what do crock pots do??

I've seen them - I just don't know what they are used for!!

And what's the difference between a crock pot and a slow cooker?

a crock pot is a safe appliance that you can cook in all day ...and not have to watch your food

it uses dry heat to cook the food ...kinda like a double boiler but without water
(i cant explain it too well)


a Crock Pot is a slowcooker made by rival

its the only brand that can use the name crockpot though everyone mostly calls other slowcooker Crockpot's too

Yes...actually a Crockpot IS a slow cooker...Crockpot is actually a name brand of a Slow Cooker.

They cook using slow heat, which is totally safe to leave on all day (I tried it one day when I went to work) and makes everything so juicy and moist. Whatever meat I make, is falling apart and melts in your mouth!!!

It's also great to make leftovers and if you're feeding alot of people. I always freeze our leftovers!! I got mine on clearance at Walmart one day (I wasn't even shopping for one) and it's a double bowl one, so I can make two dishes at once (like nacho cheese and chili) OR I can just use the big pot to make one meal.

It's also very cost effective, as the amount of food you can make and the fact that you are using a smaller appliance to cook rather than your oven/range.

Just wanted to chime in and say .. no matter how 'safe' anyone and everyone says a slow cooker or CrockPot is .. I will not leave mine on while noone is around .. just like I wouldn't leave any other appliance running while noone is around, either.

But, I will agree on how wonderful they are .. and yes .. you can even make desserts in them .. I made a really yummy 'Brownie Bottoms' recipe .. that I want to make again!

This is the thing... I would love to get one, but I just know I could NEVER the leave the house with it cooking my meal.

I can't even leave with the dryer on!

So would you say its the same as a Dutch Oven? In the way it cooks?

i understand peoples hesitation to leave it on...but i do

otherwise id never have dinner on the table

everyone ive talked to has never made mention of anything going wrong with it---except on time my chili bubbled over and boy was that a heck of a mess to clean


if youre not comfortable with that, use it on a sat or sun while you are home cleaning or wacthing tv....it makes food so yummy

Sounds like we're the same when it comes to appliances .. because I won't leave the dryer going either if I need to go out and no one else is home.


But I will say .. if you are tempted to get a CrockPot .. GET ONE!! They are great .. and there will be days you will be around all day .. that you can throw something in late morning or early afternoon .. and have dinner ready.

If you cook on high .. which still turns out awesome .. most dishes are done in 4-6 hours.

We have a very basic model .. that has a high and low setting, and removable stoneware .. and these basic models are very inexpensive .. between $20-$30.

Here's ours:

I wont put mine on if no one is home. I work 6am to 2pm so i usually put mine on when I get home from work and we usually eat around 7pm.
Scott