Anyone use a programmable crockpot?

Stasi · October 2013

I'm out of the house 11+ hours a day. Does anyone have a crockpot that is programmable to start on it's own? I'd like to start using one more, but don't want to overcook stuff, obviously.

IForgotMyLogIn · October 2013

We have one but it doesn't start on its own (I think), but shuts itself off and keeps warm.

When we want to do overnight oatmeal, we put the little crockpot on a lamp timer and set it to start in the middle of the night.

MeatballEsq · October 2013

IForgotMyLogIn said:

We have one but it doesn't start on its own (I think), but shuts itself off and keeps warm.
When we want to do overnight oatmeal, we put the little crockpot on a lamp timer and set it to start in the middle of the night.

Same here. Ours can shut off after a certain amount of time or when the meat hits a programmed temperature.

cmumama · October 2013

Ours turns to warm after how many hours i set it too. I don't think they make them with a delay start bc of food safety issues. I could be wrong though.

Stasi · October 2013

IForgotMyLogIn said:

We have one but it doesn't start on its own (I think), but shuts itself off and keeps warm.
When we want to do overnight oatmeal, we put the little crock pot on a lamp timer and set it to start in the middle of the night.

I love the idea of using a lamp timer, but if I had meat in the crock pot, would it be sitting in the crock pot, on my kitchen counter for a few hours before it was time to kick on? That wouldn't be good. Good for oatmeal though!

I think I'll look into ones that kick down to a "warm" setting and experiment with some recipes. The other issue I can see happening is having something cook for 6-8 hours and then sit around on warm for another 4-6 hours might overcook it or cook to much liquid out of some recipes.

Maybe crock pots won't work for me.

MississippiCatfish · October 2013

I don't have any great advice, but if you're going to buy a new one, try to read lots of reviews! I have a nice CP that turns to warm after 4/8 hours, but it is so hot that even if I throw in chicken breasts while frozen, the longest I can leave them in is 6 hours on low. I'm jealous, some day I'll buy a new one!

Pokedot · October 2013

I cook things all the time for longer. Especially meat if it cooks longer it tastes much better. I'll cook the crockpot salsa chicken when on low starting at 8am then not eat until 6pm or later. I've never had a problem overcooking meat. Pasta on the other hand would be an issue. GL!

Stasi · October 2013

But, has anyone had something on warm for another 4-6 hours after it's done cooking? That's what I'm worried about...

icedcoffeeluv · October 2013

Mine switches to warm. I will often cook it a few hours longer than recommended and put in frozen. So if I am making chicken I will put it in frozen and cook it for 9 hours on low and then it turns to warm. It always lasts on warm and doesn't overcook.

I have had a few things overcook and dry out a bit. My sister mentioned that if you are cooking the meat and have a type of acidic ingredient that she finds the meat cooks better.

Stasi · October 2013

Thanks for all the tips everyone!! I think what I need to do is find recipes that are suited to be in the crockpot for longer durations on the programmable warm setting once they are done cooking. It looks like meats, soups, and things without delicate vegetables or pastas are going to be the way to go! I think even putting in some chicken and adding that to meals will really help out in the long run.

Unknown · October 2013

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ellebee2 · October 2013

cheeseandrice said:

Stasi said:

But, has anyone had something on warm for another 4-6 hours after it's done cooking? That's what I'm worried about...

yes. I leave the house around 7am and we don't eat until 6p. So I'll let it cook for 4-5 hours and then 'warm' for another 6-7.

Yup. Us too.

I have never had an issue with overcooked meat as long as there is enough liquid.

eshee8198 · October 2013

@stasi - another option: I don't have a programmable crockpot, but what I do is make the meal at night, cook it for 8-10 hours while we're sleeping, then take the insert out and put it in the fridge in the morning and have my DH set it back out and warm it up when he gets home that evening. That way I don't have to worry about it being on all day. but dinner is still ready when I get home.

MommaP12 · October 2013

Be careful of the size you get as well. Mine is really big and if I don't have it at least half full, things get dry/over cooked. I am actually looking into getting a smaller one.

BPer · October 2013

Mine can be programmed for however long I need to cook the food, and then immediately turns to 'keep warm' until I shut the crockpot off.

mrsbhk22 · October 2013

I love my programmable one, but I hate that it will only stay on the warm setting for like 2-3 hrs. Then it shuts off. My days are too long for that sometimes!

ktnicole · October 2013

Also I recommend skipping rice if it will be sitting that long. It will get gummy.

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