Rave about your particular slow cooker

[Anonymous]

We'll be purchasing a slow cooker for the holiday, and I think I might be looking for something that is about 4-5 Quarts, or that would make 2-3 meals for 3.

Could you please rave about your exact brand, size, and model name?

The reviews make it obvious that Crock Pot isn't a reliable brand, though I can't really discern beyond that. Is the programmable one worth the extra $$$. I don't mind at all spending a bit more, my upper limit is $100.

TIA!!!

Happy Holidays!

[Anonymous]

Can't tell you the exact model but I have a Hamilton Beach that is programmable and the lid seals so you can transport the food without spilling. It does very well and was highly rated, and it was well under $100.

If I had the money I'd get the one (Cuisinart, maybe?) that has a removable crock that you can put directly on the burner to brown meat, etc. That would really save on cleanup time.

[Anonymous]

I have a Cuisinart PSC-400 and I love it. 4 quarts, though, so it might be a little small for a family. We're just three and we don't eat meat, so it's fine for our purposes.

[Anonymous]

http://www.gopresto.com/products/products.php?stock=06020

It's not actually marketed as a slow cooker, but I do overnight stews in mine all the time--just set it on the lowest temp and it will keep a slow simmer. You can brown meat directly in the cooker, then add liquid and get all the caramelized bits. It will also do rice, keep food warm at parties, and I've used mine as a canner.

[Anonymous]

I love America's Test Kitchen product reviews. You can log onto the site to read the reviews and sometimes they have a video too. They often have a "best buy" option as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love America's Test Kitchen product reviews. You can log onto the site to read the reviews and sometimes they have a video too. They often have a "best buy" option as well.

Yes I got the one recommended in their awesome cookbook, Slow Cooker Revolution. I just cant remember which one it actually is...will try to return later and post. But if you need a cookbook too, that one is my new fave. The recipes take a bit more time than your avg slow cooker recipes, but come out just fantastic.