Interested in comments regarding slow cooking with this cooker. I saw a couple of comments regarding burning the food. More comments, please.
1123084
I have used the slow cooking mode frequently and have not experienced burnt food. In fact, I have repeated the cycle a few times or added time after one cycle without adding more liquid and have not experienced burnt food. It could be an issue of how long the timer is set for and the liquid level. Hope this helps. This cooker is easy to use and quite functional.
1123085
The cooker is a little slow than the regular pressure cooker, it is a little bigfor a small family and I hope that they have an option for a different size but I never have had food burning it works good so far but not strong as the regular pressure cooker. This cooker is pretty saftey and you do not pay too much attention like you cooked with regular pressure cooker
1123086
I have had no problems with this. I have used the sauté several times and the pressure cooker and slow cooker settings. Have not burned anything. Perhaps not enough water was used?
1784177
I totally love this slow cooker, but have not tried to brown meat in it. I always brown it first then cook it in this cooker. But I use it 3x per week and love it!!
1232680
Jason, I've had a hard time getting it up to the desired smoking temp when it's cool & windy or just cool. I think one of the problems is that they only recommending using 12 or so starter coals. Yesterday I increased this number to 20 or so and that seemed to work better. I'll keep fooling with it and could see using up to half the coals in the chimney starter. And I've found that I need to have the top holes open more than the 5/16 they recommend. I'd say open them all the way up and then throttle them down. I also think it makes a big difference and significantly slows down the process if the meat isn't close to room temp to start. But I'll tell you, the more I use the device the more comfortable I feel with it. I'm having a retirement get together this coming Sat so started preparing for that this weekend. Using a rib rack I smoked 6 full racks of ribs on Sat and 6 more on Sun. I'd never have dreamed that 6 racks of ribs would fit on the Weber but they did. I baby sat the Sat batch pretty closely but once the Sunday batch was up to speed I only looked at about once/hour to stir the coals, add water & wood. We ate one last evening and it was good but will put the rest in the oven for 2 or 3 hours to get them more tender before serving. I hope that this (long) answer is of some help and encouragement. Dave McCartney, Marion, OH dkmcpa@yahoo.com
1805466
I wouldn't use it as a slow cooker. Sometimes the area near where the control plugs in can have a hot spot. I was trying to make a roast on low, simmer, and the liquid kept coming to a boil. Crock pot's if you don't have one are the way to go for slow cooking. I have a rival that has an automatic feature that after 4, 6 hrs on high or 8 to 10 hours on low after time is up it goes to warm. Can't beat it for slow cooking. As far at the electric skillet it's great for frying, making pancakes ect. I hope this helps you.
2122781
Yes I did. Works well, last week cooked a 25 lb turkey in 5 1/2 hours. It didn't use much propane. The turkey was really juicy and the fat drains into a pan on the bottom of the cooker which the turkey does not sit in the fat. Cleaning the unit is a little time consuming but not that bad.
321274
Karen, I think so, although I've never cooked those particular items in this slow cooker. However, I have cooked a bone-in 3 lb. pork shoulder roast in it with no problem
1091625
The cooker works best if it is filled at least half full. Smaller dishes that basically cover the bottom cook way too fast because the whole liner gets hot. I cook for two people all the time but when I use the slow cooker I make large batches of soups, green chile pork, spaghetti sauce, etc. I freeze the leftovers in freezer containers in portions for two servings. Then when you have a night you are rushed and don't have time to cook you can make use of that frozen "dinner."
828526
It's really depends on food, how long you will slow cook by recipes. Remember, the temperature will reduce gradually --- due to this is a Non-Electric Thermal Slow Cooker. However, it does save energy and good for potluck (keep warm).
1384939
I always brown in a pan on the stove. No worries that I use my slow cooker. I don't have to clean another pan. I even sauté my vegetables for stews. I really like my slow cooker. Good luck with your choice
1688419
The majority of the posts are positive. However, a few fuss about "breakage" and/or the heating element dying out after a couple of uses.What model is yours? I am begining to comprehend the proper uses and the best recipes, but "model numbers" are not given with the posts.MML
316920
I have to agree with Michael...I sent mine back as it was scratched up, looked used and every time I plugged it in the controller smoked (I tried 8-10 times). Was afraid to even give it a whirl, so wouldn't recommend. My suggestion: invest in a 1600 watt portable induction cooktop and use your own clad induction ready cookware. With those you can use them as a slow cooker. It's the solution I finally came up with.I never took the opportunity to measure volume since, as I said, the controller smoked, even after leaving it plugged in for 30+ minutes 8-10 times. It did look to hold 4 qts. to the top, but would advise using only 2-3 qts., just in case it boiled over. I have to agree with Michael...I sent mine back as it was scratched up, looked used and every time I plugged it in the controller smoked (I tried 8-10 times). Was afraid to even give it a whirl, so wouldn't recommend. My suggestion: invest in a 1600 watt portable induction cooktop and use your own clad induction ready cookware. With those you can use them as a slow cooker. It's the solution I finally came up with.I never took the opportunity to measure volume since, as I said, the controller smoked, even after leaving it plugged in for 30+ minutes 8-10 times. It did look to hold... » Read More I have to agree with Michael...I sent mine back as it was scratched up, looked used and every time I plugged it in the controller smoked (I tried 8-10 times). Was afraid to even give it a whirl, so wouldn't recommend. My suggestion: invest in a 1600 watt portable induction cooktop and use your own clad induction ready cookware. With those you can use them as a slow cooker. It's the solution I finally came up with.I never took the opportunity to measure volume since, as I said, the controller smoked, even after leaving it plugged in for 30+ minutes 8-10 times. It did look to hold 4 qts. to the top, but would advise using only 2-3 qts., just in case it boiled over. « Show Less
1060608
This unit has been used frequently for hot pot cooking. It is very good. On a few occasions the cold temp of food placed in the unit did slow it down, but that can happen with any cooker regardless of the type. The fan is a tiny bit annoying while eating hot pot as another person mentioned. Good luck!
1826449
I really like mine and it does a wonderful job of cooking everything I've tried. The lid is a little hard to get off but with patience it is easily removed and is easy to get back on. You will really enjoy this product if you purchase it and it is very well made. Be sure to purchase the cook book by Bob Warden Great Food Fast. It really helps you to understand how to run the cooker and has great recipes. It is worth the money. I hope you enjoy the cooker as much as I do, if you purchase one. It will not be a mistake. Good luck!
253590
You may want to contact the maufacturer directly. There may be a customer service number on the booklet that came with the slow cooker or possibly on the box itself.
1746621
I do. I have an oval slow cooker. a black one, I got at Farm and Fleet. It works fine.
716177
yes it does not get as hot as other slow cookers on each setting. The high setting is what the low setting is on other brands.
584265
The more used it, the more I like it. As a slow cooker it only has one heat level...it doesn't have a high a low setting. It is very convenient to have the searing Function right there in the pot. It's also great to have the pressure cooker and the steamer in that same appliance.