How Many Crock Pots – Programmable or Not – Does One Need?
As I started using my 6 qt. Hamilton Beach programmable crock pot more and more, I learned an important lesson, I didn’t always need 6 quarts! In fact, it wasn’t always the best choice for my meal.
My initial desire for a larger crock pot began when I was making soup during the winter. For several years, I ended up with leftover tomato juice and sauces because the recipe I was using wouldn’t fit in my crock pot.
Sure, I could have reduced the recipe. But I wanted to make the whole thing. And I liked making the recipe in the crock pot. The smell of fresh soup after a long working day and a commute home through slushy, gray snow was irresistible.
What I didn’t need to come home to was a bubbling, burbling, tomatoey mess leaking out of the crock pot and on to the counter.
So, happy day! My newly acquired 6 qt. crock pot held my entire soup recipe ingredients – but on other days, it swallowed the two chicken breasts and sauce I wanted to make for dinner.
So, just like a programmable crock pot isn’t always necessary, a large crock pot isn’t always necessary, either.
The short answer to how many crock pots does one need is – as many as you need to fit your cooking style. You have multiple pots and pans, right? So multiple crock pots isn’t that far out of line.
Look for more on this burning question in future posts.
In the meantime, I have a craving for a summer soup full of fresh garden vegetables. In my large programmable crock pot.
Guess which crock pot I’ll be using.
Cuisinart PSC-400 Programmable Slow Cooker | A Round Crock Pot You’ll Like Having Around
A 4 quart programmable crock pot has so many uses. If you’re serving for two and not a crowd, nothing beats a 4 qt. slow cooker.
They are also great for slow cooking a side dish while your main entree cooks along in a larger crock pot.
This Cuisinart PSC-400 Programmable Slow Cooker can maintain an elegant presence on your countertop if you’re short of storage space. It also has the simmer mode that many people prefer (see my review on the Cuisinart PSC-350 programmable crock pot) and that many other manufacturers leave off.
You can also program this crock pot in 30 minute increments and it automatically sets to “warm” when the cooking time is up.
So you can be a little late getting home from errands and dinner won’t be spoiled.
Note, however, there is no delay-start feature on the Cuisinart PSC-400 programmable crock pot.
This crock pot is round, not oval, so be sure you consider what you’ll be cooking before you purchase. Personally, I like to cook meats in an oval crock pot. But if you’re only cooking a couple of chicken breasts or soup or a side dish, the round crock pot might even be preferable to the oval.
Regardless, this programmable crock pot is high on style, light on counter space, and heavy on features you’ll love.
Size: 4-Quart
Shape: Round
Dimensions/Weight: 11-2/3 x 16-3/5 x 14 inches; 16 pounds
Average Number of Servings: 2-3
Finish: Stainless Stain
Programmable: Yes
Settings: High, Low, Warm, and Simmer
Best Feature: Convenient Cord Storage and Cool-Touch Chrome Plated Handles
Temperature Probe: No
Dishwasher Safe: Yes (crock and lid only)
Safe on Stove: No
Microwave Safe: Yes; crock only, not lid
Other Neat Features: Includes a rack for setting dishes inside the crock.
Click here for information on the Cuisinart PSC-400 Programmable Slow Cooker.
Best Programmable Crock Pot? What Others are Saying…
It’s human nature to wonder what other people are thinking. That’s why whenever there is a new “best of” for kitchen equipment (i.e. programmable crock pots), we are likely to go take a look.
One of the latest compilations was recently released by About.com. Looking at the best kitchen equipment, About.com asked its readers for their favorite crock pot brands.
Crock-Pot lead the way with Hamilton Beach coming in second. Not a surprise since those are two of the Crock Pot/Slow Cooker Brands that we like very much here on Programmable-Crockpot.com.
For more information on the About.com survey, visit this link.
Read on here for more information on our favorite Crock-Pot brand.
Read on here for more information on our favorite Hamilton Beach brand.
Crock Pot Recipe – Slow Cooker Corn Beef and Cabbage for St. Patrick’s Day
I’m always at the last minute on finding recipes for St. Patrick’s Day. That’s why I’m thrilled to find one that I can put in my programmable crock pot while I worry about other things “green” tomorrow.
This recipe for crockpot corn beef and cabbage was found in the Vancouver Sun. I’ve printed it here but visit the newspaper for more St. Patrick’s Day ideas.
Slow Cooker Corn Beef and Cabbage
1 small head cabbage
4 small onions
3 medium carrots
4 medium potatoes
3 pound piece corned beef
3 ounces rye whisky
Cut cabbage into eight wedges. Peel and cut onions in half. Cut carrots into chunks; cut potatoes in half. Arrange vegetables in electric slow cooker with meat, making sure vegetables are on bottom and around sides and meat is in the middle. Add water to cover and whisky.
