The average slow cooker uses between roughly 0.72 and 1.44 kWh to cook a meal over the course of four to eight hours. Based on the current average energy price of 24.67 pence per kWh for the Energy Price Cap (EPC) period from 1 April to 30 June 2026, this works out at a cost of between 18p and 36p per meal.

Factors That Affect the Electricity Usage of Slow Cookers

Whilst the average slow cooker will cost around 18-36 pence to cook a single meal, there are multiple factors that affect the average electricity usage of slow cookers in the UK, that will ultimately determine how much the appliance will cost you in electricity costs.

Length of cooking time

The number of hours a slow cooker is used for contributes to the total amount of electricity it will use. The longer you have your slow cooker on, the more electricity it will use.

Size

Slow cookers come in different sizes. The size of the slow cooker also contributes to its average electricity usage, with smaller slow cookers using less electricity.

Type of dish cooked

Different recipes require different settings. Some recipes will need cooking on low, whilst others will need cooking on high. Recipes cooked on low will use less electricity per hour compared to those that are cooked on high.

Average Running Cost of a Slow Cooker in the UK

There are a wide range of factors that will influence how much it costs to run a slow cooker.

The exact amount of electricity that is used by any slow cooker on the low and high modes varies depending on the appliance and how it is being used, but on average, it is between 75 and 150 watts on low, and 150 and 210 watts on high.

If we take a value in the middle of 110 watts on low and 180 watts on high, we get the following costs:

• 4 hours on a high setting = 0.18 kWh x 4 = 0.72 kWh of energy used = 18p
• 8 hours on low setting = 0.11 kWh x 8 = 0.88 kWh of energy used = 22p
• 8 hours on a high setting = 0.18 kWh x 8 = 1.44 kWh of energy used = 36p

How accurate are these estimates?

Please note, our figures are based on the slow cooker running at the maximum energy usage for the entire cooking period.

It is worth remembering that most of the energy usage will come when the slow cooker is heating up, and it will use much less when it is just maintaining the cooking temperature.

This means your slow cooker will most likely use less energy than our estimated averages; these are simply a guideline and should be considered a maximum.

To find out exactly how much electricity your slow cooker is using, you could use an electricity usage monitor like the Mecheer Power Meter, which can accurately measure the power usage of appliances.

Chef's Pick

Chef’s Pick is your guide to the best kitchen equipment and appliances in the UK.
We help you understand the confusing world of cookers, ovens and cookware so you can get the most out of your kitchen.

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This makes them great for busy workers or anyone that wants a tasty meal without the time or effort.

But are slow cookers a good option in terms of energy efficiency?

Knowing how energy-efficient your appliances are is important for a couple of reasons. Appliances that require a lot of energy to run are wasteful and thus detrimental to the planet.

But what’s more, the more uneconomical your appliances, the larger your electricity bill.

How Energy-Efficient Is a Slow Cooker?

You’ll be pleased to know that slow cookers are extremely energy-efficient. Alongside saving you time, a slow cooker could also be saving you money and our planet.

This is because the heating element in slow cookers uses a very low current and instead relies on trapping heat inside the appliance to cook food. But exactly how economical are slow cookers?

To figure this out, we need to do a little bit of simple maths to determine electricity usage.

Electricity usage is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). So to work out the energy consumption of a slow cooker, you need to multiply its wattage (W) by the time you have it running in hours.

However, wattage varies depending on the precise brand of slow cooker that you’re and what temperature setting you’re using.

Most slow cookers including the best-known Crockpot brand consume between 75W and 150W of energy on their lowest setting. On the highest temperature setting, energy consumption increases up to 210W.

For example’s sake, let’s say you have a Crockpot turned onto its highest setting for six hours. This would equate to 1,260Wh (210W x 6 hours), which is equivalent to 1.26kW.

For six hours of power and one incredible meal, this is pretty good energy usage.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Slow Cooker?

We have established that slow cookers are indeed energy efficient. But what does this mean in terms of running costs and electricity bills?

