Shannon in TN Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I'm going to try and add a poll to this, but since I've never done this before....I'm not sure I'll get it right - Hey, look! It worked! Here's my reason for the poll. I'm trying to justify the purchase of a smaller crockpot. DH asks why should we get another one and I'm thinking it'll be easier to use for just me and the kids while dh is gone on deployment. Plus, I saw a really yummy chocolate fudge cake recipe that calls for a 3 qt crockpot (ours is either 6 or 7 qts) :tongue_smilie::D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rieshy Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I have a huge one and a medium sized one. I use either/or regularly, and at least every couple of months I use both at the same time, especially if I am taking a meal to a smaller family or if I'm cooking an extra batch for the freezer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murmer Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I have 1 but really want a smaller one too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amber in AUS Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I've got a big one, 5.5L. Generally I batch cook in it. My DH works away and it lightens the load a little knowing I can pull a meal from the freezer rather than cook from scratch on some of those days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennsmile Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I have a large oval one (gift from mom) that cooks really slow but I can fit a large roast and veggies in it. I have a medium one that is my go to for just about everything else. And then I have a little one I got free from a friend, so far it has only been used to warm compresses during labor and make an herbal soak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mazakaal Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I only have a 3qt one, but I'd love to have a bigger one as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annabel Lee Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I'm still wondering what the hype on these boards is/was about crockpots. It seemed like there was an assigned alternative meaning or inside joke. I've made chocolate fudgey cake in my little crockpot and yes, it is as good as you're imagining! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desertmum Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 We've got one, medium sized (we are a small family). My husband bought it before we got married, and 9+ years later it is still woking fine. It is so loved we actually put it in our suitcase when we moved here! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cassy Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I voted 'None'. Am I really missing something? Having read about crockpots here I decided a while ago to find out a little more about them, and couldn't really see the point. I can understand how, if I were out working all day, it would be great to come home to something that had been slowly cooking all day. But I'm here most of the day, most days. I can easily put a casserole in the oven. Isn't a crockpot just another piece of equipment to clutter up my kitchen, without really making my life any easier. I would love someone to enlighten me, to tell me that I've got it all completely wrong, and how a crockpot is really the answer to all my prayers :tongue_smilie:. Best wishes Cassy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nono Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 Two. One big, one little. The little was my Dad's, so I inherited it. I don't use crockpots a whole lot, but it is nice to have the right-sized one when I do. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecclecticmum Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I have....none I did have a BIG one, DH broke it (lesson learned, don't let DH near my kitchen babies :tongue_smilie: ) I am hoping to get two, big family sized stew/roast one, and a little/med one. When I had the big one I noticed a lot of recipes I planned to use would barely cover the bottom of the pot (these were for soups, stews etc) so a smaller one is definitely needed for me, but you also need a large one that will fit a leg /rack of something or a chicken etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rieshy Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I voted 'None'. Am I really missing something? I would love someone to enlighten me, to tell me that I've got it all completely wrong, and how a crockpot is really the answer to all my prayers :tongue_smilie:. Best wishes Cassy 1. I like to slow cook large batches of various types of beans. 12- 15 hours worth, but I can't stand the smell for that long. I have a covered porch with a gate. I put the crock pot outside to cook. Often overnight. 2. We eat a lot of venison. But heating my oven to slow roast venison heats my whole house. Unless it's January or February the crock pot is more economical in terms of energy. Actually, even in January or February I use the crock pot for venison, it makes it more tender- I don't have to add any fat, just wine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThisIsTheDay Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I have an older crockpot, and I got a new, larger crockpot for Christmas. It IS nice to have two different sizes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I have the dip-sized one and the round one (18-years old). I NEED the large oval one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mazakaal Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I voted 'None'. Am I really missing something? Having read about crockpots here I decided a while ago to find out a little more about them, and couldn't really see the