Are slow cookers shit?

209 replies

rainbowstardrops · 05/11/2025 18:41

I mean, I know they’re not shit but I’m currently cooking a Thai beef dish and it looks absolutely nothing like the picture in the recipe book. It looks dull and watery and just so unappetising.
Am I being unreasonable to think that the bloody recipes in these books look nothing like the final result photos?
Oh and I put half of the chilli flakes in because one of mine doesn’t like spicy (I do) but this is even setting my mouth on fire!
Pah!

OP posts:

DeafLeppard · 05/11/2025 18:55

Yes. Next!

Screamingabdabz · 05/11/2025 18:55

Brown meat first and very little liquid is the key.

Hankunamatata · 05/11/2025 18:54

You need a better recipe

Lifesyoungdream · 05/11/2025 18:54

I love my slow cooker and food always taste great cooked in it .
I find you don’t need a lot of liquid in a slow cooker and don’t open lid during cooking time.

overstimulatedhermit · 05/11/2025 18:53

I think they are, also the food tastes rubbish too

x2boys · 05/11/2025 18:53

No but I use very little liquid when cooking anything in the slow cooker
A tip I learnt on here
Otherwise it ends up watery mush ime.

KnickerlessParsons · 05/11/2025 18:51

Use a recipe specifically for a slow cooker until you get the hang of it.
we had a delicious oxtail stew made in the SC last weekend.

Fridgemanageress · 05/11/2025 18:49

R u taking the lid off constantly checking it? Don’t because it takes ages to heat up again.

i have one from the 1970s’, it is 35watt power and takes about 12/13 hours for a beef stew, 18 hours to cook a lump of gammon, Christmas puddings about 2days!

Personally, I brown all the meat of at the beginning because it seals the meat, but if you’re watching the calories don’t brown the meat but it looks grey.

i love love love my slo cooker, i use it loads

Thingamebobwotsit · 05/11/2025 18:48

Maybe try a different recipe book. BBC good food tend to be ok.

Generally curry does quite well in a slow cooker.

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