The average electricity cost in the UK is 24.67p for the Energy Price Cap (EPC) period from 1 April to 30 June 2026.

Using the same example as above, we can determine the cost of running a slow cooker on high for six hours. At 24.67p/kWh, this works out at around £0.31 (24.67p/kWh x 1.26kW = 31p).

If we were to have the slow cooker on its lowest setting, the cost would be even less.

However, bear in mind that recipes cooked at a lower temperature generally need to be running for longer.

Is It Cheaper to Use a Slow Cooker or an Electric Oven?

To better understand how energy-efficient and cost-saving a slow cooker is, it is worth comparing its energy usage and running costs to that of a traditional electric oven.

Most electric ovens have a power rating of around 2,100 W. Already you can see they require around 10x as much power as a slow-cooker on its highest setting to run for the same period!

However, whereas slow cookers are left on all day, ovens are used for much shorter periods. Despite this, running a slow cooker is still a lot cheaper.

Leaving a 2,100 W (2.1k Wh) oven on for one hour will cost you around £0.52 per hour (24.67p/kWh x 2.1 kWh = 58p). This means despite leaving your slow cooker on for six times as long, it still costs you about half the cost of using an electric oven.

So, if you want an eco-friendly kitchen, using your slow cooker more often is the way forward. No appliance is going to be 100% energy efficient, but it is a great first step at reducing energy waste, bettering our planet, and keeping your electricity bills down.

Hannah

Hannah is a freelance content writer and self-proclaimed foodie. When Hannah isn’t sitting tapping at her laptop, you’ll probably find her in the kitchen. As an ex-chalet host, she’s used to cooking four-course meals for 10+ people and loves feeding friends and family whenever possible.

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Homemade burgers are healthier than shop-bought ones as they don’t contain any artificial additives or preservatives. When you make your own burgers, you know exactly what goes into them.

It’s fun to experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices until you have your own perfect recipe. You could even make a lot of burgers in one go and put them in the freezer.

Burger presses are very simple to use: you just add your mince blended with herbs and spices and then press it into a burger shape. This is easier and less messy than trying to mould it into a burger shape with your hands.

Here are five of the most popular and highly rated burger presses available in the UK. They can all be used to make quarter pounders or other sized burgers depending on how much meat you use.

What Is a Burger Press?

A burger press is a really simple kitchen tool.

First, you pop some of your delicious burger mixes into it. My partner makes a cracking burger with lean beef mince, some breadcrumbs and an array of spices that I have not been allowed to divulge on here! Sorry, but they are very tasty, so I would like to keep enjoying them.

Next, you add the top of the press and press the meaty goodness down into a patty. That is pretty much it.

The burger press ensures that the patty is nice and solid, and thin. If you want a thicker patty, simply don’t press down as hard on the handle, or add more mix.

However, a thinner patty means less cooking time and more moisture in the burger. More moisture means more tastiness.

Are Burger Presses Worth It?

My partner has a burger press and uses it whenever we make burgers. Not only does it make each burger really easy to make, but it also makes them a uniform thickness and size, which makes cooking times really simple.

So, if you often cook burgers for a lot of people, that can be really handy. If you’re also cooking burgers on the BBQ, a burger press can be used to firm your patties up, which means they won’t crumble and fall onto the coals of the BBQ. Again, very handy.

So, burger presses can be really worth it.

Plus, a burger press really isn’t too large and doesn’t cost that much either. And most burger presses on the market offer way more than simply pressing some meat together.

Well, okay, burger presses say they are multifunctional but can only really be used to make burgers in different sizes. That’s fine by us, though.

Burger Press FAQs

How do you keep burgers from sticking to the burger press?

Having burgers constantly stick to a burger press can be very frustrating. After all, you’re using a burger press to make the process easier, not harder.

One of the best ways of keeping burgers from sticking to a burger press is to use a non-stick press.

Non-stick burger presses have a textured surface. This surface creates small air pockets between the meat and the press and ensures that nothing sticks during use.

Take the GWHOLE burger press above, for example. There is a very light texture on the surface of this press.

