Kitchen

[Sooner]

Don't get one too big or your food will steam and swim in liquid.  I prefer one that has a timer and a probe that temps what you are cooking.  That's a huge help.

[SaveTheTurtles]

I've got one that has the locking lid and the dial goes from hot to warm. I've had it for years and it's still going strong.

[smoochy]

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@Sooner wrote:

Don't get one too big or your food will steam and swim in liquid.  I prefer one that has a timer and a probe that temps what you are cooking.  That's a huge help.

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what do you consider too big? How has the probe helped with your final dish?

[CelticCrafter]

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@LindaSal wrote:

I have a 7 quart Crock-Pot slow cooker and I love it.  I've had it for years and it never disappoints.  I like the larger size even though it's just DH and myself.  I like to makes soups and stews that I can freeze portions of.  

As far as PW, I never tried the line.  My daughter does have a pan set and she is quite happy with it.

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@LindaSal We bought one of her frying pans and I like it better than the T-Fal it replaced.  It's a much heavier and thicker pan.

[ciao_bella]

I have a slightly older oval crock pot with a timer,  but it doesn't have a locking lid.  As far as the Pioneer Woman kitchen items, I got rid of all the mismatched mugs and bought a set of 6 of her 18 ounce tall style mugs and LOVE them!  They are beautiful to look at and the ceramic is well made and doesn't craze or chip easily.  

[smoochy]

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@ciao_bella wrote:

I have a slightly older oval crock pot with a timer,  but it doesn't have a locking lid.  As far as the Pioneer Woman kitchen items, I got rid of all the mismatched mugs and bought a set of 6 of her 18 ounce tall style mugs and LOVE them!  They are beautiful to look at and the ceramic is well made and doesn't craze or chip easily.  

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I've seen those in Walmart. Just beautiful!

[Rockycoast]

I have a 42 year old Rival Croc-Pot that is still going strong. Use it frequently for all sorts of dishes.  Will use it til it gives out.  My husband bought me a large Cuisinart slow cooker.  Used it a couple of times.  Like my old one better. Simple to use. Nothing digital to break down. Holds temp better.

I'm not a fan of the Pioneer Woman. Don't care for her dishes nor her designs.

[AnikaBrodie]

@smoochy 

I purchased the rectangular Crock-Pot slow cooker 3.5 quart size last October and use it often.  It has a stoneware insert which can also be used in your oven, and has high, low, warm and off settings.  It has locking handles and a place on the back for cord storage which makes it easy to transport to potluck dinners outside your home.  

There's just my husband and me, and I always have leftovers for another meal or to freeze for later on.  We attend potluck dinners monthly and have an average attendance of 40 to 50 people.  Everyone makes a dish to share (entree, dessert or beverage).  We mostly make a hot dish using this Crock-Pot because it's so easy to transport and keep the food hot until it's served. 

Here is a photo of the slow cooker.  I highly recommend it.

[ncmama]

Having had several in various sizes I find the Crock Pot brand to be superior.  Some just let the food boil in there and results are not great.

[Sooner]

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@smoochy wrote:

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@Sooner wrote:

Don't get one too big or your food will steam and swim in liquid.  I prefer one that has a timer and a probe that temps what you are cooking.  That's a huge help.

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what do you consider too big? How has the probe helped with your final dish?

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@smoochy Too big depends on what you cook I guess.   But if there's just a little food and the needed liquid in the bottom, I have had trouble in the past with condensation dripping off the lid and things not cooking well.  Like it will steam the food.

I'd say what you normally cook should probably fill the pot half full or a little more to cook well.  And yes, so far the probe has worked great!  It has kept chicken cooked in salsa from being over done and dried out.