A reader asks: “Will a slow cooker help me to eat healthily on a tight budget?”
Victoria Taylor, Senior Dietitian at the BHF, says:
A slow cooker can help with eating healthily, as this way of cooking doesn’t need much (if any) fat, which can help to lower the calorie content. It also intensifies flavours – which is helpful when cutting down on salt.
You might also find it easier to cook regularly, as you can start your meal in the morning and return to a home-cooked meal in the evening. Having something ready when you’re tired and hungry can help to reduce the temptation of a takeaway or ready meal.
If you don’t usually have time to make breakfast, you can give yourself a head start by making porridge in the slow cooker overnight.
How to use a slow cooker
Many of our favourite dishes – Bolognese sauce, curry, soups or stews – are easy to make in a slow cooker. You can find recipes online but it’s not difficult to make your own with a few changes and you’ll soon get the hang of the cooking times.
You need to add less liquid for slow cooking, since there’s less evaporation than with other cooking methods. As a guide, add about half as much as you normally would.
Remember that vegetables with a higher water content, like peppers, tomatoes, courgettes and cabbage, will release water as they cook. There might be some trial and error at first. If you find that your dish is too watery at the end, you can remove the lid and cook it on high until the dish has reduced to the consistency you want.
Slow cooking can be a good way to use cheaper cuts of meat that taste better after a long cooking time. To keep these cheaper cuts healthier, trim off visible fat before cooking and skim any from the surface before you stir the dish when finished. You can also add beans and lentils to these dishes, so you don’t need to use as much meat.
Healthy slow cooker recipes
With some adjustments (adding less water and cooking for longer), these recipes would work well in a slow cooker:
Is a slow cooker cheap to run?
Slow cookers typically cost less to run than an oven. They won’t necessarily save you money compared with using an induction hob, or even a gas hob. Making exact comparisons is difficult, because there can be lots of variables, such as the type of hob and how you use it.
If you’re thinking of buying a new slow cooker, bear in mind that it may take a long time for you to recoup the cost in lower energy bills. But if it’s going to be a convenient way for you to cook healthy meals from scratch, it may be a good buy.
You can also check your local BHF Home storefor pre-loved slow cookers, which will have been tested to make sure they work properly and are safe to use.
Meet the expert
Victoria Taylor is a registered dietitian with more than 20 years’ experience. Her work for the NHS focused on weight management and community programmes for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. At the BHF she advises on diet and nutrition.
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Published January 2023
FAQs
Slow cookers typically cost less to run than an oven. They won't necessarily save you money compared with using an induction hob, or even a gas hob. Making exact comparisons is difficult, because there can be lots of variables, such as the type of hob and how you use it.
Do slow cookers use a lot of electricity? ›
According to the Energy Saving Trust, a slow cooker is one of the most energy efficient kitchen appliances. On average, a slow cooker draws about the same amount of energy as a standard electric light bulb. This means that despite being on for a longer period of time, a slow cooker actually uses very little energy.
How much does it cost to run a slow cooker for 8 hours? ›
At the time of writing, and in accordance with the current energy price cap, the cheapest slow cooker will cost you around 2.5p to run for an hour. For eight hours, this will set you back 20p.
Can I save money using a slow cooker? ›
An Instant Pot or slow cooker could save you some serious dough on your monthly energy spend. Cooking food low and slow (often called braising) is the best way to get tough, cheaper cuts of meat fork-tender and full of flavor.
What are the disadvantages of a slow cooker? ›
What are the disadvantages of a slow cooker? Slow cookers only apply heat to the bottom of the crock, which cuts down on their ability to reduce liquids and brown foods, and develop flavor the same way a Dutch oven or pressure cooker can.
What is the cheapest way to cook? ›
Microwaves: When it comes to cooking quickly and cheaply, microwaves are going to be your best friend. Cooking a potato in a conventional oven will use up to 10x as much energy as a microwave! This is because microwaves use less energy for every hour they're in use (fewer kilowatts per hour).
Can I leave my slow cooker on all day? ›
But is it safe to leave a crockpot on all day? Yes! Since crockpots cook at a much lower temperature, it's often necessary to run the appliance for 4-8 hours.
Is it cheaper to use an air fryer or a slow cooker? ›
'With the air fryer, you're heating a significantly smaller area; it heats up very quickly and cooks food efficiently, so you're likely to make a saving.
Is 10 hours too long for a slow cooker? ›
Yes, you can use your slow cooker for longer than eight hours, as long as you keep an eye on it. Many slow cookers do have an automatic shutoff after 24 hours.
Is 24 hours too long in a slow cooker? ›
Most slow cooker meals take 8-12 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high, but there are also recipes for slow-cooked meat that take up to 24 hours. If you want to avoid overcooking your dish, follow the given guidelines as closely as possible.
Slow cookers typically cost less to run than an oven. They won't necessarily save you money compared with using an induction hob, or even a gas hob. Making exact comparisons is difficult, because there can be lots of variables, such as the type of hob and how you use it.
Is it worth using a slow cooker? ›
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.
Why use a slow cooker instead of a stove? ›
Along with saving big bucks, slow cookers save you lots of time because they allow you to cook hands (and eyes) free. Once you've got your food prepared and placed in the crock, you don't have to stand around stirring and monitoring it.
What is the difference between a Crockpot and a slow cooker? ›
A slow cooker and a Crockpot are the same thing, essentially. A slow cooker is an appliance of which there are lots of brands. Crockpot is one brand of slow cooker. Crockpot popularized slow cookers when they launched their version in the 1970s.
What foods should not go in a slow cooker? ›
10 Foods You Should Never Make in a Slow Cooker
- Raw Meat.
- Seafood.
- Pasta.
- Rice.
- Delicate Vegetables.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts.
- Dairy.
- Wine and Other Liquor.
Raw meat
If you don't want your stew to taste bland, brown the meat first, then put it in the slow cooker.
What is cheaper, a slow cooker or an oven? ›
The verdict. Putting the numbers together, it costs roughly 26p an hour to run an average oven, nearly 21p more than a medium-sized slow cooker. So, the slow cooker is cheaper to use than the oven in most cases, but always factor in: Size of the slow cooker.
Does a slow cooker use less electricity than a pressure cooker? ›
When comparing appliances, you'll find that the pressure cooker beats even the most energy-efficient slow cooker in terms of using less power and adding less heat into your home. Pressure cookers consume much less power than a standard electric oven, which uses around 2,000 watts of electricity on medium heat.
Can I put raw chicken in my slow cooker? ›
Yes, you can put raw chicken in a slow cooker! Slow cookers and Crock-Pots are designed to cook raw meats. The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking time and steam created from the tightly covered container destroys bacteria, making slow cooking safe. You can put frozen chicken in a slow cooker, too!
