What to Cook in a Slow Cooker

It’s that time again when we all crave hearty winter warmers like stews, casseroles, soups and curries. But as ever in this fast-paced world, it’s hard to find the time - or, let’s face it, the energy - to cook when we have so many other commitments to juggle.

But there are appliances that can help - like the trusty slow cooker. 

Let’s take a look at how exactly they can help you out when you need a hand in the kitchen. 

What is a slow cooker and how do they work?

A slow cooker does exactly what it says on the tin: it cooks your food slowly. Essentially, you put your ingredients into the pot and leave it to work its magic. After several hours, your meal will be thoroughly cooked and ready for dinnertime.

Do slow cookers use a lot of electricity if they’re on for so long, you ask? The answer is no, they don’t. These convenient, versatile appliances use less electricity than an oven to save you money as well as time and effort. 

A slow cooker works by using a hidden element in the base or around the sides which applies heat to an internal ceramic or glass dish. This element maintains a steady temperature which is well below boiling point, meaning a longer cooking time of anywhere between 2 and 12 hours is needed.

As a result, food is cooked gently and evenly. It’s a technique that gives meat fibres time to break down and soften up. So instead of forking out on expensive cuts like fillet or sirloin, you can buy cheaper joints and still get tasty, tender meat.

What is the best slow cooker for me?

For healthy meals that are easy and very little effort to make, a slow cooker is exactly what you need. Ideal for busy lifestyles, they allow you to simply add all your ingredients to the dish and leave them to cook while you get on with something else – like doing laundry or cleaning the car. There’s no need for stirring, and because food is cooked at such a low temperature, it’s very unlikely that anything will stick to the bottom of the dish.

When it comes to which slow cooker is best for you, there are two main things to consider:

• Size - Will you be cooking for just one or two people? If so, opt for a smaller 1.5L one, like the Quest 1.5L Slow Cooker. What size slow cooker is best for a family of four, on the other hand? A 3.5L one would be ideal in this case, such as the Swan Stainless Steel 3.5L model. And for larger gatherings? TheInstant Pot 8L 7-in-1 Slow Cooker is a great shout. 
• Shape - Most slow cookers are either round or oval. The only reason you’d choose one over the other is if you plan on roasting meat in it – in which case you’ll be better off with an oval-shaped model.

Other than this, you just need to look at what functions the slow cooker offers. Many feature a Keep Warm function, timer and Auto-cook function, which starts on a high setting before switching to a low setting after about an hour. The initial high heat can help to kill any toxins, such as those that are present in kidney beans before being fully cooked. There are also usually two or three heat settings: low, medium and high, or just low and high. On a low setting recipes can take up to 12 hours, but the results are often worth it. On a high setting your food can be ready to eat in as little as 3 hours.

What can I cook in a slow cooker?

You’d be surprised by what you can cook in a slow cooker: the possibilities are endless. Here are just a few things you can make:

• Stews and soups
• Casseroles
• Curries
• Tender fish dishes
• Whole joints of roasted meat
• Braised beef ragu
• Lasagna
• Chilli con carne
• Rice dishes like biryani and jambalaya
• Puddings such as cakes, brownies and cobblers
• Hot chocolate (yes, you can even make drinks in it!)

The list really does go on, making them well worth the investment. 

Are slow cookers safe?

 
The chance of your slow cooker catching fire is extremely small, as they’re designed to be left cooking for long periods and cook at a lower temperature than regular ovens, using less electricity. According to money.co.uk, an average-sized slow cooker will use about 1.3 kWh of electricity per meal cooked (which breaks down to less than 1p per hour at an average energy tariff). An average oven, on the other hand, will use 2-2.2 kWh per hour when turned to a medium or high heat.

However, a slow cooker is still an electrical appliance and, as with all electricals, being cautious is best. 

Here are a few safety precautions to take:

• Make sure your appliance is registered with the manufacturer first of all so that they can contact you if the product needs to be recalled, or if there’s a safety notice.
• Check the plug and cable regularly to make sure there are no faults. 
• Place your slow cooker on a heat-proof surface.
• Don’t overload the cooker - half to three-quarters full is ideal.
• Stick to the cook time on your recipes. 
• Keep it away from the wall. Slow cookers emit heat so give it plenty of room - around six inches - to breathe.

Read more on slow cooker safety at electricalsafetyfirst.org and see some frequently asked questions below. 

Can you leave a slow cooker on overnight?

Yes, you can. Be sure to choose the lowest setting for overnight and leave the highest setting for when you’re in the house. 

How long can you leave a slow cooker on low?

Most slow cooker recipes call for roughly 6-8 hours of cooking time, but it depends on the model so check the manufacturer’s instructions. Some slow cookers have a 24-hour programmable timer, while others can be left on for 12 hours, after which time they will turn off automatically.

Can you overcook food in a slow cooker?

Yes, it is possible to overcook food in a slow cooker, so make sure you select the right setting for the length of time it’ll be on for. If it’s on for longer, choose a lower setting.

Though it’s very unlikely to cause a fire, it’s always wise to be ready for potential accidents - and this goes for all of your appliances, not just your slow cooker.Be sure to have a fire blanket or extinguisher on hand, and at least one smoke alarm fitted.

To sum up...

All in all, a slow cooker is a must if you’re short on time and want easy, healthy meals. You put in very little effort and are rewarded with food that’s packed full of flavour. And then there are the endless amounts of recipes you can cook with them, not to mention the economical benefits of cooking with less electricity. It’s win after win when you have a slow cooker at home.

Top 3 slow cooking tips

1. For the best results when cooking cheaper cuts of red meat like beef skirt or lamb shoulder, use a low heat setting and a longer cooking time. High settings and shorter cooking times are best for poultry dishes.
2. No matter how great your food smells, don’t be tempted to keep lifting the lid. Every time you do it’ll release heat, increasing overall cooking time.
3. Avoid adding too much liquid to the pot. A slow cooker seals in moisture, so you don’t need quite as much as you would cooking in the oven or on the hob. As a rule of thumb, add just enough to cover the meat and veg.

Browse our full range of slow cookers to find the perfect one for you, and enjoy all those delicious meals to come! And of course, the extra free time that comes with it.