i don't get slow cookers.

[choufleur]

I've been given one by my MIL but have no idea when i might use it. why don't you just put stuff in the regular oven on a really low heat?

It takes around 8 hours so even the cheapest cuts of meat come out all tender and yummy.

It's cheap to use because you're only heating up that tiny bit of metal rather than the whole oven.

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oohthey sound good!
can I ask how big they are?
does anyonme have a linky to a recommnded one too?

oh yes and what about the cleanability factor? are they easy to clean?

I find it useful to be able to just leave stuff in it with no 'babysitting'. Today I left some shin beef in there while dd2 and I went out to the zoo, no worries about burning, overcooking etc.

Also, doing the meat in the slow cooker means there's loads of room in the oven for roasties, yorkshire pudding, stuffing etc

Compo - I've got a big 6 litre one so that I can fit whole chicken, leg of lamb etc in there. Cleaning is just like cleaning a casserole dish, ie best left to soak. Can go in the dishwasher but it does take up a lot of room.

I have melted the dials off the front of mine so it is stuck on high all the time! Could do with another really to set whilst I am out of the house. Mine is a kenwood one I think before with a removable crock but it is a bit big!

Has anyone got a smaller reccomendation

Mum has just given me her slow cooker.

I just feel uneasy about leaving a cooker on all day esp. if I go out. Are you sure taht it's not a fire hazard?

Slow cookers are really handy. I tend to use mine more for keeping things warm that I have cooked traditionally. That's because I am not terribly organised about chopping vegetables at 7am. However, I have done and it works really well. I made a lovely stew the other week - I didn't even bother to brown the meat beforehand.

The actual crockpot is bigger than anything you will own for putting in the oven, so it is great if you are having people over. It is attractive enough to put on the table, and will hold a chilli or curry very well.

I would suggest getting a cookbook just for a slow cooker as there are a few tips and tricks.

mmmm.. slow cooker beef

and also, chilli or curry cooked all day in slow cooker, welcoming you home in the evening with a yummy smell when you open front door..

Also handy if people in the house are eating at different times...
I can pop food in it in the morning and DD can eat at teatime and DH can eat later if he's working late.
It does feel nice to get on with your day and know that dinner's already sorted too - I get to spend my time nicer after school pick up.

'nicer' !? - sorry.