Crock Pot Update!

[Jay2TheRescue]

Well, I got a call from my sister this morning.  She was at a yard sale and found a vintage 3.5 Qt crock pot in decent condition with a removeable crock for $2.  I'll pick it up next week when I drive down to visit my Mom & Dad.  I knew eventually I would find one at the right price.  I was really close to buying a new one @ Big Lots last week.  I'm glad I didn't.

-Jay

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Jay! No you are not wrong for wanting a crockpot for around $5.00! I think thats a fair price seeings as you said you can get one for $15.00-$20.00 new! My crockpot is a Rival and with a removable liner, I have had it for 18 yrs now and back then I paid $25.00 for it brand new, and it has been the best money I have ever spent, can you tell I am a crockpot lover? They are the best convieant way to cook, you go to work all day and come home to a delicious hot meal! We have enjoyed many many a good meal from this crockpot and I just used it 3 days ago for chicken and dumplings! VTS I agree with you about great stuff coming in because the weather is warming up, it seems people like to "spring clean" when this happens, you know the old addage "out with the old and in with the new". I just stopped at my Catholic Thrift today and spent $10.50 on some things, I got a beautiful white stone bowl (looks like a mixing bowl) with fruits and vegtables embossed on it for $1.50 and 2 shirts, one nightgown and a few other things, the only thing I dont like is my Catholic Thrift has gone up in price because it is under new management, 2 young fellows who are computer savy and everything that comes in they look up on ebay and over price it! Even the clothes went up, what I would have paid 50 cents for a shirt now the 2 shirts I bought were $2.00 apiece. That adds up, I mean you figure to shirts, just regular decorated ones are $4.00? I have been going to this thrift shop for at least 13 yrs now and have seen it go through many changes, but this is the worst it has been and other people whom I know that goes there have said the same thing, sad part is I know the 2 fellows who run it now and I wish I had the guts to tell them that people love a bargain and they are going to overprice themselves right out the door, I mean people , some I know even have already been telling me that they want to go to the competition across town, the Methodist Thrift where the prices are lower, I hope these gents get their heads on straight 

[foutchie]

Alright!  That was just in time, then!

[foutchie]

BTW, ever made a cake in one?   very moist and delicious - just follow the cake mix directions but put in a greased and lightly powder sugared crockpot - let it cook til done (many hours, don't remember the exact time) - doesn't even need icing!

[Jay2TheRescue]

BTW, ever made a cake in one?   very moist and delicious - just follow the cake mix directions but put in a greased and lightly powder sugared crockpot - let it cook til done (many hours, don't remember the exact time) - doesn't even need icing!

No, I've heard about it, but I've never actually done it.  As good as it sounds I've been trying to loose weight so I try to stay away from sugar.  I need a crock pot to make my famous "never the same twice" homemade chili in.  I usually make chili to clean out the fridge.  Last time I had some old frozen steaks I threw in there in as well. I also never use any type of measuring implements when making it.  All measurements are done by eye and by taste.

-Jay

[Good Buddy]

BTW, ever made a cake in one?   very moist and delicious - just follow the cake mix directions but put in a greased and lightly powder sugared crockpot - let it cook til done (many hours, don't remember the exact time) - doesn't even need icing!

"Wow, trip out! Never heard of that one." Says Cookie

[Other People s Junk]

I'm glad you got just the kind you were looking for and for only $2!! 

As for the cake- I bet it takes a LONG time to cook!!   

[genuineimitation]

got my crock pot at hospice several years ago. brand new - still in the box with styrofoam! cost me $5.99. i never knew i needed a crock pot until i found that one in perfect condition. I use it ALL the time!! but, no, i've never made a cake...

[Thrift Shop Romantic]

Woo-hoo! VERY cool on the Crock-pot find. I wasn't thinking that one was going to be possible. Amazing!

[genuineimitation]

anything is possible with thrifting!!

[sweetiepickles]

Woo-hoo! VERY cool on the Crock-pot find. I wasn't thinking that one was going to be possible. Amazing!

REALLY??  NOTHING is impossible at a thrift store.......just impossible at the moment you need it 

[Jay2TheRescue]

Woo-hoo! VERY cool on the Crock-pot find. I wasn't thinking that one was going to be possible. Amazing!