This is just enough to create air gaps between the meat and press, so your burgers don’t stick.

You can use water on the base of the press to help with any sticking issues too, and this method works for any burger press.

Do you oil a burger press?

You can use oil in the burger press to prevent the burgers from sticking, but water is a better option.

Burgers don’t need much oil during the cooking process as the fat they contain gets all the sizzling done for you.

So, introducing oil into the burger press can result in a greasy burger. If you’re having trouble with sticking, put some water on the faces of the press.

This will allow you to press the burgers as hard as you like but will create surface tension on the faces of the press and ensure your burgers won’t stick.

What can you use instead of a burger press?

Burger presses are useful, but they aren’t a kitchen essential. Many chefs simply use their hands to shape burgers and then a flat palm to press them. If you have a lot of experience making burgers this way, they can be very uniform with this method.

If you don’t have much experience with this burger-making technique, though, your burgers may not be uniform.

Of course, burgers not being uniform isn’t a big deal aesthetically unless you are entering a burger beauty pageant.

However, non-uniform burgers can cook at different rates and times, so a uniform shape and size is actually quite important.

If you don’t have a burger press right now, there is an amazingly easy way to batch out burgers with things you likely already have in your kitchen. You’ll need two baking trays, some water and your meat.

Add a little water to the top of one of the baking trays and the bottom of the other. The trays don’t need to be swimming in water. Just add enough to wet the surface.

Then portion out your meat for the patties and add them to the baking tray with water on the top of it.

Grab the tray with water on the bottom and put it over the balls of meat, and smash it down.

Give it a good press, lift it up, and you’ll have some delicious burgers. You can use this burger-making technique to make as many burgers as will fit on the tray too.

Conclusion

If we had to pick just one burger press to recommend, it would be the GWHOLE Non Stick Burger Press. It’s easy to use and easy to clean, and comes with 100 handy paper discs to stop your burgers from sticking.

Chef's Pick

Chef’s Pick is your guide to the best kitchen equipment and appliances in the UK.
We help you understand the confusing world of cookers, ovens and cookware so you can get the most out of your kitchen.

The post Best Burger Presses (UK) appeared first on Chef's Pick.

They typically have a door that pulls down to open, like a traditional oven, and one or two racks inside to hold whatever items you’re cooking.

If you’re considering buying a toaster oven, you’re in the right place. Here, we tell you all you need to know about these handy kitchen appliances—what they’re used for, how they compare to traditional ovens, and their disadvantages. Is a toaster oven a smart choice for your kitchen? Let’s find out.

What Can You Use a Toaster Oven For?

Much like a traditional toaster, toaster ovens are excellent for toasting slices of bread, bagels, and muffins.

Place your preferred bread product in the toaster oven and use the toasting function for a piece of bread that’s perfectly browned on both sides.  

However, a toaster oven isn’t only for toasting bread! They are versatile kitchen appliances that can be used for various cooking tasks that are usually done in the oven. These include:

• Baking: You can use a toaster oven to bake cookies, brownies, muffins, small cakes, and other homebaked goods. It is particularly useful for baking small batches.
• Grilling: The grilling setting on a toaster oven can be used to grill meat, fish, or vegetables. It’s also perfect for quickly browning the top of dishes like lasagna and pasta bakes.
• Reheating: Toaster ovens can also function as a microwave and reheat leftover meals, but with one extra benefit—your reheated food won’t turn soggy as it does in the microwave.
• Roasting: Small cuts of meat, poultry, or vegetables can be roasted in a toaster oven, just as you would do in a regular oven.
• Warming plates: Your toaster oven can double as a warming draw, allowing you to warm plates or serving dishes to help the food stay at the perfect eating temperature.
• Defrosting foods: Toaster ovens can defrost frozen foods quickly. Some models have specific defrost settings, whereas you’ll need to manually adjust the settings on others.
• Dehydrating: Some toaster ovens come with a dehydrating function, allowing you to make your own dried fruits, herbs, or jerky.

What Is the Difference Between an Oven and a Toaster Oven?

