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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

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Original poster

Slow cooker - would you?

20 replies

LittleMyDancing · 07/07/2008 10:36

We have been thinking of buying a slow cooker to do the old 'bung it all in in the morning, dinner ready when you get home' trick.

Does anyone have any recommendations of good ones? We saw two in John Lewis but they were massive and very ugly

Or would a really good casserole dish and the oven on low do the job just as well?

Any thoughts welcomed.

OP posts:

JackieNo · 07/07/2008 10:37

I wouldn't feel happy leaving the oven on if I wasn't in the house, but I would feel happy leaving a slow cooker on (but that might just be me).

Original poster

LittleMyDancing · 07/07/2008 10:54

I know what you mean - that's one of the reasons I wanted a slow cooker - but they all seem to be massive things that will take up my whole kitchen!

OP posts:

JackieNo · 07/07/2008 10:55

Yes - they're not small, or pretty, unfortunately.

Original poster

LittleMyDancing · 07/07/2008 11:17

bump - anyone have any recommendations?

OP posts:

girlandboy · 07/07/2008 11:17

Hi, I've got a slow cooker and it's a Prima one. I agree, it's not pretty, but then again, it lives in a cupboard.
I think it's different to leaving the oven on low. A slow cooker uses the same power as a light bulb; I don't think an oven does that.
I use it mainly in the winter when we have more casseroles, but I also make a brilliant rice pudding in it and also steamed puddings. (I do like my desserts.)
I've also cooked bacon joints in it etc, not just casseroles.

I don't think there is any such thing as a pretty slow cooker, but they are very efficient.

mankymummy · 07/07/2008 11:26

slow cooker definitely.

how about this one...

www.houseoffraser.co.uk/on/demandware.store/Sites-hof-Site/default/Link-Product?pid=630549022

or this one...

www.ciao.co.uk/Rival_SCV7500K_Round_S_Cooker_Black__6656334

girlandboy · 07/07/2008 11:31

The house of fraser one is very like mine. Good price as well.
The second one looks very posh - I wouldn't mind that one on show.

Think about the shape of any other cooking dishes you may have and if they will fit in it. If you make say a steamed sponge then that will have to go in another dish (pyrex) which then sits in the slow cooker. It's annoying if your usual dishes won't fit.

TsarChasm · 07/07/2008 11:35

This is the one I have I bought it about two years ago and it was on offer at the time for about £17 iirc. I was a bit sceptical but I thought I'd give it a try as it was so cheap.

I do keep it in a cupboard but quite honestly I would hate to be without it now. I use it very often and the results are fantastic. It's especially good if you have a busy evening and everyone wants their dinner at a different time. It does not burn or dry out the food which can happen if you keep things too long in the oven. It's also super cheap to use too apparantly.

Like you I really couldn't see why a casserole in the oven wouldn't be the same. It's similar I guess but this is better because it cooks even more gently.

There are some very good recipes on line for slow cookers or 'crockpots' as they are in America.

Original poster

LittleMyDancing · 07/07/2008 11:45

oooo thank you - will take a look

OP posts:

TsarChasm · 07/07/2008 11:49

This one's good Lots of hints and they've tried all the recipes out

Original poster

LittleMyDancing · 07/07/2008 11:50

I'm liking yours TsarChasm because it's got a nice big capacity - we did have a tiny one that I got on Freecycle but it only made enough for two people, was missing a leg and leaked....so I only used it once!

OP posts:

TsarChasm · 07/07/2008 11:55

It's a very good size for us (family of 5) but even if there's less you, can always freeze any extra.

One thing I keep reading about on mn and mean to try, are whole joints of meat done in a slow cooker. Apparantly it's fab, but I haven't had a go yet.

Original poster

LittleMyDancing · 07/07/2008 12:00

yes and that would definitely need a large one!

We're only three people, but we're thinking of using all the leftover Sunday roast in this, and that would definitely need a largeish pot, as DP is incapable of buying a small joint. Must be a hunter gatherer thing

OP posts:

TsarChasm · 07/07/2008 12:10

I'm the same!

Have a go. No need to spend lots on it but yes, do get a good sized one. Also good for stress free dinner parties

Original poster

LittleMyDancing · 07/07/2008 13:51

Well, I've ordered the Morphy Richards one - they don't sell the same on as you've got any more but a slightly different model, but it's effectively the same and it was £24.99 - £10 cheaper than at Comet!

And free delivery, too. We like those nice people at Morphy Richards.

OP posts:

TsarChasm · 07/07/2008 14:18

Oh that's fantastic! I hope you like it, now I've talked you into it

Let us know how you get on.

Original poster

LittleMyDancing · 07/07/2008 14:24

I'm sure I will - you'll have to come round for a stew sometime

OP posts:

hockeypuck · 09/07/2008 10:14

LittlemyDancing - how did you order that one - there is no order function button on the page - it looks good - I haven't seen a large one like that cheaper anywhere else

hockeypuck · 09/07/2008 10:22

ignore the above post - I found the stainless steel one there with the low price. Thanks

Scootergrrrl · 09/07/2008 10:43

You can get it here almost as cheap

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