Kitchen

[soonersis]

I really like my Ninja Multi-Cooker.  It does everything a slow cooker does and more.  I plan to use it tomorrow to make a batch of chili and will be able to brown my ground beef and onion in it (using the saute setting) before throwing everything else in and setting it on low to cook all day.

[amateurcook]

You are absolutely correct. The Rivals do run hot. The company changed their temp settings in the early 2000s.what's the point of a show cooker if you can't leave it on all day. Hamilton Beach is my recommendation.

[JeanLouiseFinch]

Many years ago, I purchased a Hamilton Beach 3-in-1.  The same heating base accomodated any of the three included crocks; 2 qt., 4 qt,. and 6 qt.  I am able to choose the right size crock according to the dish I'm making.  I haven't been a huge crock pot cooker, but was happy to have it for the times I did want to use it.  Earlier this year I bought a Ninja 4-in-1.  I've used that a lot, but not only for crock pot cooking.  I make large quantities of hard boiled eggs in it all the time and it was perfect for reheating Thanksgiving and Christmas turkey that I prepared a day in advance.  There are a couple of groups on Facebook that share multiple recipes.  With preparation, I think anyone could use that small appliance every day, trying new recipes.

[bigbro6]

Thanks to everyone !

[docsgirl]

I agree with azgirl.  The simpler the better.  I have a 6 quart Crock Pot that has high, low, and warm settings.  I use it quite a bit throughout the winter and it always does a great job.  Good luck with whatever you choose.  Bon Apetit!  docsgirl

[Toppers]

---

@aubnwa01 wrote:

I found the last couple of Rival Crockpots I had got too hot & scorched things, even on the low setting.  I now have a Hamilton Beach oval 6 qt. & I like it a lot.

---

This is the brand that I "have my eye on next." 

I have a newer Rival that is a large 7 quart that can fit a larger roast and veggies in it, for example, but like someone else said, it runs too hot and cooks too fast, and if you aren't careful, things can get scorched on the bottom. 

I don't want to be out for the day, for example, and then be worried that something is going to be burned around the edges/bottom while it's cooking, and have the taste be ruined, or just have it be a safety issue where it's just getting too hot and I/we're not home to check it.

So I have seriously been thinking of replacing it with another brand, like the Hamilton Beach.

I already have an older Rival that is over 20 years old. It is a 4 quart, and I tend to use it more than the other Rival. It is safe to use.

I plan on getting a larger Hamilton Beach so that I can fit larger meals into it.

[azgal]

I made a mistake on the brand I am using it's not Rival it's Crockpot and I got it at Walmart.

The brand that didn't even last a year was Hamilton Beach but it was digital.

Good luck with your choice. I hope you like it.

[novamc1]

Until about a year ago, I used a 6-quart oval Hamilton Beach that I had owned for several years.  Eventually, I got tired of its tendency to cook too fast and too hot, when I could make the same dishes in an enameled cast iron pot for extended times on low temperatures.

The Hamilton Beach probably didn't cost more than about $30 when I just happened to see and buy it  at Home Depot.  It was still working when I donated it to charity and was very simple---only had warm, low, high settings.

I wouldn't invest a whole lot in any slow cooker today, because they all probably cook a little too hot and fast, and the fancier an appliance is, the more problems it can develop.

[Toppers]

---

@novamc1 wrote:

Until about a year ago, I used a 6-quart oval Hamilton Beach that I had owned for several years.  Eventually, I got tired of its tendency to cook too fast and too hot, when I could make the same dishes in an enameled cast iron pot for extended times on low temperatures.

The Hamilton Beach probably didn't cost more than about $30 when I just happened to see and buy it  at Home Depot.  It was still working when I donated it to charity and was very simple---only had warm, low, high settings.

I wouldn't invest a whole lot in any slow cooker today, because they all probably cook a little too hot and fast, and the fancier an appliance is, the more problems it can develop.

---

Thanks for letting us know that the Hamilton Beach was also running hot, too. 

I may just have to look at thrift stores for an older cooker, then. Maybe I'll luck out and find one there.