Cook, covered, eight to 10 hours on low. Drain before serving.
Crock Pot Cookbook Review | Crock Pot Original Slow Cooker Recipe Collection
I always like crock pot cookbooks that have let me add a little something to them. Whether it is a page of notes, additional recipes, some directions for adapting the recipe for my programmable crock pot, etc, the ability to add a page or two is always welcome.
The Crock Pot Original Slow Cooker Recipe Collection is 512 pages of recipes and information – enclosed in a 5-ring binder. So perfect for adding additional pages of notes or crock pot recipes. Even better, the pages are aqueous coated for an easy clean up.
You’ll find lots of pictures and lots of categories to tempt your tastebuds. Try the Yankee Pot Roast, the Golden Pork with Cinnamon Apples, and the chai tea and cider recipes for accompanying drinks. All sure to warm you up or serve you up some comfort food.
Click here for more information on the Crock Pot Ultimate Recipe Collection (5-Ring Binder).
Programmable Crock Pot: Asking the Probing Question
Does your programmable crock pot need a probe?
Wait, I’m not asking you to go under the hood and start moving wires and things around.
Today, many new crock pots and slow cookers feature a temperature probe. Some folks call them a thermometer probe.
The Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget Slow Cooker 33967 is one crock pot that includes a thermometer probe and a probe function on its programmable digital display.
When Do You Use a Programmable Crock Pot Probe?
A probe is handy when you are cooking meat. For instance, when cooking a turkey or turkey breast, I use the probe to let me know when the meat has reached 165 degrees, the generally accepted temperature for perfect, juicy turkey.
Yes, you could keep a digital meat thermometer for this purpose, but then you’d be constantly checking and letting the heat out of your crock pot, increasing the time needed to cook the meat, drying it out, and generally wasting your time as you check and recheck.
Kind of defeats the purpose of the programmable crock pot, doesn’t it.
For that reason, I always use the thermometer probe when I’m cooking any large cut of meat. Particularly one that is new to me. And most definitely one that I am preparing for guests or potluck at the church.
Just makes things a little simpler.
Programmable Crock Pots we recommend with a thermometer probe: Hamilton Beach 33967 Set ‘n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Crock-Pot Designer Series Smart-Pot: SCCPBP600S 6-Quart Stainless Steel Programmable Slow Cooker | Giving a Designer Touch to the Kitchen Counter
While my crock pot is serviceable and all, I find myself lusting over the Crock-Pot SCCPBP600S, a beauty of a crock pot that would look great sitting on my countertop – or in any designer kitchen.
What I like about this Crock-Pot Designer Series Slow Cooker are the sleek modern lines. It’s a head turner for sure. But combine that with the Crock-Pot name and tradition and if you’re in the need for a new crock pot, this is one that you should definitely consider.
A 6-Quart crock pot is a very good size. Not too large but not so small that you can’t fit in a small turkey breast or roast and some veggies for dinner.
Fans of this crock pot rave about its temperature control. Low stays “low” and high doesn’t boil and dry out your food. Plus, the convenient automatic warm feature that engages when the cooking time is through keeps your food from being ruined if you come in a little late from work.
Crock-Pot SCCPBP600S Designer Series Programmable Slow Cooker
Size: 6-Quart
Shape: Oval
Dimensions/Weight: 20 x 12 x 15.8 inches; 16 pounds
Average Number of Servings: 5-6
Finish: Stainless Stain, other finishes available
Programmable: Yes
Settings: High, Low, and Warm
Best Feature: Convenient Cord Storage and Hide-Away Handles
Temperature Probe: No
Dishwasher Safe: Yes (crock and lid only)
Oven Safe: Yes, up to 400 degrees; crock only, not lid
Safe on Stove: No
Microwave Safe: Yes; crock only, not lid
Other Neat Features: Elegant, updated look. Available in multiple finishes.
Read more about the Crock-Pot Designer Series SCCPBO600S.
Programmable Crock Pot Cookbook Review and a Recipe, Too| Fix-It and Forget-It Recipes for Entertaining
Just a couple of days ago, I fixed another yummy recipe from my Fix-It and Forget-It Recipes for Entertaining Slow Cooker Cookbook. While I’ve been adventuresome enough to cook turkey in the crock pot before, this time I made it a meal by adding stuffing and cranberries to the mix.
What can I say but mmmmm, it was so good!
While I don’t think I’d ever cook a turkey in the crock pot when I want to showcase it for a holiday meal – like Thanksgiving – crock pot turkey is the perfect option for a moist, flavorful turkey that you are going to slice and serve, anyway. Or for a winter meal for the family when good looks aren’t the most important thing.
I found the Slow Cooker Turkey and Dressing recipe in my copy of Fix-It and Forget-It Recipes for Entertaining. This cookbook offers a whole chapter on Turkey Main Dishes.
