Crockpot Cooking Questions!

[JRPAGV]

I asked this question on the WC not too long ago, but don't recall getting any responses. So I'll try again here... :)

I read in the old crock-pot thread that it's a good idea to brown beef before cooking in the crock pot b/c the crock pot doesn't reach a temp high enough to kill the bacteria. Is this true? And if so, should I "cook" chicken and pork before putting it in the crock-pot too? How do I go about doing this (method)?

Thanks in advance!

PS- I'm just learning how to cook, so don't laugh at me. :D

(Cross-posting in Crock-pot thread. I'm not getting any replies there either.)

[2kCougar]

The only thing I brown before putting in the crockpot is meat. Chicken cooks beautifully in the CP. I like to brown the meat mainly for colour.

[thedoorchick]

I brown meat before putting in the crockpot but don't necessarily cook it all the way (like say, with a roast).

I don't pre-cook chicken.

Most of my crock pot cooking consists of:

Red beans & rice
Sticky chicken
Pot roast

I haven't really used ground beef but I'd probably brown it beforehand. If not, it'd probably get cooked all together and be in a big lump.

[JRPAGV]

The only thing I brown before putting in the crockpot is meat. Chicken cooks beautifully in the CP. I like to brown the meat mainly for colour.
Did you mean the only thing you brown beforehand is beef? Or did you mean to say meat? So you don't cook the chicken a little first?

[JRPAGV]

I brown meat before putting in the crockpot but don't necessarily cook it all the way (like say, with a roast).
How do you go about browning a roast (if in the oven- what temp)? I need all the help I can get. I (embarrassingly) know very little about cooking meat. :o

[PookiePrincess]

When I cook a roast in a crockpot, I brown it beforehand. I season the outside and coat it in flour (the easiest way to not make a mess is to put flour in a plastic ziplock bag and put the roast in and shake). Then I get a saucepan and put some oil in the bottom and heat. When it is warm enough that the flour sizzles, I put the roast in. I let each side cook/brown and flip it over and brown each side.

Then I stick it in the crockpot on low with some water and let it cook!
HTH! :)

[LRL]

Hmm- I've never heard that! I have cooked all sorts of beef, pork and chicken in the crockpot and have had no problems with it not getting cooked (or high enough heat to cook). The browning is actually good for the flavor only (I never do this, because I like to think of the crockpot as one-pot cooking) but does not cook it.

I am pretty picky about my meat, and it must be well cooked- never had a problem here. If you have ever used a crockpot, you will see that it does get super hot, and really cooks food through.

[KrissyCat7]

I never pre-cook my meat before using the crock pot. I like to slow cook it all day and Ive never had a problem.

[akwifeandmomma]

I've heard of browning (think it's actually called braising?) a roast before slow-cooking in a crock-pot, to seal in juices and flavor. It does make a better, juicier roast, IMO, but it's definitely not necessary.

I just do it when I have time, by putting some non-stick spray in a frying pan and turning the roast until all the sides are browned.

[LeslieR]

I never pre-cook any meat before putting it in the crockpot. To me, that would take away the point of cooking in a crockpot. I like just dumping everything in and going about my business.

[JRPAGV]

I am pretty picky about my meat, and it must be well cooked- never had a problem here. If you have ever used a crockpot, you will see that it does get super hot, and really cooks food through.
I'm picky too. I've cooked in it several times (without browning), but got paranoid after reading someone's comment on the WC about crockpots not getting hot enough to kill the bacteria.

I never pre-cook any meat before putting it in the crockpot. To me, that would take away the point of cooking in a crockpot. I like just dumping everything in and going about my business.
I agree. Like I said, I just got paranoid after reading that it doesn't kill the bacteria. Just checking to see if anyone else has heard this someplace else.

[Aletheia]

Just a quick plug for the new Crock Pot my mom recently gave me (pictured below.) It is really snazzy because you can use the stoneware part directly on the stove to braise meats before putting it back in the Crock Pot base-- so braising and one-pot cooking! What will they think of next! [Puts hand on cocked out poodle-skirted hip and laughs fakely.]

I'm serious about liking it, though. It just makes me feel a little 1950's somehow. ;)

http://www.crockpot.com/versaware/Images/IMG-0.jpg

[thedoorchick]

I just sear the meat all over in a pan until it's browned on all sides (when making a roast).

[2kCougar]

Roasts I sear like thedoorchick says--high heat, on the stove in a little oil and garlic. sorry for the language confusion. I guess I'm just used to referring to beef as meat. chicken & turkey are poultry. I don't sear stew beef.

