Is Slow Cooking Energy Efficient? Save Energy With a Slow Cooker This Winter

If you have found yourself wondering "is slow cooking energy efficient" recently, you are not alone. With energy prices soaring, we are all looking for ways to cut down our usage. As the nights draw in and temperatures fall, slow cooking might be the solution you are looking for. Not only is slow cooking energy efficient but the resulting meals can be the perfect winter warmers. Learn more about how a slow cooker can help you save energy and money, whilst also eating well this winter.

Table of Contents:

• Is Slow Cooking Energy Efficient?
• Is It Cheaper to Use a Slow Cooker than an Oven?
• How Do Slow Cookers Work?
• What is the Best Meat for Slow Cooking?
• What Are the Best Slow Cooking Recipes?
• Slow Cook Better Meat with Farmison

Is Slow Cooking Energy Efficient?

Yes, slow cooking is considered energy efficient. 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.

Is it Cheaper to Use a Slow Cooker than an Oven?

More often than not, it is cheaper to use a slow cooker than a conventional oven. A survey carried out by the energy supplier Utilita, revealed that running a slow cooker cost an average of £59.76 to use a year. In comparison, electric ovens cost an average of £316.54 per year. Microwave ovens are considered to be marginally more energy efficient than slow cookers. However, if you are preparing meat such as a lamb joint or stewing beef, slow cooking will create a superior meal.

How Do Slow Cookers Work?

Most slow cookers are made of three main components:

1. A metal outer casing
2. A ceramic inner container
3. A lid

The food is placed inside the inner glazed ceramic container. This is heated by low wattage coils in the metal outer casing. Meanwhile, the lid helps to keep heat contained within the slow cooker. The lip also traps in any steam given off by the food during cooking. This helps to keep your food moist, tender and delicious. A slow cooker works by running at a low temperature for a long period of time.

What is the Best Meat to Slow Cook?

Some of the best meats to slow cook include diced mutton and beef chuck steak which are delicious in stews and curries. In general, fattier meats tend to be well suited for slow cooking. Dark meat such as chicken drumsticks and thighs also work well. The beauty of slow cooking is that all the taste is locked into the food. Any vegetables that are put in with the meat, soak up the juices and are imbued with these delicious flavours. Meanwhile the connective tissues in the meat are being broken down to give you a tender, melt in the mouth experience. For more inspiration, our Michelin Starred chef Jeff Baker shares his tips on the best way to slow cook for a perfect cosy winter meal.

What Are the Best Slow Cooking Recipes?

Not only is slow cooking energy efficient but it can create some wonderfully flavoursome meals. This means you can still save energy without sacrificing your enjoyment of top quality meats. Some of our favourite recipes include slow cooked pork shoulder which is a great option for an energy efficient dinner party or for feeding the family. For something extra special you could try our slow cooked ox cheeks on yorkshire puddings recipe.

Slow Cook Better Meat with Farmison

Part of our mission at Farmison is to make restaurant quality meat more widely available. That means delivering the finest grass fed lamb, free range chicken and more direct to your door. As a result, you can save money by eating in but still enjoy gourmet style meals. Try one of our energy efficient slow cooking recipes and Eat Better Meat this winter with Farmison.