What size slow cooker?

[IHateHeatWaves]

Thinking of getting a slow cooker/ Crockpot. We are a family of 4, including 2 teen boys with hollow legs. I’d like to cook, with leftovers, so think a pot to feed 6 would be suitable.

What size would you suggest? Any recommended brands?

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MNHQ

Consider the shape. You can cook a whole chicken in an oval slow cooker.

I reckon I’d go for a six litre one. We’ve the three and a half litre one. My husband bought it without consultation on a whim, given time again I’d buy a big one as I can struggle to get large joints of meat in it etc.

Large, wider /oval ones are best. Better for cooking joints and I double up and freeze the extra portions.

Any recommendations for a large, wide, 6L one?

Thx for all the great help.

I would go big! If I’m using the slow cooker I like to have enough to freeze too.

I recommend gettng one which can sear meat and fry off vegetables before slow cooking. Usually the insert can be put onto a hob to do this (not sure about induction though). Gives the food a better taste, colour and texture.

I have the Morphy Richards Sear & Stew 3.5L but it comes in larger size. Several other barands have versions that have the sear option including Crockpt of course. Not all have 'sear' in the title, you need to read the product descriptions.

I rarely bother searing. The slow cooker is there to make my life easier, not complicate things with extra steps and extra clearing up. I can put together a stew in 10 minutes before breakfast, and come home from work to the welcoming smell of a delicious dinner.

Just a word of warning. A 6l oval can be too big for certain things as I find it can burn if it's a thick tomato sauce and not at least half full - and I'm a batch cooker with a family of 5! I don't cook for one meal, usually for at least 4 or 5 and freeze the extras.

As well as the oval 6l, I have thought about getting a 3.5l one. However, I have an instant pot, so would use it instead to slow cook a ragu/ chilli, etc. In fact, my slow cooker sits at the back of a cupboard as I use Instant Pot so much more often, so would recommend that instead. I did a lovely beef shin curry in it overnight recently on the slow cook setting. I've also managed to fit a large chicken or 2 medium chickens in it to pressure cook quickly, but could have slow cooked in it just as easily.

I’ve got a bog standard big slow cooker - you really don’t need anything fancy! I got it from Tesco with Clubcard points. My dd has a fancy Instant Pot and it’s too confusing for me 😂 plus it’s bigger than my crockpot externally, but much smaller internally.

Regarding make/model.
I bought mine 8 years ago for £5 from a charity shop (pat tested etc) it's a vintage Tower and still going strong. I'd definitely recommend the brand as it must be a lot older than 8 years. I bought second hand because I didn't know if I'd use is much, as it is its on 2/3 times a week.

Yes ,this.

Can I please ask, what size oval slow cooker do you think I need to cook a leg of lamb, 2kg shoulder of pork, or big chicken?

There is so much choice. I like the ones you can put on a hob, or bring to the table. But just when I think I’ve found one, it’s too small.

I have a 6litre oval one but I can't get a leg of lamb in unless I get dh to hack the bone off🤣