[paiger]

I am not sure what crockpot I have, but it was a shower gift from Target. it is really classy looking w/ a black ceramic pot and knobs in a stainless steel body.

However, it is a terrible cooker. It overcooks everything on the Low Setting, and I think it is getting worse. I cooked the Italian Roast (in recipes) the first time in the fall for like 7 hours. I've tried cooking it twice in the past two months one for 7 hrs and recently for 5 hrs...all overcooked. The Sticky Chicken recipe is the same way. I cooked it for 4 hours last night on low...overcooked. I'm about to throw it out the window.

I've tried cooking things (w/ cooked meat) on the 'Keep Warm' setting, but at like 7-8hrs the veggies didn't get cooked. It needs to have that initial on Low cooking then switched to Keep Warm, which I am at work and cannot do.

So, I figure that since I use a crockpot 2-3xs a week. I deserve a better one, and I think I'd like to try the 'Smart Cookers'. Does anyone have one of those?

Here are 3 listings that I found on Amazon.com. They all have good and bad reviews. Does anyone know anything about them?

Rival 38651-C 6-Quart Countdown Programmable Smart-Pot Slow Cooker, Stainless

Cuisinart CSC-650 Slow Cooker

Rival 4865-W Recipe Smart-Pot Slow Cooker

[twainny]

I have a 4 qt. Rival slow cooker (isn't there a difference between a slow cooker and a crockpot?) I love it. But I don't use it too much, mainly just for roasts and chili.

Good Luck

[PaisleySloan]

I have a Rival Versaware Crock-Pot. It's really pretty! I have yet to use it though. I haven't cooked in a crock in ages, so tomorrow should be interesting. I'm making chicken cacciatore.

[Pineknot]

I have a crockpot and I have a slow cooker. (the manufacturers make the distinction in the names on the boxes)

I notice a HUGE difference. The slow cooker gets at least twice as hot as my crockpot does and can cook things in half the time. With my slow cooker, there's a much greater chance of something burning and I have to periodically stir things so they won't.

My crockpot can also burn things but I think it would take hours and hours for this to happen. I also have never had to stir things in my crockpot to keep them from sticking or burning.

There must be a difference.... :confused:

[Janey]

Crock Pot is Rival's trade name for the slow cooker... like Kleenex is to Tissue. See Article Here (http://www.kitchenkapers.com/hisofcrocpot.html).

I'm interested to know what you all think of your slow cookers. I've checked America's Test Kitchen -- they have a small review article which I didn't find all that useful. I also checked Consumer Reports, which hasn't reviewed crock pots since around 1992. :/ I registered for the Cuisinart one, but now it has been discontinued at Macy's (except it's still available online, just not in the stores :confused: ). In any case, if I don't receive the Cuisinart as a gift, which seems likely, I will still want to buy a crock pot for myself sometime in the near future. :)

[PaisleySloan]

I have a crockpot and I have a slow cooker. (the manufacturers make the distinction in the names on the boxes)

I notice a HUGE difference. The slow cooker gets at least twice as hot as my crockpot does and can cook things in half the time. With my slow cooker, there's a much greater chance of something burning and I have to periodically stir things so they won't.

My crockpot can also burn things but I think it would take hours and hours for this to happen. I also have never had to stir things in my crockpot to keep them from sticking or burning.

There must be a difference.... :confused:
Hmm...not sure. I think the one I have can be used for both slow cooking and crock-pot cooking. I like the one I have. It's the "Rival 5-qt. Versaware Slow Cooker (http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/602-1803546-2853408?%5Fencoding=UTF8&coliid=I33HH9BNAJ22E&asin=B0001NXTP4&colid=357QID04X7B1N&bckreg=cw)." It can be used as a 'slow cooker' or you can cook on high in half the time. Also, the stoneware pot can be used on the stove top and in the oven.

I made a chicken cacciatore today and it was delish!!

[Kimberland30]

We got a Rival 5.5 quart Smart Pot for Christmas last year and we LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. Our previous one either didn't heat up hot enough, or would burn whatever we were making. We've used our Smart Pot a few times and haven't burned anything. It automatically sets the pot to "Warm" when the timer goes off, so we don't have to be chained to it while it's cooking.

I don't think it's impossible to burn foods, I do the same thing in our gas oven because I can't judge how hot it really gets in there (it's at least 25 degrees off that I know of). But it does sound like something is off kilter with your crock pot, so a new one might help.

