How a Slow Cooker Can Save You Hundreds Every Year on Food and Energy Bills
Published 8th of February 2011·Updated 4 April 2026
Reviewed by: Reviewed for accuracy April 2026
A slow cooker can save a typical household between £200 and £400 per year when used regularly. The savings come from two sources: lower electricity consumption compared to an oven, and the ability to cook cheaper ingredients, particularly tough cuts of meat and dried pulses, into genuinely good meals.
Short Summary
A slow cooker uses roughly 150 to 300 watts of electricity, compared to 2,000 to 3,000 watts for an electric oven. Running a slow cooker for eight hours costs approximately 12 to 24 pence at the current Ofgem price cap rate, far less than using an oven for a similar period.
The biggest saving comes from the food itself. Cheap cuts such as beef shin, pork shoulder and lamb neck fillet, which are tough when cooked quickly, become tender and flavoursome after eight hours in a slow cooker. These cuts typically cost 30 to 50 per cent less than premium cuts.
Dried beans, lentils and pulses cost a fraction of tinned equivalents and cook well in a slow cooker over several hours. A 500g bag of dried red lentils costs around 70 pence and makes several portions.
Slow cookers suit students, working families and anyone managing a tight budget. Set it in the morning and come home to a ready meal that cost a few pounds to make.
How much electricity does a slow cooker use?
A typical slow cooker draws between 150 and 300 watts on a low setting and up to 300 watts on high. Running it on low for eight hours uses between 1.2 and 2.4 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity.
At the Ofgem price cap rate of approximately 24 pence per kWh (as of early 2026), that works out to between 29 and 58 pence for a full day's cooking. By comparison, a standard electric oven at 2,000 watts running for one hour costs around 48 pence, and most roasts or casseroles need two to three hours at temperature.
| Appliance | Typical wattage | Cost for one meal (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Slow cooker (8 hours, low) | 150 to 300W | 29p to 58p |
| Electric oven (2 hours) | 2,000W | 96p |
| Gas hob (1.5 hours) | Equivalent ~1,500W | 40p to 60p |
| Microwave (30 minutes) | 700 to 1,000W | 8p to 12p |
The slow cooker is not always the cheapest option per meal, but it wins on convenience and on the type of cooking it enables: long, slow braising that transforms inexpensive ingredients.
Which cheap ingredients work best in a slow cooker?
The slow cooker excels at two categories of ingredient: tough cuts of meat that need long cooking to become tender, and dried legumes that need extended hydration and heat.
Cheap cuts that slow cookers handle particularly well include beef shin, brisket, pork shoulder, lamb shanks and chicken thighs. Supermarkets including Aldi, Lidl and Morrisons often discount these cuts in the reduced-to-clear section. Bought at reduced price and cooked in a slow cooker, the cost per portion can fall to under £1 for a meat-based dish.
Dried red lentils, chickpeas, butter beans and split peas are all ideal for slow cooker soups, dahls and stews. A 500g bag of dried red lentils from Tesco or Sainsbury's typically costs around 70 pence and provides four to six portions. The equivalent in tinned lentils would cost two to three times more.
How much can a household realistically save per year?
A family using a slow cooker four times a week instead of the oven for equivalent meals could realistically save the following:
- Energy saving: approximately £80 to £120 per year (based on oven versus slow cooker electricity cost differential)
- Food saving: approximately £150 to £300 per year (cheaper cuts and dried pulses versus premium ingredients)
- Combined saving: approximately £230 to £420 per year
These figures are estimates and will vary depending on how often you cook, which ingredients you use and current energy prices. The food saving element is typically larger than the energy saving, especially if you switch regularly from premium to budget cuts.
Is a slow cooker expensive to buy?
No. A basic slow cooker from Russell Hobbs, Morphy Richards or Tower costs between £15 and £35. At that price, even a modest saving of £200 per year means the appliance pays for itself within a few weeks.
Larger households may benefit from a 6-litre model, which costs £25 to £50 and can cook a full batch of stew or soup sufficient for several meals. Batch cooking and freezing portions multiplies the saving further.
FAQ
Can I leave a slow cooker on while I am out at work?
Yes. Slow cookers are designed for unattended cooking over several hours. Most recipes work on a low setting for eight hours, making them ideal for cooking while you are at work. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and make sure the lid is on securely before leaving.
Does a slow cooker use more electricity than a microwave?
Over the same duration, yes. But slow cookers and microwaves are used for different tasks. A microwave reheats food quickly; a slow cooker cooks raw ingredients over many hours. The relevant comparison is with an oven or hob, not a microwave.
Can you cook frozen meat in a slow cooker?
No. The Food Standards Agency advises against cooking frozen meat directly in a slow cooker because the meat may spend too long at a temperature that allows bacterial growth before it reaches a safe internal temperature. Always defrost meat fully in the fridge before adding it to a slow cooker.
What meals work best in a slow cooker?
Stews, casseroles, soups, curries, pulled pork, chilli, dahls and bolognese all work very well. Dishes with some liquid are best suited to slow cooking. Dishes that rely on browning or a crispy finish should be finished under a grill or in a hot oven briefly before serving.
Is it cheaper to use a slow cooker or a pressure cooker?
A pressure cooker cooks food faster, so it uses less energy per meal. However, pressure cookers typically cost more to buy and are less suited to cheaper cuts that benefit from very long, low cooking. For budget cooking, both are good options; slow cookers are simpler to use and better for all-day cooking.