Crockpots: do I need one? How often/how do you use yours? Recommend one?

M

mariadnoca

Moderator
All this talk over the years, and Richard's post about about making stock in one, makes me think once again - am I missing out by not having one? I go through this feeling every few years.

The thing is - it's just me, and those things look huge! I've always thought they are for big families, even when it was the two of us they looked too big. Do you freeze some of the meat/etc and reheat? Does the dish degrade reheated from frozen?

Do you use yours often? What types of things do you make in it?

 
We have a Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker and like it very much. We've used it to cook beans, stews,

pot roasts and ribs. I've also used it to steam my Christmas Puddings. Ours has two settings and is programmable. It's used about two or three times a month.

You can certainly cook items in the slow cooker and then freeze them.

The biggest problem for me is to not overcook meat.

For fall off the bone pork back ribs just cut the meat into single serving slabs, sprinkle liberally with your favourite spice mixture, slather with BBQ sauce and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. When the meat is done, remove the ribs and liquid. Put the ribs back into the cooker to keep warm and reduce the liquid to yummy sauce consistency. Enjoy!

 
I'm not really sure if you are cooking for one, it would be a practical item for you.

Are there smaller ones available yet? Most of the newer slow cookers are large and it is recommended that you fill them to a certain capacity. I would certainly check out what is available becasue if you can find a smaller one, it would be great for one person. I just did a quick check and the Hamilton Beach has a three quart and says it is great for up to 3 people. You could cook for youself,have enough for another meal and freeze one portion.
http://www.epinions.com/reviews/pr-Hamilton_Beach_33275_Crock_Pot

http://www.epinions.com/reviews/pr-Hamilton_Beach_33275_Crock_Pot

 
Crockpots

Hi, Maria. Love love my crockpot. I make everything in it from homemade italian sauce, pepper steak, breakfast casseroles, soups, etc. Different recipes from "Fix it and Forget it" cookbooks which go beyond just basic meat and vegetables. Could not imagine cooking regularly without it.

 
You DO NOT need a crockpot...!

Anything you want to make in a crockpot can be made on the stove or in your oven

The only reason I could see getting one is if you want to put all your ingredients in the crockpot turn it on and go to work.

Personally, I would not leave something cooking in there all day unattended - too much risk of fire, for me...

 
I agree regarding the large size . . . please keep reading all

I have a large one (it was a gift) and rarely use it because it is so large and makes so many portions. There are smaller ones out there that may work.

I haven't tried stocks or soups (I think I will), but in the long run, I have discovered that most recipes require browning meat, veggies, etc. At that point I've made a pot dirty and might as well use that pot to cook the dish. I cook mostly on the weekends, for the week, so it is also for my enjoyment. I can get the same result in a pot or the oven as a crockpot. Also, I find that recipes tend to include canned soups/mixed soups, sodas/pop, that I wouldn't use otherwise. My friend makes the most amazing crockpot recipes, but I've had no luck so far, but he mostly does it with no translatable recipe for me.

Others - PLEASE feel to weigh in here. I would love to know any tips and advice. AND ANY RECIPES WOULD BE WELCOME!

 
Likewise, you could put it all in the pot, in the oven, and go to work...I wouldn't do either one

because of the risk of something going wrong, also. I have never in my life owned a crockpot so can't advise on that. Wish I had room for more toys smileys/smile.gif

 
I mainly use mine to take things to work in.

But I have usually already cooked whatever in other methods and just take it to use as a heater/warmer.

 
A recipe for example.

I do not have to do anything prior, just dump everthing in the crockpot, do not have to stand at stove and stir, saute, etc, comes out perfect, no prior browning. See recipe below.

Pepper Steak, do not have source noted, been making for years

2 to 2 1/2 lbs round steak cubed (have used different cuts of beef)
1/4 cup flour
1/8 tsp pepper
toss with beef to coat, put in crock pot

1 large bunch green onions
3 cloves of garlic
chop and put over meat

mix
1/2 cup low sodium terriyaki sauce
1 tsp sugar
1/8 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp ginger
pour over meat.

use 1/2 cup beef stock or 1/2 cup water to 1/2 tsp beef base
pour over meat/ingredients

cook 8-10 hours on low. Add 1 green pepper sliced last hour.

Serve over rice.

 
While I agree that one doesn't need a crockpot, I love mine. I don't use it that often but when ...

I do it is a lifesaver.
1. When I have no time to be at home - put it up
in the morning and it is ready for dinner or before.
2. When I can prepare in the evening but am too tired to wait up 2 hours for it to finish cooking- pop it in the crockpot. Done in the morning - reheat in crockpot when needed. I know
you can do this with a stove but I have a gas stove and would not chance it for either this or the above.
3. When you have lots of things cooking - it is an extra oven - like on Thanksgiving.

These are the main reasons I love it. But again,
it is certainly not a necessity.

 
I think it is like most kitchen gadgets / appliances; if you have it, and make an effort

to use it; you will find a place for it in your kitchen. I like how you can pull the meal together in the am (or during some quiet time) and have it ready for dinner. This is really helpful when we have evening activities; no last minute rush, no pots and pans everywhere, etc.... Very convenient. I used it this week to make the taco soup posted above.

 
I agree with you Barb. I use it because it's there. I would not have bought one.....ours was a gift.

That being said, DH loves anything that plugs into a wall socket, and he has taken it upon himself to Prepare meals with the slow cooker which is great. He has perfected his rib recipe and I'm in favour of that.

 
Humm, guess I still need to think on it

I suppose if I used a small one I could half(?) a recipe/not sure about finding small cuts of meat for that though. I'm not someone that cooks with a can of soup - that's a good point, but I'm sure not all recipes are like that - hopefully.

For me the thought here might be to not spend as much time on me feet. I have a problem with that these days after I fell down and went boom years ago. Spending time cooking has become limited because of that, so the thought of tossing stuff in there and walking away is what draws me now.

 
Check of the Cook's Illustrated Slow Cooker revolution book

i just read through it and made my first recipe from it - the pork with cranberry - very yummy.

Yes - there's prep work. Yes sometimes CI goes overboard to do things (make a foil pouch, put veggies in it, put in pot - to ensure they don't over cook)... but it isn't a dump and go book.

I do have a large 6 qt crock pot and there's only 2 of us. When I make something it's portioned out and frozen - my own weeknight frozen dinners!

http://www.amazon.com/Cooker-Revolution-Editors-Americas-Kitchen/dp/1933615699

 
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