Has anyone tried to freeze a meal (for four people) in one of these, then transfer to a crock pot for cooking? I am wondering if the contents after freezing can be easily placed into the crockpot and forgotten until dinner...concerned about dimensions. Has anyone tried to freeze a meal (for four people) in one of these, then transfer to a crock pot for cooking? I am wondering if the contents after freezing can be easily placed into the crockpot... » Read More Has anyone tried to freeze a meal (for four people) in one of these, then transfer to a crock pot for cooking? I am wondering if the contents after freezing can be easily placed into the crockpot and forgotten until dinner...concerned about dimensions. « Show Less
192288
Yes. I put a piece of plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming if the contents don't completely fill the containers when I first put in freezer.When I am ready to re-heat large batches of solid items (i.e. frozen soup) from these containers, I just put the entire container in a cold pot of water for about 20 minutes to defrost enough to add to the crock pot or my stove top. These containers are great for freezing meatballs and desserts too!
192289
These containers work well. I make then freeze large batches of soup in them all the time. i also use them for large amounts of marinara sauce I freeze. I don't see why you couldn't transfer the contents to a crockpot and then warm up. These are pretty heavy duty containers and can be used over and over again.
965571
Glad I saw your question. I just cooked a great dinner in it as a slow cooker and it worked fine. The first time I've used it that way. Usually I use it as a roaster on a much higher temperature and it's great for soups, stews, and the like. I LOVE mine - and recently replaced one I had had for 20 years because it is a staple at my house. It's my favorite gift for new brides and of course, all my family members have one.
722671
I'd say it depends on what you're cooking. If you're re-hydrating meals it will be able to boil enough water easily. If you're trying to cook meat on it I'd suggest something else since you'll probably only fit one piece of meat on it at a time. You could perhaps try a stir-fry type meal in a pan but the only thing I've done with it is boil water for coffee and to re-hydrate a pre-packaged meal. One of those was enough for 3 of us but we're kind of tiny people. However, I don't see it having an issue boiling enough water to make 2 dehydrated meals at once.
1198149
I see this question all the time. While this Crock-Pot will move to warm when your set cook time is done, you can not set when it will start. I don't know that any slow cooker will do that because it's a health risk. To do so would mean food is left sitting out without refrigeration or heat for a period of time, just waiting for the Crock-Pot to turn on. That's time for unappealing things to happen to your food, and perhaps to you. I just set mine to the low temp for a longer cooking time, knowing it will kick over to warm when that's done.
2050913
I don't use mine for either. Each crock holds at least 3 bags of frozen veggies. I cook the veggies on the stove, then put them on the warm setting to hold until the rest of the dinner is ready. Small slow cookers don't generate enough heat to reheat food--too much time in the danger range. These do a great job of keeping food hot and safe, but only if you start with hot food. It is especially nice that each crock has 4 settings--high, low, warm and off. They are perfect for two veggies and gravy.
1941520
I usually nuke my frozen chili for 1 minute before leaving home and pop it in crock pot when I get to work - it's nice and hot couple of hours later. I have put it in frozen and still ready before lunch time...
26743
I have cooked frozen meat in this slow cooker a number of times. Cracking could be a problem I think if the setting were on high and there was no liquid in the slow cooker. I always start on low and use a little liquid to avoid the possibility of cracking.
26751
I have just made a roast pork right from the freezer to the crock pot. It came delicious. This is not the first time that I have done this.
2102263
I've never used frozen food in it, but I image that you could. I've used mine for spagetti (leftover from the night before), soup, stew, & beans. I can plug it in when I get to work and they are hot by lunch time. It comes with a removeable bowl and lid, that is dishwasher safe. I just fill the removable bowl and put in the refrigerator the night before and grab it and go the next morning. It is mainly for reheating and not like the big crock pots for cooking.
1448444
I freeze cooked items regularly, except for potatoes. Have frozen cooked stews with potatoes and they get kinda mushy. Casseroles with pastas seem to work well and better than dishes with potatoes. Frequently freeze cooked slices or pieces of meat like turkey, chops, etc.
134166
If there is liquid in the bag, it should have the same heat absorbing effect if the bag is in contact with the crock. Putting frozen food in may cause a thermal shock, or the elements in the heater may be defective and getting way too hot. Or if you are not using any liquid at all because the meat is in the bag it may also cause overheating. Never heard of that before. Hope you solve the mystery.
1091625
The cooker works best if it is filled at least half full. Smaller dishes that basically cover the bottom cook way too fast because the whole liner gets hot. I cook for two people all the time but when I use the slow cooker I make large batches of soups, green chile pork, spaghetti sauce, etc. I freeze the leftovers in freezer containers in portions for two servings. Then when you have a night you are rushed and don't have time to cook you can make use of that frozen "dinner."
100987
The only drawback not mentioned below (leftovers) is that you would need to clean the crock pot before putting in more food to slow cook. The outside of the crock pot needs to be dry before it is put back into the cooker. Recipes? Really?
1695948
I heat mine with a small crockpot, it is for sauces and this crockpot came with my larger crockpot, works great! Just adjust the amount of water, depending on how hot you want them, the more water, the hotter they seem to get!
941009
Ron, as many of the people responding to your question have done, I purchased the 6 Qt. as well. I often downsize my recipes to a serving for 2 or 3 and a great cook book for these recipes is America's Test Kitchen, "Cooking for Two, 2012". There are slow cooker recipes that work great in the larger slow cooker and come out just fine. I purchased this specific Cuisinart because of its oblong shape - makes it easy to cook meat or chicken on skewers. And, with the larger size you are prepared for the eventual times you want to cook a roast or larger meal. Hope this was helpful.
99934
I cook it in chicken stock instead of water, and found near the end I needed to add more water. I just cook mine in a heavy 2 qt. pot with a tight fitting lid and it does fine. Never tried a "rice-cooker" just never saw the need for one. Love this rice, melt a little white cheese over the top of a serving and you have a great lunch!! Yummmmm
26747
It seems to me I recall a "warning" not to use frozen meat. Tio thoroughly thaw prior to putting in the cooker. I've followed that directive.