point. I can understand how, if I were out working all day, it would be great to come home to something that had been slowly cooking all day. But I'm here most of the day, most days. I can easily put a casserole in the oven. Isn't a crockpot just another piece of equipment to clutter up my kitchen, without really making my life any easier. I would love someone to enlighten me, to tell me that I've got it all completely wrong, and how a crockpot is really the answer to all my prayers :tongue_smilie:. Best wishes Cassy Not exactly the answer to all your prayers, but I find my crockpot extremely convenient when I'm out in the afternoon and don't want to have to start a meal at 6:30 or 7pm. I used to use it every week when ds had late swimming lessons. Dh can't cook much, but if I had a crockpot meal in, he could make rice and a frozen veg and have dinner on the table when we got home. I don't use it as often now, but still find it extremely convenient on occasion. And there are a few favorite meals that I use it for even if I'm at home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cassy Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 Not exactly the answer to all your prayers, but I find my crockpot extremely convenient when I'm out in the afternoon and don't want to have to start a meal at 6:30 or 7pm. I used to use it every week when ds had late swimming lessons. Dh can't cook much, but if I had a crockpot meal in, he could make rice and a frozen veg and have dinner on the table when we got home. I don't use it as often now, but still find it extremely convenient on occasion. And there are a few favorite meals that I use it for even if I'm at home. 1. I like to slow cook large batches of various types of beans. 12- 15 hours worth, but I can't stand the smell for that long. I have a covered porch with a gate. I put the crock pot outside to cook. Often overnight.2. We eat a lot of venison. But heating my oven to slow roast venison heats my whole house. Unless it's January or February the crock pot is more economical in terms of energy. Actually, even in January or February I use the crock pot for venison, it makes it more tender- I don't have to add any fat, just wine. You are right, a crockpot isn't the answer to all your prayers...that would be your own chef along with a Zojirushi rice maker and a cast iron covered pot for those days when the chef is off. The crock can make your life easier by freeing you up to not monitor the stove...you've got to go outside and tend your garden and collect your Vit. D sometime. It's also handy when nondriving teens have late afternoon/evening activities....you can safely leave or cook dinner in crock. Another use is pot lucks....can keep the food at a non-bacteria- happy temperature. OK, I'm beginning to get sold on the idea :001_smile:. I do love cooking, and I do love kitchen gadgets. And, Heigh Ho, I've also heard other people sing the praises of the rice maker (most famously here, Nigella Lawson), so you've now got me really interested. We've just started a two week break, so this afternoon I just might revisit crockpot shopping. I'll be keeping a close eye on this thread too, it seems size really matters ;). Many thanks Cassy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AuntPol Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I need more coffee - I read this as how many CRACKPOTS do you have? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mazakaal Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I need more coffee - I read this as how many CRACKPOTS do you have? :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I have 3 - a 6 qt. programmable, a 4 qt., and the little one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuirkyKapers Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassoonaroo Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 A few years ago, I got this http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-33135-6-Quart-Stainless/dp/B000R8A1OK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1333113214&sr=8-2 (well, in boring white because I got it when it first came out! -- I paid $40 for it). It answers the size question. And I could get by with just that one BUT I also have a big old one whose knob is frozen in HIGH and the little dipper one that came with the big old one. The big old one sits in the garage, wrapped in a plastic bag, and I get it out whenever we have a crowd over after church -- maybe I make red chili in one and white chili in the other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thia Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I checked 2 or more, I really don't know... We had a couple, then my mil didn't want teh ones she had and gave them to us, I think we got another as a gift. Maybe they're reproducing down in storage? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nova147 Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I got a 3 qt a few months ago. I have had my 6 qt since we got married and love it, but some dishes just don't need a big one. Like bbq chicken - when I put 1 1/2 lbs of chicken in my big crockpot with a bottle of BBQ sauce, it burns. Small crockpot - nice and juicy, less mess. Small crockpots are cheap - just do it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plath Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I have two large ones, but one of them is used only for soap making. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wyndie Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I have 3. Two are 7 qt and one is a 6 qt. I love my crockpots...DH just bought me the 2- 7qt ones when he got a job 2 weeks ago...my "Thanks for not going insane during my months of unemployment" gifts. :lol: I like to keep bone broth going at all times so one pot is constantly in use for that. I also like to wake up to breakfast ready & crockpot #2 makes that possible. The 6qt doesn't have a permanent job but it's there in case I want it. