(Part 3) Top products from r/slowcooking

Yeah-- I have one that you'd like.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055FSN0Y/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_dv-mybV54WBKW

It's $32 on Amazon. It's a rice cooker, but it comes with a steaming attachment to put veggies in while you cook rice. I've done it 3 times-- steamed veggies at the same time as making rice. But I mainly just use the Slow Cook setting and make recipes I find on this subreddit. It's fucking incredible and I don't know how I would cook without it.
Pros: everything is fucking delicious and perfectly cooked, white rice especially. Has a steaming attachment. Has a measuring cup and lines on the inside of the bowl. Bowl material is quite durable. Locking mechanism. Excellently designed. Has a keep warm setting for 12 hours. Digital display is super helpful.

Cons: The slow cook setting is High and you can't set it to low. Life is fleeting and we're all gonna die someday.

Browning the meat means using your stove to brown it (not fully cook, just brown the outside) before putting it in the slow cooker. Drying the pork means patting it dry with paper towels or something before putting it in the slow cooker.

Browning the meat is not fully necessary, but it will add an extra depth of flavor. It'll taste better if you do this step, but if you don't have time and just throw it into the slow cooker, it'll still cook through and you'll still have a tasty dinner. I skip that step all the time when I'm in a rush.

I highly recommend the Slow Cooker Revolution and Slow Cooker Revolution 2: Easy Prep cookbooks from America's Test Kitchen. For two reasons: One, their recipes are awesome. Two, they actually explain why you do certain steps and what the results will be so you can better understand what you're doing. Helped me to branch off from just using recipes to inventing my own. If you're looking for quick recipes, I'd go with SCR2 as the prep is much quicker for those recipes than in the first.

Everyone seems to be asking all the wrong questions, and no one is giving you an answer.

For my wife and I, [this] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008GS8R3K/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1495471094&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=1.5+quart+slow+cooker&dpPl=1&dpID=41A9X2qAIsL&ref=plSrch) makes enough soup for two servings (American, so consider large-ish servings), with one more serving for lunch the next day. We commonly use it for beans, small stews, and soups. It has about the same footprint as a toaster.

It's also great for making chicken or pork stock that we add to our dogs food.

Scaling up, [this] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003UCG8II/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495471094&sr=8-1-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=1.5+quart+slow+cooker&psc=1) is twice the size of the example above, and it's our workhorse. Everything from chicken tikka masala to soups to large amounts of stock. It works especially great if you prepare two weeks of meals ahead of time.

Finally, [this beast] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00S5HIN22/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1495471716&sr=8-7&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=7+quart+slow+cooker&dpPl=1&dpID=41UWiMWgVEL&ref=plSrch) is for huge family meals , and Chili cookouts.

There really is a slow cooker for every need, and they're not very expensive, incredibly energy efficient, and they make wonderful food

I wouldn't recommend less than 4.5 Quart for size people like to cook for parties and have left overs. Anything less than 4.5 would be too small for me.

They have programmable slow cookers which cook for the time set and then automatically set to warm after the time is up good for someone who works all day and can't watch it. If your mom is typically home all day you could get away with a 3 setting one low high and warm.

Also if your mom goes over to friends houses often with food they sell the travel slow cookers with latching lids for transport.

The brand Slow Cooker are good also Hamilton beach is a good company.

locking lid NOT programmable

Locking lid and programmable

Standard slow cooker no frills comes with dipping sauce warmer

basic slow cooker

So basically you can purchase on what you think your moms needs are Its not a bad idea to go for the programmable locking one since its a gift but when I buy for myself I typically want to save the most money possible and get the cheaper one but they will all cook the food the same.

West Bend is made here in Wisconsin but I can't say I've been happy with the one product I've had of theirs. That said I did get it for free, from someone else who got it for free because the company no longer sold them (probably because they were horrible). It was a "slow cooker" that only heated from the bottom. I raged at several tough roasts before I swore it off.

Browsing Amazon though it looks like their other products have good reviews.

I find this slow cooker perfect for small batch cooking. It is big enough to make dinner for my husband, middle school daughter and a toddler, sometimes with a serving of leftovers for my husband's lunch the next day. (I often have separate food because allergies) I work out of state for my summer job and I use it to cook single servings for me as well. I can fit a couple of chicken breasts or 3-4 boneless thighs, a small beef roast for shredded beef sandwiches or a little pot roast, or a piece of pork shoulder to make pulled pork. It's also a great size for spinach artichoke dip, which I should not eat as a meal, but sometimes I do.

