The other day I was lamenting a purchase of a couple years ago - a rather large and cumbersome "slow cooker" that didn't cook very slowly. It is not that I do not like this particular appliance, it is that my cooking needs have changed with the family working its way back to a couple. Two people do not need a 6 quart slow cooker for a meal. Maybe for a week or two of meals, but not one.
My search began because I was preparing 2 pork chops in a huge slow cooker. They looked so lonely sitting at the bottom of the large vessel. I felt sorry for them.
The heartfelt pork chop pity led me to my computer, which took me to Amazon.com, the place where all things are possible...and usually available.
After a bit of research, I discovered a nice little unit that would serve (pun intended) my needs,both large and small!
My search began because I was preparing 2 pork chops in a huge slow cooker. They looked so lonely sitting at the bottom of the large vessel. I felt sorry for them.
The heartfelt pork chop pity led me to my computer, which took me to Amazon.com, the place where all things are possible...and usually available.
After a bit of research, I discovered a nice little unit that would serve (pun intended) my needs,both large and small!
What a little cutie!
It has a 2 quart, 4 and 6 quart vessels! It had semi-decent reviews. Nothing special. But, it had removable vessels of various sizes! Rather than order from my store of dreams, I ran to the local Kohl's. Yes, they had it! And, it was on sale at a price much lower than my store of dreams and because I had carried my Kohl's plastic with me, I got an additional 20% off!
Now, having used this appliance almost every day since then I have this to say about it:
1. It is not a slow, slow cooker. It gets fairly hot, even at its lowest setting. Don't leave it to cook while you spend the day with friends or go to work! Bad, very bad. If you want a slow cooker, stick with the original Crock Pot.
2. It heats up quickly.
3. Because the heating unit does not wrap the pot, it does not heat evenly. But I love it anyway!
If you don't need a slow, slow cooker, this is great. The various sized vessels make it so adaptable. I have found that to cook for the Boyfriend and I, the 2 quart is more than ample. The prepare enough soup for the remaining family, the middle size gives enough for a meal and leftovers for lunch the next day.
I have yet to use the largest pot...may at Thanksgiving if the kids come home.
It has a 2 quart, 4 and 6 quart vessels! It had semi-decent reviews. Nothing special. But, it had removable vessels of various sizes! Rather than order from my store of dreams, I ran to the local Kohl's. Yes, they had it! And, it was on sale at a price much lower than my store of dreams and because I had carried my Kohl's plastic with me, I got an additional 20% off!
Now, having used this appliance almost every day since then I have this to say about it:
1. It is not a slow, slow cooker. It gets fairly hot, even at its lowest setting. Don't leave it to cook while you spend the day with friends or go to work! Bad, very bad. If you want a slow cooker, stick with the original Crock Pot.
2. It heats up quickly.
3. Because the heating unit does not wrap the pot, it does not heat evenly. But I love it anyway!
If you don't need a slow, slow cooker, this is great. The various sized vessels make it so adaptable. I have found that to cook for the Boyfriend and I, the 2 quart is more than ample. The prepare enough soup for the remaining family, the middle size gives enough for a meal and leftovers for lunch the next day.
I have yet to use the largest pot...may at Thanksgiving if the kids come home.
Comments
I have been thinking of getting a slow cooker. I had a Crock Pot from the 70s but it is long gone.
I think I will get another because I do want a true slow cooker.