crockpot buying advice please? Crockpot experts welcome.

NeuroticVirgo

Im thinking about getting my friend a crockpot and crockpot recipe book for her house warning party. She just got started with healthy eating and going to the gym a few months ago, and some days she works all day so i thought it would be a good idea. But i cant decide what size to get her. She lives alone, so i cant imagine her wanting to cook huge meals, even if she could save the left overs. But ive never cooked with one less that 5qt. Do they cook faster...would it be worth it to give her the smaller 2qt one? Or can you cook smaller amounts in a 5qt one? I just dont want to get her one to big and it over cook the food or something. Advice welcome.

nurse_carolyn

I would suggest the 5 qt one. You don't have to fill it all the way full and I think the smaller one would be too small. There are lots of books, magazines and websites with recipes.
This is a very nice gift, you're a good friend:)

cre8freedom

It's hard to say because I personally like to cook big batches and freeze the leftovers for a quick healthy meal! I would suggest something medium sized and big enough for a roast. Even though she lives alone it's pretty hard to find small roasts sometimes! I would personalize it by writing out a recipe or two for her to try!

Erindipitous

I have a Cooks Essentials pressure cooker from QVC, and it also browns, slow cooks, steams, and keeps food warm.

I LOVE IT.

http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.K22739.desc.Cooks-Essentials-4-Qt-Digital-Stainless-Steel-Pressure-Cooker

yeabby

I have a sanyo rice cooker (steamer)/crock pot/pressure cooker. It's great and all 3 functions work wonderfully. It was a bit expensive but, saving the space in my little kitchen is worth every penny.

Movingonforbetter

I have an 8quart and a 10 quart, they are both good. I have the Fix it and Forget it crockpot books they are great. Company's Comming cookbooks are great as well.
I crockpot alot and love it

shenitamo

What a great gift idea and way to help your friend eat healthy!
I would just get her a regular size one as I can't tell you how many times I have filled mine to the brim (when I was living alone) and brought it to share with others at parties or work. She can cook smaller amounts in it for sure, she may need to adjust the cooking time a bit, but I think it is better to have the room for the more complex recipes than not enough.
Pulled pork and pulled chicken and umpteen soup/stew recipes are in your friend's future!
I even use mine for a molton lava cake every once in awhile, but that isn't exactly healthy :-)
Best of luck!
(and congrats on your weight loss so far!!)

jeff261159

I'm a long distance trucker and have been using a crockpot / slow cooker in my truck since January. It has transformed my eating habits. I now use a 3.5 ltr pot, I also cook the food in a roasting bag in the pot which not only cooks the meat in it's own juices, it means you don't have to wash the pot!! I buy the 'maggi' cooking bags, knorr do them too. If I'm making a casserole I put the meat, veg, potatoes, and any mix or herbs in the same bag! Feel free to add me if you like.

missyyclaire

I got a pressure cooker at our State Fair a few years ago and think it's a terrific tool in the kitchen. It really reduced cooking time and is much simpler to use than I ever thought possible. I use it much, much more than I do my Crockpot. In fact, I'd call my Crockpot a Queso maker cuz that's all I've ever made in it.

newMe936

I have a GE 6 qt digital slow cooker. Its great. Its has a nonstick base, which you can take out, its programmable and switches to auto warm after the timer ends.

ArmyWifeBrionna

I have a 3qt and a 5qt and LOVE my 5qt Programmable. It's a great size for a family, and I can freeze leftovers. My favorite book is The Everything Healthy Slow Cooker Cookbook. Also have her check out the following websites:

hopealicious.blogspot.com

and on Facebook there is Crock Pot Girls and Skinny Crock Pot.

Have fun!

Choclat_Pearl

Crockpots are the Best! They also travel well for Pot Lucks.

I think between a 5qt - 8qt is good...i gave my Dad my 8qt when I graduated to a larger size and its perfect for him.

and besides recipe books there are great recipes online; even crockpot recipes on disk...which i love.

Good Luck

calliope_music

we have a 5 qt one and it's just my husband and i. we haven't filled it all the way up and things cook just fine. we also like to freeze big batches of things. i have a cookbook called "Best Loved Slow Cooker Recipes" (i think actually made by Crock Pot) and there are tons of good things in there!

Zeromilediet

I have a Cuisinart 3.5 quart programmable cooker for my husband and I and it's the perfect size for cooking a small roast, soups, split turkey breast etc. I love it! It has a ceramic insert which is great to take out and wash and is attractive enough to bring to the table as a soup or stew tureen.

dustyhockeymom

I have the Hamilton Beach 3 in 1 and I love it. It has three interchangable crocks in different sizes which allows me to cook basically any recipe and number of servings that I want. I have had it for four years and it is the most consistent crockpot I have ever had.

As far as cookbooks, I think the Fix It and Forget It line is the best. I have their Lightly cookbook and use it all the time.