Checklist

Winter isn't the only time for a slow cooker. They're good in summer too, as they won't heat up your kitchen like an oven does.

Here's what to consider before you buy.

What to look for

• 1. Get the right size: a 5 to 6 litre cooker gives a useable volume of 4 litres - a good size for large groups. For one or two people, 3.5 litres (2 litres useable volume) is enough.
  
   
• 2. Get the most convenient shape: a round pot is fine if you plan to cook only stews and curries, but an oval cooker allows you to cook longer cuts of meat such as lamb shanks or roasts as well.
  
   
• 3. Make checking easy: a glass lid allows you to check progress without lifting the lid.

What the settings mean

• Low gently simmers food for a long time.
• High cooks over a shorter time, although the food may need stirring to improve the flavour and you may have to add water.
• Warm is for keeping the food at serving temperature - but you shouldn't use this setting for more than four hours.
• Auto cooks food on "high" for a while, then switches to "low".