Breville the fast slow cooker
$189.95 (usually $249) at Amazon
Who knew a slow cooker could be so fast? Automatically adjusting temperature, pressure and time, the fast slow cooker delivers flavourful meals just as you like.
Key features:
- Capacity 6L
- Automatic cooking functions
- Select low, medium and high setting
- Three-way safety lock
Philips viva collection all-in-one multi cooker
$148 usually ($249) at Amazon
Slow cook, pressure cook, sauté, sear, steam and bake all your comfort food favourites in this popular product. The all-in-one multi cooker cuts preheating time by 25 per cent, putting dinner on the table a whole lot faster.
Key features:
- Capacity 6L
- Features nine safety protection systems
- Seven pressure cooking modes
- Automatic keep warm and reheat function up to 12 hours
Sunbeam slow cooker
$49 (usually $69.95) at Amazon
Not as costly as other slow cookers, this unit from Sunbeam offers generous bang for your buck. Featuring high to low cooking functions, get on with your day as dinner brews away.
Key features:
- Capacity 5.5L
- Low, high and keep-warm settings
- Dishwasher-safe pan and lid
Instant Pot duo 7-in-1 multicooker
$149 at Amazon
Instant satisfaction is a guarantee with the Instant Pot Duo multicooker. Featuring the best of built-in settings, and an adjustable pressure scale, cook your winter favourites as you like.
Key features:
- Capacity 5.7L
- 13 one-touch smart programs
- Cooks 70 per cent faster than traditional methods
GreenPan slow cooker in Blue Haze
$255.20 (usually $319) at Amazon
Add a touch of flair to home cooking with this slow cooker from GreenPan. Fitted with a removable non-stick cooking dish, indulge in tender cooking minus the clean up.
Key features:
- Diamond infused non-stick dish
- Removable ultra-tough pot
- LCD display
- Tempered glass lid
What to look for when buying a slow cooker?
When cooking for a household of two, you'll only need a three to four litre model but if your family is double in size, go for a five to eight litre model. Depending on what you plan to cook, size can matter. Oval-shaped slow cookers are best for longer cuts of meat.
There are several features you won't want to compromise on. Make sure it includes a timer, is dishwasher-safe, and has automatic settings so it can reduce the temperature if you've stepped away.
"Food can be left unattended to bubble away in the slow cooker for approximately eight hours if on the low setting. However, there are slow cookers on the market that have timers which can switch the machine to 'keep warm' at a set time," says Fiona Mair, Choice expert and test coordinator.
Another important but not entirely necessary slow cooker feature is the sear function. Fiona suggests, "When cooking with a slow cooker, searing the meat first is very important. This allows the meat to caramelise and more flavour to develop".