Some slow cookers will automatically shift to this mode after a programme has ended, while others require switching manually. But be aware that this aluminium bowl isn’t suitable for use on an induction hob. And, being of metal, it does get hot when it is heated, so always use oven gloves when handling it in this way. Ease of cleaning The LCD digital display on the front of the slow cooker is where you make all your decisions. Choose from a high or low temperature setting and set the cooking time you want. The digital timer runs from 30 minutes to an amazing 20 hours – that’s really, long and slow cooking! After the cooking process finishes, the unit automatically switches to the keep warm setting for up to four hours. That is the maximum time experts recommend for keeping food warm to avoid bacteria growing. From soups and curries to cakes, a slow cooker can be your new kitchen best friend, especially if you like coming home to the delicious aroma of a ready meal, or you’re a fan of hands-off cooking. The models in my review are of a variety of sizes, prices and features, there is at least one here for your lifestyle. No liquid escapes from a slow cooker, so when adapting a recipe not specifically written for a slow cooker, reduce any added liquid by a third.

Rice and pasta dishes work best cooked on high for the shortest time possible. Always use easy-cook rice, rinsed well first – the more starch you rinse from the rice, the better the finished result. When testing these slow cookers we were keen to try out each of their main cooking settings, so while a more simple manual slow cooker was used to make a stew or simple curry, we pressure cooked meat and steamed fish in the more complex slow cookers on the market. When slow cookers came with digital settings we attempted delay-start recipes and tested how easy they were to use. Your first decision is whether you want a slow cooker that is programmable or not. While the level of technology can vary, at the very least a programmable slow cooker allows you to set the length of time of the cooking period. Some of these cookers also have a delay function, so cooking won’t start for the number of hours you specify. Some of these reviewers conducted experiments of filling the cooking bowl with measured amounts of water and found that the capacity given by the manufacturers fills the bowl right up to the lip. That’s not how you use slow cookers. So, for practical use, they suggest taking 0.25L – 0.5L or so off the stated volume to arrive at what you can use in the slow cooker.

Time-Saving Pressure Cooker Recipes

As you can see, there’s no Start Time on this model, you just need to know when you want the meal to be ready and the slow cooker works out the rest. But you can also use this as a manual slow cooker. Pros Slow cookers range in capacity, from a compact 1.5 litres up to 7 litres. As a general guide, a 1.5 to 2.3-litre capacity is great for two people, a larger 4 to 4.5 litres will feed four, and 5.5 to 7 litres is ideal for four to six people. An increasingly popular way of cooking, sous-vide is a French term that simply means ‘under vacuum’. You place your food inside a sealed pouch and then pop it into a temperature-controlled water bath to cook.

When we tested its slow cooking mode we found that it's almost too good at retaining moisture. Recipes that came out more saucy in some slow cookers were a little less rich because it's also designed to be an airtight pressure cooker. That can be remedied though by adding less liquid or taking into account the liquid that will come out of meat and veggies when you add them.Pressure cookers are incredibly versatile, and can be used to cook delicious and nutritious desserts at double speed.

Use your pressure cooker to make perfectly tender ribs in less than half the time! This recipe is a great alternative to Chinese takeaway - you can get these on the table in just 25 minutes!The controls are a little cluttered, but the illustrations make the Sage The Fast Slow Go easy to use and very clear. The lid his hinged, which we don't love, but it does mean the Sage The Fast Slow Go will transition easily between slow cooking and pressure cooking for a range of the cooking modes. The advantage of this is not leaving all that lovely seared flavour behind in a pan, and it reduces washing-up. Finally, look for a slow cooker with a transparent lid, so you can keep an eye on your food’s progress. Lifting the lid of a slow cooker while it’s in use lets out heat and steam, prolonging cooking time. It’s always best to be able to see what’s going on without doing so. Are slow cookers easy to clean?