Easy Cooking and Energy Saving with Slow Cookers

Slow cookers can be a cheaper way to cook hearty meals, because they use low heat over a longer period of time.

The biggest savings come from choosing the right appliance for the meal you are making, especially if you are batch cooking or preparing several portions at once.

Simple slow cooker habits, such as keeping the lid closed and not overfilling the pot, can help your appliance work more efficiently.

With energy bills still putting pressure on many households, it’s always worth having a search for cheaper, easier ways to do the basics. If you don’t have a slow cooker, it might be a good time to take advantage of this handy way to make cooking more efficient and convenient.

Slow Cooker vs Oven: Which uses less energy?

Energy Saving Trust reports cooking makes up around 3% of the average home’s energy use, and choosing the right appliance for the meal can help reduce costs and carbon emissions. That does not mean one appliance is always best; it simply means your slow cooker could be a useful money-saving option for stews, soups, casseroles and meals you can make in larger batches.

A slow cooker gently cooks food at a low temperature over several hours. Most models have high and low settings, but both are designed for steady, gentle cooking rather than fast heat.

Although a slow cooker may be switched on for longer than an oven or hob, it usually uses much less power while it is running. For example, Energy Saving Trust found that cooking a 3.6kg homemade beef stew in a slow cooker cost 36p in Great Britain and 42p in Northern Ireland.

Smart batch cooking to reduce energy usage

Slow cookers can also help you make several meals in one go, which may reduce the need to cook from scratch every day. BBC Food notes that slow cookers can be useful for budget-conscious cooks because they suit batch cooking and can work well with lower-cost ingredients, including tougher cuts of meat and root vegetables.

Slow cookers can work well for stews, curries, casseroles, soups, pulled meats, chilli, bolognese and some rice or pasta dishes. They are also useful if you want to prepare food earlier in the day and have a warm meal ready later.

They can be a good option for busy schedules, family meals and batch cooking, especially when you want to cook several portions at once and reheat leftovers safely later.

As with any cooking method, always follow your appliance instructions and make sure food is cooked through before serving.

When to stick to the oven or microwave

The best energy efficient appliance is the one that fits the job. A slow cooker may not be the best choice for very quick meals, small portions you need immediately, or food that needs a crisp finish.

A microwave may be better for reheating leftovers, while a hob can be better for quick meals such as pasta or an omelette. Your oven may still be the right choice if you are cooking several dishes at once or need to roast, bake or crisp food.

A simple rule is to ask, “Am I using the right appliance for the amount of food I am cooking?” If you are making a larger meal that can be eaten over more than one day, a slow cooker may help.

Small habits to make your slow cooker work hard for your money

Keep the lid on. 

Each time you lift the lid, heat escapes and cooking can take longer. Lifting the lid can add around 15 to 20 minutes to the overall cooking time.

Do not overfill the pot.

Fill the slow cooker no more than three-quarters full, with half to two-thirds ideal for even cooking and avoiding spillages.

Avoid leaving it on longer than needed. 

Use the low setting if you are going to be out for longer, and avoid extra running time where possible.

Prepare ingredients for even cooking

Cut ingredients into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

Use less liquid

Use less liquid than you might in an oven or hob recipe, because slow cooker sauces do not reduce in the same way.

Cook once, but eat more than once.

Batch cooking can help you make better use of the energy you are already using.

Slow cookers can be a practical way to make filling meals, batch cook and reduce wasted energy in the kitchen; but they are only one option. For example, you can also read our LEAP guide to air fryers and energy saving. 

LEAP offers free energy and money-saving advice to eligible households. Our friendly advisors can help you understand your energy use, check your bills and find practical ways to reduce costs at home.

Apply for a LEAP energy advice call today and an advisor will talk you through what help may be available.