Eight Reasons Why You Need A Slow Cooker

Slow cookers, also known as crock pots if you’re a yank, have been a staple kitchen appliance for decades. They might look a little bit technical but they offer convenience, cost-effectiveness, and versatility, making them a must-have in any kitchen. I was first put onto the slow cooker by American culinary legend Ina Garten. I was twelve years old – watching an episode of Barefoot Contessa while I wondered why no one ever replied to my messages on MSN – when Ina wheeled out a behemoth of a slow cooker. Ina proceeded to use that slow cooker to make an incredibly delicious-sounding (and looking) dinner, and I’ve been intrigued by them ever since.

If you aren’t too sure what the point of a slow cooker is then I hope this can help to change your mind. It’s also worth flagging that there’s a difference between slow-cooked recipes and slow-cooker recipes. The former are dishes which you cook slowly, the latter are dishes which you cook in a slow cooker. In this article, we’re going to be discussing eight reasons why you need a slow cooker in your life. Read on to discover the many benefits of owning a slow cooker.

Slow cookers aren’t just great for your audacious weekend projects. Slow cookers allow you to prepare meals in advance and have them ready when you get home. Simply add your ingredients in the morning, set the timer, and come home to a hot, delicious meal that makes your kitchen smell unbelievable.

Slow cookers are a great way to stretch your food budget. You can buy cheaper cuts of meat and let the slow cooker work its magic, resulting in tender and flavourful meals that champion the underrated bits of an animal. Some of the best cuts to throw in a slow cooker are pork shoulder, beef brisket, braising steak, short ribs, lamb shoulder, and chicken thighs.

Slow cookers use less energy than traditional ovens and stovetops, making them an eco-friendly option for cooking. Considering the current state of the melting ice caps – that’s a very good thing.

Slow cookers can be used to make a wide variety of meals, from soups and stews to casseroles and even desserts. Seriously. You can make a slow cooker Sticky Toffee Pudding so decadently good that it’ll have Gregg Wallace lost for words.

Slow cookers are great for parties and gatherings because they free up oven and stovetop space and keep food warm for hours. You can spend more time actually enjoying the company of your mates and less time getting stressed in the kitchen.

Slow cookers allow you to cook with minimal oil and retain more nutrients in your food. Apparently. I’m not 100% sure on the serious of it but that all sounds rather good, doesn’t it?

No one likes doing the dishes. Anyone who claims they like doing the dishes is a pathological liar. Slow cookers often have removable, dishwasher-safe crocks, making clean-up a breeze.

Slow cookers come in a variety of sizes, making them perfect for cooking for a small family or a large group. Even if you live solo, they’re a great means of batch-cooking dishes and nailing your meal prep.

So, in conclusion, slow cookers are great. They’re a convenient, cost-effective, and versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to make a wide range of delicious meals with minimal effort. Whether you're cooking for your partner or entertaining guests, a slow cooker is nice to have in any kitchen. You’re a busy person. And if a slow cooker can help you get a healthy and delicious meal on the table with minimal effort, then it’s probably worth a punt, right? Invest in a slow cooker today and you can start enjoying all of the many benefits it has to offer.