I would reccomend getting a crock pot with a timer so it will automatically shut off when it is done. Mine does not have one so I have to make sure I am home at the right time so that I don't get burned or dried out food.
A crockpot is designed to be perfectly safe while you're gone all day at work. Many of the newer models have the benefit of a timed cook which automatically turns over to the Warm setting when the cook time finishes. You have a hot meal when you get home without fretting about the house burning down or your food being burned.
It's also much more cost-efficient. It takes a small amount of electricity to work because the whole appliance is designed to hold its temperature.
Dutch ovens are fantastic for when you're home to babysit the oven, or even in tandem with the crockpot. I know sometimes I wish I had two crockpots to use at the same time, so a dutch oven might be a great alternative in those situations.
They make those things that are two crockpots in one unit! I've thought about getting one. I was like hmmm I could do veggies on one side and the meat on the other.... that would be awesome.
For some things crockpots are just as good, for some things they are better, and there are things I can do with a dutch oven that I would never consider with a crockpot.
As others have said, a crockpot can run while you are away, and one with a timer can drop to warming when it's done cooking. For long, slow, wet heat right at the point of simmering or boiling, it's hard to beat. For soups, stews or tender meats without browning, choose the crock.
If you want high heat, radiant cooking, searing, browning or baking, go with the dutch oven. The dutch oven is also the right choice when camping, but you probably already guessed that.
I've got 5 different crockpots, 7 different dutch ovens, and an in-oven crockery roaster, and I use them all. I'd recommend getting a mid-sized cheap crockpot to decide if you like it or not. If you see some advantages, then get a larger one with a timer and temperature control.
It does make you cool. My horde of kitchen stuff makes me a packrat.
It really is nice to have a few different sized crocks and dutch ovens, so I'm able to pick the right size for the dish, but it isn't really necessary. I don't use my old large round crock very often anymore, since I got my large oval one with a timer, but it does make it out every so often for big food events. If I had any sense at all I'd get rid of that one.
I've got limited experience (just my crock, or my Mom's crock), but I'd have to say -- make sure you've got total control of the time and temperature. My Mom's will switch to warm at the end of a cook time, but it only has four possible cooking times, and you can't switch it to warm unless it's covered at least half of the time it was programmed for! Very annoying. Mine doesn't have a timer, but I can switch between high, low, warm, and off, just by turning the switch, so I've got total control so long as I'm in the kitchen.
I also really like the fact that mine is "3 in 1". The same pot came with three different crocks (2, 4, or 6 qt), and I've used them all quite successfully. It's one of my favourite appliances (mostly because if I wander off and get lost reading dinner doesn't die, but also because it's a really good slow cooker).
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It's also much more cost-efficient. It takes a small amount of electricity to work because the whole appliance is designed to hold its temperature.
Dutch ovens are fantastic for when you're home to babysit the oven, or even in tandem with the crockpot. I know sometimes I wish I had two crockpots to use at the same time, so a dutch oven might be a great alternative in those situations.
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As others have said, a crockpot can run while you are away, and one with a timer can drop to warming when it's done cooking. For long, slow, wet heat right at the point of simmering or boiling, it's hard to beat. For soups, stews or tender meats without browning, choose the crock.
If you want high heat, radiant cooking, searing, browning or baking, go with the dutch oven. The dutch oven is also the right choice when camping, but you probably already guessed that.
I've got 5 different crockpots, 7 different dutch ovens, and an in-oven crockery roaster, and I use them all. I'd recommend getting a mid-sized cheap crockpot to decide if you like it or not. If you see some advantages, then get a larger one with a timer and temperature control.
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It really is nice to have a few different sized crocks and dutch ovens, so I'm able to pick the right size for the dish, but it isn't really necessary. I don't use my old large round crock very often anymore, since I got my large oval one with a timer, but it does make it out every so often for big food events. If I had any sense at all I'd get rid of that one.
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I also really like the fact that mine is "3 in 1". The same pot came with three different crocks (2, 4, or 6 qt), and I've used them all quite successfully. It's one of my favourite appliances (mostly because if I wander off and get lost reading dinner doesn't die, but also because it's a really good slow cooker).
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