Crock Pot is a name brand of slow cooker. You're fine.

Doesn't it make a difference between those that have a ceramic pot inside vs one that doesn't? I have a so-called slow cooker that does not have a ceramic pot and only heats from the bottom.

It is as olychick stated. Crock pot is a brand name. They are all slow cookers. NancyLouise

I think you are describing one of the older crock pots. I recall those and I don't think they wouldd maintain heat properly to cook meat.

Teresa

I have one of the older slow cookers that has an separated pot on a heated base. I did roasts all the time in it. I love it because I can brown the roast on the stove and then just place it on the base. Cooks the meat fine.

Nancy

The one I had from the 70's sounds exactly like yours Nancy. However, I don't believe mine worked properly. It was either too hot or not hot enough. Ia. left it in Texas when I moved back to Minnesota.

Teresa

This post was edited by teresa_mn on Mon, Jan 14, 13 at 18:30

I agree, CrockPot is just a brand name like Rival or Hamilton Beach or even All Clad. They are all slow cookers and it doesn't matter about the insert. The ceramic ones that are removable are easier to clean, but not necessary for cooking.

I actually liked the old ones best, there was a period of time when the new ones got so hot they overcooked everything. Now the newer "new" ones seem better, perhaps they are better regulated, but I don't know.

Anyway, they are all slow cookers.

Annie

Thanks for your quick response and for the info. I'll use my slow cooker that is part of the Kitchen Craft set that I purchased several years ago at the home show. Wish it was a little bigger but will give it a try.

Some people(!) like to use a cast iron dutch oven and place it in the oven at 225 degrees. It does the same exact thing as a crock pot/slow cooker.
The only drawback I know of to this method is that some cooks don't like to leave the oven on for a long time.

I use both depending on whether I need the oven for other things. It's easier for me to brown a piece of meat in a dutch oven then place it in the oven, then drag out my crock pot (and not brown the meat or dirty another pan), however, there's a place for both.

I have all kinds of crock pots/slow cookers. I even have one that is rectangular and the pot is thinish aluminum with nonstick interior and it just sits on the base that heats up. The base is non stick and you could cook a couple a pancakes on it. It's nicely adjustable and works fine as a slow cooker. Has a glass lid. Just saying it sounds like yours will be fine. I just bought a 18qt. Nesco for $59 on a nice sale and will use that for stock or a big batch of soup soon.

Bumblebeez, I think they now have slow cookers that you can brown your meat in and then just add the other ingredients right into the pot. There is another one to add to your collection! lol NancyLouise