As you can see, many of the functions of toaster ovens overlap with those of your regular oven. Both appliances can be used for baking, roasting, grilling, reheating, and various other functions.

However, there are some key differences between countertop vs. regular ovens to consider:

1. Toaster ovens are more compact

Although ovens come in various sizes, they are generally considered large appliances. The largest ovens are range cookers, with standard widths of 90 cm, 100 cm, and 110 cm.

Single ovens take up the least space, whereas double ovens fall somewhere in the middle.

Toaster ovens are more compact appliances that sit on your kitchen countertop. Precise measurements vary depending on the make and model, but the average dimensions are around 35 cm by 50 cm.

This means that toaster ovens can be a fantastic space-saving solution for apartments, but the small capacity might make family mealtimes difficult.

2. Differences in functionality

Ovens often come with multiple cooking functions, including baking, grilling, and roasting.

Multipurpose ovens have an even more complex range of functions, with specific settings for things like baking bread, cooking pizza, or defrosting frozen foods. They are designed to handle a wide range of cooking tasks.

While toaster ovens have most of the same functions as full-size ovens, they are primarily designed for toasting bread and baking smaller items.

Moreover, some items such as large joints of meat or family-sized pizzas simply won’t fit inside a toaster oven.

3. Visibility of heating elements

Both standard ovens and toaster ovens typically have two heating elements, one at the top and another at the bottom of the cavity.

These elements generate heat and provide even heat distribution during cooking. Depending on which oven setting you select, the program may use one or both elements to cook your food.

Most modern ovens have their heating elements covered. However, some toaster ovens have their heating elements exposed.

Although a minor difference, this can be problematic when cooking greasy food in your toaster oven, as the fats can drip onto the heating element and cause a fire.

4. Toaster ovens preheat faster

Because ovens are large appliances, they take a while to preheat. Preheating a gas oven takes around 15 minutes on average, whereas electric ovens take approximately 20 minutes to reach the same temperature.

Fan ovens heat up much faster, but you still need to preheat the oven for around 10 minutes before cooking.

For an even speedier preheating process, you need a toaster oven—they only take around 5 minutes to get up to temperature.

This shorter preheating time is because of their smaller size. If you often need to cook meals quickly, toaster ovens can be a great addition to your kitchen.

5. Toaster ovens use less energy

As traditional ovens take longer to heat up, more energy is required for them to reach and maintain an accurate oven temperature.

On the other hand, toaster ovens are designed with a focus on efficiency. Their compact size allows for quicker heating times and less energy expenditure.

When used for extended periods or for cooking large meals, traditional ovens can therefore contribute to higher energy consumption. This has a negative impact on the cost of your utility bills and overall environmental sustainability.

Comparatively, mini ovens are cheaper to run and a more energy-efficient option for everyday cooking needs.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Toaster Oven?

While toaster ovens are versatile and useful appliances, they do have some disadvantages that may be important to consider:

• Limited capacity: Toaster ovens are small, limiting the quantity of food that can be cooked or baked at once. This can be a drawback when preparing large meals, bulk cooking for the week ahead, or feeding a larger number of people.
• Uneven cooking: Some toaster ovens may have uneven heat distribution, resulting in certain areas of the food being cooked more than others. This can be addressed by rotating or rearranging the food during cooking or buying a convection toaster oven.
• Not ideal for certain tasks: Some cooking tasks, such as roasting large cuts of meat or baking large batches of items, may be better suited for a traditional oven. The limited space in a toaster oven restricts its ability to handle these specific cooking requirements.
• Counter space: Toaster ovens are great for small apartments that lack space for a full-size oven. However, if you’re limited on counter space, adding a toaster oven may be a challenge as it needs to be out on the worktop.

What Is the Point of a Toaster Oven?

The primary purpose of a toaster oven is to heat up small portions of food quickly. They are great if you’re cooking or reheating meals for one person, offering a faster and more energy-efficient alternative to a standard oven.

With smaller dimensions and shorter preheating times, they’re also perfect for small homes that need to cook in a hurry.

