Amazingly, after trawling the 500+ threads on slow cookers on MN, I ^still^ have a few questions!

[2happy]

I have also searched the internet, and have at least decided I do want a slow cooker (despite my kitchen having slight leanings towards a gadget graveyard ). But I still have some questions, and would be grateful for any advice!

a) What size? I have a (large) dh, and 2 small kids. I know there are problems with drying/burning if you underfill slow cookers. Will a 6.5l one be too big? I like to have leftovers for a night or so. I suspect the 3.5 may be a bit small, but I'm not sure.

b) How fancy? The reviews suggest that an automatic keep warm function is a good idea, then if you're not home on time the food is kept warm for you. Is this an expensive gimmick? I worry about being away and leaving something on that I can't switch off...

c) I'm currently looking at Morphy Richards ones - good prices and good reviews - anybody who's got one, do you recommend? Or anyone with a different one - what makes yours a good/bad thing?

Thanks!

I have a 6.5L one and just 2 small kids (and dh!) and don't find it an issue. Mostly though, I do double quantities (particularly chilli) as I then freeze the spare and it's an easy defrost & reheat meal another time.

I have the Morphy Richards one - the only stuff it has on it is the ability to set the temp to low, med, high - there's enough flexibility in timing that you don't need to worry too much. It's fab.

When my old MR one broke, I replaced with a Tefal 3 in 1 ricer, steamer and slow cooker and it was CRAP. 8 hours later and bits of potato were still rock hard. Ditched it in the end and got another Morphy Richards.

That's really interesting, RD, thanks. I've found 2 Morphy Richards 6.5l ones - one with the 3 standard settings and one with an automatic keep warm when the cooking time ends - for which you pay an extra £12. Argos has the standard one on special offer for £22 ATM...

I have a Morphy Richards one too. It also just has low, medium, high. Has never been a problem and I use it alot! I frequently leave it on cooking while I go out or overnight. I have never had a problem with it. The only reason I recently replaced my small one was because I smashed the crock

What might give me a good idea of size is - how much meat do you normally cook? If I was doing mince/stew, I would normally use 2lb. Is that about right for the slow cooker, or would you use more for the 6.5l one?

Thanks, psycho. Told dh, he said, mmmmm lamb shanks in a Homer-esque way!

Shameless bump for the evening crowd.

2happy - I have been looking at the MR 6.5L one. I have DH and I, ds1 (4) and dts (9mths) but I was thinking that the children are only going to get bigger and until then I could freeze some. Is it really £22 in Argos??????/ do you have a link please?

i have a morphy richards 6.5l one that suits our family of 4 perfectly.

no problems with drying/burning.

have had it for about 5 years and it's still going strong.

we use it 3+ times/week - did rice pudding in it last night, lentil sloppy joes tomorrow.

i even make chicken broth in it.

here though in fairness, I was told about it by Willmouse on her slow cooker thread!

IKWYM about the growing family thing. dh has wild ideas about keeping pigs to keep the family in roast dinners!! Not sure exactly how many children he thinks we're going to end up with...

Thanks for that, expat - that was one of dh's questions, whether the 6.5 would be too big to do rice pud or porridge in without either having to make enough to feed a small country, or it drying out!

thank you very much - I have just reserved it - your a star

You're welcome

Psycho - that's what I read in some of the online reviews. dh misses his mum's porridge made overnight in the Aga

I've never had a prob with burning (more a sign that temp is too high for too long, or too little moisture put in to start I would have thought?) - the lid is fairly heavy and moisture is trapped in well. I do find that the chilli tends to get a bit of a crust if you're not careful (the recipe in the morphy richards book), but switching to low and cooking for a bit longer sorts that out with no probs.

Thanks RD.

Anyone had one with the timer/automatic keep warm function (or has everyone decided it's a gimmick!)

I have got a morphy richards 5l one and i can make a meal for about 8 people in it, it has a stay warm and it was only about £20.
Would highly recommend

Where did you get it? I can see lots of 3.5 and 6.5l ones on the internet, but not a 5l one, which might solve my husband's porridge fetish.

That sounds wrong....

My husband's wish for porridge like his mother used to make.

Ahem.

I got mine from a cash and carry near us.

Thanks, Bogie, I'll keep my eyes peeled.

I have a 4.5 litre one and it is perfect. I can fit a chicken in and do plenty for 8 or cook just for 4. The recipe I have for rice pudding (delish lime and coconut one) would not work in a bigger cooker imo.
There was a thread about this recently and I think most people said 6.5 was too big . Oh how contrary MN can be.
I have the Breville (Anthony Worral Thompson one). I only ever use the low and high settings but will use the Auto when I am working again and out of the house for longer.
I don't think you need the stay warm function as the heat is so low so you can't over cook ime. I have served up the dd's at 1700 and then for me and dh two hours later and all was well .

Can I bring myself to buy Anthony Worrall Thompson...?!

I know.........Sadly it was the best price 4.5 litre one and actually is is quite good. I consoled myself with the fact it is actually a Breville and they make great sandwich toasters .

24 quid in Argos...tempted!

Although the pot's not dishwasher-proof. I am not good at making decisions!!

No, that is true. I have to wash it up, but that is all I have to wash up......
I think Willmouse bought one in the end. See what she thought perhaps....