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CrunchyMom
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| Posted: June 19 2013 at 7:55am | IP Logged
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I killed [another] crockpot a few months back, but I've been using the oven for slow-cooking roasts and things, which is great in winter, but with summer, it would be nice to have an option to set on the porch during the day or at least didn't put out quite so much heat.
I started this thread asking about roasters. It seems like a good option since you can use it for slow-cooking, too.
I've also been eyeing electric frying pans. We accidentally left our large, stainless skillet at a vacation rental back in March, and it is a challenge getting by without it! But, we've been wondering if an electric skillet would make more sense for us, especially since it can be so much bigger without actually needing to fit on an eye. If I want to get multiple meals these days, I have to cook several lbs of ground beef at a time, and we really like sauteed veggies, but things like chard take up SO much space to make a hearty amount before they've cooked down. I could do it in the oven, I suppose, but again, that isn't always pleasant in summer.
So, in looking into these two options, I've also seen a couple of newer products that I'd never considered, the multi-cooker.
BJs has thisNinja 3-in-1 and Williams Sonoma has this Cuisinart Multi-cooker.
My kitchen is small, and adding more appliances will be tight and cumbersome. And yet, if they both will serve a unique purpose and get used accordingly in a manner that you can't with the multi-cooker, I'll make it work.
I guess I'd already decided that a roaster would probably be a more versatile option for replacing my slow-cooker. In the past, I've slow roasted chickens and things on the grill, but that does take a bit more active attention than I have much of lately, especially with a new babe on the way.
One qualm I have is that the multi-cookers are non-stick, whereas, I really prefer stainless, and there are stainless options for both roasters and electric frying pans.
Any insights? I know you ladies here have a lot of experience cooking for larger families! We're expecting #5 soon, and these boys just keep eating more and more!  
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Lindsay
Five Boys(6/04) (6/06) (9/08)(3/11),(7/13), and 1 girl (5/16)
My Symphony
[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
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myheaven1967
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| Posted: June 19 2013 at 8:23am | IP Logged
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I kill ALL my appliances. That said the Ninja sounds REALLY cool. My fear would be would it last? I cook a lot and it seems that the majority of these appliances are not meant for people with large families that eat in 99% of the time so actually USE their cooking appliances regularly.
I have went through 2 blenders and 2 crockpots, 3 or 4 food processors in the past year. We have finally purchased an extended plan for the things we buy because honestly it has been a serious waste of money. $50 for a food processor multiple times a year is ridiculous! I won't even go into the blenders!
So what ever you choose, purchase the extended warranty. (Personally I am drooling over the Nina you shared!)
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Jill: Wife to Kurt, mother to 1 dd and 4 ds
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: June 19 2013 at 8:49am | IP Logged
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Instead of forking out for the stainless roaster.. I get the enamel insert. Generally no additional cost over the non-stick. And nice and durable without the cost of stainless steel. You know the stuff.. like the large black with tiny white speckles roasting pans and big water bath canners and such.
I don't know about electric skillets.. when I fry up a bunch of stuff like a hash.. I've taken to using a large pan in the oven and frying small amounts in my 2 12 inch cast iron skillets and combining into the pan in the oven. Works nice and gives a better finish to the fried foods because you can work with less in the pan to start with.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
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MelissaClaire
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| Posted: June 19 2013 at 2:26pm | IP Logged
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I have an Instant Pot and I love it! Recommend it to any mom--especially a mom of many. It's an electric pressure cooker, crock pot, rice maker and it sautees. The best part is that it keeps food warm for you too. I'd pay twice what it costs I use it that much. And it's stainless steel so no worries about lead.
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MaryM
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| Posted: June 22 2013 at 2:19am | IP Logged
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This is a very interesting discussion as I have been thinking about a new electric fryer and also a rice cooker - the Instant Pot mentioned is both (and more!). Hadn't seen these multi-cookers. It seems a really nice option over having multiple appliances. I like that is would save space. I wonder about longevity (as we have been discussing about appliances/crock pots in general). It seems to me the more complicated the more things that could breakdown. That would be my biggest concern.
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Mary M. in Denver
Our Domestic Church
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4Real Forums : Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
Topic: Multi-Cooker or separate appliances?
