Slow cooker advice (urgent)

Oh they are lovely and usually come with a few recipes. They are pretty much a standard size here at least. You can google recipes, too. I use mine a lot in Winter, lovely to come home to a cooked meal. I usually use stock to cook in, not too much or it becomes a bit stew-like.

Do not make the mistake I first made and I bought one which was too small. It was for two people.

My last one is fine for me and helpfully does not have a make, size or model on it. It is heavy for me but your son is younger and fitter.

I can cook at least 4-5 portions in mine which is what I wanted.

I am sure I googled Amazon and more importantly read the reviews.

I have a cheap one that I use now and then. Just think braising and slow cooking in the oven and that’s what they do. Suggest you look at Lakeland as the stuff I’ve bought from them is pretty good although mine was from Aldi and also does the job.
The other thing is to consider how many he is cooking for and buy size accordingly

If you have got a decent budget then go and look at instant pots . they aren't just slow cookers, they pressure cook and do other things as well. I think if he is going to go out and leave it, its worth paying a bit more to be sure is a safe one....also you can do a small amount in a big cooker but not a large amount in a small one!

A slow cooker is so much cheaper to run than an oven, gas or electric. I have recently acquired an air fryer so that may be a thought for the future although it should never be left.

I've had a basic one for a couple of years now and use it a lot. It's really great for casseroles and stews.

My advice would be to buy a sizeable one that you can get a joint or chicken into.

It also needs to have a timer. I couldn't leave mine on while I go out or to bed because It would probably lead to a visit from the fire brigade.

4 - 4.5 litre will feed four. 5.5 and above 6 people and more, the bigger you go.

I have a cheap one from Sainsburys and am very happy with it. It is large, though not sure exact size. Small ones are really not worth buying. You can always cook a bit less in a large one if need be.
I would not recommend an Instant Pot if it is mainly for slow cooking as it is not so good at that. I would still recommend the Instant Pot though as it is so useful altogether. I use the pressure cook facility rather than slow cooking. I use the airfry facility a lot which cuts down on costs in using the main oven. I cook most meat, fish, roast potatoes and chips in it.

We've got this one:

www.wilko.com/en-uk/wilko-slow-cooker-35l/p/0468516

I think they do a larger size, but we find this is perfect for the two of us and easily fits enough food for a couple of dinners each.

Ridiculously cheap, but very good! If I ever needed to use a timer, I would just plug it into a separate timer.

I’d say 3.5 litre is a decent size for up to 4 people. It’s what I have, it’s fine when I’m cooking for just the 2 of us and easily holds enough for more. It and the Ninja are the most used things in our kitchen nowadays.

Mine was from Aldi; big enough for 4 servings at least. I think it was around £14 or so? I don't use it a lot but when I make the effort, I'm always pleased with the results. Make sure that you get one where the inner pot can be put in a dishwasher.

I have a 2 litre slow cooker. it will comfortably cook a stew/casserole containing a pound of meat and lots and lots of vegetables.

I love my slow cooker. It is a Russell Hobbs 3.5 litres, £25 on Amazon at the moment. I wouldn’t be without it. Very simple to use with great results. Ideal for a single, working person, coming into a healthy meal after a busy day. ?

I’d go along with those who say don’t get one that’s too small - 3.5 litres is ideal. I bought mine from Tesco ages ago and wouldn’t be without it, especially in the winter. Don’t be tempted to do what my DD did and get one with a pot that has two compartments! It seemed like a good idea at the time but is absolutely useless.

There is one problem I had, that I don't know exactly how to solve, but I guess to look at the wattage. We had one for years that was fantastic and it eventually died. We bought a new one which turned out to not be slow enough (still have it). It seemed to handle most things in 5-6 hours which was hopeless if you want to put it on as you go out to work. We had a lot of dried up meals.

I think that in this case, size does matter .

Whereas it is true that you can't cook more portions in a small one, you will spoil small portions in a large one, as the cooker should be at least a third full to cook properly.

I have two - a large one that I've had since the dawn of time and was great when the children were at home, and this one which I would recommend for your son, as it is fairly small, and you can fry off onions and sear meat in it before slow cooking. My old one won't do that, so I have to use a separate pan, which is not the end of the world but is a bit more faff and creates more washing up.

I second the idea of an Instant Pot, though. They are really versatile, and Costco has them on special offer just now.

Many thanks for your quick replies?

U have one where the inner is metal. This means you can brown meat on the hob if so desired and also reduce the sauce if it is not thick enough. It does not have a keep warm setting which I would like.

Petera

There is one problem I had, that I don't know exactly how to solve, but I guess to look at the wattage. We had one for years that was fantastic and it eventually died. We bought a new one which turned out to not be slow enough (still have it). It seemed to handle most things in 5-6 hours which was hopeless if you want to put it on as you go out to work. We had a lot of dried up meals.

I have two like that, a small one and a large one. They are OK for us because I don't go out all day, but not for someone who wants to leave on while they are at work.
I think they Cookworks, or something like that- a cheap brand from Argos. Best avoided by the OP, I think, unless her son works from home.

this looks interesting! and half price too

I’ve got two. One is a basic Morphy Richards one which I also bought both daughters and they use them all the time. The other is from Aldi and their own make with a ceramic inner pot. Either of these are not too big. Also, your son could freeze leftovers for another day in the week.

I have one from Aldi, works very well, if you want one that browns before slow cooking, then Morphy Richards do a good one, bought for my son. A one pot does even more, but more expensive.

A Crock pot is a good one too I use the slow cooker liners with mine.

I have just a small (compact one). Ideal for me as it does two good sized portions - so,either me and someone else for meal, or just for me for two days.

I used to go along the lines of following the recipe to the letter, and using a large frying pan (or wok) to sear the meat, and do onions, etc prior to putting into this. Then I watched my daughter who just placed everything in her slow cooker straight from fridge, etc and all cooked perfectly. So that is what I do now and cannot discerne any difference in flavour at end.
The one my daughter had I originally purchased in a Sainsbury's sale about ten years ago, and found it not to my liking, so gave it to her and she does wonderful meals in it. I was inspired to purchase for myself the small compact one, and it is great in the winter months.