Slow Cooker vs. Slow Roaster

[rp2813]

I own a relatively new Farberware 6-quart oval slow cooker and a '50s Nesco roaster of similar size and shape.  I searched on line for information about whether a roaster could be substituted for a slow cooker.

 

I did find claims that roasters can function as slow cookers, but advice on optimum temperature settings was all over the map.  Not a big deal, as I'm sure I could figure out the sweet spot for a very low simmer.

 

So far so good, but one thing has me wondering.  The Nesco's lid is aluminum and has a couple of small vent holes, whereas slow cookers tend to have heavy glass lids with no vents.  Should the Nesco's vents be a point of significant concern?

 

I like using the Nesco because the porcelain enameled insert is lightweight and far less clumsy than the heavy ceramic ones found on slow cookers.  The Nesco is nicer to look at, its insert takes up less space in the dishwasher and tends to respond better to machine washing than the ceramic type.

 

What are your thoughts?  Are the tiny vent holes or any other characteristics of a roaster reason enough to reach for the slow cooker instead?

 

[petek]

I have a 6qt Nesco but I've never used it for slow cooking.. the two holes are for the optional fan (which I have) .That being said my new Hamilton Beach slow cooker also has a hole in the lid for the probe. It doesn't seem to affect it having the hole . The only possible concern about using the Nesco.. you should probably start it off at a high setting for maybe 30 minutes and then dial it down... most slow cookers do that automatically.

 

[appnut]

I had a Nesco 18Q from the early 2000s and the lid had the capability to open or close the vent holes.  Are you sure your lid doesn't have that function?

 

[rp2813]

Bob, yes, I'm sure.  My huge '40s GE roaster has triangular shaped vents with pivoting adjusters to keep them all the way open or all the way closed.  IIRC the correct use of them is, pre-heat = closed, bake = halfway open, roast = fully open.

 

The Nesco just has a couple of little round holes.  From what Pete wrote, it appears some type of fan accessory gets mounted using those holes.  Either mine had a fan at one time, or all Nescos got those holes in their lids regardless.  The holes are so small that adjusting them open or closed wouldn't make any difference, I think.  I may have answered my own question regarding the influence those holes have on the cooking process.

 

Pete, I had considered the need for pre-heating the Nesco and starting it on a higher heat setting.  I only own slow cookers that have the "auto shift" option, which I like, so I would do the same thing manually with the Nesco.

 

[xraytech]

Ralph, those very small vent holes will make no difference, my new Rival Casserole Crock Pot has a vent hole in the lid.

Also using the nesco to slow cook in would be like using a Presto Kitchen Kettle, or one of the Sunbeam Cooker/Fryers. Slow cooking would be done in the 200-250 degree range

 

[rp2813]

Thanks for sharing your experience Sam.

 

I'm going to use the Nesco for my next slow-cooked meal.

 

[sudsmaster]

My Hamilton Beach "Take 'N Go" slow roaster has a grommeted hole in the lid for the temp probe. It's not a tight seal though, but there's never been a problem with the thing losing moisture. So I agree that some small holes probably won't matter at all in your roaster. I think the temperature setting may be a more important concern, though. But it sounds like you're ready to sort that out.

 

[petek]

Just for the record I did a slow cooker pot roast yesterday and used McCormicks pot roast spice packet and the results weren't good at all..... it's got little to no flavor...Just warning you LOL

Stick to the Liptons Onion Soup mix or the Campells Tavern style pot roast for slow cookers liquid in the pouch.

 

[foraloysius]

I have two slow cookers, both have a small hole in the lid. That has never been a problem. I use my 6qt sometimes to bake a cheesecake in, works wonderful!

 

[polkanut]

Ralph,

Similar to a Presto Kitchen Kettle is the West Bend Country Kettle, which is what we have.  I found ours NIB at an estate auction, and it has a 5qt capacity.  It is excellent for casseroles, soups stews, and slow cooking.  We start it at about 400° for ½ hour, and then dial it down to the 200-250° range for the duration of the cooking time.