Crockpot Sizes?????

[LenaS]

Could anyone please enlighten me as to what size of crockpot is the most useful. Usually only 2 people here, had an OLD one that broke and would not have a clue what size it was. I see a corning ware one in 6 quarts and one in 4 (think quarts?) what size do most of you have - any suggestions very welcome - sounds like a ridiculous question but have so much 'stuff' and don't want to make another useless purchase - thanks

[Beth Y]

This is, actually, a very good question cause there are so many different sizes and shapes out now (there use to be that one, round tall size) and I think they cook differently. I have a big oval one. Don't know the quart amount, but it is great in that it holds a whole chiken, etc. easily. However, I have found that if you do not do a big dish (i.e. if you are just throwing in some chicken and BBQ sauce for 2) then it has the chance of getting dried out. In that case, the smaller the better. My best advice is to be sure to get one that has the crockery piece that comes out for cleaning. If you have baked on goo, soaking is the only answer. I know others disagree with me. There is much on this issue in the archives if you want to do a quick search.

[LenaS]

Thanks Beth - actually the one I 'had' - you are right - things did get 'dried up' and I don't think I would put a chicken (whole that is) mine was round but today I did see an oval 6 quart/whatever too - now this is corning so should be relatively easy to clean - just so sick of buying 'useless gadgets' - basically just the 2 of us now and 4 quarts I'm thinking should be large enough - and the good thing about this is that you can use it on the stove - in the oven - in the fridge (of course) and in the oven - thank you for your feedback http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by LenaS (edited 10-30-2000).]

[MrsReber]

Lena, my husband and I have a 4 quart rectangular non-stick crock pot. It's pretty nice and works fine for the two of us. I have also used it to keep things warm for family gatherings. For my husbands birthday, I put a bunch of sauce with meatballs and sausage in it. It held plenty for everyone. I have cooked whole oven stuffer roasters in it as well. I think you'll do just fine with a 4 quart.

[lanie]

This is so coincidental - gave my old one to my daughter just this weekend - and was looking at the corning ware ones today too!
Think I will get the small one - here I think is 4 litres - this is too funny - just out of curiosity - how much there - the 4 litre one is $54.99 and the 6 is $59.99 - not much difference but big space difference - so Mrs. R - you think the 4 is fine - that is probably what I will do - thanks - glad I saw this post!!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Marg]

Good post, I am an avid 'crockpoter' and have a small cylinder (about 9-10" inches high) rival one - it is great but have been thinking about purchasing a new one and have heard about the corning ones, mine is very old but still works like a charm except needs stirring and that is not good as you lose I think they say about 1/2 hour every time you lift the lid - so I would say if there are only two people then the smaller one would be fine.

[SusanL]

Lena S- what brand can you use on the stove? I recently (about a year ago) purchased an oval Rival 6Qt. crockpot. I use it often for cooking for 2 and love it because I can freeze and/or have leftover during the week. However, it states I cannot use it on top of the burner, doesn't mention stove, but I presume that I can't. What brand can you use on the burner/stove? Marg mentions Corning, could that be the brand? I may be making a new purchase this weekend. I would love to use it in the oven! Thanks in advance!

[LenaS]

Hi Susan - it is the corningware one - I guess it is relatively new, says can be used on top of range - in regular oven and in microwave - the top is also glass - it is REALLY nice and I think I will buy the 4 quart one today - it looks really nice too - my old could not be used for anything other than slowcooking http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[emilycat]

I apologize for my ignorance, but what advantage does a crock pot have, say, over a Dutch oven? Do you use them just for stews, etc? What are their primary uses?

[lanie]

Emily - I just love crockpot cooking - you can do a week's worth of chicken, just anything and it's so easy I posted a really good Southwest Chicken a while back - it's great and so easy - I am buying a new one today - you pretty much get very good results. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Grace]

Emily, a dutch oven sits on the stove or in the oven, and there must be someone there to watch it. A crock pot runs on very low electricity, and cooks very, very slowly all day long. So you can put food in it in the morning, and leave it on all day (most recipes require 7 to 9 hours), and you don't have to be home to watch it. Then when you come home from work, it's all ready to eat, and the house smells great! You should get one, they're great timesavers and everything comes out so good in them (no burning, etc).