[paiger]

kjh924 i found good reviews on cooking.com and on amazon.com. however, i thought the ones for the Rival and Cuisenart were pretty even.


thanks for your help! i think that now having an actual review from someone that is on CC (thanks Kimberland30) and the price difference in the two. i'm going to set my heart on the Rival! now, i just have to budget for it!!

[Hello Kitty]

I have this Rival 4-qt one. It's not a 'smart' pot or anything, but I've never had any problems with it. I made the sticky chicken yesterday (two whole breasts), and started it at 11 on low and DH at his at 5, and left it on for me to eat mine at 7:30 - both of them were good.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0001UD0R4.16._AA260_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[KrissyCat7]

I also have the Rival Crock Pot and it works really well. It makes the BEST pot roasts ever. When I cook meat in there it always comes out very tender and moist.

[Etoile]

I have a Hamilton Beach 6 Quart Cheri Blum slow cooker. It is essentially this model:
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00006IUTJ.01._SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg
Except with a really pretty vintage-style flower pattern.

Pros:
1. It is soooo pretty
2. The oval shape allows you to cook a whole chicken or a roast
3. It holds a lot
4. Very easy to clean, the ceramic insert is very smooth
5. It came with a little band that you tie the lid down with, so you can bring it to potlucks

Cons:
1. They don't make that pretty pattern anymore!
2. I do have some problems with things burning if left all day. Everything definitely needs to be cooked on low. I have an idea how to solve the problem, but I haven't put it into place yet: get one of those timers you plug into the wall that you use for lights and such, and you can set the timer for it to start at 10 or 11am when you're already gone for work. You shouldn't have a problem with food borne illness because by the time you get home it is hot enough to have killed off germs and it's not sitting at a warm temperature for a long time. I think I read that--I will have to research the safety of doing that more.

Here is a good crockpot recipe for you to enjoy once you buy your new crockpot, we ate this for dinner tonight.

Put some pork chops in the crockpot, add 1 chopped onion, a can of Campbell's Cream of Mushroom and Roasted Garlic Soup, 1/4 stick of butter and a little milk or cream (no more than 1/4 cup). Cook on low all day. The meat will be fork-tender and serve the sauce over rice or with bread. Tasty!

[risa00]

Look here to see if your crockpot has been recalled:

http://www.rivalrecall.com/rivalrecall/index.aspx

[kam]

Scary. Ours is model 3745 so not part of the recall, but it makes me wonder...

[Hello Kitty]

Whoa! Mine has been recalled, thanks for the FYI!

[lawyerlee]

Thank you so much for that information. Ours is on that list. :(

[amorey]

Mine's on the list, too. And I was planning on using it this week! :(

I found more info here (http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recalls04/holmes_slow_cookers.html):

About 1.8 million Rival Slow Cooker units are being recalled. The handles on the base of the slow cookers can break, posing a risk of burns from hot contents spilling onto consumers.

There have been 45 reports of handles breaking, including 14 reports of consumers who reported burn injuries from the hot contents.

At least it won't burn your house down.

ETA: I found more info here (http://www.aafes.com/pa/news/04news/cookers.htm):

Only Rival Crock-Pot® slow cookers with model numbers 3040, 3735, 5025, 5070 and 5445 manufactured before May 2002 are included in the recall. The model number is printed on the UL label located on the bottom of the base. The recalled Rival slow cooker has a removable ceramic bowl that sits inside of a metal base. The Rival logo is printed on the front of the unit above the control knob. The bases are round or oval in shape and were sold in various colors and designs. A date code is stamped onto the prongs of the power plug at the end of the power cord attached to each unit. Only the recalled base units have letter “Y” followed by four digits. The first two digits represent the week of manufacture and the last two digits represent the year of manufacture. Any plug with a date code from 0199 (1st week of 1999) to 1802 (18th week of 2002) is included in this recall.

My plug says "3702" meaning it's not included.

[lawyerlee]

At least it won't burn your house down.
For sure!

Thanks for the additional information, Ann. I'll have to check my plug.

[lml41981]

Well, I have a Rival 5445 with date code Y0103, so mine is definitely included. Thanks for the information.

Ann, the Rival Recall website says it includes crock pots manufactured between January 1999 and September 2004, so if your crock pot was manufactured in the 37th week of 2002, it would be included. I'd go to the site linked in the OP and enter your info...it'll tell you for sure if your crock pot is part of the recall.

