How to Choose a Slow Cooker

General buying advice. Always check current specifications, prices and reviews with the retailer before you buy.

A slow cooker is ideal for stews, curries, and soups that cook while you are out. It uses little energy and is hard to get wrong, but size and features still matter.

Choose the right size

As a rough guide, around 1.5 to 3 litres suits one or two people, 3.5 to 4.5 litres suits three or four, and 5.5 litres or more suits a larger family or batch cooking. A slow cooker works best when it is between half and three-quarters full.

Settings

Most have low, high, and warm. Digital models add timers and automatic switching to warm. A timer is useful if you will be away longer than the recipe needs.

Removable pot

A removable ceramic or non-stick pot is much easier to clean and lets you store leftovers in the fridge. Check that the pot is dishwasher-safe, and whether it can go on the hob.

Lid

A tight-fitting glass lid lets you check on the food without lifting it. Lifting the lid lets heat escape and extends cooking time.

Safety

Look for cool-touch handles and a stable base. Always follow the manufacturer's guidance on cooking dried beans and cooking meat thoroughly.