Crock Pots
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Anonymous
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I'm late to the party buying one of these things. Can anyone recommend a good brand? Also, what's a good size to buy if you want to make sure you can make 8 or so portions of a given item? Thank you.
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Anonymous
| Get a big one, programmable. |
Anonymous
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This recommendation was not from too long ago:
http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/123606.page#1059805 |
Anonymous
we love our hamilton beech programmable slow cooker. Had a cuisinart one and HATED it. Was glad when the insert cracked and a new insert was more expensive than a new hamilton beech appliance. 
The one we have is around 6 qts, which was the smallest I could find that was programmable (critical when your 8 hour work day plus commute keeps you away from the kitchen for more than 8 hours). I'd say that most things are at least 8 large portions, as we get dinner and a few lunches out of it. |
Anonymous
| I love my All-Clad. It allows you to brown on the stove and then finish off in the cooker. It is large enough for 8 servings. |
Anonymous
| I've always wondered how people leave those things on and don't worry all day about the house burning down. |
Anonymous
Probability of that actually happening is pretty low. Most outlets are GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) so if it "shorts" the outlet immediately disables the power being supplied to any appliances. Do you ever start the dishwasher or washer/dryer right before you go to bed? |
Anonymous
Anything electric has the potential to start a fire - power strips and extension cords are a much bigger risk. Do you use any of those in your house? Things only have to be plugged in or have batteries to be a potential fire hazard - doesn't even have to be turned on. We can't worry about every little risk out there - crock pots are fine. |
Anonymous
| We are happy with our all clad slow cooker. |
Anonymous
| OP here. Thanks for the suggestions. |
Anonymous
I think I have an Al Clad too. It is programmable so when the 10 hours is up, it turns to "warm" mode in case you are not home when it is through cooking. I have to say that I love mine. I use it more in the winter (colder months), because it makes great stews and chilis. Also, on weeknights when we are really busy with activities and homework it is a life saver. |
Anonymous
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You didn't ask but my favorite thing to do in the crockpot is a whole chicken. Just wash and dry the chicken, stuff the cavity with onion/lemon/garlic/herbs and sprinkle the top liberally with salt and pepper. That's it! I often set it on a bed of small potatoes and baby carrots. It cooks all day and isn't as pretty as a rotisserie chicken but it's tender and tasty. Then that night I'll take the meat all off and put the bones in the crockpot with fresh onions/carrots/celery/bay leaves and make a stock, ready the next morning.
Love my crockpot! |
Anonymous
| I have 2 run of the mill cheap crock pots and they are both great. |
Anonymous
Anonymous
This. Roasting a whole chicken is amazing. I always end up with leftovers I can use in another recipe or on salad and love the ability to make stock for soup. |