Barbara mentioned that she has one crockpot with three small pots. I Googled crockpot pictures to get an idea of what that looks like. Also, Ruditudi mentioned she has nine, which made me wonder how much difference there could be from one crockpot to another. Wow! There are many different kinds of every size, shape, and color. This led me to wonder, “How does one choose what to buy, when there are so many available?”
So, after a bit of research, this is what I came up with this list of questions to ask yourself when you are ready to add to buy you first crockpot or add to your collection:
How much do you need to cook?
I have a very large crockpot I have used for years. When all four children were home, this was the only size I used. It was also used for large groups at church potlucks and extended family gatherings. Now it is used for soups and sauces in the winter and to make apple butter in the fall.
My quart crockpot is used most of the time now that I only cook for my husband and me. The tiny crockpot I have (acquired from a relative who did not want it) was originally marketed for fondue. I use it for nacho sauce (very rarely, as we are trying to lose weight!).
I think one reason many of us have more than one is that we need different sizes.
What material do you prefer?
If you are a klutzy cook, remember that crockpots can chip and break. A metal pot or slow cooker might be a good choice for you.
Also, consider the composition of the lid. My quart size pot has a deformed lid. I turned the crockpot on once with the plastic lid inverted on top. The lid melted. It still works; in fact, it is convenient if I start with something that sticks up a bit on top at the beginning of cooking. It does look very weird, however.
What color?
Okay, so some of you probably don’t care. However, if you are slightly OCD (We use to call this being a perfectionist!) color may be important. Have no fear; crockpots come in every conceivable color.
Other Considerations
I love the auto-shift setting, so that is something I want. If you can conceive of an option that is important to you, they probably make a crockpot with that option available.
Also, check out accessories such as liners, dividers, dust covers, and travel covers.
Well, after looking at pictures, knowing about a three-pot option, and that you cannot have too many crockpots (Thanks, Ruditudi!) I think I am ready for a crockpot shopping trip!
So, after a bit of research, this is what I came up with this list of questions to ask yourself when you are ready to add to buy you first crockpot or add to your collection:
How much do you need to cook?
I have a very large crockpot I have used for years. When all four children were home, this was the only size I used. It was also used for large groups at church potlucks and extended family gatherings. Now it is used for soups and sauces in the winter and to make apple butter in the fall.
My quart crockpot is used most of the time now that I only cook for my husband and me. The tiny crockpot I have (acquired from a relative who did not want it) was originally marketed for fondue. I use it for nacho sauce (very rarely, as we are trying to lose weight!).
I think one reason many of us have more than one is that we need different sizes.
What material do you prefer?
If you are a klutzy cook, remember that crockpots can chip and break. A metal pot or slow cooker might be a good choice for you.
Also, consider the composition of the lid. My quart size pot has a deformed lid. I turned the crockpot on once with the plastic lid inverted on top. The lid melted. It still works; in fact, it is convenient if I start with something that sticks up a bit on top at the beginning of cooking. It does look very weird, however.
What color?
Okay, so some of you probably don’t care. However, if you are slightly OCD (We use to call this being a perfectionist!) color may be important. Have no fear; crockpots come in every conceivable color.
Other Considerations
I love the auto-shift setting, so that is something I want. If you can conceive of an option that is important to you, they probably make a crockpot with that option available.
Also, check out accessories such as liners, dividers, dust covers, and travel covers.
Well, after looking at pictures, knowing about a three-pot option, and that you cannot have too many crockpots (Thanks, Ruditudi!) I think I am ready for a crockpot shopping trip!
