How is this different from a slow cooker? When would you use one versus the other?
965566
It cooks as a slow cooker but it can also cook as a small countertop oven at high temperature (450F max) it is therefore much more versatile.
965567
Because of the circle of heat, this will brown meat during the cooking process (without searing) even at lower temperatures; a slow cooker does not. My preference is to use a roaster for meat, stews, and soups because of the depth of flavor, and a slow cooker mainly for keeping food warm. If I had to choose between one or the other, my choice would be the roaster.
965568
It has different settings. It also serves as a slow cooker with other features involving degrees. This is a very nice item. We use it for a lot of family functions.
965569
This is a roaster great for meats-ribs, hams, small birds, etc., but it cooks way too fast to not be attended. Like a larger roaster (I have a 25 pounder for turkeys) this will take your cooking time down significantly. Instead of a 4-5 hour cook time your probably looking at 2 1/2 to 3 max. the temp on this even on low is hot. great for smaller amounts of roasting. I do cook beans, roast, etc. but once again--it cooks hot and fast. I personally love mine. its held up well.
965570
A slow cooker is designed to heat slowly and user lower heat over a long time to cook something usually tougher cuts of meat A roaster is designed to work more like an oven, cooking faster with higher heat. Some roasters, like this one, have a wide temperature range and can be used as a slow cooker. However it is designed to act more like a small oven and that is where it's strength is. Slow cooking is a good choice when you have tougher cuts of meat, or just want to take a long time to cook something. Roasters, with their higher heat, can be used in any case where normal cooking times in an oven are preferred, but the advantage here is, much greater savings in electricty. A slow cooker is designed to heat slowly and user lower heat over a long time to cook something usually tougher cuts of meat A roaster is designed to work more like an oven, cooking faster with higher heat. Some roasters, like this one, have a wide temperature range and can be used as a slow cooker. However it is designed to act more like a small oven and that is where it's strength is. Slow cooking is a good choice when you have tougher cuts of meat, or just want to take a long time to cook something. Roasters, with their higher heat, can be used in any case where normal cooking times in... » Read More A slow cooker is designed to heat slowly and user lower heat over a long time to cook something usually tougher cuts of meat A roaster is designed to work more like an oven, cooking faster with higher heat. Some roasters, like this one, have a wide temperature range and can be used as a slow cooker. However it is designed to act more like a small oven and that is where it's strength is. Slow cooking is a good choice when you have tougher cuts of meat, or just want to take a long time to cook something. Roasters, with their higher heat, can be used in any case where normal cooking times in an oven are preferred, but the advantage here is, much greater savings in electricty. « Show Less
965571
Glad I saw your question. I just cooked a great dinner in it as a slow cooker and it worked fine. The first time I've used it that way. Usually I use it as a roaster on a much higher temperature and it's great for soups, stews, and the like. I LOVE mine - and recently replaced one I had had for 20 years because it is a staple at my house. It's my favorite gift for new brides and of course, all my family members have one.
965572
Slow cookers cook things slow only; whereas the Nesco 6 qt. Roaster cooks not only a slow cooker, but you can also cook things up to 425 to 450 degrees. That's the big difference. Hope this helps answer your question.
1651808
I work 12 hours, too. I use my triple slow cooker as a warmer/server for veggies I cook on the stove, but I wouldn't trust smaller ones for cooking raw foods. I use larger slow cookers to cook in, but 12 hours is too long for most recipes.
861673
I don't think there is a difference. The oven cooks using convection and infrared technology. I don't know why they list them different. I bought this black one with the extender ring. I love it. It comes with a pan, 2 metal racks, the extender ring and a DVD to show you how to use it. They also give you a plastic coated 8x11 card that is a quick guide to how long to cook meats and a little cook book. Here's my advice to you. They give you this lid holder. Don't use it. I think that is one of the reasons people's domes are cracking. The plastic gets really hot and the heating unit on top is heavy. When I want to check or turn the food, I pause it and completely take the dome off and place it upright on a wooden cutting board. Further more. When your food is done cooking, take the heating unit off the dome and let them cool separately. After the dome is cool, as in after your meal, hand wash it. People seem to have a problem with the dome cracking. I don't. I never put it in the dishwasher and I never leave it on it's side. Other than that, it's a great oven and I highly recommend it.
1746621
I do. I have an oval slow cooker. a black one, I got at Farm and Fleet. It works fine.
2147935
The cooker has a digital timer and you can set it for so many hours to suit yourself,, 1, 2, hours etc and then it goes to warm.It is not like the old crock pots where if you turn it on you don't have a choice of time.. When you pressure cook the timer is set in minutes. I love mine,,,use it all the time...pressure cooking and crock pot ,,,Great investment for the Real Cook.. Even bought one for my daughter for Christmas and she uses hers all the time also.
1781350
I use mine as a slow cooker most of the time, and it works wonderfully. In fact, my slow cooker recipes come out better in the Ninja than my old crock pot. The little hold does not seem to effect the cooking at all.
1215762
I had a 7qt slow cooker. Just two of us, so I ordered the 4 Qt and think it will be much better for us. The bigger size was just too big.
1585414
It can be a slow cooker, but due to its small size I have never used it in that aspect. Definitely worth the price. I have used mine for triple chocolate fondue, cheese fondue, Mexican night (beans, cheese and meat) etc.
1585410
I have not used it as a slow cooker yet but I have read of people using it as such. The highest setting is warm so I'm not quite sure if it would get hot enough to completely cook meat (unless you let it cook in it ALL DAY but a side dish would probably be fine. I've only used it to keep things warm so far such as dips and taco meat. Sorry I cannot be of more assistance on this.
1204895
There is a tiny bit of play, but no more than any of my other slow cookers. Since I wrote that review, I have done slow-cooked soup and steamed asparagus and both excellent. I really can't find anything negative to say about this appliance.
1740848
Hi, I have the Hamilton Beach 33140 oval slow cooker. It doesn't come with recipes, but it does have guidelines to use the slow cooker. If you follow the exact guidelines, your food cooks faster than stated, so check after 2 hours on high. Enjoy.
1759616
Yes, I would say it's a very good idea to. Never have myself as I don't use one much, I've usually used my slow cooker for stews and chili.
702663
You might call CrockPot to check, as this is basically a small slow-cooker, and we use those to cook raw meats in all the time, with the caveat that it takes perhaps 6-10 hours to do so on the low setting. The company can tell you exactly how it works in this instance, as it is surely a safety issue they need to tell consumers about to avoid illness.
1478426
I bought it because of the same review. Compared to my previous slow cooker...medium on the new one corresponded to my low and high is high. The low setting is very low. For instance I can put bean soup on the night before and it can go all night and most of the day on low and I still have to move it to medium for a few hours. Hope this helps
1807617
I have never tried to use the cooker in the way you describe. In my opinion, the machine is not designed or intended to be used as a slow cooker for an extended length of time. For such an application, you would be better off with an appliance designed for slow cooking such as a crock pot. I would not leave the BergHoff unattended for a long period of time, especially when temperature control is important. Glen
930341
Yes, its a standard style slow cooker. The only difference is the lockable lid, which you knly lock during trsnsport, never during the cooking process. The crockery comes out for easy clesning or refrigerator storage or use in your oven.
584264
It serves in the role of multiple appliances because it isn't just a slow cooker, it's a pressure cooker and a steamer. It has a built-in searing function for searing prior to either of those functions so you don't need to sear on stove top separately and get an additional pan dirty.