[paiger]

I was about to have a heart attack when I just read the first post!! I think mine is the first one, and I have had so many problems w/ the heating. I have it on a christmas timer today, and I was about to go home until I saw it wasn't a fire risk. Whew, my stomach is still a little in knots!

If the first one is ours, I don't think I'll register for the recall, b/c we were planning on getting another one anyway. I'll still probably use it until I can save up for a new CP.

[Janey]

I'm bumpin' this thread. ;) I'm still looking for a crock pot... all of the reviews on epinions & amazon run either hot or cold on most of the models. Anybody else want to chime in with your crock pot make/model and what you do & don't like about it?

[mgrace]

Crock Pot is Rival's trade name for the slow cooker... like Kleenex is to Tissue.
Exactly.

Our Crock Pot works well. We have a Rival 2.5 quart. It helps to have it at least half full because it will cook evenly. I think that all of the newer slow cookers seem to cook warmer than older ones. This isn't scientific by any means, but from talking to friends and family that seems to be the consensus.

You can check out www.crockpot.com for tips and recipes. Oh, and if you have a Rival, you might want to check out this site (http://www.rivalrecall.com/rivalrecall/index.aspx) about recalls.

[JayJay]

Boo...mine's the last one pictured. I'm disappointed. I really liked this crockpot! :(

[LyLMyssChaos]

I received the Rival Smart Pot Crock Pot for my bridal shower and it is the most used gift that I think we received. I use it at least twice a week and I totally adore it! There are a few different models and finishes, but mine is the
Rival 38601-C 6-Quart Oval Smart-Pot Slow Cooker in Chrome (not in the recall.) I swear I have cooked everything in this thing. And my favorite feature is that you can set it for 4, 6, 8 or 10 hours, and then when it hits that point? It automatically switches over to warming mode, so I don't have to worry about it overcooking if I'm not at home.

Here is a picture:
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00008I8NR.01-A2HLK9C2IWJJB7._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[dana b]

i've been meaning to get the all-clad one, anyone have that one?

[looch]

thanks for the info!

[Pink_Converse]

I found a good recipe for ribs somewhere on here and I have a question. The rack was too big to fit in the crockpot so I cut it in half and layered the ribs. Do you think that's ok as long as I maybe switch them halfway thru and put the bottom rack on top of the rack that's on top now?

[Rose]

I think it would be fine.

[paiger]

I'm so getting a new crockpot!! However, I'm still lost on which one.

i've been meaning to get the all-clad one, anyone have that one?
I've seen this one on William's Sonoma.com. Have you heard anything about it? There are no reviews for it on epinions, amazon or cooking.com. So, I hesitate b/c I don't know if All-Clad has a good appliance history, and w/ no reviews, I'd hate for it to be a dud.

So ~~~ after much research this is what I've found out:

LyLMyssChaos & Kimberland30 - Since you have these, I'd love to hear about them.

These are my top contenders

Rival 38601-C 6-Quart Oval Smart-Pot Slow Cooker ~ From what I've read about this one, you can only select certain times like on low 8 or 10 hours. I would think this wouldn't be good b/c some things don't need that long. LyLMyssChaos have you had problems w/ this. I read that some of these crockpots came w/ a divided crock as well as the big one that would help if you don't want to cook too much. Did yours? I would definitely need this, b/c I never cook that much and all the reviews say that if you don't fill it 2/3 of the way, it will burn your food (I've read this for all crockpots).


Rival Model 38651-C 6 Quart Countdown Smart-Pot™ Slow Cooker (Target calls this the 5.5qt) - really bad reviews that the heating element is not correct, but it allows you to cook in your own chosen time increments. Kimberland30 is this the one that you have? Can you choose your own time or do you have to set yours to a pre-choosen time? Have you had problems w/ your heating element being crazy hot and the same temp for Warm, Low and High? Maybe it was one batch of this model. If someone has this and doesn't have the heating problem, then I might go with this one.

Cuisinart Model # CRC-650 6.5 quart - This has mixed reviews on the cooking ability. It is a bit larger w/ more 'industrial' look, but I like the way it does it's timer. The heating/cooking too much was said by some reviewers to be the 'not getting it full enough' problem. However, there were some other complaints, but if you get it from a larger store you could bring it back if it had these problems.


My confusion ~~~~ No smart pots w/ smaller crocks

However, my big issue is the size of the crock as all of these are 6 quarts, which are for 5-8 people. My DH and I aren't planning to start a family for a long time, so I can't even say that that's what it will be for eventually. If I can't find the divided crock then I will have to double my recipes (at least) to make sure there is enough in the bowl. I think in the long run that is just too much food. I know I can freeze it, but it will take twice as much money to buy for and twice as long to cut up all those veggies.