I think its more the power of letting others know what you are looking for...  If my sister didn't know I was looking for one I'd still be looking, or worse yet maybe I would have bought a new one at Big Lots Sunday night.  I've gotten close to buying one the last few times I was in BL because they were only $5 more than the crappy ones at Goodwill.

-Jay

[dukek9]

Letting others know what you are looking for is indeed the key!  I always have a list of things I know people are looking for and others do the same for me.

Question about the crockpot or any other electirc appliance: how do you know it is safe to use? I am just real nervous about such things and have tunrned down some appliances that I would have liked, but was afraid it would blow up in my face or burn down kitchen or something.

One thing I keep seeing at thrifts once in a while are old waffle makers.  I have found the newer ones to be very lacking and would love an old one.  I know some people who have some that look like they have been through a disaster and yet they make lovely waffles.

So how do I go about picking up a crockpot or waffle iron or other electric appliance at a thrift with confidence?

Dee

[Jay2TheRescue]

Letting others know what you are looking for is indeed the key!  I always have a list of things I know people are looking for and others do the same for me.

Question about the crockpot or any other electirc appliance: how do you know it is safe to use? I am just real nervous about such things and have tunrned down some appliances that I would have liked, but was afraid it would blow up in my face or burn down kitchen or something.

One thing I keep seeing at thrifts once in a while are old waffle makers.  I have found the newer ones to be very lacking and would love an old one.  I know some people who have some that look like they have been through a disaster and yet they make lovely waffles.

So how do I go about picking up a crockpot or waffle iron or other electric appliance at a thrift with confidence?

Dee

The most important thing about vintage appliances is take a good look at the cord & plug.  Is it frayed, cracked, reluctant to bend, do you see bare wires, or is it just plain hard?  I do have a source for vintage cloth appliance cords in excellent condition, so if I come across a toaster or waffle iron that needs a new cord I don't have a problem.  Also, when you are only spending $2 or $3 dollars, you can take a chance on an appliance. 

The best to look for (but they are rare) is a Sunbeam Radiant Control waffle iron from the 50's & 60's.  I wish I had one of those.  The next best thing would be a Toastmaster, Universal, or a GE of 60's vintage or older.  My favorite waffle iron is this fantastic art-deco Toastmaster probably from the late 30's/early 40's.  As with any vintage appliance you really need to get a feel for it, and know its quirks.  Getting used to a vintage appliance is like learning to drive a stick shift.  Its going to take some practice and probably a few batches of burned waffles, or waffles that fall apart before you get the hang of it. 

The most important thing to remember, is let the waffle iron heat up fully before you try to make waffles.  Don't just wait till the light goes out.  Wait another 5 minutes.  I usually plug my waffle iron in at least 15 minutes before I plan to use it. 

When making your batter leave it slightly lumpy - don't beat it smooth.  Also let the batter rest for at least 10 minutes before cooking.  Lightly spray the top and bottom plates with some nonstick cooking spray between each batch of waffles.  I have found that on most vintage waffle irons the best thermostat setting is just slightly to the right of center on the dial.  On my waffle iron the best way to add the batter is with a pushbutton ice cream scoop.  Two level scoops is the perfect amount (for mine anyway).  Drop it in the center, and let the lid smoosh it down to completely fill the grid. 

Often people will tell you when the light goes out the waffles are done.  The only thing the light indicates is that the heating element is on.  Its controlled by a thermostat, not a timer.  Watch for steam rising from the edges.  When the steam stops your waffles should be done, or pretty close to done.  The perfect waffle will have a crisp golden brown exterior with a soft center.  If the outside is not crisp you may have used too much non-stick cooking spray, or your thermostat setting may be too low.  Remember that starting with your second batch you will need less spray, as there will still be some residual oil left on the plates.

When done its best to cleanup while the iron is still hot.  Unplug the iron and use a damp (but not dripping wet) washcloth to wipe the plates down.  Be careful of steam.  Be sure you don't mess with the thermostat setting once you get it perfect!  Turn it on & off by plugging & unplugging it. 

Enjoy your waffles!

-Jay

[SeSo_Says_So]

Jay, you are the true Renaissance man...waffles and vintage and CPR and much more. Hope your sweetie appreciates your many talents

[Jay2TheRescue]

Jay, you are the true Renaissance man...waffles and vintage and CPR and much more. Hope your sweetie appreciates your many talents

Alas, I have not met sweetie yet... 

-Jay