Slow cooker for 12 hours?

[HomeCookingWannabe]

Hi all
I know there have been lots of posts about slow cookers.

I'm starting a new job that means i'll be out the house for about 12 hours (7-7ish). I've used a slow cooker before but most things go mushy after 8 hours.

Has anyone had good experience using a SC with timer? My current SC doesn't have a timer but can buy one if its likely to make a difference. But i'm not sure if the food will still stay mushy after 12 hours. FWIW, i'm a veggie so we're mostly talking about stews/curries/potatoes, rather than meat which might hold its texture slightly more

You could use a timer to delay the start of cooking by a few hours so it's finished just in time for when you get home? I do this as long as whatever I'm cooking won't go bad sitting out for a while.

Yes, I used a plug in timer for my first slow cooker to delay the start of the cooking time. Is that what you meant? I tried it first whilst I was at home to make sure it came on when it was meant to. Turned the slow cooker on and the timer was off and due to provide power about 3 plus hours later, came on and so I felt comfortable doing it.

As you are veggie it isn't like you are leaving meat out for hours before cooking it. Definitely do a trial run on a non-working day and see how it goes.

Hi,
Yes that's what I was thinking, but the raw stuff is still sat there for a few hours? Not sure if thats a problem or not

No because lots of slow cookers come with a delay start. I now use an Instant Pot which has a slow cooker function and you can use and I have used the delay start setting.

Thanks. I only stay here for work so a trial run is a bit tricky but i'll figure it out.
Good to know you had success with the timer

My slow cooker has a built in timer and switches to warming when it’s done.

Depends what you're cooking, but as you are veggie most things should be ok.

I’ve used a plug timer (like you can use for lights and things before they went smart) with mine before. It was fine.

My slow cooker is prestige and has a timer and a delay timer on it. I use the delay timer a lot and put the food in straight from the fridge and veggies from the freezer so by the time it starts cooking, it is at room temperature. I have never had any issues

I have a larger instant pot in my main home but heard they are bad at slow cooking, but if you think it works then i could buy a smaller one

Slow cookers are so cheap, buy one, use it at home then transfer it to where you will be for work.

I put the slow cooker on at night, then warm up the next evening.

@Harp1977 sorry what's the difference between the two timers? So you put frozen in and then set it to start cooking 3 hours later (as an example)?

I regularly use a socket timer for my slow cooker .

I put the everything in the removable pot and put in the fridge overnight to get it very cold, I also make the gravy ( or use water ) to make a big ice cube in marge tub .
All of this keeps everything cool until the cooker comes on .
I use meat and I find this works well for me.

I've also used a socket timer for my slow cooker to delay the start and it's been absolutely fine. I'd be cautious about doing it with meat if it's a warm day or anything that needs browning first as I wouldn't want warm food sitting in it to go cold and then reheat.

I used to use a plug in timer a lot for slow cooker meals and it worked fine. I think I’d invest in a plug before buying another slow cooker just to get a timer.

I make up bags for the freezer with all the ingredients in them so all I had to do was throw in the pot and work out what time I’d be back.