I selected this one because it has the normal (new) Low and High settings, and also a Simmer setting that corresponds to the old Low temperature. So I can choose exactly how I want to slow cook, especially using older recipes from my mother and grandmother. Also there's no lead in the ceramic glaze.

http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-PSC-350-2-Quart-Programmable-Cooker/dp/B001E5CWVU#

I'm so glad to find other Instant Pot devotees on here! I've had mine (the 7-1 with the yogurt function) for 2 weeks now, and I just love it. I've used it much more for pressure cooking than slow cooking so far, but both functions have worked perfectly. One of the unexpectedly great things about it: it is very easy to prepare hard-boiled eggs (actually steamed on the low-pressure function for 5 minutes) just the way I like them, with barely set yolks.

Sorry, my ipad has been autocorrecting the name is Instant Pot, not instapot

Here's a link to my instapot model on amazon http://www.amazon.com/Instant-Pot-IP-LUX60-Programmable-1000-Watt/dp/B0073GIN08

Anonymous wrote:InstaPot PP: have you had to adjust slow cooker recipes for the machine, or is it fully interchangeable? Is it good for searing/browning (as is so often the first step in slow cook recipes)? Very curious as our slow cooker just broke (user error!) and this is at the top of my list to replace it.

Each function has a different setting. For example, if I want to sauté some stuff before I pressure cook it, I push the sauté button, leave the lid off and sauté. Then I put the lid on and push pressure cook. Same with if i want to slow cook. I haven't had to adjust any recipes for slow coking, though the pressure cooker part is a bit faster than most so I usually shave off a few minutes. I'm in love with mine - it's so easy to set it and come home to a yummy meal. There is a newer model out now than the one I have - the new one has a yogurt maker setting!

InstaPot PP: have you had to adjust slow cooker recipes for the machine, or is it fully interchangeable? Is it good for searing/browning (as is so often the first step in slow cook recipes)? Very curious as our slow cooker just broke (user error!) and this is at the top of my list to replace it.

I really recommend InstaPot. It's a slow cooker, rice maker, steamer, and pressure cooker in one. It's fantastic! It has a timer and a keep warm function. It's pricey but built solid and versatile.

Yeah there are some that do that. Do the research though. Frozen meat will spend too much time in the danger zone and you may not end up hot enough to kill off what could incubate.

Anonymous wrote:Oh. And putting frozen meat into a crockpot is a bad idea btw.

Why is that? I have used recipes that specifically call for frozen meat.

All Clad with the metal insert. I brown meat on the stove in the insert and then put it directly into the slow cooker, set it on high or low for the chosen length of time and if I am not there when it is done it can go into "warm" mode until I turn it off.

I read somewhere that the older slow cookers had lower temperatures. Then the industry got more concerned about food safety and upped the temperature settings.

I have a Rival Crock Pot. It simmers liquids at both high and low settings. So the cooking is not slow enough in my opinion.

Hamilton Beech. ~6 qt with a timer.

Remember that the crock needs to be ~2/3 full to work well. Fattier cuts of meat work better than lean, too.

The concern with cooking from frozen is that the meat will spend too long in the temperature "danger zone".

Oh. And putting frozen meat into a crockpot is a bad idea btw.

All clad.

I have a Rival that must cook at an extremely high heat, because on low it will dry food out after 4 hours, even if I put the meat in frozen. This defeats the purpose for me since I want to be able to set it in the morning and come home after work with dinner done. Cooking food in 4 hours is more of an inconvenience.

What is your favorite slow cooker?