Which crock pot size is best

It is also very common for most families to own different sized crock pots for different needs especially in situations where they are hosting or want to prepare 2 separate dishes at the same time. If you live alone or are a couple, a one to two quarts crock pot is the ideal size for you to prepare meals. These are ideal for single servings recipes or if you want to make dips. These crock pots are really small and, in some cases, can be described as extra small. This generally works well for small family meals.

It is great for making desserts and casseroles as well as stews. If you have a bigger family, this can work well as a second crock pot for preparing side dishes while you use a bigger one for your main dish. This is the most commonly used crockpot size and works very well for large families. It is ideal for stews, casseroles, desserts, and soups. As most families have more than one crockpot, it is very common to have this as the main pot and quart crockpot as an extra one. This crockpot can hold a whole chicken and large roasts and is ideal for hosting.

Unless you have a really large family, this crockpot will be used only on big occasions or when you are hosting some people. The biggest-sized crock pot on the market right now is is a 10 quart one and can easily handle 10lbs to 12lbs of meat. What you want to cook is equally as important as how many people you are cooking for. Though the smaller crock pots are ideal for smaller food portions, you might want to do the occasional beef or pork ribs or a big roast.

In such instances, you will definitely need a bigger crock pot. Smaller crock pots only come in a round shape which makes it harder for them to accommodate the aforementioned foods. Some recipes also require a pot in pot method and these can only be done in larger and oval pots.

A pot in pot method is when you place a casserole dish, baking pan, small rack, or other utensils inside the crock pot and slow cook it that way. If you want to try out these recipes, you definitely need a bigger crockpot. The older crock pot models that we grew up on were stove units that you needed to monitor.

The current crock pot models come equipped with timers that switch it off once the cooking is finished. Crockpots also tend to come in different materials like ceramic , aluminum, and stoneware. The stoneware pots can be used in an oven if you are cooking a multi-stage dish that needs to be transferred from the pot to the oven. Though the size of the crock pot required is determined mainly by the number of people who are going to be using it, there are other factors like the dishes you want to prepare and your general schedule.

You need to have a larger one. You might also be a single person or couple but like to cook your meals in batches then store them away for re-heating later. In this case, a large or mid-size crockpot will be ideal for you. The size that you end up going for has to be based on these considerations and more instead of just the number of people you are cooking for.

Most slow cookers come with a removable crock liner or insert making clean-up easier. You can also serve the food in the removable crock, so you have one less dish to wash. The insert should have a wide rim that slopes inward slightly allowing the liquid that accumulates there from steam to drip back into the crock.

Some slow cookers come with an aluminum or nonstick insert, which, unlike stoneware crocks, can be used on the stove top. I personally avoid these options as I am concerned about the health risks of cooking in aluminum. And stoneware is considered superior material because of its ability to keep an even and constant temperature. Many larger size slow cookers come in round, oblong or rectangular , or oval.

Round cookers work well for just about any food except long pieces of meat. Oval shaped slow cookers will accommodate chicken, ribs, or a roast much better than a round cooker. Most cooker lids are glass; however, they are also available in plastic and metal. If possible, opt for a glass lid. Much heat can be lost by lifting the lid, and required cooking time can be increased by 30 to 60 minutes. Some lids have a gasket that helps keep in heat and seal the lid to prevent spills. However, some prefer a lid without the gasket for easier cleaning.

Also, some gaskets tend to absorb odors from the food cooked in the crock pot. Most newer slow cookers cook hotter than those made over seven to ten years ago. The low setting on some new crock pot is almost as hot as the high setting on some of the older crock pots. These are brand names for tissues, adhesive bandages, cotton swabs, and flavored gelatin. Regardless of who manufactures them, we tend to call those things we put on a scrape or cut Band-Aids — not adhesive bandages.

Check out my delicious crock pot recipes. Did you know that you can eat all this delicious food AND lose weight? You can. Join my online weight loss program today. Crockpots and slow cookers are not the same. Slow cookers heat only from the bottom, so are less safe for cooking big chunks of meat, according to the FDA.

Crockpots heat from the bottom and sides. Hi Tori, Thanks for sharing. I contacted some of the major slow cooker manufacturers and, interestingly, they all told me their slow cookers heat on both the sides and the bottom. They definitely cook better. The biggest mistake I made was buying a crockpot that was hot to the touch on the outside.

If you have limited counter space, it is very important to get one that is insulated. Also, the oval shape can usually be pushed further back on the counter top making it less likely for a toddler to pull it down onto themselves. Another thing to look for is convenience for travel. Some of the lids can clamp on, others come with insulated covers so that you can take your crock pot to a potluck dinner.

Thanks for your helpful thoughts, Jeannie. I like my oval slow cooker too, because I like to be able to put it toward the back of the counter and still have useful space in front of it. Thank you so much for the breakdown! What am I doing wrong? Co-worker thinks that the lid is not tight enough. What do you think? That is until I cleverly broke the crock insert while washing it….

My trouble is finding a replacement! Calphalon no longer sells this particular cooker anymore. Are these inserts a standard size? How can I find a replacement crock? There HAS to be a way! Thankfully, I have been able to find replacement inserts 2 times at a thrift store that fit my slow cooker perfectly. Let me know if you ever come across a good source. My question is am I correct that a crockpot can be to big? Thanks for your help!! Are they the same?

Instant pots are predominantly used for pressure cooking. Think about how many appliances they can replace in your kitchen. An instant pot cooks faster because of the controlled pressure within the pot. According to their website, using an instant pot can speed up your cooking by two to six times. Slow cookers on the hand, can be programmed to cook from 30 to 20 hours. Many food bloggers rave about instant pots while others use it with caution particularly when it comes to the slow cooking options.

They would rather use their good old crockpots for the job. In the end, crockpots and instants pot are good to have and each offers you the opportunity to whip up healthy meals without spending too much time in the kitchen. Comfort foods in winter and tasty delights in the summer, so why not make room for both!

Plus, they make the perfect gift option. Felicia has been told that she can cook some of the finest food on her street and she holds on to that compliment, believe me. But she doesn't only cook, she works as a motivational coach, studies nutrition and practices yoga too!

Using an air fryer seems fairly simple. You just pull out the basket and put in your food. But then you might notice there are holes or slots in the bottom of the basket. Do you need to use special Having a mini refrigerator is the perfect convenience for many people, including college students living in dorms or sharing apartments with roommates. Knowing the cost of electricity that will be Skip to content.

Here are some guidelines to give you a clearer picture: 1 — 2 quart is ideal for singles or a couple that appreciates single-serving recipes or dip recipes. Some of the best large crock pots available include: Hamilton Beach extra large slow cooker with quart capacity.