Seeking crock pot info!

[immoderate]

I'm thinking of getting one. I like making stews, chili, etc.

Are there significant differences? best buys? special features.

Big worry: Do they overcook the potatoes? Thanks in advance for info, maybe recipes and ideas.

--IMM

[arwalden]

1. Feature To Look For...

... one that turns itself OFF automatically after 12 hours.

[spacelady]

2. Try to get one with a removable "pot" for easier cleaning. n/t

[hippywife]

7. That is an absolute must!

I totally agree. I once had one that the crock didn't come out of and I hated trying to clean it! Plus you can just take the crock out, let the contents cool and put it in the fridge.

[eyepaddle]

9. Absolutely, I agree with that

100%.

The twelve hour shut off is also a good idea.

[kermujin]

3. Totally recommended...

I use mine all the time. I think it's pretty much the only brand around here -- it's a Rival Crock-Pot. Make sure whatever you get has a removable ceramic pot. They seem to come with plastic lids now, but if you keep an eye out at thrift stores or garage sales, you might find one with a glass lid - way better insulation.
If you decide to get one, I've got a few recipes. Nothing like coming home to dinner cooking!

[lakemonster11]

4. Definitely get one with a removable ceramic insert.

I've never seen one with a plastic top, mine is glass and I bought it last year.

There are different sizes and shapes (oval vs. round), but it's up to you which you think would work best.

I used my mom's old crockpot for a while before getting a new one, and the main difference I noticed was that the new cooker was a lot hotter. The same recipes that took 8 hours on the first slow cooker took about 6 hours on the new one. So if you're worried about overcooking, you might have to experiment slightly. But they don't categorically overcook potatoes, no.

I use "Fresh From the Vegetarian Slow Cooker" all the time. The recipes are really good, particularly the stews, soups, and chilis.

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/1558322566.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1558322566/002-1737516-0491258?v=glance&n=283155&n=1000&s=books&v=glance

This is the one I have:



http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00008I8NR/ref=pd_ts_k_16/002-1737516-0491258?v=glance&s=kitchen&n=289913

[SoCalDem]

5. $30 or less, and a good one..

Rival 5445-bcn Oval Crock-pot Slow Cooker
4.5 Quart crock pot slow cooker...2 heat settings... removeable stoneware... rinse clean stick-resistant coating... auto protect safety system....glass see thru lid ....black and chrome finish





dynadirect.com
See all Slow Cookers from dynadirect.com $29.00
Rival

[immoderate]

6. I like those specs.

Seems to comply with all the recommendations above.:woohoo:

--IMM

[SoCalDem]

8. I actually have 3 slow cookers.. I mostly use them for when we

have a buffet..They are great for melted bean/cheese dip for mexican buffet suppers...and for keeping chili warm but not scorching on the stove...they also make nice roll warmers ..lay a damp tee towel in the bottom, put some foil on it, and place rolls bread on top ....cover.. & soft warm rolls :)

truthfully, I don;t think I have EVER cooked a meal in the crock pots, but I use the daylights out of them for serving and for pot luck food :)

[hfojvt]

10. well you have come to the right place

Oh, wait-a-minute, you said 'crock'?

Never mind.

[SoCalDem]

11. .......

:spank:

[immoderate]

13. You are looking for this tread...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x4190132

No problem.

--IMM

[hfojvt]

14. gee, I am so unoriginal, Will Hunting would be ashamed

thanks alot arwalden :blush:

Or maybe great minds think alike :dilemma:

[immoderate]

20. One must be quick to beat arwalden.

He had that one up with replies before I got any answer to this thread.

--IMM

[KayLaw]

12. I like them, too.

There are lots of books in the libraries that give tips and recipes but what I've found is that all the slow/low recipes aply to my scrounged solar cooker. I know crockpots use very little power but my homemade solar oven uses only the sun. We don't eat meat but stew beef and cheap chicken do well in the slow cookers.

[Wordie]

18. Hey...that sounds interesting. Could you give some more info? How does a

solar cooker work? Did you make it yourself? If so, how?

[fortyfeetunder]

15. I love my Rival crock pot

Has a timer and warm hold cycle. Removable crock and a thermal bag too!!!! I can take this guy anywhere!

[lizziegrace]

16. The warm-hold cycle is important

If you're late getting home, the meal can be ruined. The other option is to order a Rival plug in that, after the specified number of hours, will take the pot down to warm (for older models).

I use mine alot, especially in the winter.

[Lady Freedom]

17. as a crock pot owner I can tell you

As for potatoes, it all depends on what you are making and how long you cook them.

If you never used one before go simple. They have some out there that can be used to bake and to deep fry.

don't want to mess with all the prep work no problem, they have crock pot dinners out there where all you do is follow the bag directions ad slow cook it. great id you expect people and want to impress and still have time to make your house & yourself look good too!!

[immoderate]

19. I've made stews in regular pots.

I learned that you have to wait until the end to add potatoes or they turn to mush. I would guess they can go longer in a crock because of the lower temperature. But can they go for the full stewing time without breaking down?

--IMM