Slow Cooker- Crockpot

[Dorcas]

Hi, I am thinking of getting a slowcooker/crockpot as I do tend to make quite a lot of casseroles, curries etc. Has anyone got any recommendations for me of a particular one that is not too big and is easy to keep clean etc. Many thanks

[alfiebrady]

I recently bought a 'Paul Rankin' 3.5 litre slow cooker from Robert Dyas - sale price �15. Not too big, ceramic pot lifts out for cleaning - though I think thats fairly common. They all look much alike; I did see a more expensive model that had a timer, but I'm using mine with a plug socket timer that I already had. The outside is some sort of brushed metal that might be a bit more trouble to clean if it gets splashed on.

[Ed Strong]

I got my slow cooker ages ago out of Argos. Like alfiebrady says, they're all much of a muchness. Mine hasn't got a timer, just Hi & Low heat and as you can leave most casseroles, soups, curries etc to cook on the low heat all day or overnight (4-6 hours on high) I don't see that you need a timer. The crockpot comes out and you can just use it as a serving dish on the table (obviously protecting the table against the heat), thus cutting out on washing up! I wouldn't be without mine. If you want to cook a whole chicken though, you can also buy oblong crock pots.