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardening momma Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 Two plus a little dipper. I have one that is the standard small-ish (1.5 qt? 3.5 qt??) size--I had that from before we were married. Now I also have a 6 qt. programmable crock pot. I don't use it often, but it does come in handy. There's a lot that my smaller one can't handle. I have the little dipper because I got it free when redeeming points for some online reward system. I don't really care for it because I can't control the heat and it gets too hot for a cheese sauce (which is the only thing I've used it for). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 One large, one medium. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HLDoll Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I have a 7 quart and a 4 quart. I use the smaller one when I'm just cooking for my immediate family, and the larger one if we're having company or I want a leftover meal. I also use the larger crock for making a gallon of yogurt at a time, and for doubling refried beans to last for lunch for a week. Even though I'm home all day, I love having dinner taken care of after breakfast or by lunch time. It frees us to go out and spend gorgeous afternoons at the park and arrive home at the same time as my husband and sit down to a nice meal together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Jen* Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I have one large and one little dipper. I really want to get a medium 3qt size one for meals that don't fill my big crockpot. I'm tired of things burning in the large one when it isn't full. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardening momma Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 If you don't know what to cook in a crockpot or how or how long, get a slow cooker cookbook from the library. I really didn't have a clue (of what, how, how long), except for a couple of items, and cookbooks really helped. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeaganS Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I have 3. A small, medium, and large one. They all have their uses! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nertsmommy Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I have 4 medium sized, 1 with three small sections, I had a dip one but never used it so I got rid of it, I had a small round one but DH ruined it, I had a very large one but lent it to someone and never got it back, and I had another medium one but DH broke it. For some reason, for a few years I kept getting one for Christmas. I guess no one that came for Christmas dinner noticed the line of crock pots on the counter containing our whole dinner course :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I have 4 of them. I have 2 large oval ones (but one is missing a lid--but foil works OK) and then I have a medium size one and a small one. Each has a usage and often I have more than 1 in service at a time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandy in Indy Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I have 4--a large oval, a medium round, a smaller round and a tiny round with a dipper. I use the larger two regularly and the smaller ones when I entertain. I regularly have 2 or 3 going at the same time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DusksAngel Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I have a large one and a small one. I would love another big one and a medium one. The thought of having breakfast waiting on me in the morning makes me happy. And I could use the others to make dinner (and some sides). I use them in the winter so I don't have to worry about when everyone gets home. And in the summer I don't have to heat up my entire kitchen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mimmy Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I have one crockpot with 3 different size inserts. It is very cool and doesn't take up tons of space. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Rat Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I have a regular size one, a large one, and a little dipper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cassy Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 If you don't know what to cook in a crockpot or how or how long, get a slow cooker cookbook from the library. I really didn't have a clue (of what, how, how long), except for a couple of items, and cookbooks really helped. Do you (or does anyone else) have any recommendations for good slow cooker cookbooks? Any real favourites? TIA Cassy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I've got a two; one is small/med and the other is big (with a insulated-carry case) for pot-lucks and big soup batches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swellmomma Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I have 2 good sized ones and 1 little dipper one that I have never used before. I would like to get 1 more really big crockpot to add to my stash but for now the 2 work well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nukeswife Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I have 3 of them. A 5.5 qt, a 3qt and a little dipper that came with one of the other ones. I tried the hamilton beach 3 different size crock ones when the whole "is there lead in my crockpot crock" hoopla happened and I hated it. It never cooked as well as my rivals that I had gotten rid of. I went out and bought the 3 listed above (all rivals) and I love them all. If you will be cooking smaller batches when dh is deployed (I know how this goes, mine