On Sun 04 Sep 2005 05:01:05a, Andy wrote in rec.food.cooking:

> I finally bought a slow cooker. It's a 7-qt cooker, the All-Clad sold at
> Williams-Sonoma.

As slow cookers go, you could probably have done just as well with a Rival
for a whole bunch less.

> In the instructions it says do not slow cook a whole chicken because the
> temperature doesn't get hot enough. The unit is rated at 330W but
> nowhere does it mention what the HI and LOW temps really are. Is this
> typical, not cooking whole chickens?

Oh, pshaw! Most slow cookers are rated low in wattage and most folks cook
whole chickens in them. Someone probably knows, but I've never actually
seen temps listed for the HI and LOW settings. I suspect that the LOW
setting maintains just around simmering.

> I cooked a pot roast yesterday and the water and juices eventually came
> to a low simmer (on HI). Is this typical?

Yes.

> The outside housing is stainles steel and in no time at all it was
> super hot!!! Is this typical?

Yes.

> The glass cover isn't really a snug fit and has a little room to slide
> around. Is this typical?

Yes.

> It did warn that the ceramic temp should match the food temp to prevent
> cracking. I imagine that's typical!

Do you mean, for example, that both the food and the crock should be at the
same temperature before you start cooking? Yes, that's a good idea, but I
admit that I've taken things from the fridge and put right in the crock,
then turned the cooker on. No problem.

> Now I can try all those great slow cooker recipes! Just need an army to
> feed. It's a big pup!

You don't have to fill it, but I would recommend filling it at least half
way for best results.

> Andy
> Something else to clean

I have always put the crock and lid in the dishwasher. I use virtually
nothing in the kitchen that is not dishwasherable (is that a word?), except
my good knives, which I hand wash.

Have fun!

--
Wayne Boatwright *¿*
____________________________________________

My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four,
unless there are three other people.