I could just go for the Rival 33511 5-Quart-- It's round, but maybe I could find the equivalent oval one.
Then, I can just stick w/ my christmas timer method. This way, the thing will be full enough to cook evenly. There are good reviews about this one and several people said that they basically had this model w/ varying crock sizes.

[Hello Kitty]

Has anyone actually sent their crockpot plug away yet? I'm scared that I might not get a replacement and I don't have any $ for a new one.

Because they listed their reason for the recall it makes me less likely to want to send it back - I don't use those handles... Anyone?

[beachlvr]

You know, I thought mine wasn't part of the recall, but the handle broke off the base last night. Guess I'd better double check!

[beachlvr]

Update: Hamilton Beach-Proctor Silex has a recall, too. Mine is part of that one. Here's a link:

http://www.proctor-silex.com/recall_info/slowcooker/

[southerner]

Mine is being recalled. My handle actually broke off last year. Not th handles on the side, but the knob to turn the thing on and off. I'm nervous also about sending my plug away b/c we've gotten used to turning it on and off with pliers :rolleyes:

I think I'm going to go call them and ask about getting a new one. I don't want to cut my plug off and have no "receipt" or confirmation that I will be getting a new one.

[hockeybrat]

Thanks for the info! I'll have to check mine when I get home.

[designer]

I sent in the plug on my crockpot about 2 weeks ago and I got a new base in the mail today! It has different handles than my old one, otherwise it looks the same. I thought I'd let you know, since I know some of you were worried about sending in the plug.

[southerner]

cool, thanks for that update. I'll send mine off soon (supposedly :rolleyes: )

[Hello Kitty]

Thanks. It gives me some hope that I won't be crock-pot-less.

(supposedly )
Hee. Me too. :D

[Cricket4]

Oh my gosh, I just read this and almost had a freakout too, because my crockpot (one of the recalled ones) is on, at home.

So the only thing I have to worry about is the handles, yes? No fire?

[shopaholic]

OK, not to sound stupid, but I can't figure out what model I have. I am not sure I even have the original box anymore to double check.

My crockpot looks like #5445 (last one pictured). I looked at the crock pot itself, the bottom of the base and the only thing I can find is SCV551 and "X24436". I went to Rival's website and did a search on SCV551 and nothing comes up so I am not even sure if that is the model # or not?

[wine_o_girlie]

Uh-oh I have #1. Do you have to have a receipt or any proof of purchase to send your base back in?

[polarama]

Just wanted to bump this up to see if anyone has sent in their plugs and gotten their replacement bases yet.

[southerner]

every time I see this thread get bumped up, I remember it's still one of those things on my neverending list of things to do :rolleyes:

[quest]

I'm just checking to see if everyone has received their replacement base already? I haven't, but sent in my plug/card weeks and weeks ago. I thought there might be a place to check your status, but if there is I can't find it.

Just curious to see if I'm the only one crockpotless (and I NEED it this weekend!!!).

TIA :)

[risa00]

I received mine probably a month after I mailed it in. My mom sent hers in months ago and never received it. She called them 2 weeks ago and they quickly mailed her one. I don't think you need a receipt to show that you have one. Just call and complain. :)

[PinkGirl]

Bumping for size advice...

I did the test tonight with our current crock pot and it failed.. it was only at 160 degrees F after 8 hours and it should have been at 185 degrees F minimum. I'm going to keep it for hot drinks and non-meat cooking, but I'd like to replace it b/c I do cook meat in it frequently. FH and I have registered for a "fancy" crock pot, but I'd like a replacement for the meantime.

My question is this: what size is good? Our current is 6 qt. There's only the 2 of us, but it's nice to have leftovers. What do ya'll recommend?

TIA!


ETA: I can totally live with a smaller one for now, since it'll be less than a year before we (hopefully) get the fancy one. But I don't want to go too small..

[PinkGirl]

Not the whole thing, just the stoneware part with the food in it?

FH is being sweet and making dinner, but he put it in the slow cooker a bit on the late side and we're just wondering.

TIA!

[BethIrish]

As long as it's just the stoneware (not the lid - mine has plastic on it, I don't know about yours!) it should be fine :p

[LRL]

I actually would avoid putting it in the oven. My crockpot is stoneware too- and it has cracked. It cracked from a tiny temperature change one day when I added a can of tomatoes 10 minutes before the whole thing was done. It is a hairline crack, but it still leaks a little. I would hate to have to buy a whole new unit because of putting the stoneware in the oven (even though I *think* it says you can).

