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====== off-grid crockpot cooking ======

[[https://amzn.to/2Q6iKl2|{{ https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81WYEl4XjSL._AC_UY218_.jpg?125}}]]
[[https://amzn.to/2Q6iKl2|Crockpots]] can be sourced inexpensively ($5-$10) at thrift stores and can use relatively small amounts of current.((overall Wh might be the same as an instant pot or similar, but the crock can be run on smaller [[electrical:solar:gentle_intro|solar]], [[electrical:inverter|inverter]], and [[electrical:12v:deep_cycle_battery|battery]] systems))  In addition to the normal uses (stews, chilis, roasts, etc) a crock can be used to 

  * [[http://pitafree.com/users/kaylee/food/crockpot/bread_recipe.htm|make bread]]
  * [[https://boondockplan.wordpress.com/?s=cornbread|make cornbread]]
  * [[http://pitafree.com/users/kaylee/food/crockpot/pizza_cp_01.htm|bake pizza]]
  * make [[https://mouse.mousetrap.net/cooking/recipes/recipesCrockpot.html#lasagna|lasanga]] and [[https://mouse.mousetrap.net/cooking/recipes/recipesCrockpot.html#meat-loaf|meatloaf]] from scratch
  * cook [[https://mouse.mousetrap.net/cooking/recipes/recipesCrockpot.html#pot-pies|pot pies]] and other frozen dinners from the supermarket
  * heat up water
  * warm up leftovers 
  * [[http://pitafree.com/users/kaylee/food/crockpot/potatoes_baked_01.htm|bake potatoes]]
  * bake [[https://mouse.mousetrap.net/cooking/recipes/recipesCrockpot.html#shortbread|shortbread cookies]]
  * etc!



===== choosing a crockpot =====


==== 12vd vs 120v ====

12v crockpots do exist((primarily for the trucker market)) but they tend to be rather expensive.  

Used home crockpots are available for cheap at thrift stores everywhere, and even new analog ones are inexpensive (see below)  As a bonus,  analog crockpots can be run on cheap-and-simple MSW [[electrical:inverter|inverters]];  below 100w they can be run on inverters powered by the ciggy port.((while driving!))


==== wattage rating ====

The power consumption of the crockpot is of great concern, both for adapting recipes and for powering the device for the hours it will be running.  Check the wattage information on the bottom of the crock (used) or packaging (new) before purchase.

Some general trends:

  * mini crocks may have one setting (ON) which will likely be 60-75w.
  * Small round crockpots (~2qt) will have HI settings around 95w.
  * Standard round crockpots (~3qt) will have a HI settings around 150w. 
  * Medium oval crockpots (~4qt) have HI settings around 200w. 
  * Large oval crockpots (5+ quarts, typically) have HI settings around 250w+.  Perhaps better for RV use due to size and power consumption.


Because the crock power and size are related, a crock on HI (or LO) might cook similarly, regardless of size.  The larger one would just cook more food if you needed that.  Having said that, very small crocks, such as those for nacho cheese dip, may have a single, underpowered((25w-45w)) setting and so may not practical for actual cooking.((although see [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0lTwp_rRt0|this counterpoint]] on youtube))

=== tested devices ===


    * [[https://amzn.to/3maiuhO|1.5qt Crock-Pot]] 80w-rated (plug-in only, no selector) measured at 71w (53w/qt)
    * [[https://amzn.to/3l8OsdZ|2qt Crock-Pot]] 100w-rated with HI/LO measured at 95w/67w (50w/qt)
    * 3qt Crock-Pot round 150w-rated 3120 with HI/LO measured at 140w/69w (47w/qt)
    * 4qt Crock-Pot oval 190w-rated with HI/LO/WARM measured at 190w/130w/45w (48w/qt)

Also note HI/LOW on different size crocks tends to cook similarly as the wattage is designed by the engineers to match the size.  In the examples above HI power is rated ~50w/qt.  


==== temperature ====

Crock-pot / Rival has said in Amazon responses that 

>>  All of our current slow cookers do cook at higher temperature settings than our old ones. The Keep Warm setting is approximately 165 to 170 degrees F. Both the Low & High settings cook at 215 degrees F., but they cycle differently. Therefore, the High setting will still cook the food in a shorter period of time than the Low setting will.

