wAbYG8NSWV?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

It really is great!

[DropZoneOne]

I use a plug timer for it to come on later. Hadn't ever considered bacteria but all my recipes are vegetarian so maybe that's why it's ok? Or the bacteria get killed off once it heats up fully anyway?