I like that it has a removable crock (some in that size do not) and mine has good temperature control - my Mom has a smaller one that seems to only really get warm enough to heat dip, not warm enough to actually cook.

I bought a few of these weird little stands a while back and they're great for loading up freezer bags! The sides of the bag clip into the little arms (which are adjustable for different height bags) and it keeps the bag upright while you fill it. One of those 'why didn't I think of this?' gadgets lol.

>Edit: link for Amazon.com with better picture. They also fold flat for storage. Not sponsored, I just think they're cool.

A small fully functional pot like this would be superb, or consider one of the 3qt Instant Pots.
Googling slow cooker recipes for one or two generates more results than you'll ever be able to get through😀😀 and of course you can scale down any recipe in a small crock.
Some halved little potatoes with frozen sliced onions and peppers topped with a small meatloaf or a couple chicken thighs.
Overnight steel cut oats with nuts and dried fruits.
You may need to divide up ingredients and freeze portions for easy prep later. I'll bet there are weekly meal prep guides for one or two.

https://www.theleangreenbean.com/easy-slow-cooker-dinner-recipes-for-a-single-guy/
https://greatist.com/eat/time-saving-crock-pot-recipes.
https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/crockpot-recipes-for-two/
https://recipes.sparkpeople.com/great-recipes.asp?food=recipes+for+one+person+slow+cooker

I like this one. Rangetop-oven-freezer safe. I have the original version that came out... (ahem) in the 1970's and it's still going strong.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TK8SLY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=RTUSB3ZO3COX&coliid=I1JIEIW2BI5T9S&psc=1

I'm going to suggest another book. What I like best about this book (besides just the recipes) is how she gives good prep suggestions. She would say what can be prepped the night before and how to change the timing if it has come from the fridge into the crockpot in the morning

I use a potato masher. Works great too. Just twist the handle as you mash and it shreds nicely.
something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Good-Grips-Potato-Masher/dp/B00004OCJK

I have this one that does rice, steam, and slow cooking! I love it, it cooks rice perfectly and slow cooks everything. Only bummer is that is really doesn't have any settings or temp gauges for slow cooking. I had to figure out on my own that it cooks on low, and always make sure to temperature check my meats to make sure they are up to temp. Other than that, it's really handy if you don't have a lot of space. Not quite sure how steamed foods will come out, as I haven't gotten around to it yet.

I have one of these. while not as fancy as some it was super cheap (I got it on sale for $10 at Meijers) and works perfectly for the two of us.

I have this one. It does the job and it looks pretty, so I can take it to potlucks and family events. It was a gift. It doesn't really have any special features though. I think soon I will buy another crockpot with two compartments, so that I can make dinner for two and a side or dinner and dessert.

Idiots guide to slow cooker cooking and slow cooker revolution volume 2 have some easy prep recipes. Browning (or sautéing) means pre cooking the food for a few minute before you put it in the slow cooker. It's not necessary but from my experience it adds a lot if flavor and is worth it. It'll bind the spices to the food better. For this reason I upgraded my slow cooker to this one. It can saute and even steam food right in the cooker. I found myself using my slow cooker sometimes twice a day so for me I didn't mind spending the extra money.

I'm on my phone so I'll try to come back with a link but I've seen these outlet timers you could use? Basically plug it between your slow cooker and the wall outlet and it keeps power from hitting your cooker until whatever time you set. Originally made to turn lamps on at night but would work. That way you could get whatever slow cooker you liked, set it, then it wouldn't come on until you wanted it to.

Edit: something like this http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006LYHED0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1396462397&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40

Below are the recipes for the Freezer Meals. I’d say each bag could cover two-three days of meals for us: 2 adults & 2 toddlers.
My crock-pot cooks high, so even though these say 7-8hrs on low, my crock-pot pretty much can cook in half the time, on low! I have two toddlers and I had to mess around with the ingredients a bit (like, no jalapeno). But pretty much everything is toddler approved!
Before you fill your bags up, write the title of the meal + instructions and any add-ons.
I’d recommend to buy a bag holder to help you dump your food in: Baggie Holders
Once you’re done filling up your freezer bag, lay it flat so it freezes and defrosts evenly.

