Comments on: Slow Cookers – what’s new and hot in crockpots http://www.kitchengadgetgirl.com/2009/03/25/slow-cookers-and-crockpots-review/ Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:57:22 +0000 hourly 1 By: Kitchen Gadget Girl http://www.kitchengadgetgirl.com/2009/03/25/slow-cookers-and-crockpots-review/comment-page-1/#comment-1726 Kitchen Gadget Girl Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:43:29 +0000 http://www.kitchengadgetgirl.com/?p=333#comment-1726 Linda, thanks for the tip! On the Buncombe County Extension Newsletter (North Carolina) I found the following instructions: To see if your crock-pot is working correctly, fill the pot two-thirds full with water. Cover and put it on HIGH. Check the temperature of the water with a food thermometer in two hours. If it is 160° or higher, then your pot is working correctly and you are set to go. I am going to try that today and make sure my pot is working correctly! Linda, thanks for the tip! On the Buncombe County Extension Newsletter (North Carolina) I found the following instructions:

To see if your crock-pot is working correctly, fill the pot two-thirds full with water. Cover and put it on HIGH. Check the temperature of the water with a food thermometer in two hours. If it is 160° or higher, then your pot is working correctly and you are set to go.

I am going to try that today and make sure my pot is working correctly!

]]> By: Linda http://www.kitchengadgetgirl.com/2009/03/25/slow-cookers-and-crockpots-review/comment-page-1/#comment-1725 Linda Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:38:00 +0000 http://www.kitchengadgetgirl.com/?p=333#comment-1725 I had a crock pot that I loved. One day I came across a "test" from our local extension service that showed how to see if your slow cooker was safe to use. It involved putting a specific amount of water in it, turning it on for a period of time, and checking the temperature. My beloved crockpot didn't meet the standards, so out it went. I've bought three more since then. One was a "smart" kind that wouldn't allow me to override its settings and burned everything. Now I've bought basic models in two sizes and I'm pleased with them. They're cheap but work much better than the smart one. I've bought all of mine on my own, and I bought one for my mom a few years ago since her wedding-gift one didn't have a removable crock. I had a crock pot that I loved. One day I came across a “test” from our local extension service that showed how to see if your slow cooker was safe to use. It involved putting a specific amount of water in it, turning it on for a period of time, and checking the temperature. My beloved crockpot didn’t meet the standards, so out it went.

I’ve bought three more since then. One was a “smart” kind that wouldn’t allow me to override its settings and burned everything. Now I’ve bought basic models in two sizes and I’m pleased with them. They’re cheap but work much better than the smart one.

I’ve bought all of mine on my own, and I bought one for my mom a few years ago since her wedding-gift one didn’t have a removable crock.

]]> By: Kitchen Gadget Girl http://www.kitchengadgetgirl.com/2009/03/25/slow-cookers-and-crockpots-review/comment-page-1/#comment-1695 Kitchen Gadget Girl Fri, 27 Mar 2009 05:41:29 +0000 http://www.kitchengadgetgirl.com/?p=333#comment-1695 I am curious to know how many people inherit or receive used slow cookers? Besides Lydia, I am not sure I know many people who have bought their own. Mine came with my husband, he received it when he graduated from college. Where did your original crock pot come from? And, are you using any special cookbook, or relying on recipes you find online? I have made a couple things from crock pot 365, including a cornbread stuffing recipe that was pretty tasty. Would love to know about your successful recipes too! I am curious to know how many people inherit or receive used slow cookers? Besides Lydia, I am not sure I know many people who have bought their own. Mine came with my husband, he received it when he graduated from college.

Where did your original crock pot come from? And, are you using any special cookbook, or relying on recipes you find online? I have made a couple things from crock pot 365, including a cornbread stuffing recipe that was pretty tasty. Would love to know about your successful recipes too!

]]> By: Kat @ The Burb Blog http://www.kitchengadgetgirl.com/2009/03/25/slow-cookers-and-crockpots-review/comment-page-1/#comment-1678 Kat @ The Burb Blog Thu, 26 Mar 2009 22:54:59 +0000 http://www.kitchengadgetgirl.com/?p=333#comment-1678 I love the crockpot 365 blog! I just recently started crocking and I love it! I have 2 Rival crockpots, 2 different generations of the same model. I haven't tried one of them yet (the older one) because I just bought it from a friend who didn't need it anymore but mine cooks way too hot. It does have a timer but I need to learn that low is really almost high and adjust timing. I love the crockpot 365 blog! I just recently started crocking and I love it! I have 2 Rival crockpots, 2 different generations of the same model. I haven’t tried one of them yet (the older one) because I just bought it from a friend who didn’t need it anymore but mine cooks way too hot. It does have a timer but I need to learn that low is really almost high and adjust timing.

]]> By: Kitchen Gadget Girl http://www.kitchengadgetgirl.com/2009/03/25/slow-cookers-and-crockpots-review/comment-page-1/#comment-1666 Kitchen Gadget Girl Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:28:13 +0000 http://www.kitchengadgetgirl.com/?p=333#comment-1666 Oh, I am glad you chimed in. I had heard rumors about a slow cooker with an insert, but I thought it was just that - a rumor. Glad to hear it really exists, as I do agree, being able to brown your meat on the stovetop, and then plunk the pan into the unit would be ideal. Thank you for the recommendation! Oh, I am glad you chimed in. I had heard rumors about a slow cooker with an insert, but I thought it was just that – a rumor. Glad to hear it really exists, as I do agree, being able to brown your meat on the stovetop, and then plunk the pan into the unit would be ideal. Thank you for the recommendation!

]]> By: Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) http://www.kitchengadgetgirl.com/2009/03/25/slow-cookers-and-crockpots-review/comment-page-1/#comment-1664 Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) Wed, 25 Mar 2009 22:12:54 +0000 http://www.kitchengadgetgirl.com/?p=333#comment-1664 I have the All-Clad and love it. BUT if I were buying again, I'd buy the upgraded version (sold by Williams-Sonoma), with the insert that can go directly on the stovetop. That way you can brown right in the same pot, then slip it into the slow cooker. I wish they sold the insert separately, but they do not. I have the All-Clad and love it. BUT if I were buying again, I’d buy the upgraded version (sold by Williams-Sonoma), with the insert that can go directly on the stovetop. That way you can brown right in the same pot, then slip it into the slow cooker. I wish they sold the insert separately, but they do not.

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