Here’s the basic recipe with a few variations that I added (and missed).
Slow Cooker Turkey and Dressing
2 6-oz. packages of stuffing mix (I used Stove-Top Turkey Stuffing mix)
1/2 cup hot water (will need at least a 1/2 cup more if using two 6-oz. packages of stuffing)
2 Tbsp. butter, softened (plus more for greasing the bottom and sides of the crock)
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup sweeted, dried cranberries (I used Craisins)
3 lb. boneless turkey breast
1/4 tsp. dried basil (which, of course, I forgot!!!)
1/2 tsp. pepper (forgot that, too)
Just generously grease the bottom and sides of crock pot with softened butter. Dump stuffing into bottom of crock pot.
Add water, the 2 Tbsp. butter, onion, celery, and dried cranberries. Mix.
Sprinkle turkey breast with dried basil flakes and pepper. Place over stuffing mixture.
Cover with crock pot lid and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until turkey is done but not dry. If you have a temperature probe with your programmable crock pot, set it to 165 degrees.
When done, remove turkey. Slice it and set aside.
Remove stuffing to serving platter. Arrange sliced turkey on top and serve.
The Verdict on Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing
This makes a nice presentation and the cranberries add a sweet addition to the stuffing. If you don’t like cranberries you can leave them out or substitute another fruit or savory addition.
Like I said, this recipe called for basil and pepper which I forgot and the turkey was fine without it. It also called for a 1/2 tsp. of salt to sprinkle on the turkey. I left this out on purpose. Since I used Stove Top Stuffing which already has more than enough salt in a 1/2 cup serving, the turkey didn’t need any more salt to go along with it. Now, where you aren’t using any other salty pre-packaged addition, a little salt would be okay. But in this case, the stuffing took care of all the salt that was needed.
About halfway through the cooking process, I began to smell what seemed to be the stuffing burning. Ummm, uh-oh. I remedied this by adding some more water and stirring a little. I felt like I greased the crock pot plenty enough so I don’t know what happened here. Maybe because I used the 2 stuffing boxes?? In any case, be prepared to add more water. Or broth. I may try broth next time instead of water.
A 3 or 4-lb. boneless turkey breast makes 4-6 generous servings. It also fits perfectly in my Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget It Slow Cooker.
Give the Fix-It and Forget-It Recipes for Entertaining a try. This is my “go-to” cookbook for my programmable crock pot meals. It isn’t too fancy for every day cooking. This cookbook also has the plastic comb binding and stays open easily while you are trying to follow the recipe.
Crock-Pot SCVT650-PS 6.5-Quart Oval Programmable Slow Cooker: The Choice of Fine Cooks Everywhere
The Crock-Pot SCVT650-PS 6.5-Quart Oval Programmable Slow Cooker has gotten a lot of press – Cooks Country magazine gave it a Highly Recommended review in August 2010!
Cooks Country testers raved about the way this crock pot held a temperature that kept foods from getting too dry or undercooking.
They also loved the fact that the Crock-Pot SCVT650-PS can be programmed to remain on the High setting for up to 20 hours with time settings in 30 minute increments.
Size: 6.5-Quart – perfect for a roast and 7-8 servings
Shape: Oval
Dimensions/Weight: 16.5 x 12.2 x 8.7 inches ; 16 pounds
Finish: Stainless
Programmable: Yes
Settings: High, Low, Warm
Best Feature: Attractive Look; Control panel is very easy to use
Temperature Probe: No
Dishwasher Safe: Yes, Crock and Lid
Oven Safe: Crock Only (except in broiler)
Safe on Stove: No
Microwave Safe: Crock Only
Other Neat Features: Touch-pad programming; warm setting light blinks and stays on for up to 4 hours after cooking time ends; manual contains 32 pages of recipes
Not sure if you can handle a programmable crock pot? No worries here. This one is fool proof!
Learn more about the Crock-Pot 6.5-Quart Oval Programmable Slow Cooker.
Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1/2-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker: 4 Temperature Settings Means More Peace of Mind
Buy Cuisinart PSC-350 Programmable Crock Pot
I’ve heard many a complaint at the office potlucks of crock pots that didn’t “get the job done.”
In other words, the crock pot dried out the casserole or it didn’t get finished in time for the potluck.
That’s always embarrassing. And aggravating. Whether it happens at home or at the office.
Luckily, my old crock pot always acted like a good kitchen employee and never gave me problems with faulty temperature settings.
My new crock pot runs about the same way as the old one – only with more options.
One of the office favorites is the Cuisinart Programmable Slow Cooker PSC-350 because it has – not three – but four temperature settings. High, Low, Warm – and that elusive Simmer option that some of the best cooks in the office swear is the previous low setting of old crock pots. Read the rest of this entry »