[Pat]

Marg,

Would you share some of your favorite crockpot recipes. These come in so handy when you have to be away during the day. I use mine a lot on Sundays. I put something in to cook late Saturday night and when we get home from church on Sunday, lunch is ready and my husband thinks I am a genius.

[Marg]

Here are some that I have tried and really like - prob from this site or MS - like these a lot.

Crockpot Chicken Stroganoff:

1 llb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 (16 oz) container of sour cream
1 envelope Lipton Cream of Mushroom Soup mix (dried)
1 can mushroom pieces (optional)

Place chicken breasts at bottom of crock pot. Mix remaining ingredients, pour over chicken. Cook on low for 7 -8 hours. Serve over rice, noodles or pasta. (Note: you can substitute low fat or fat free sour cream and mushroom soup)

Crockpot Chicken in Spicy Sauce

1/2 c. tomato juice (I use 1 sm. can of tomato sauce)
1/2 c. soy sauce
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. chicken broth
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 whole chicken, cut in skinless serving size
pieces or favorite parts

Combine all ingredients except chicken in a bowl. Dip
each piece of chicken in the sauce. Place in the slow
cooker. Pour remaining sauce over the top. Cook on
low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
Makes 6 servings.


Chicken and Carrots with Wine Sauce
2 cups diagonally sliced carrot (about 8 oz)
8 chicken thighs (about 2 lbs) skinned
12 garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper

1. Combine carrot, chicken, and garlic in an electric slow cooker, and add wine. Sprinkle with thyme, salt, and add wine. Cover with lid; cook on low-heat setting for 8 hrs.

2. Remove carrot, chicken, and garlic with slotted spoon, reserving cooking liquid. Place 1/3 cup carrots, 3 garlic cloves, and 2 chicken thighs in each of 4 shallow bowls. Spoon 2 tbsp. reserved cooking liquid over each serving. Yield: 4 servings.

Slow Cooker Chops

Ingredients:
1 large (16 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 to 1.5 pounds boneless pork chops
1 (14.5 ounce) can green beans
3 to 4 large potatoes, cut into chunks



Directions:
1 Add soup to a slow cooker. Stir in water to thin out soup slightly. Season each pork chop with a dash of pepper and add chops to slow cooker. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.
2 Add green beans and potatoes and cook on high for 2 to 2 1/2 hours longer. Stir together, remove from heat and serve.
Makes 4 to 5 servings


Southwestern Chicken (Serves 5-6 3-4 hours on H or 7-8 on L

1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained (do not put the fractions, too
lazy!)
1 can (15 oz) black beans rinsed and drained
1 jar of (16 oz) chunky salsa, divided
4 to 6 chicken breasts
1 C (4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese.

Combine the corn, black beans and 1/2 C of salsa in a slow cooker.
Top with chicken and pour remaining salsa over chicken. Cover.
Sprinkle with cheese at end of cooking cycle and cover until melted,
about 5 minutes.

[lanie]

Just wanted to tell you, I bought the Corningware Crockpot today, the 4 quart size and looks plenty big enough. It has an auto setting which if you were going to cook something all day, starts off 2 hours on high then back to low. It is really nice and can go stove top, oven, microwave as well - just so you know! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[veggie val]

Hello, I am new, as "junior memeber" describes. How long does it take for "junior" to drop off my name?
I just wanted to say how much I enjoy reading your input on crockpots. I just got a cup of hot apple cider from a big oval crockpot, here at work. I was thinking, I want to get one of those. And then here is a conversation of crockpot users! It must be the seaon or someting! I am a family of 3, and like to have leftovers for lunches and for quick "creative" meals later in the week...

[Beth]

I was just talking with a couple of moms at my son's school today about crock pots. I bought on years ago and returned it after looking at the recipes that came with it. They all required so much prep work an pan dirtying that I decided I'd rather cook the old fashioned way. Now that my boys are growing and getting into scouts and sports, I'm rethinking. I've also heard many say they rarely do that much prep work, even throw frozen meat in the pot.

I have not seen a CorningWare yet, but I did see an oval Rival 6qt with a removable crock, and the cooker is programable. I think that means you can get different temps and times in the same recipe, and when the cooking is done, it switches over to warm.

To be honest, I was in Best Buy on my way to check for vaccum cleaner bags, so I can't say I've shopped around for a crock pot yet. For those of you that use one, are these good features? Looks like Target and Best Buy both carry this model for $49. That's more that the older ones I remember, but more features too. Is that a good price range?