A lot of people mock those of us who use slow cookers. I’ve seen memes and videos “when you come home and realise that mum’s made dinner in the slow cooker”, I’m sure you have too.
But I LOVE my slow cooker and whether it’s work, kids, or just trying to keep up with the endless to-do list, finding time to cook can feel like a chore. Enter the slow cooker – your new best mate in the kitchen. If you’ve not tried one yet, you’re missing out.
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Why?
It’s the ultimate time-saver.
One of the best things about a slow cooker is that it does all the work for you. You chuck in your ingredients, turn it on, and get on with your day. No stirring, no hovering over the stove, and definitely no last-minute panic when you realise it’s dinner time and you’ve got nothing sorted. Fancy a casserole or a hearty stew? Pop it in before the school run, and by the time everyone’s back and hungry, it’s ready to serve.
It’s cheap as chips to run.
With energy bills being what they are these days, anything that saves a bit of cash is a win. Slow cookers use way less electricity than your oven, even if you’ve got them on all day. Plus, they’re brilliant for turning cheaper cuts of meat into melt-in-your-mouth masterpieces. Think beef brisket, pork shoulder, or even chicken thighs – all delicious and way more affordable than fillets or steaks. I have a 6.5litre slow cooker which means we can make a meal for the family and leftovers for the next day too, which helps with lunches and being organised.
It’s foolproof.
Not much of a cook? No problem. Slow cookers are incredibly forgiving. You don’t need to be Nigella or Jamie to whip up something tasty. Just follow a recipe (or wing it – we’ve all been there), and chances are it’ll turn out great. Even if you’re a bit slapdash with measurements, the slow cooking process blends all the flavours together beautifully, making you look like a kitchen genius.
It’s a lifesaver for busy families.
If you’ve got kids, you’ll know the evening rush is chaos. Homework, baths, tidying up – who’s got time to cook a proper meal? With a slow cooker, you can have dinner ready and waiting. And it’s not just for family favourites like spag bol or chilli; you can do soups, curries, even a roast chicken! It’s a game-changer, especially if you’re juggling a million things at once.
It’s great for batch cooking.
Want to save time and effort during the week? Double up your recipes and freeze the leftovers. Slow cookers are perfect for making big batches of soups, stews, or even pasta sauces. A couple of hours (or a full day) of cooking can stock your freezer for weeks. And let’s face it, who doesn’t love having a ready-made meal on those “can’t be bothered” days?
It’s cosy comfort food, every time.
There’s something magical about the smell of a slow-cooked meal wafting through the house. It’s like a warm hug for your senses. Whether it’s a rich beef stew bubbling away or a creamy curry gently cooking, slow cookers make food that’s not just tasty but also comforting.
I rely on my slow cooker for family meals when life is busy, and when all of us are on different schedules it means food is warm and ready whether I have been at home all day, or if I have had a busy working day and we are all eating together or not.
They are great fun to experiment with, and there are so many things you can make or create or improvise with, to make a delicious meal, a roast chicken, soup, dessert, bread, or you can even bake potatoes (I have never tried that but I have heard it works)
I wouldn’t give up my slow cooker, and it definitely makes my life easier. So if you aren’t convinced by now, I don’t know what will. Maybe you need to come round and have a slow cooked meal with us.