is deployed now) then you really do need a smaller model. Trying to cook smaller amounts in a large crock doesn't always work because there isn't enough food in the crock for it to cook like it was designed to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kewb Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I have 2. The big one (which I want to replace because I think it is too hot) and a smaller one for dishes only dh and I like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ereks mom Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I have four: 1) a 6 qt. with removable crock, 2) a 4 qt. non-removable, a 1 qt. non-removable, and another 1 qt. with a removable crock. I also have a slow cooker like this one. Oh, I also have this potpourri cooker that is technically a tiny crockpot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besroma Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I have one with three different sizes of inserts: 2, 4, and 6 quarts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrixieB Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I voted 'None'. Am I really missing something? Having read about crockpots here I decided a while ago to find out a little more about them, and couldn't really see the point. I can understand how, if I were out working all day, it would be great to come home to something that had been slowly cooking all day. But I'm here most of the day, most days. I can easily put a casserole in the oven. Isn't a crockpot just another piece of equipment to clutter up my kitchen, without really making my life any easier. I would love someone to enlighten me, to tell me that I've got it all completely wrong, and how a crockpot is really the answer to all my prayers :tongue_smilie:. Best wishes Cassy For cooking beans, pea soup, bean soup, anything that would take an hour or more on the stove, I prefer to use the crockpot. We have a gas range and run the exhaust fan while using the oven or stovetop. I can't stand the sound of the fan, and much prefer the silence of the crockpot. And I love my quiet rice cooker for the same reason (well, I also love how wonderfully it cooks rice!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momtoamiracle Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 big one and a medium. I also want a small one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momtoamiracle Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 OK, I'm beginning to get sold on the idea :001_smile:. I do love cooking, and I do love kitchen gadgets. And, Heigh Ho, I've also heard other people sing the praises of the rice maker (most famously here, Nigella Lawson), so you've now got me really interested. We've just started a two week break, so this afternoon I just might revisit crockpot shopping. I'll be keeping a close eye on this thread too, it seems size really matters ;). Many thanks Cassy I have a recipe for baked chicken that makes it taste JUST like it has come out of the oven. But I dont' have to heat up my whole house to do it. What I love about it is that I can throw it all in and forget about it. It won't burn, won't get too hot, my smoke alarms won't go off because of the heat, and I don't have to try and get a heavy item outof hte oven. It is also FABULOUS for cooking beans. Stick them in the morning and leave them. Don't have to worry about them burning. I have a Hamilton Beach Stay and Go and it's wonderful. Cooks perfectly. I thinkt he lock down lid makes a difference. No heat escapes. http://www.hamiltonbeach.com/products/stay-or-go-slow-cookers-stay-or-go-6-quart-slow-cooker-33263.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cassy Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 You've definitely got to me :o. I've just put an order in for one of these. I now need some good recipes. Momtoamiracle, that baked chicken sounds particularly good :drool5:. I think maybe I shouldn't have opened this thread. Hopefully in a week or so's time I'll be posting to say that I don't know how I ever lived without one. Thanks (maybe) to those who've encouraged me. And sorry to the OP, my vote on your poll will soon be inaccurate. Cassy Off now to look at rice makers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomatHWTK Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 (edited) I only have 3 right now because I keep wearing them out- either the heating unit will go or the crock will get microcracks. I like to buy the same brand and size so that I can have one heating unit with several interchangeable crocks. But, it's the set that was the same that had all the problems. So now I need to find a brand and size that I like that will hold up. :confused: With 3 or more I can crock a large roast in one, then before it's clean and ready to re-use I can put the broth and some of the meat in another to make soup or stew. Then, the next day, I can start the next meal with the other set of crocks. (The first day's crocks still having leftovers in them and stored in the refrigerator.) I've found that if I put hot water into a crockpot it also works well for steaming brown rice- so that would take one of the 4 when I'm at full capacity. :D Oh I have that tiny dipper one too, but I never use it. It came free with one of the others. Edited March 30, 2012 by MomatHWTK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElizabethB Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 A small one might save $ in the long run because of electricity costs. Here is an interesting link: http://www.cookingmanager.com/slow-cookers-energy-efficient/ You would have to run the numbers on the one you own vs the ones you are considering and you local electricity costs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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