A slow cooker is a great way to turn cheaper cuts of meat into succulent and delicious meals, plus it's an easy way to cook other ingredients. Here are a few tips for choosing the right slow cooker for your requirements.

Cooking To Capacity

Slow cookers work best when they are at least half full, so buying one too large for your needs will mean your slow cooker might never perform at its best. 

It Should Shape Up

The shape of your slow cooker is another consideration. Round-shaped cookers are perfect for things like casseroles or soups, but if you intend to use yours to roast large or long cuts of meat, such as a leg of lamb with the bone in, an oval shape might be a better fit.

Keep A Lid On It

The better the lid fits, the less heat escapes and the more efficient the cooking process will be. While a lid might not be one of the features you prioritise, you should look for a model with a lid that fits like a glove. 

Staying In Control

The controls for your new slow cooker could range from a simple "Off", "Low" and "High" manual control, to a digital control featuring things like auto-start features. If you're on a budget, manual controls are what to look for. If you prefer the convenience of having a slow cooker that will start cooking even if you're not there, check out digitally-controlled models.