Slow cookers

[Caran]

Went to Abergavenny market today, bought a slow cooker, not had one before, how much do they cost to use, looked at some recipes and seems a bit scary 7/8 hours, will I be running up a big leccy bill?

[Postdog]

no, probably one of the most economical ways of cooking going.

[starone]

No, they only use a small amount of electricity. I think it is about as much as leaving a light on all day, but I am sure someone will tell me if that is wrong. I love mine - it is a small one, as I live alone, but a tough piece of meat comes out beautifully tender.

[Buenchico]

8 hours @ 250 watts = 2kWh, which costs around 25p.

That 250W figure is based upon some of the larger models, at the highest power settings. The Argos 'Value' one only uses 90W (even on high power). 90W for 8 hours = 0.72kWh, costing around 9p

[giveup]

i quite fancy one. Let us know how you get on.

[lcg]

how do people work these things out? i know it's simple (in essence) but it makes my brain hurt! x

[Caran]

Thanks for info folks much appreciated.

[pussnboots]

I use mine all the time and see no difference at all in the leccy bill. They are brilliant especially if you are working or out all day. Cheaper cuts of meat are so tender cooked this way, also just google slow cooker recipes, the choice is endless.

[Caran]

Thanks Puss I did that and found a really good one. slowcookerrecipes.org.uk

[rowanwitch]

Don't forget rice pudding the milk eventually turns almost like dulce de leche better than any I've ever made in the oven

[Smowball]

I absolutely love mine - I cook everything in it(well not everything!).

Even just putting a whole chicken in, cup of stock and few knobs of butter and you get the most moist chicken ever!

[tenrec]

If you are really crafty you only need to slow cook once or twice a week and cook as much as you can. Then freeze portions. In no time you have enough frozen meals of different varieties, so saving electric on cooking from scratch every day.