This is my crockpot:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00008I8NR.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[PinkGirl]

We did it, and it turned out fine. LRL, I didn't see your post until afterwards, but it is our old one so not a big deal. I definitely wouldn't do it with our new one!

[BethIrish]

huh, weird that yours cracked! I've never had that happen!!!

[heather 8^)]

I know that the Farberware stoneware insert is NOT oven-safe but the Rival insert is. You may want to check the manual or look online because some can go into the oven and some can't. Good luck! :)

[ManteoChik]

Hey guys. I'm making another beef stew to take to work with me for everyone for lunch tomorrow. I had planned on putting it all together tonight and start the cooking. Is it okay for it to cook all night while I'm sleeping? Also, I plan on just taking the whole crockpot with me to work to keep it warm...is this okay? Will it cook too much?

[jennylou]

It should be no problem to let it cook overnight. I've let things cook while I'm not even home.

I would think if you have a warm setting you could use it to keep the stew warm in the crock pot until lunch.

[ManteoChik]

Thanks jennylou...I forgot about using the "warm" setting. That way I'm not over cooking it - just keeping it warm.

[Katy]

personally, if you're going to cook it overnight and then keep it on "warm" then I'd just cook it on warm. This way, you'll be less likely to overcook, or burn it. Just my two cents...

[ManteoChik]

Thanks Katy.

My crockpot only has three settings....warm, low, and high. I ended up cooking it on Low all night and it did just fine. I brought it to work and plugged it in and I've got it on warm now. I think it came out fine. Wow...this cooking stuff sure is a lot of work...lol.

[Pink_Converse]

I'm making a recipe off on here and it involves a pot roast. Am I supposed to cook it fat side up? In the recipe it does not say to brown the roast first, do you think I have to? I know a lot of people do. TIA.

[msnicolea]

I would sear it first to lock in those juices! I generally flip mine, so I never pay attention to what side I put "down."

[thedoorchick]

Yes, brown it first and yes, cook it fat side up. That way the fat melting during cooking will baste the meat.

[Pink_Converse]

I ended up having to put it in before I got an answer. I put it in not browned and fat side up. Do yo uthink it will be ok? It has slits in it and sauce all over it now.

[kmmommy]

Pink ~ It will be fine. Browning it isn't necessary, just helps keep the juices from leaking out during cooking. The roast should still be really moist even without browning it.

Can I come over for dinner?! :)

[Pink_Converse]

Come on over! There's enough for all of us. I'm making the Spicy Roast Beef Shannon posted in the crockpot thread. I couldn't ask her for advice because I don't think she's around much now that little Noa is here!

I'm making really fattening mashed potatoes with it too. I can't wait until dinner :) .

[Hello Kitty]

bump

[princesse]

Can I ask......when you go to work and leave your CP on does anyone else feel a little OCD about it? Like OMG I left something hot plugged in type thing? Tell me just get over it.

[TOMama]

Yeh, the thought does cross my mind a few times a day. I worry about it bubbling over too, but it has yet to happen.

Doesn't stop me from using it though. In fact I'm going to peruse the crockpot recipe thread right now :)

[SunnyAB]

I always stress that I have left my curling iron in when I go to work!!! BUT - I am OK with leaving my crockpot on. But to ease my OCDness a bit - I put my crockpot into a cake pan - so on the chance it overflows (never happens) or some other strange thing happens - it is at least somewhat safe. :D

[princesse]

It makes me feel a little better I am not the only one. I have never really worried about the bubble over, but it seems to get so hot on the outside. I just imagine it self-combusting! Silly girl.

[granada]

I'm thinking about getting a crockpot. :) Anyone want to share what they love or don't love about their crockpot?

[Boomer]

I have the Rival 6QT Oval. What I don't love is it cooks food waaaaayyyyy quicker than the recipes all say. Like half the time. Kinda makes it hard to judge how long something will take to cook.

[catmom]

Does anyone have a slow cooker that wasn't made in China? I read somewhere that the Rival pots are made in the US, but the reviews on amazon are worrying me (lots and lots of people say they cook too hot and the food burns). Even kitchenaid is made in China now, and those are really expensive, too.

[KrissyCat7]

I have a Rival 6qt (actually I have two) and I love how easy it comes clean.