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Original poster

Okay I'm convinced. Am off to buy a slow cooker!

33 replies

monkeybumsmum · 06/05/2009 12:34

Just been lurking on some of the slow cooking threads and now really want one, after having umm'd and ahh'd for years.

Anyone got any recommendations? Is there anything I should know? And is it possible to buy a rubbish one? If so knowing my luck I'd get that one

Thanks in advance!

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Original poster
monkeybumsmum · 06/05/2009 18:41

Bumpity bump

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Lovemyshoes · 06/05/2009 18:45

You won't regret it, we use ours nearly every day. Did a gammon joint in it on sunday and it was divine.

Original poster
monkeybumsmum · 06/05/2009 19:05

What else do you make in it Lovemyshoes?
Am getting very excited about getting one!

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timmette · 06/05/2009 19:10

Love mine it's this one but most people would need a smaller one. Have had it about 3 years now and no problems.

muggglewump · 06/05/2009 19:18

I have two and love them.

I've the small Asda Smartprice one which is good for cooking for the two of us but it is only really big enough for a family of three I'd say.

The other one I bought in Oxfam so not new but I do think they probably all work the same.

One of mine has an auto setting which means it cooks on high for a couple of hours and then switches to low, but I don't find that necessary, I just put it on high for the hour before I leave the house, and then switch to low.

The other has warm, but I don't use that either, I don't need it and they hold heat long enough that you could switch it off for an hour and still have hot food.

Really, I'd go for the cheapest. I would choose an oval one though, as you can put a whole chicken in, which you can't with a round one.

Original poster
monkeybumsmum · 06/05/2009 19:34

Hi timmette! How are you? Have you had any problems using your slow cooker over here? I've looked in the shops but can't find one anywhere, so think I'll have to get one from the UK.

Thanks mugggle - that's great advice. Do you ever find it a pain getting food ready to put in it in the morning? Also, is it perfectly safe? Feel a bit worried at the thought of leaving the house with an electrical appliance on...

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timmette · 06/05/2009 19:38

Hi Monkeybumsmum - no no problems I used it with an adapter for the first year then got fil to chnage the plug and still no problems. I also got mine in the UK they don't sell them here or in the Netherlands. Mine is super huge - however - you may want or need a smaller one.

Goober · 06/05/2009 19:50

I have This one. £9.97, it is an oval 3 litre, with low/high/warm settings.
Tis good. Have had many slow cookers over the years, this is a replacement for an expensive one that broke last month, this one is just as good as the last.

Original poster
monkeybumsmum · 06/05/2009 19:58

Thanks Goober looks an absolute bargain!

timmette, tis a good idea re changing plug. Think am going to get a 3.5l-ish one. Do you freeze the extra you make?
If you're ever in Brussels let me know - it would be lovely to meet up if you fancy it!

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timmette · 06/05/2009 20:03

Yes fil changed all our plugs on every thing - .
Yep I do when it lasts that long - I find it quite useful especially when people are coming to visit who are driving who may be late etc to use it to cook in and then it can just hang around and I am not really faffing in the kitchen - read pil - lol.
Don't get to Brussels often but if I am ever heading that way I'll track you down on here.
And a smaller one is a better idea than my monstrosity

deleting · 06/05/2009 20:09

there's a james martin one on amazon that has been reduced to £10 or something (including delivery). don't know how good it is though

Original poster
monkeybumsmum · 06/05/2009 20:18

Shall have a look, thanks!

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midnightexpress · 06/05/2009 20:21

My tip is to get one that is also a rice cooker (mine's a Tefal I think). We use the rice cooker more than the slow cooker and it's fab.

Original poster
monkeybumsmum · 06/05/2009 20:31

Oooh that's a very good idea... How long does the rice take to cook in it?

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VoodooTheUnlikely · 06/05/2009 20:38

I want one too..am all confused by the brand names, slow cooker vs crockpots etc

VoodooTheUnlikely · 06/05/2009 20:39

so to summarise

we want one that is

oval
can do rice
can fit a chicken/gammon joint
is cheap

SammyK · 06/05/2009 20:43

You wont regret it we use ours a lot too, maybe four times a week. We do stews, casseroles, roasts, curries. My favourite slow cooker meal is beef in wed wine.

We just have a £10 one for a family of four, does the job.

Original poster
monkeybumsmum · 06/05/2009 21:12

But where do we find it Voodoo?

Right, let's get looking - if you find anything then let me know!

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muggglewump · 07/05/2009 00:01

monkeybumsmum
"Do you ever find it a pain getting food ready to put in it in the morning? Also, is it perfectly safe? Feel a bit worried at the thought of leaving the house with an electrical appliance on...".

No, if I have to be out with not much time in the morning, then I prepare it the night before. You can lift the dish into the fridge, or as I do, just leave it overnight. I've not poisoned us yet.

Obviously my house hasn't burned down, but it was nerve wracking leaving it at first, I'd say just test it a few times when you are at home with recipes you will be using when out.
That way you'll know if it may need more liquid, or be better on high or whatever.

muddleduck · 07/05/2009 13:21

I've had one since xmas and we use it alot. I do one bit batch of stew/soup a week, but the best bit is that I use it as a stock pot. We do a roast each sunday and if it is boneless we get the butcher to give us some extra bones. For the few days before each sunday I just chuck into the pot any raw peelings/trimmings/past-their-prime-veg into the pot and the set it running on sunday evening with the bones.

We not have a never ending supply of top-notch stock which makes scrummy soup/casseroles a doddle to make

I think I'm becoming obsessed with stock

Original poster
monkeybumsmum · 10/05/2009 22:25

There are worse things to be obsessed with muddleduck Sounds like a great idea!

muggglewump - dh is not liking the idea of getting a slow cooker due to safety factor - we have two dogs, and he is worried that they will die a slow and painful death if the slow cooker sets fire to the house, so might just get one anyway and only use it when we're here. The idea of getting supper prepared in the morning and then not having to do anything but dish it up in the evening really appeals to me!

Timmette, not sure if you're still looking at this thread, but if you are then this might be of interest to you

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TheHumanTorch · 12/05/2009 21:35

so crockpot vs slowcooker? who is in which camp and which is best?

Original poster
monkeybumsmum · 13/05/2009 13:17

Are they not the same thing? Am confused...

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phdlife · 13/05/2009 13:23

would someone point me to slow-cooker threads (do they have recipes?) I was given one for christmas but now it's turning cold I'm ready to try and use it.

Original poster
monkeybumsmum · 13/05/2009 13:34

Hi phd, not too sure about threads on slow-cookers, but there seem to be lots of nice recipes on this site. If you find a good one then let me know

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