Are slow cookers a waste of money

[Moominfan]

Do you use one. How often? If you don't use it why not? On a super tight budget at the minute but also trying to make my life easier

[ItsJustTheOneSwanActually]

I was eyeing up the mincemeat in my basement the other day Lord

[Notnownotneverever]

Are you a morning person? If yes, then it will be a good buy.
This week I had to work Sunday so I put pulled pork in before work and came home to a cooked Sunday meal without any stress or guilt for not being around to slave over a roast. If you have 15 mins in the morning to prep and switch on at least once a fortnight the you won’t regret it.

[jelly79]

Great for batch cooking when you have a few things on the go at once. Or if you have a long day out and want something ready for tea!

I need to buy a new one

[UnderCaffeinated]

I love mine. I have this one -www.<a class="break-all" href="//amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00888ZZD8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?psc=1&ie=UTF8&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">https://amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00888ZZD8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

You can take the insert out and put it on the hob if you've got something you need to sear or brown first, then pop it in the slow cooker and it's all been done in the one pan. I make Chilli or Spaghetti Bolognese in it at least once a week and then when its colder I probably use it about 3x a week.

My old one was a cheap one that I loved to use but hated to clean, it was heavy and awkward but this one is a dream, the insert is super light and non-stick. I honestly love it.

[Lyingonthesofainthedark]

I have one from Aldi with a ceramic insert, which is heavy. If it breaks, I'm buying one with a non stick lightweight insert in which you can also start things off on the job.

[drspouse]

Mine was free so no!

[Nat6999]

A slow cooker & a halogen oven are brilliant for anyone out at work all day or if you like batch cooking if you are on your own. I use my halogen oven more than my normal oven that now is more like an extra cupboard for pans & oven trays, cooks brilliant bacon sandwiches, steaks, toasted sandwiches, sunday roasts.

[windyermummyup]

They are amazing! I use mine every day when at work in the winter.

Loads of fab recipes out there. One thing to note is you need far less liquid than oven or stover top cooking. I've found that chillies tend to intensify while other herbs and spices mellow so maybe less chilli than usual and more woody herbs.

The organised mum has some great recipes.

As for meat being overdone or chewy as one poster has said always opt for the longer option on low and it will melt in your mouth x

[GeorgiaGirl52]

Use mine more than I do my oven. Especially when batch cooking. I have a triple slow cooker - three pots with three separate controls - and can cook applesauce with white sugar, applesauce with brown sugar and apple butter all at the same time and please the whole family. same with spaghetti sauce - with meat and mushrooms, without meat and without mushrooms, for example. If the house catches on fire I am saving this first!

[Kab30]

Recipes for beef and mushroom casserole and chicken curry please ...please ....xxxxx

[Disfordarkchocolate]

I have a fairly cheap one and use it once a week. I make a chilli or bolognese every week. Brisket or whole chicken less often. I love mine but I need to add more to my repertoire, I use it to batch cook meals my son likes and then freeze portions for quick meals.

[LordProfFekkoThePenguinPhD]

I made soup and a veggie stew yesterday in mine. An absolute godsend as I’m sicky at the moment.