Do I need a slow cooker

[MyBigToes]

Just that really, I can’t decide if I’m better buying one or not
YANBU - slow cookers are vital in the kitchen
YABU - slow cookers are a waste of space and money

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MNHQ

And an air fryer!

@Userzzz

I’ve tried a few recipes and it’s not great. I really don’t get the difference between a slow cooker and a low setting in the oven. I got an air fryer as a Christmas gift and tbh, it’s similar to an oven on convection setting. Just gimmicks in my opinion

I have been thinking about the airfryer, but came to the same conclusion tbh.

Slowcookers are cheaper to run for the time required and as far as I know considered safer to just leave

I make my broth until the bones crumble between fingers, about 20 hours, so I would probably bankrupt on leccy aor gas without the slowcooker😂😂 So I am biased

@MyBigToes
It’s basically a fryer but no oil it uses hot air to cook foods so it’s like having crispy fries without the oil ! I can never get the same kinda crispy from the oven with some things x

Schrodinger it fits a whole chicken apparently so might fit a duck haha
User made chicken pot pie, risotto, one pot pasta, curry, jacket potatoes, chilli. Might be because it's a new gadget but it's made cooking more exciting and making me try new recipes!

@SchrodingersImmigrant

I am asking because I am looking for new to buy soon. But the multicookers aren't so wide from what I've seen?

It's quite big, that's a standard sized mug for size comparison

Thank you! I will check against mine. 😁 Chicken is usually smaller than duck and I got used to making it in it😁

Im out the house 10 hours a day when working whixh doesnt really fit alot.of the recipe time frames. I use it to cook a brisket when im home on a Saturday sometimes. I should probably utilise it more but don't have the time to fuss with it all at the moment

Love my slow cooker. I do all my joints in it, lovely tender meat.

@SchrodingersImmigrant please can you share your chinese duck recipe?

Are they only really useful for meat dishes? I love a kitchen gadget but DH and I are vegetarian.

[quote HaggisTheGreat]@SchrodingersImmigrant please can you share your chinese duck recipe?[/quote]
It's embarrassingly simple
A duck, salt, pepper, 5 spice. Rub it in from inside out, lots of people forget the inside. You can stuff an onion up it's arse, but that's not really need it.
Breast down and 4-5 hours (I think!). Then when it starts coming off the bone take it out, cut in half and crisp up in the oven. I quickly separate the fat from the juices and when I shred it I pour bit of the juices on the meat. Served with rice panckakes, hoison, sprin onion and cucumber 😁 Pro tip. Freeze the fat. It is most amazing when making egg fried rice or similar😁
Because it's just two of us, I end up freezing one half, with juices aside for next time.

You can change 5 spices for caraway. Then you stuff the onion up it's arse for sure. And some sauerkraut. Serve with roasted potatoes which you can roast in that fat (unless you can get some type of knodel), red kraut and sauerkraut.

@SpaceBlanket

Are they only really useful for meat dishes? I love a kitchen gadget but DH and I are vegetarian.

No. I make veggie curries with it. For me it's about the sauce. I make tomato sauce base in it. 4 hours gets the tinned tomatoes less tinny. Then the sauce can be flavourd according to what it's used for. Curries and others I start the sauce and add other ingredients later. It just develops the sauce flavour really nicely with that extra time imho

Pressure cookers are great for veggie food because you can cook dried beans really fast and don't need to soak them.

Before I read any part of your post I say yes a slow cooker can only improve your life, but only if your life is like mine

@EBathory warming up the blood of virgins? 😂

Sorry couldn't resist

I couldn’t be without a slow cooker, but have just upgraded to an instant pot (which pressure cooks as well) - so that I have the option of fast and slow. Always feel on top of things when I have a slow cooker dinner on the go! I did have a couple of disasters at first, but you soon get the hang of it.

Mime was rubbish. Usually got to brown everything before you put it in anyway unless you want soggy grey mess. Also annoying to clean. I would rather just use a pot. Suppose it would be easier if you were going out and leaving it on, but if you're home, just use a pot.

@SchrodingersImmigrant
No need as I take it at body temp

Your username made me actually smile btw. Thank you. 😁

I only used mine for cooking a ham or stock. Both of which it is great for. I’m a good cook especially of slow cooked things. I could never make anything that tasted as nice in the slow cooker.

I’d rather put a stew on on a day I’m in and then portion it up for the freezer. Or cook double of something.

Or cook quick stuff like stir fry.