Teriyaki Chicken
Fill a freezer bag with:

• 1 and ½ pounds chicken breasts, sliced
  
  
• ¼ cup soy sauce
  
  
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
  
  
• ½ cup Teriyaki sauce
  
  
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  
  
• 3 carrots sliced
  
  
• 1 green bell pepper sliced
  
  
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
  
  
• 1 cup chicken broth
  
  
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
  
  To Cook: Place thawed contents in a slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
  
  Optional: To thicken sauce at the end, whisk together ½ cup of the cooked sauce with 2 tablespoons cornstarch and pour back in the slow cooker. Turn cooker on high for an extra 10-15 minutes so sauce can thicken. Serve on top of rice and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
  
  
  
  
  Sausage with Onions & Peppers
  Fill Freezer Bag with:
  
  
• 1-16 oz. package Sausage, sliced
  
  
• 1 onion sliced
  
  
• 3 Bell Peppers (one green, one yellow, and one red) sliced
  
  
• 2 cans diced tomatoes, fire roasted and not drained
  
  
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
  
  
• 2 cloves garlic minced
  
  
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  
  
  To Cook: Place thawed contents in the slow cooker for about 5-6 hours on low or 3 hours on high. Serve on top of rice.
  
  
  
  
  Creamy Italian Chicken
  Fill freezer bag with:
  
  
• 1 and ½ pounds chicken breasts, cut up in one inch pieces
  
  
• 1 bar of cream cheese (I add mine when there’s 2 hours left)
  
  
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
  
  
• 1 packet zesty Italian salad dressing mix
  
  
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  
  
• 2 cup green beans, frozen or fresh (I add mine when there’s 2 hours left)
  
  
  To Cook: Place thawed contents in the slow cooker on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours. Serve chicken on top of noodles and garnish with Parmesan cheese.
  
  
  
  
  Cilantro Lime Chicken
  Fill Freezer Bag with:
  
  
• 1 and ½ pounds chicken breasts, chopped
  
  
• ½ white onion, chopped
  
  
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  
  
• 1 cup black beans, drained
  
  
  
• 1 cup frozen corn, drained
  
  
• 4 oz. can green chilies
  
  
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
  
  
• juice of two limes
  
  
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
  
• 1 cup cilantro, chopped
  
  
• 2 teaspoons cumin
  
  
  To Cook: Place thawed contents in slow cooker and cook on low 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours. Serve on top of tortillas for tacos, make it into a quesadilla, or serve on top of rice. Garnish with extra lime or cilantro if desired.
  
  
  
  
  Chinese Beef & Broccoli
  Fill Freezer Bag with:
  
  
• 2 pounds beef, sliced (stew meat is fine)
  
  
• 1 can beef consume (found in the soup aisle)
  
  
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  
  
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
  
• ¼ cup soy sauce
  
  
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
  
  
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  
  
• 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli (separate in a smaller bag, add later with 2hours left)
  
  
  To Cook: Place defrosted contents in slow cooker on low 7-8 hours or high 4 hours. Consider bagging the broccoli separate and adding it in about 30 minutes before meat is done cooking (otherwise, the broccoli tends to over cook!).
  Optional: To thicken sauce at the end, whisk together 1/2 cup of the cooked sauce with 2 tablespoons cornstarch and pour back in the slow cooker. Turn cooker on high for an extra 10-15 minutes so sauce can thicken. Serve beef and broccoli on top of rice and garnish with chopped green onion if desired.
  

Definitely check out Slow Cooker Revolution Volume 2: The Easy Prep Edition by America's Test Kitchen. Totally worth it.

https://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-Indoor-Outdoor-Kettle/dp/B007ZKUVPC

no idea if that works but you should check something like it out. (look up reviews) also imho if i can't smoke a pork shoulder i find a oven on 225f not wrapped works actually better texture wise(you get a crust burnt ends) then a slow cooker. it does take 10 hours though

Using a potato masher works pretty nicely, too!

My go to is dips to go with the chips people are bringing, like Chicken buffalo or a queso. Spinach artichoke is another good option. that's what the 3 mini crocks together is for.


