Camping thermal pots

[scarry]

Anyone used a camping thermal pot?

SWMBO has discovered them and they seem to be on the wish list.

There seem to be a few expensive brands such as Dream pot,eco pot,etc.
There are also a few cheapies around,but i suppose you only get what you pay for.

Any experience/advice with,or about them would be good.

[zulu Delta 534]

We have had one and used it for a number of years now.
At home it seems to have replaced all those things that used to require a slow cooker, corned meat and similar tasks.
There are some real cheapies around and some dearer ones but the main thing to look out for is a reasonably dense base (holds the heat better and doesnt stick to the bottom as does a thin base - your wife will know this hopefully.) Otherwise they are simply a large thermos flask.
When we had the caravan it was used a lot more than now that we have reverted to a camper trailer. In the vanning days, the standard procedure was; that night's tea was prepared at breakfast time, heated and sealed in the dream pot which was then placed in the sink of the van. Come dinner time when all the other wives left the fire to prepare dinner, Patsy stayed and had another wine, as ours was already done! So if "Happy hour" time is important, then these devices are the way to go.
Regards
Glen

[MacMan]

As above save for the bit about vans and campers since we have neither. It sees plenty of use at home. For a long while I was using it make yoghurt. Curries are great because the vegies stay whole. Great for a quick escape from town on a Friday night with dinner ready the moment you stop and get your irons out.

We were lucky enough to be given a Thermos Shuttle Chef with two 3L pots (http://www.thermalcookware.com/main.php'mod=Shop&file=Product&cat=5&pid=11).

[chunk]

We went the cheap option and bought one from Aldi's, well actually 2 one that we use at home and the other we use while camping. There a great way of preparing meals when your out all day and you get back to home/camp and all you do is open the pot and dinners ready.

[130man]

I am with Chunk, we bought the Aldi product and are quite happy with it. My wife sewed an insulating cover for it which adds some degree of extra heat retention but was done primarily to protect the cooker from damage.. You need to make sure that the food is heated right through at the beginning. Doing meat , for example, that has been frozen , requires plenty of defrost time. Cheers, 130man.

[chunk]

The new Aldi one comes with an insulated bag and also has a power option to reheat.

[TerryO]

We have a Eco pot and while we don't use it often when we do its a good thing. The Eco pot has a warmer/heater in it and I wouldn't buy one with out that option as it keeps the food hotter for longer.

[dero]

The missus got a dream pot 2nd hand , works great as described by others . also great for taking a hot lunch to work , still steaming hot well into the afternoon .