Slow Cooker - which one?

[thelewisgang]

thinking about buying one as someone at work tells me how good it is. trouble is there are so many. I only need a 3.5 size one. any views on which one to get/avoid. thanks.

[mumof3boys!!]

Hi

I bought one earlier this year and I love it. It's one Anthony Worrall Thompson has his name to, it was from Argos and I would recommend it.
I think the secret is to not buy a cheap one, spend that little bit more and you get something decent.

Happy cooking

[Jinglepot]

I bought A Morphy Richards 3.5l one from Argos (�24.99) on Friday and used it yesterday.So far so good! Make sure you get an oval one which is better for joints etc.I've also ordered the lakeland slow cooker cookbook which Shaneystar recommended.

[shaneystar2]

I've got a Morphy Richards ...but it's the big 6.5 litre round one with the earthenware pot .I first bought one over thirty years ago and this is my second one which I have had for about ten years now.. If and when this one gives up the ghost I will go for an oval smaller one .Whichever one you decide on you won't regret it .Best bit of kitchen equipment ever invented.

[thelewisgang]

thank you everyone for your replies. I decided to get the one that tesco have on the half price special offer at the moment. Its the 'You are what you eat' by Russell Hobbs. I had been told to get the oval one & can see why that would be better. Let me know what the cook book from lakeland is like jinglepot - might just get one too. I found a good site, well, two with recipes for slow cookers. I will post again later with the links for these that is once I have sorted out the mess around this computer - new year resolution for me to be tidier!!!! ALL THE BEST TO YOU ALL FOR 2007

[thelewisgang]

thought I had better post back quickly or else I would forget. Hope this link is of use to you. just click on the slow cook recipes link - hope it works

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread .html?p=1332010

[shaneystar2]

Hi again ..this is the cookbook
http://www.lakelandlimited.co.uk/product.aspx/ !10667
It is very good and although I have been using a slow cooker for years found some things in it which I had no idea you could cook in slow cooker .I made a cake from this book and it was delicious .
This site has enough recipes to keep you going foreverer !
http://southernfood.about.com/library/crock/bl cpidx.htm
And if you just Google "Crockpot recipes" you will be inundated.
I hope you get a lot of fun from it ..we use it for everything especially in the winter when it's nice to come in to a hot meal and it is a great time saver .
I cooked the beef in it today for lunch and it was melt in the mouth .
A very Happy New Year to you .

[Booldawg]

Robert Dyas were doing a really good deal back in November when we bought ours. Not sure if the deal is still running. We got a Morphy Richards 6.5 litres one for 23 quid. The smaller ones started at about 17 pounds.

[thelewisgang]

thanks for the links Shaneystar2 I will probably order the book or sometime in the near future go to one of their stores - good excuse to go to Chester which is my nearest. I've taken some braising steak out of the freezer tonight to do a trial run tomorrow so fingers crossed!! My colleague at work raves about her slow cooker so I'm sure I won't be disappointed. thanks again for your suggestions & help. I really do appreciate your help.

[Jinglepot]

For shaneystar2-- I was wondering if you've ever put a frozen roast beef or chicken into your slow cooker (as BBWCHATT has recommended?) The instructions with mine say to defrost meat etc first. I'd hate to 1) cause food poisoning & 2) waste a good roast lol.

[shaneystar2]

Hi Jinglepot..I usually defrost meat first ....Having said that the piece of beef I had for lunch yesterday was not throughly thawed out as I had forgotten to take it out of the freezer in time !!
So I would say it was still half frozen when I put it in the crockpot on low at midnight on Saturday. We had our meal about four o'clock yesterday and it was cooked perfectly and really tender.

[Jinglepot]

Thanks shaneystar. I'll probably try to defrost when possible but it's good to know that half frozen is okay. I'm looking forward to trying a roast now. Thanks again.

[thelewisgang]

well, I'm hooked on my new slow cooker. done the beef stew in it today & oh boy what a lovely meal it turned out to be. thank you everyone for your help & advice since my original posting. xx

[shaneystar2]

I can't remember the last time I cooked a joint in the oven !
Leg of lamb comes out so tender and falls off the bone .We had a big piece of brisket yesterday and it was lovely.Even the most scrawny old chicken will be delish.I am so pleased you like it thelewisgang and Jinglepot and am sure you will wonder how you managed without it !