Should I buy a crock pot?

**always2busy** · 10-22-2007, 01:09 PM

I've been thinking about buying a crock pot. I know a lot you you use them regularly. Do you think I should buy one? What size should I buy? We are a family of 5. I only have one teenager but they all eat like they are already teenagers.
If I do buy one should I buy it new or is second hand okay?

Thanks for you responses!

**AmyMCGS** · 10-22-2007, 01:18 PM

Yes! I LOVE my crockpot and use it a couple of times each week. When my last one died, I had to go out and replace it pretty quickly- it stressed me to be without it!

You can slow-cook cheap cuts of meat and have them come out really tender. It's also great for soups and stews, which can make frugal meals.

Be sure you get one with a removable crock. Those are much easier to clean- I put mine in the dishwasher. I have a mini crockpot that is all one piece, and it's a pain to clean.

I have this 6-quart one that I bought at Kohl's: http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/kitc...ery+Cooker.jsp

There are cheaper ones, but I like this size and the 3-temperature settings.

There are plenty of crockpot recipes on my cooking blog if you're interested!

**foxxyroxie** · 10-22-2007, 01:25 PM

I'd be lost without my crockpot. I bought my current one a little over a year ago at Aldi's -- only spent $20 for a 6 qt. size. I had a smaller one that I ended up giving away because the 4 qt. wasn't big enough for when I cook since I cook planning on having leftovers for lunches and/or to freeze for later.

There's nothing like a crockpot roast. Even a cheap 99 cent a pound pork but comes out sooooo very tender. Just add a package of onion soup mix and water, turn it on and let it cook.

I did notice on my last trip to Aldi's that they had a crockpot that had a split crock insert, this way you could cook two different menu items at the same time. I thought that was cool. It was $30. I'm going to wait till after we move though so I don't have to worry about transporting it.

**DAAC3DEC** · 10-22-2007, 01:27 PM

I totally agree!!!! They are the best!!! You can use really cheap cuts of meat and they turn out wonderfully, and you can do breakfasts too---I just really love to come home from work and have our dinner practically done---we are a family of 5 and I have a mondo one......love it, highly recommend them!!

**kettel6** · 10-22-2007, 01:30 PM

Yes! My advice is to get one that has a knob to turn it on and not a timer. Too many times the power has gone out while I'm using the one with the timer and the food is ruined. But with the knob it comes back on if the power does. Make any sense?

**lwlynch** · 10-22-2007, 01:40 PM

Couldn't live without one. I just finished doing a big pot of chili.
They aren't real expensive. Also look for one that the pot comes out. I am looking at that new one which you can cook on the stove with and then put in crockpot. But it is not in my budget, maybe Santa Clause will find it for me..

**Ceashels** · 10-22-2007, 03:09 PM

I love my crock pots. The newer models with the removable crock are excellent. I have several sizes. My 2.5 quart holds enough for dinner for 2 with leftovers. My 6 quart makes multiple meals for freezing later. My 4 quart (all one piece) is a pain to clean but can make dinner for 4 easily.

I couldn't function without a crockpot on my longer work days or when company is coming.

**Missy** · 10-22-2007, 03:16 PM

I have two...i'd be lost with out them! I am liking the idea of the split crock one at aldi's...

**shoiji** · 10-22-2007, 03:17 PM

I would definately invest in one. Don't know if it is true but read somewhere that it is cheaper to use than electric stovetop cooking. Also good for the summer time. Won't heat up the kitchen.

I found mine at a yardsale.

Good luck with it!!

**DAAC3DEC** · 10-22-2007, 03:42 PM

Originally Posted by kettel6

Yes! My advice is to get one that has a knob to turn it on and not a timer. Too many times the power has gone out while I'm using the one with the timer and the food is ruined. But with the knob it comes back on if the power does. Make any sense?

Very smart thing to look for!!!!!!!

**JustJoy** · 10-22-2007, 03:54 PM

It's a great investment! Go for it!

**frugal-fannie** · 10-22-2007, 04:25 PM

I bought one at walmart (we do not have aldi's out in CA) for around $32 it is the size of a large roaster-Rival probably 6qts or larger with removable insert. I did get the timer and it has up to 12 hour times we rarely lose power so that was not my concern, but great information to know. I have the smallest one I use for red bean soup or other things I want to cook up in small batches. If money was a problem I would buy a used one. But the removable insert is a big time saver and helps you not ruin it when you wash it,so a justifiable expense.

**Its_Donna** · 10-22-2007, 05:13 PM

My answer is yes! I couldn't be without my crockpots (plural) I have 3

**mom2bobsarah** · 10-22-2007, 05:15 PM

I have 2 and I hate the one that does not have a removable insert, I only use that one when i am having a party and I need 2 going at the same time. Definately a great investment. You can find recipes for everything from breakfasts, dinners, to desserts. You can't go wrong. My opinion is to buy the largest you can find. You do not always have to fill it to the top but you will want that space for a large raost and so forth and with 5 in your family, it will get used.

**dwnloom** · 10-22-2007, 05:20 PM

I agree. I have 4 - 2 big ones and 2 little ones. I use them all and all of the time. I use the little ones most when I am making dips and things like that. Definitely get the removeable crock!!!