Looking for opinions. I don't eat meat and my partner does, I was looking at getting a double slow cooker but I came across the liners used for single slow cookers but make it a double. Has anyone used these liners before? Do they make the food taste like plastic and I am also worried about the smell of the meat over powering my veggie/fish recipes and making it taste/smell like meat. What is everyone's opinion – get the double or get a single with the liners? Does anyone have experience with either?
by Sufficient_Mouse_583
25 Comments
For some reason it’s not uploading the second photo showing the double slow cooker. It’s from Amazon, Sunvivi Dual Pot Slow Cooker
Depends, do you want the ability to cook two smaller portions at independent heat, while raking up the space of a new device? Or do you want to expand on your existing device while limiting any dual cooking to the same temps? Depends on your needs/wants.
Edit: forgot to add, wash the liners well before use and it shouldn’t affect taste (I say shouldn’t because if you get some really cheap ones then who knows).
I would go for full separation, thats what it’s designed to do. The liner option is an added accessory which will make the cooking less efficient and cause contamination.
I have a triple slow cooker. I don’t use it every day but it’s great when I have company. I also used it at a snack bar for my daughter’s haunted house this year.
I think a double liner may be more practical if you don’t mind some cook smell mixing in.
Also want to present a third option. It’s a bit more expensive.
It’s a split slow cooker with separate lids, they are 4 quarts each, but you can also buy an 8 quart pot for one you are doing one meal (presumably without meat for yourself.)
https://a.co/d/f8zrluG
Oh come one, you’re not going to cook in something silicone right?
[deleted]
If it were me, I’d get two separate small slow cookers. There are some specials on two packs going right now. It’s the most flexible option.
Third option- get another slow cooker at a resale shop
The double liners are more like a cheat for keeping two things warm at a party at once, not so much for cooking 2 distinct dishes.
I would get 2 slow cookers. They aren’t that expensive and you get a lot more capacity and if you only want to use one thing, or bring one to a potluck, you don’t have this awkward empty slow cooker to the side.
Though, to be honest, I personally know quite a few vegetarian/omnivore mixed couples and they get by fine with just one slow cooker. Vegetarian dishes are often easy enough to make on the stove instead.
FB marketplace or Kijiji would be my recommendation. Get two separate slowcookers, cheap. That way, you’ll have separate cookers with separate controls and can make as much or as little of each as you want/need, with no chance of the smells intermingling.
You’ll need to wash 2 separate ceramics, but this would always be my choice. (Yes, I have 3 slow cookers now!)
I have a triple and love it. And you can have things at different temps. It’s great for a taco bar!
not what you asked, but I’m going to toss this in here. If I’m shopping for a slow cooker (which I did) I’m going to look at brands that are tested by either Consumer Reports or America’s Test Kitchen, (or similar reputable testing labs) for temperature accuracy, heating consistency within the pot itself, durability, and safety.
My only concern with the liners would be uneven heat in the center due to food density not transferring load evenly.
Hope this makes sense.
Combination is nice when your meal components match cook times, but separate temperature control is always preferred.
Get another slow cooker. That liner thing looks sketchy and looks like it would impact the cooking.
I would avoid getting the gimmicky 2-in-1 device. Just get a smaller slow cooker (or two) and you’ll be glad for the options and flexibility. I have a big slow cooker and a smaller one and I use both of them for various purposes – sometimes I use just one, and sometimes I use both at the same time!
I think the independent temp/time controls would be key as others have said, but I would get two small separate crock pots for this instead of one dual one. Bc I’m sure there will be occasions where you only need to slow cook one dish.
Two bigun’s nothing less.
I would much rather just purchase two entirely separate crock pots than either of these options.
But why even use a crock pot for veggies or fish? Both are infinitely better cooked elsewhere. The vast majority of dishes that benefit from a slow cook are meat.
Double slow cooker. Make an epic meal for tomorrow.
I have 4 different sizes. It helps a lot during holidays.
I have a 3 slow cooker thing. Literally never used it.
I’d go with the double rather than the liner. Silicon tends to keep the smells in it and could taste different. That’s just my experience.
Not the double cooker. A single and larger cooker would be more versatile.