Slow Cookers & Pressure Cookers

Slow Cookers are versatile and easy to use Kitchen Appliances that are great for cooking meals benefiting from retaining moisture like stews, curries, casseroles and soups. They do a great job of cooking root vegetables like potatoes and carrots along with leaving tough cuts of meat tender and moist. They’re designed to cook on a low, sustained heat throughout the day and because they cook slowly with a little bit of forward planning you'll be rewarded with rich and hearty meals packed with developed flavours. They're also very safe to leave on unsupervised once the ingredients are prepared and in the pot.

Great for last minute dinners, Pressure Cookers make regular slow cooked meals fast. A slow cooked seven hour meal might take just 45 minutes in a Pressure Cooker. The depth of flavour might not be quite the same and they require supervision, but they're great for when meals can't be started in the morning like lamb shanks. There’s also Slow and Pressure Cooker all in one combos like some Breville and Crock Pot models. Known as Multicookers, these appliances can give the best of both worlds.

Slow Cookers can be used to prepare a variety of meat based, vegetarian and vegan meals. There are tonnes of Slow Cooker recipes for delicious, set and forget meals to come home to. They’re also handy for batch preparing a week’s worth of lunches like pulled pork burgers or beef fajita wraps from beef brisket.

Slow Cookers are simple appliances with low and high cooking settings. Some cooks prefer to sear off meats first, however others swear by simply throwing all the ingredients in as they are and letting the Cooker go. For the most flavourful results, consider browning meats, onions, garlic and other veggies in a separate pan before adding them with a searing function on some models, like some of the Sunbeam or Russell Hobbs Slow Cookers for less washing up. All models should have a Keep Warm setting to keep food ready for the table.

If you're adapting a recipe that’s not written for a Slow Cooker, reduce the water and stock quantity by about half. If the meal looks a little too watery as it nears serving, use a colander or the lid to strain liquid into a wide pan and reduce it over a high heat to thicken up the sauce before pouring it back in.

Slow cookers use less energy than ovens or cooktops cooking identical meals. They consume 150-250 watts compared to ovens using 2000-5000 watts.

Pressure cookers prove more efficient than slow cookers, cooking meals 70% faster. An 8-hour slow cooker meal ready in 45 minutes uses significantly less electricity overall. Check the best slow cookers in Australia guide for energy-efficient models.

Have a think about which cooking method you’re likely to use most: the speed of a Pressure Cooker, the hands off simplicity of a Slow Cooker, or the versatility of a Multicooker which allows either. Some Multi Cookers even allow baking meals like Philips, cooking from hundreds of recipes with Tefal, or even Air Fryer functions with selected Ninja models.

Slow Cooker settings are straightforward usually with a single control dial, and some with an Auto setting for starting on a high temperature to quickly heat then lower at the target temperature. Pressure Cookers and Multicookers usually have a cooking timer displaying the time left before the meal is ready and all should have an alert for when the cook is finished.

Consider how easy the appliance is to keep clean after meals. Is the cooking bowl easy to handle and will it fit in the sink or dishwasher? Many models have a dishwasher safe pot and lid, however you should always refer to the user manual before assuming. Also think about how much food needs to be cooked at once and see if the quoted litre capacity will be enough, then sense check everything by considering available bench or storage space in the kitchen.

Ceramic pots distribute heat evenly and retain temperature well after switching off. They're dishwasher-safe but heavier than alternatives and can chip if dropped.

Non-stick aluminium pots heat quickly and weigh less than ceramic options. They require gentle cleaning to preserve coating integrity over time.

Stainless steel inserts suit pressure cookers and multicookers, handling high temperatures without warping. Cast iron retains heat excellently but adds significant weight to the appliance.

Material benefits:

• Ceramic: Even heating, dishwasher-safe, retains heat

• Non-stick: Lightweight, easy cleaning, quick heating

• Stainless steel: Durable, high-temperature resistant

• Cast iron: Superior heat retention, oven-safe

Glass lids allow monitoring without lifting and releasing heat. Metal lids seal better for pressure cooking functions in multicooker models.

Safety features prevent accidents during extended cooking periods. Auto shut-off functions activate when cooking completes, preventing overcooking and energy waste.

Cool-touch exteriors and handles protect against burns during operation. Locking lids on pressure cookers prevent opening whilst pressurised.

Here is a list of essential ones to look for:

• Pressure indicators showing internal status

• Automatic pressure release mechanisms

• Lid locks preventing unsafe opening

• Overheat protection systems

• Non-slip bases for stability

Steam release shields direct hot vapour away from users. Safety certifications confirm compliance with Australian electrical standards.

Consider cooking habits when selecting between slow cookers, pressure cookers, or multicookers. Morning preparation suits slow cookers, whilst pressure cookers accommodate last-minute dinner decisions.

Space constraints favour multicookers combining multiple functions. Review easy slow cook winter recipes to assess cooking style preferences.

Decision Factors

• Available preparation time

• Kitchen storage space

• Household size and portions

• Preferred cooking methods

• Budget constraints

• Cleaning preferences

Dishwasher-safe components simplify maintenance. Removable pots must fit your sink or dishwasher for easy cleaning after meals.