In 2015 they were stating 209F, which lines up with the statement above.  

==== analog vs digital ====


**Analog** crockpots have simple hand dials to control power settings and run nicely on less-expensive [[electrical:inverter#modified_sine_wave|MSW inverters]]. 

**Digital** crockpots have electronic pushbuttons and often displays.  These will likely require the more-expensive [[electrical:inverter#pure_sine_wave|PSW inverters]]. 
==== physical size ====

As we've seen above, larger crockpots tend to use more power.  But the physical size of the crockpot is an important factor for those living in small spaces.

Even if you have the power to run a big oval 250w crock do you have counter space to run it, or space to store it when not in use?  If needed, measure your spaces with a tape measure and bring it with you to the thrift store. 


==== removable vs non-removable crock ====

Some crockpots have permanent crock linings that cannot be removed for cleaning.  This is less important in a vehicle than it would be in a house with a dishwasher. 

If buying used, buy whatever is priced best and otherwise fits your needs.  If buying new, the removable type may cost more for no practical benefit.  
===== using the crockpot =====

==== recipes ====

There are millions of recipes online for crockpot cooking.  Use search terms like:

  * [[https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=crockpot+recipes|crockpot]] / crock-pot/ crock pot
  * [[https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=slow+cooker+recipes|slow cooker]]
  * [[https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=one+pot+recipes|one pot]]

also see the //further reading// section at the bottom of the page.



==== when to cook ====


=== while driving ===


People who charge with an [[electrical:12v:alternator|isolator]] will have excess power while driving.  For decades RV people have put a crockpot in the kitchen sink and cooked with it while motoring down the road.  

Using alternator power means the crock's wattage is not particularly important.




=== on solar after batteries are charged ===

Crockpots are a good fit for solar power.  With lithium batteries this cooking can happen at any time.  With lead-chemistry batteries cooking needs to be done after the bank is mostly charged and there is [[electrical:solar:nonessential|excess solar power]]. This is usually around noon when most crockpot dinner recipes will be started anyhow.  It does mean that the crock may be less useful for breakfast and lunch cooking.  




=== when you need to heat the interior ===

On cold days a running crock can be "free heat".  Conversely, on warm, still days you may want to cook outside.   Be aware that windy days can wick too much heat off the crock when outside. 



==== cleaning ====

Because the contents are often wet and steamy, crockpots are usually fairly easy to clean.  You might lightly oil the inside of the crock before cooking something sticky, or line with foil.  [[https://amzn.to/3l94hBl|Parchment paper]] is a common liner for baking in the crock and can be reused until it tears.  [[https://amzn.to/3FJ5usB|Disposable crockpot liners]] do exist but tend to be expensive. 



==== proofing ====

on cold days you can run your crock a few minutes then proof your yeast-risen doughs in it.  Perhaps put it on the dash in the sunlight with the clear light on to keep it warm without overheating. 


==== reheating ====

Some leftovers reheat very well and evenly.  They can be dumped into the crock, or placed in a foil packet.  You may want to preheat on HI for a while then set it to LO a couple hours before you want to eat. 

===== gotchas =====

  * avoid splashing a hot crock with cold water or other cold items:  a [[https://mouse.mousetrap.net/blog/2022-04-26-relo--Valentine-to-Ash-Fork-AZ-.html#broken-crockpot-user-error|cautionary tale]].
  * use outdoors in the wind may not allow the crock to stay caught up.  Place in a box?
  * crockpots are usually not well-insulated and may have //very// hot exteriors.
  * if cooking dry beans ensure your crock is capable of [[https://mouse.mousetrap.net/cooking/recipes/recipesCrockpot.html#beans|boiling them]] eventually

===== further reading =====

  * [[http://pitafree.com/users/kaylee/food/crockpot/index.htm|kaylee's vandwelling crockpot recipes]]
  * [[https://mouse.mousetrap.net/cooking/recipes/recipesCrockpot.html|secessus' vandwelling crockpot recipes]]
  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fl3jLY-Vxx4|Cooking With 12 Volts in My Minivan]] (yt)
  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ph6uFvHvsQ|Van Life; Baking Bread In A Van! Using A 12v Crockpot!]] (yt)
  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1Vvtafci9I|Minivan Deep Dish Pizza]] (yt)
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