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Slow cookers buying guide
The lowdown on slow cookers
Slow cookers have long been a kitchen must-have for many years, and it’s not hard to see why. They cook food gently over time, not only bringing out deep flavours and tender textures, but making tricky recipes take only a fraction of the effort.
Most loved features
Automatic heat control
No need to keep peeking at how dinner’s getting along, this handy feature keeps an eye on things for you. It puts a stop to overcooking and makes sure your meals come out just right, every time.
Automatic programmes
Not quite sure how long that soup or stew needs to bubble away for? No worries, your slow cooker has got it all figured out. Since it comes with built-in programmes for your staple dishes, just press a button and it’ll pick all the right settings for you.
Easy clean
Great news... you can put the scourer down. Some slow cookers come with coatings that make washing them as easy as cooking in them. And, lots have dishwasher-safe parts that take the hard work out of that after dinner tidy-up.
Special cooking setting
It’s not all about soups and stews, these slow cookers are multitasking masters. Whether you’re sauteing or trying your hand at sous vide, you’ve got plenty of settings that let you really mix things up without needing a cupboard full of gadgets.
Steam cooking
On a bit of a health kick? The steam cooking function is just what you’re after. It’s brilliant for getting veg, fish and dumplings just right, and locks in all those must-have nutrients as well.
Energy efficient
Slow cookers use less energy than ovens, making them a smart way to save power. They cook low and slow, so you can prep big batches and enjoy hearty meals without wasting energy. Win-win.
How slow cookers work
They work by heating metal coils in the base of the appliance, these then warm the side and bottom of the pot inside. Usually ceramic or porcelain, the pot stops heat from escaping, keeping the temperature steady.
The lid seals everything in, trapping steam and moisture. The condensation drips back into the food, which helps to break it down while intensifying the flavour. Depending which settings you pick, the heat can range from 80°C to 150°C perfect for slow, steady cooking.
Benefits of using a slow cooker
Delicious results
As your ingredients gently simmer, you unlock deep flavours that quick cooking can’t match. Think rich, restaurant-quality sauces and melt in the mouth meats. If you want big flavour with minimal effort, this is the appliance for you.
Plus, low and slow cooking preserves nutrients often lost at high heat, so your meals are not only delicious but better for you too.
Effortless eats
Come home to a perfectly cooked meal without hovering over the stove. Just load your slow cooker in the morning, set the timer, and let it work its magic. No stirring, no checking, no stress, just cooking that fits your day. (And just as a reminder, if it’s on while you’re out or asleep, keep it on a heatproof surface and make sure it’s in good condition.)
Morphy Richards Evoke Sear And Stew 460012 3.5 Litre Slow Cooker - Black
Morphy Richards 461020 Slow Cooker - Black
Morphy Richards Sear And Stew 461014 6.5 Litre Slow Cooker - Aluminium
Morphy Richards Sear And Stew 461022 Slow Cooker - Titanium
Laura Ashley VQSLWC3LLACR 3.5 Litre Slow Cooker - China Blue
Good Food in partnership with Tower GF16010 3.5 Litre Slow Cooker - Black
Swan SF17030N 6.5 Litre Slow Cooker - Stainless Steel
Morphy Richards 461021 Slow Cooker - Black
Crockpot 3.5 Litre CSC113 3.5 Litre Slow Cooker - Black
Swan Retro SF17021GN 3.5 Litre Slow Cooker - Green
What are the best slow cookers?
When you’re on the lookout for a slow cooker, you should have a think about what you need it for. If there are only one or two people in your house, a 3.5 litre model is plenty big enough. But if you’ve got a busy household or want to use it for batch cooking, pick up a 6.5 litre one. You’ll also want to have a look at the features to find the ones that suit your mealtime routine. Still can’t decide? Scroll down on our product pages and you’ll find plenty of customer reviews to help you figure out if the model you’re looking at is the countertop companion for you.
A feast of facts
FAQs
- Can I use frozen meat in the slow cooker?
We don’t recommend using frozen meat in your slow cooker because of food safety concerns. Since these appliances heat up slowly, frozen meat can stay at unsafe temperatures for too long, giving harmful bacteria the chance to grow. You should always defrost meat thoroughly before popping it in your slow cooker.
- Do I need to sear meat first?
While it’s not 100% necessary to sear your meat before adding it to the slow cooker, it’ll really enhance the flavour and texture of your meal. Browning the meat helps it develop a deeper, richer taste while also improving the appearance by giving it a more appetising colour. Skipping this step definitely won’t make your dish a dud, but taking a little extra time to sear the meat can really add that “wow” factor.
- Can I cook rice or pasta in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook rice and pasta in your slow cooker, but you’ll want to keep a close eye on things to avoid overcooking or ending up with a mushy texture. Rice and pasta cook a lot quicker than your usual slow cooker ingredients, so it’s best to pop them in toward the end of the cooking process. To get things just right, try following a recipe that’s designed specifically for slow cooking, meaning it’ll have the timings all figured out.
- Is it safe to leave on all day?
Yes, it’s safe to leave your slow cooker on all day, just make sure you’re following the manufacturer's instructions and using it correctly. Since slow cookers are designed to cook low and slow for hours, they’re ideal for cooking unattended. Most models out there can safely run for 8 to 10 hours, with some extra-clever ones switching to a “keep warm” setting once your dish is done cooking. To keep things safe, keep the cooker on a flat, heat-resistant surface, make sure the lid stays on during cooking, and avoid overfilling.
- Can I reheat food in a slow cooker?
No, we don’t recommend using your slow cooker to reheat food for safety reasons. These appliances are slow heating, so it takes a while for them to reach safe temperatures, giving nasty bacteria plenty of time to multiply. If you want to reheat some leftovers, it’s better to use a microwave, oven, or hob.
- What's the difference between a crock pot and a slow cooker?
A crock-pot is actually a brand name for a range of slow cookers, rather than a specific type of appliance. They usually have a ceramic pot surrounded by a heating element, whereas other models can use metal pots along with different heating mechanisms. Whether it’s a crock-pot or another brand, all slow cookers can cook delicious meals unattended for hours, freeing you up to spend your day doing something other than standing over a hot stove.
