We popped to Home Bargains the other day and by the side of the store is Lidl. There was nothing I actually wanted from Lidl but seeing as we were already there we popped in, mainly because I like looking in the Middle of Lidl where they sell all manner of things and you can often pick up a bargain or two.
I've had a slow cooker for years, I went for a large 6.5l capacity one when I bought it as the children were little and it was a good family size, in fact, I could easily get two or more family sized meals out of it. Since it's just been the two of us, we've continued to use this same slow cooker, though we knew it was far too big for the portions we were cooking for the pair of us, and then disaster struck, the slow cooker broke. It owed us nothing, we'd had it years and it had been well used.
Since then I've been looking for a new one. I knew I needed a much smaller one but didn't want to go too small as we often have family joining us for dinner, or we want to make extra to freeze for another day. While looking in the Middle of Lidl the other day I saw this Crockpot slow cooker and immediately liked the look of it.
It's the perfect size, 3.7l, which says suitable for 3-4, so a good size if we have other people eating with us, or if we want to make extra portions for another reason, but not too large when we're only making a couple of portions. I like the controls too, there's low and high, which my other slow cooker had, but this one also has a warm control which maintains the temperature once the food's cooked. It's ideal if you're home at different times and one of you wants to eat before the other.
It was definitely worth popping into Lidl for a browse. I wonder what they'll have in the next time I go.
Those middle aisles are lethal in Lidl and Aldi - I am always having to drag Hubby away from them! I've got my eye on a Mason Cash mixing bowl at the moment. I am telling myself I don't need it but they are only £7.99 - maybe if they're still there next week when I do my food shop I might have to give in to my urge!
ReplyDeleteI have a huge slow cooker and is too big really even with six of us - perhaps I shall have to go and look at the one you've bought.
I have that slow cooker - or at least Aldi's version of it! It's great for just the two of us but big enough to do more if needed. I like doing a whole chicken in it - put the chicken in, put a wee drop olive oil over it with salt and pepper and a crumbled chicken stock cube. Cook on high for about 6 hours and it's done. The meat just falls off the bones and there's juice in the bottom to add to stock. Now I've made my mouth water! LOL
ReplyDeleteGreat find Jo, I love browsing those middle aisles in both Lidle and Aldi, I love my slow cooker and I use it all the time, I'm liking the sound of the chicken Anne is talking about I usually cook a whole one with stock and make a chicken soup I'll have to try it her way. xx
ReplyDeleteWe still use our family slow cooker, we often blend leftovers into tasty soups, which we both love.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good find - we sometimes look in the Lidl when we are up at the cottage as it is a big one in the town here, but it would be too tempting for me to shop there all the time, the groceries might be cheaper but I would probably spend the savings I made on things I really don't need from the middle aisle but are temptingly cheap! Enjoy the meals you make in your new pot.
ReplyDeleteI am a crock pot person for sure. I know the insta pot is a11 the rage....but I wi11 pass. Give me my crock pots (p1ura1) I have a few sizes. The appetizer dip tiny size is very usefu1 .
ReplyDeleteIsn't it great when you find the perfect bargain when you're not expecting to! It's all round to yours for something delicious now!!
ReplyDeleteoh those middle isles, i never know I need something until I walk down them and then get tempted.
ReplyDeleteI still use my old crockpot I bought in the 80s & it's actually out ready to use this morning for whole chicken (small) with lemon juice & parsley. Simple & plenty left over for more meals. Before retirement I couldn't have done without it. Enjoy! Take care & hugs. BTW, Lidl sounds like our Aldi with its "middle bit".
ReplyDeleteI have never used a slow cooker but have heard lots about them. They sound like they last well. I am glad to managed to find a replacement. Like other commenters have said those middle isles in Lidl and Aldi are always full of interesting things, I am glad there was something that you wanted in and amongst it all.
ReplyDeleteThat was good to find just what you needed. We only have Aldi here and I rarely go in as we have a weekly grocery home delivery but on those rare occasions I usually see something in the middle aisle that takes my fancy. I rarely use my slow cooker but your new one looks ideal.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good find! the middle aisles are always full of interesting things.xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat a great purchase, you are going to enjoy using it.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Sounds perfect. I never think to look in Lidl but it’s obviously worth popping in.
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I keep thinking about getting a slow cooker or maybe another airfryer (the last one died!), but it's having the space for them. I hope you enjoy your new slow cooker! I haven't been to Lidl's middle aisle for a while :)
ReplyDeleteNice purchase. I have two at home, larger one and a smaller for exactly the reasons you described. I like using them particularly in winter to have things all at the ready. Then it occurs to me, it would be good for summer as well....vs heating up the house using the oven. I typically put my crock pots away for summer, but might not this year.
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