This might be risky - I'm going to ask a question!   In the past this has resulted in about zero answers... so we'll see.

I realized today (yeah I'm a bit slow sometimes) that it's heading into the cold weather season here.  This means I'll be cooking more things inside instead of on my trusty Weber grill - especially when it snows. 

Since I loathe my oven and try to use it as little as possible, I've decided that this year I want to do more by way of crockpot cooking. 

The problem is, my Crockpot is 28.5 years old.  We got it as a wedding present.  Yes, it still works, but I have to say it rather worries me.

I have used it over the years on occasion (it generally did NOT make enough food when young son was a teen and it saw way less use then). So while it has been used consistently, it hasn't been used heavily. But it's still really old!

Question:  What kind of crockpot/slow cooker should I get? 

Here's the thing - even though it is just beloved husband and myself - I often cook for 4 at least and then have leftovers for lunch and even another dinner... so a larger size crockpot will be okay while the tiny sizes will definitely be too small.  I'm thinking the 6-7.5 qt size will be good.

There are many out there - I've been reading about them - but nothing jumps out and says "buy me".  So, I thought I'd see what others have to say.  It can even be a crockpot you would "love" to have, but haven't bought it for whatever reason.

Any  suggestions?

Posted by: Teresa in Food and Drink at 05:54 PM | Comments (12) | Add Comment
Post contains 284 words, total size 2 kb.

1 Since I don't have one, I'll be interested in the answers! 

Posted by: pam at October 01, 2007 08:01 PM (l6NIn)

2 I have three crockpots and love them all...  Lets see...

Any size is good - for you guys probably the 4 to 6 quart size would be ideal.  You want one that has a removable "crock"  or "pot" - whatever...  Makes them easier to clean.  Oh!  And having multiple settings (warm, low, medium, high) is good too.  Happy cooking and let me know if you need any recipes.   use mine all of the time...

Posted by: Richmond at October 02, 2007 07:37 AM (m5t0L)

3

I have this 5 quart from Rival.  I've had it for years and LOVE it.

I especially love the fact that the "pot" comes out.  I use it for serving and for storage. 

And it's durable.  :-)  I think if ANYONE has proven that it's me and all my moves.

I've had mine for over 13 years now.  Still use it ALOT and plan on having it for years to come.

But that's just my opinion......

 

I sure hope that link worked.  I have *NO* idea how to work these new fancy comments.  ;-) 

Posted by: Tammi at October 02, 2007 08:09 AM (eAXdf)

4 My "crock" just cracked from too many fridge to fire days.  I use it all the time.  I just bought a simple rival 51/2 quart with removable crock with low high warm settings.  It is perfect.  Target:  $29.99.

Posted by: Oddybobo at October 02, 2007 08:18 AM (mZfwW)

5 I'd like to help but you probably don't want someone whose idea of cooking is to microwave burritos with gobs of pre-shredded cheddar on them to serve as your guide in culinary decisions of any kind.

Posted by: dogette at October 02, 2007 08:59 AM (q/UVc)

6

I have a Rival I got 16 years ago as a wedding gift and love it.  You definitely want one that has a removable pot. I have high and low settings, which is good because you can cook things faster.  They are easy to clean... and I think that Rival is pretty much the name most people get...

I think Richmond is correct on size, not the really big one, but not the tiny one either.  6 Qt should be it.  I am probably going to have to get a bigger one as my boys start to eat more. 

Posted by: Bou at October 02, 2007 09:40 AM (fGpp7)

7 Dogette - LOL.

Thanks everybody.  My original crockpot is a Rival.  I just didn't know if  they were still the ones to get.  If you go to epinions and search there are nearly 100 types!!! Kinda freaked me out.

Posted by: Teresa at October 02, 2007 10:42 AM (rVIv9)

8 Give the crockpot liners a try when you get the new one. Zero cleanup time.

Posted by: Sine Nomine at October 02, 2007 12:12 PM (NxZdj)

9 Crockpot liners... I'll have to look into it I didn't know they made them! Thank you! 

Posted by: Teresa at October 02, 2007 12:46 PM (rVIv9)

10 I, like Dogette, have about zero to contribute to this whole crockpot conversation, although I would gladly take tips from her on how to properly cook a microwavable burrito, which sounds like an excellent choice for dinner.

Posted by: Erica at October 02, 2007 07:31 PM (QPJM+)

11 http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-NEVER-USED-WEST-BEND-6-QT-SLO-COOKER-GRIDDLE_W0QQitemZ190157844832QQihZ009QQcategoryZ20672QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I inherited one just like this from my Dad. Probably a good 30 years old. Still works great.

Posted by: Harvey at October 03, 2007 09:02 PM (L7a63)

12 Wow - I didn't know people kept stuff that long without using it. LOL. Thanks Harvey... but I think I'll stick with mine for a while. After everyone else commenting - I'm thinking I see how long my old one will go on until it dies - then I'll get a new one. ;-)

Posted by: Teresa at October 03, 2007 09:07 PM (rVIv9)

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