Is it worth buying a slow cooker or will it just sit in the cupboard with the other kitchen gadgets?

[fishnet]

Are they any good or just a gimmick? Working long hours and struggling to find time to cook anything other than pre prepared stuff and stir fry!

Yum
Do you follow recipes ruby?

Oh eyeballs, don't be sad... it gives you an excuse to buy a bigger one!

Well funny you should say that... I had been (ahem) eyeballing a bigger one and was going to give my one to my mum but I didn't expect the damn thing to make the decision for me!

I've heard rice pudding cooked in one is supposed to be delish but haven't got round to trying that yet. Also I've seen recipes for "cakes" in the slow cooker - not quite sure how that works!