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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask you to recommend a slow cooker?

35 replies

FizzyWizzyFlash · 12/05/2018 10:26

I've finally decided to give in and get one because I see the benefit however there are just so many!

This will be used to make beef or veg stews mainly.

Any recommendations?

I'm happy to buy whatever lasts a long time and is really good.

OP posts:
kitkatsky · 12/05/2018 10:29

Don't bother, get a pressure cooker. Dinners like lasagne and a whole chicken in half an hour!

SharkSave · 12/05/2018 10:40

I've got the morphe Richards one with a metal pot so I don't have to brown the meat in a separate pan

TheLandOfOddSocks · 12/05/2018 10:41

Same as @SharkSave. It's brilliant. And the pot and lid go in the dishwasher. Smile

CurlyWurlyTwirly · 12/05/2018 10:42

Agree with @kitskatsky get an electronic pressure cooker. I have an instant pot.
You can walk through the door & have dinner on the table in half an hour.

Smeaton · 12/05/2018 10:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ImNotMeImSomeoneElse · 12/05/2018 10:44

I would agree with the instant pot suggestion, you can use it to slow cook too, but pressure cooked food is just better.

Amanduh · 12/05/2018 10:44

We have the Morphy one too. It’s fab

Smeaton · 12/05/2018 10:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SilverySurfer · 12/05/2018 10:56

kitkatsky
Don't bother, get a pressure cooker. Dinners like lasagne and a whole chicken in half an hour!

This. You put perfectly good food in a slow cooker and after cooking for hours it comes out inedible. Tried several different recipes, different ingredients, all inedible.

TheFlannelsAreBreeding · 12/05/2018 10:58

The one with the metal insert. That way you can put it in the dishwasher, and it’s easier to pour the last bits out as it’s not so heavy. Also you have the option to brown stuff first (which I do if I’m short on time for cooking, as it’s a lot quicker if things start of hot).

Original poster
FizzyWizzyFlash · 12/05/2018 11:10

Oh wow thank you.

Will a pressure cooker make beef tender in a stew ? I was under the impression you had to cook it for hours for it to break the meat down.

OP posts:
Jonbb · 12/05/2018 11:12

The ones with metal insert are much better than the ceramic. Brilliant stews, ratatouille and so on. Pressure cookers are ok but the stews are not a patch on the slow cooker stews.

sashh · 12/05/2018 11:17

Just get the cheapest. Invest in liners to cut down on washing and who has a slow cooker that the pot and lid don't go i the dishwasher?

BarbaraofSevillle · 12/05/2018 11:23

Agree to just get a cheap one. I got one from Asda for £7 and its great.

Only downside is ceramic insert is heavy so that might be an issue if you have mobility problems. Both lid and bowl go in dishwasher.

Jozxyqk · 12/05/2018 11:29

I used to have a slow cooker & I did keep it in a cupboard for a while after I got my Instant Pot, just in case... then charity shopped it. IP all the way now. TBH the slow cooker function on the IP isn't quite as good as my old slow cooker (doesn't get as hot, so sauce doesn't reduce as much) but that's easily remedied by putting it on the saute function for a while until it thickens up. It makes fantastic stock - I buy any meaty bones at the butcher, as long as they have actual joints in (for the cartilage) & just pressure cook them on the meat setting for an hour - great for cheap soup. I just ordered the yoghurt pot set so I can do homemade yoghurt. I also use the warming function to prove my bread, as my kitchen is like an icebox in winter.

Grenoble124 · 12/05/2018 11:30

I have two cheap ones and not a bother. Stews, curries, pulled pork etc. Great for weekends when we are out during the day. ALso great for hams.

User467 · 12/05/2018 11:33

I also struggle to get slow cooker food tasting as good adjust cooking it normally but yes, the appeal of coming in to a ready made meal are tempting. I'm not sure which one but if you get one get one with a timer, think my issues may be because mine ison for aslong as I am out the house which is often too long . A timer would help to not destroy the food

BiteyShark · 12/05/2018 11:35

I have a pressure cooker which also has a slow cooker function. Best of both worlds so when I don't have much time I use the pressure cooker option but if I remember in the morning then I use the slow cooker setting.

BiteyShark · 12/05/2018 11:36

Oh and mine has a keep warm setting which automatically kicks in when the time you set it for has finished.

MagicalAnimal · 12/05/2018 11:39

I can also vouch for the Morphy Richards one with the metal pot, it's great as if you need to brown stuff it can just go straight on the hob and so no need to get any other pots dirty.

Also brilliant that you can put the pot and lid in the dishwasher (that is a key requirement of most kitchen things I buy!)

Aquamarine1029 · 12/05/2018 11:57

Trust me, get an instant pot. It will change your life AND it can operate as a slow cooker as well. Pressure cooking is simply amazing. The beef stew I make is out of this world and it barely takes an hour!

HateTheDF · 12/05/2018 12:08

I've got a Russell Hobbs slow cooker bought by my DMIL but unfortunately I have found if I cook anything like a stew in there or a bolognese the liquid is so watery so I wouldn't recommend you getting one of those.

Original poster
FizzyWizzyFlash · 12/05/2018 12:46

Is there a difference in taste when using slow cooker/ pressure cooker/ instant pot vs just cooking it on the hob? Is there a loss in flavour? I don't know whether that's a silly question

OP posts:
Original poster
FizzyWizzyFlash · 12/05/2018 12:48

@Aquamarine1029 and Jozxyqk what make is your instant pot? Which would you recommend? I like the idea of having both slow and pressure options.

And how easy is it to clean? Heavy?

OP posts:
sashh · 12/05/2018 12:52

I have found if I cook anything like a stew in there or a bolognese the liquid is so watery so I wouldn't recommend you getting one of those.

Rule of thumb, in a sc use 1/3 of the liquid you would on the hob.