what if I want to cook a smaller amount? Say, a 3 lb. stew or a small chicken?
589194
Then that's totally cool! I have done a couple pork shoulders around 3lbs, and have even just tossed in 4-5 medium sized chicken breasts with a bunch of bbq sauce and some random spices. Everything is totally fine. I've had to do a little adjustment in terms of heat (the smaller ones will dry out on longer recipes) but the program feature is awesome. I can cook on low for 4 hours, then it automatically goes to "Warm" after the specified time is up so it won't overcook. Whether I've done 5lb stews or just chicken breasts everything has come out swell!
589195
It doesn't matter what size of meal you cook - this is a nice size slow cooker, which allows you to cook a lot of different size meals. You will love the probe when you cook a whole chicken - it takes the guesswork out of when it is safely cooked.
977786
I have about 3 cups of oil in mine it's a lot smaller than the regular ones. I normally cook about 4 chicken strips at a time.
411414
definitely no small whole chicken (the 6 or 8 qt would work better), maybe a 1 to 1.5lb roast.the 4 qt sounds big but it's really not, you can only fill it up to 3/4 capacity and then whatever you are cooking needs liquid or it'll burn.it works for me cause I only cook for myself but if you're cooking for a family get a bigger version
1215757
Go with the larger size, you will love the left overs! I had a smaller crock pot earlier and it never made enough for leftovers. Also, if you have company you will appreciate the larger size.
1531975
There's a recipe site called RecipeGoldmine that has a section for Crockpots and a sub category called Crockettes that has recipes for small slow cookers like this. I think you'll like it.
936178
Yes. One is smaller for chicken pieces, bacon, steaks, etc. And a bigger one for ribs, roast. You basically use whichever one you want, but yes there are 2 sizes.
895127
No. Just cook as many as you want. In fact, I cooked three yesterday and all went well.
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."
2047682
If it's a smaller chicken--4 lbs or under, it would probably be ok. But, for chicken soup using a larger chicken with many vegetables I usually use the 8 or 12 quart stockpot. I love the pot you're referring to. It's superb for Italian sauce with meatballs & so many other wonderful meals. I wouldn't want to be without it. But, I think one of the stock pots would be better for chicken soup.
895126
Hi Bonnie, you won´t have problems if it is one or six, anyway go on checking the cooking during the 4 minutes required for a nice ending.Good luck !!!!Pauline
81637
Probably. However, I'd go for the larger especially if you have guests or want to do something big like a chicken, or want leftovers!! I really can't comment on the smaller size as I don't have it. But am really glad I got this size as its not all that big to me. The smaller is probably good enough, but the food tastes so good I was grateful for the leftovers. Hope this helps and thanks for asking
467753
Get a 6 qt you can less in a smaller unit but you cannot cook more in a smaller one
81638
Probably. However, I'd go for the larger especially if you have guests or want to do something big like a chicken, or want leftovers!!I really can't comment on the smaller size as I don't have it. But am really glad I got this size as its not all that big to me. The smaller is probably good enough, but the food tastes so good I was grateful for the leftovers.Hope this helps and thanks for asking
367030
I believe a whole chicken would fit, but I believe it is better suited for one pot meals, like ham, potatoes and string beans or stews and soups. I would bake a whole chicken
590144
I have a cookbook that is 10 3/16 which just fits. Anything less than that should be fine.
1926676
Definitely would be good information to have. The 32 Quart cooker claims that it can cook up to 25 lb turkeys, but I wonder how much smaller this one is.
747692
yes, you can reduce the heat ( for instance chicken)so that it doesn't cook on high the whole time, just make sure you have a good burn going first. Cooking time varies with the thickness of the cut and how well done you want your meet.