Author's product rating: 
| Advantages: |
Great for working families, Price, Easy to clean |
| Disadvantages: |
None |
| Recommend to potential buyers: |
yes |
Having thought about getting a slow cooker for a little while know we thought that the sales would be the perfect time to start looking. We didn't have a specific model in mind so thought we would just see what was on offer. We went to Comet and was greeted by quite a range of slow cookers, some were on sale, others were not.
We chose the cheapest option as we were not sure if a slow cooker would be just what we were looking for, and did not want to lose a lot of money if it wasn't right.
The Home-tek HT162 has a 3 litre capacity, 3 Heat settings and a removable ceramic crock-pot and glass lid for easy cleaning. It is not too bulky so does not take up too much room in the
kitchen. Easy to read instructions make using the slow cooker an enjoyable experience.
The main reason for getting a slow cooker is so that you can prepare a meal in advance and once placed in the slow cooker, will be left to cook for a long time. Removing the need to be in the house all the time watching it cook. The 'slow' setting is designed to take between 6 & 10 Hours depending on the type of food and the weight of the food.
For example 3-4lb of Chicken will take about 6-8 Hours on Slow and 3-4 Hours on High setting.
The instruction leaflet gives you timing guidelines for various recipes. But it basically says that :
15-30 minutes basic cooking in oven will take 4-6 hours on Slow setting
60 minutes will take 6-8 hours
1-3 hours will take 8-12 hours
High setting on the slow cooker will take approximately half the time of the Slow setting.
You are advised not to use too much liquid in the cooker as it will not reduce, as the lid keeps in the steam, and you may be left with a watery meal. To reduce some of the liquid they advise you to remove the lid and place on the High setting, which might help.
Once your meal has been cooked, there is a keep warm setting so that if your meal is ready earlier than expected you can just keep it warm without over-cooking.
This particular Slow cooker is one of the most basic models around, but it is a great introduction to slow cookers, and and just £9.99 you can't grumble. This was with a £3 saving. Most slow cookers range from between £10 and up to £60. But no matter how much you spend they all basically do the same thing. My advise is to start with the cheaper model and once you are happy you can get one that suits you kitchen a bit more.
This Home-tek model is White, slightly oval, with a White Crock-pot and a clear glass lid. As with all models, the crock-pot does get very hot whilst cooking, so keep out of reach of the little ones in the kitchen. (Children that is). Any busy family could do with one of these in the kitchen, they are also a great idea if you can't cook. Just get someone else to prepare the food for you, than all you have to do id place in the slow cooker and cook away. Couldn't be easier.
Please let me know if you want to know more. Thanks
