WE TEST… SLOW COOKERS
Things we considered: What settings does it have? Is it easy to use? Is it easy to clean?
Morphy Richards Evoke sear and stew 3.5-litre slow cooker, £39, AO.com
With three manual heat settings and a 3.5-litre capacity (big enough for a medium-sized chicken), this slow cooker is great for families or batch cooking. Sear meat and vegetables on the hob in its removable, non-stick, dishwashersafe pot, then slot it into the base – not only does this cut down on washing up, but any searing juices add to the flavour. For the quality and price, we loved it.
1.5-litre slow cooker, £29.99, Lakeland
This slow cooker is the perfect size for smaller households, or if cupboard space is at a premium. It’ll make enough for two large portions, or three medium-sized ones. It’s lightweight for easy cleaning (the pot can go in the dishwasher, too) and has three heat settings – low, high and auto – so is simple to use. This would be ideal for a student at university to help them make low-cost, low-effort, nutritious meals.
Russell Hobbs Good-to-Go Multicooker, £79, Amazon
Technically not just a slow cooker, this gadget has eight different functions (including Steam, Roast and Rice) – so while this multicooker is more of an investment, its versatility (and 6.5-litre capacity) makes it particularly useful for larger households. High and low temperature settings, as well as multiple time settings, give you total control over the final dish.
The main pot is also removable and dishwasher-safe: another big win.
Retro 6.5-litre slow cooker, £44.99, Swan
Those with retro-inspired kitchens will love this option – and it’s also available in eight colourways. It has a low, high and auto setting (auto cooks on the high setting at first, then switches to low for the remainder of the cooking time) and we easily could’ve made larger portions, with plenty of leftovers to freeze. The crockery pot can be removed and washed by hand or cleaned in the dishwasher – though take care as it’s a little heavy.