I also the big 6 quart one as a keep warm station inside for whatever needs it, the grilled veg or the hotdog buns or whatever.

I have a basic 6 qt and usually only fill it part way. I think I paid around $10. But Amazon Warehouse has them for $16 like new right now.

Totally agree, all that fat floating on top means the first half of the soup experience will be too rich and the rest will be too watery. BTW if you're using a spoon and paper towels, you should try a fat separator, makes life a lot easier.

edit: this is a fat separator- you should get the 4-cup, but this is a better illustration of how it works.

This is the one that I picked up a few weeks ago. The Amazon price is fair if you have Prime, I got mine at Target for about $40. Makes a great pot roast.

EDIT: Forgot to mention, is programmable and will automagically switch to warm after its completed the cooking cycle.

Huh. You’re right. I remember mine was around $5 when I bought it but that might have been a little while back...

That said, this one’s $10:

OXO Good Grips 2-Cup Fat Separator

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BGTZSG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_I.twDb7BRVWXY

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000KERJ4Q pack of 50. Reviews look good too.

I recommend this book.

Vegan things I use my slow cooker for most often: beans, caramelized onions, veggie stock, veggie chili, sauces

get one of those plugs that lets you set when it turns on and off, something like http://amzn.com/B006LYHED0 .

Sure. If you're using it indoors, it does give off a little smoke, so make sure you have a decent ventilation situation (range fan, windows open, etc)

Just looked at your thermometer. That would be safe in a slow cooker and probably stay visible through the glass.

For an oven, I can't recommend getting a digital probe thermometer like this enough.

• The probe stays in the oven, while you can read the digital temp outside. The backs are usually magnetic and stick to the front of the oven. No losing heat when you check the temp.
  
• Most have a timer, making it useful even when you don't need the temperature.
  
• Most have an optional target temperature, triggering an alarm as soon as the correct temp is reached.
  
  I use one literally every time I cook meat or bread in the oven or on the grill.

It’s my mothers. I’m not entirely sure where she got it as she has had it for a while. Amazon has the same brand but a different style. Tru BS-325LR Slow-Cookers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ARV1X4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jnEODbSXS0NXV

You may just have to re-buy the unit:

http://www.amazon.com/Crock-Pot-SCCPVP550-B-Programmable-Slow-Cooker/dp/B004H1N28A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415307316&sr=8-1&keywords=Crock-Pot+SCCPVP550-B

Dumb crock pot, its nothing fancy but gets the job done.

Get a manual slow cooker for your first, they will last forever. Don't overspend.

Here is one for $16

http://www.amazon.com/RoadPro-RPSL-350-Quart-Slow-Cooker/dp/B0013IR88A

?

Here's one.

With one of these;

http://www.amazon.com/RoadPro-RPSL-350-Quart-Slow-Cooker/dp/B0013IR88A

Proctor-Silex 33043 4-Quart Slow Cooker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004O07LRC/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_62vWub04N0C5D

This is the slow cooker I've used for the years. I warn you that you might want to throw open a window before you cook because after four hours whatever you're cooking is going to permeate the house.

Woods 50006 Indoor 24-Hour Mechanical Outlet Timer, 2-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006LYHED0/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_I4vWub1FYZVTB

not the amazing price your little dipper was, but this is a full fledged mini slow cooker i often use for making small dishes:
 
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008GS8R3K
 
and here is a cookbook specifically for small slow cooker recipes:
 
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1558323414

For anything with chicken breasts, I do 4 hours on low. Then it switches over to the warm setting for usually another 6-8 hours. I'm not 100% sure what the actual temperature is on the crockpot. This is the crockpot I have: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B005LLUXNM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Use Barkeeper's Friend. Will take it right off and look brand new.

*Edit: Fixed link, sorry!

Instead, go with this model of that same slow cooker. It is the same cooker, just a newer model that fixed the problem that everyone seemed to have with the 33967 model

I use a leave-in cooking thermometer all the time for meat in the oven, in my opinion it's worth the $15 bucks to get the right type of thermometer. I would be worried that a standard probe thermometer would end up reflecting the heat of the slow cooker or get damaged from the moisture. http://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Precision-Products-Digital-Thermometer/dp/B00004XSC5/ref=sr_1_5?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1464048847&sr=1-5&keywords=kitchen+thermometer