However, these advantages aren’t for everyone, and some don’t see “the point” of toaster ovens.

Unless you’re cooking individual portions, you’re probably better off using a standard oven or specific appliance for your cooking needs—such as a regular toaster.

Hannah

Hannah is a freelance content writer and self-proclaimed foodie. When Hannah isn’t sitting tapping at her laptop, you’ll probably find her in the kitchen. As an ex-chalet host, she’s used to cooking four-course meals for 10+ people and loves feeding friends and family whenever possible.

The post What Is a Toaster Oven? appeared first on Chef's Pick.

With a blender, you can just chuck all those healthy ingredients in together and thirty seconds later – voila! You have the most delicious juices, smoothies, and purees at your disposal!

But if you want to make sure you choose the right one for your needs, but aren’t quite sure where to begin, allow us to indulge you…

This article outlines some of the most popular blender brands and breaks down their strengths and weaknesses to help you find the ideal one for your needs.

What to Look for When Purchasing a New Blender

As with looking into any product or service, scouring reviews on the Internet is always a good way to seek out a product in your price range that is sturdy, reliable, and will suit yours and your family’s needs.

If noise is a factor (and blenders have something of a reputation for being on the loud side!), then perusing reviews and finding a product that has been stated to be quiet will likely steer you in the right direction.

It is also worth taking your personal circumstances into consideration. For example, any physical issues that may require using an item that is ergonomic, lightweight, and easier to use.

As with all electrical appliances, it is worth finding one that comes with a good guarantee period, and possibly even insurance to cover any potential issues farther down the line.

Blenders vs Food Processors – What’s the Difference?

Although food processors and blenders have a couple of similarities, the food processor aims to provide you with quick and precise food prep that would otherwise be done by hand or with a non-electronic utensil (both of which would take a lot longer and can be rather exhausting!), whereas blenders tend to come with the standard built-in blade (sometimes it is detachable) and that’s it.

The blender’s purpose is to liquify all that comes into contact with it, such as juices, smoothies, purees, dips, sauces, crushing ice, and cocktails – and that’s it. Food processors on the other hand can be used for slicing and dicing veg, among other things.

Other Things to Consider When Buying a Blender

Space

If counter space is something of an issue in your kitchen, then it’s worth looking out for one that isn’t bulky or takes up a lot of room. If it can be stored in a cupboard, great, but if cupboard space is also an issue, a blender that comes with more than one jug and/or multiple attachments is best avoided.

Speed settings

Depending on how often you plan on using your blender – as well as what you plan on using it for – it is wise to consider investing in a blender that comes with more than one speed setting.

Certain foods, such as homemade nut butters, can require a bit of oomph, so it is worth looking into a blender that gives you the option to whizz up more tougher foods without the risk of overheating or damaging the blade.

Blender jug material

Blender jugs typically tend to come in either glass or plastic. Plastic is lighter (and safer if you’re a clumsy cook prone to dropping!), but it is notorious for absorbing odours, and will get scratched over time. Glass jugs are typically sturdier, but can be less lightweight (especially when full).

If either of those factors are an issue, you can (for a higher cost) invest in high-quality plastics, such as BPA-free Tritan, which is extra strong and light to handle. It looks like glass, therefore it offers the best of both worlds.

Dishwasher-safe components

Some blenders have dishwasher-friendly parts; some don’t. Washing heavily-staining sauces or smoothies out of blender jugs can be laborious, so if cleaning isn’t your vibe, purchasing a blender where all the detachable parts can go in the dishwasher is likely the best option for you.

Size & capacity

The capacity of your blender is an important focus – especially if you have more than one mouth to feed! One size doesn’t fit all in this case, so here is a brief guide to capacity considerations:

• Standard size: Most standard countertop blender containers hold circa 48-72 oz of liquid, meaning you’ll be able to prepare drinks for as many as nine people.
• High-performance: These tend to be bigger and more powerful. Some high-performance blenders can hold up to 145 ounces, so it can be useful for bigger, busy families.
• Individual servings: Personal blenders hold just 8 -20 ounces, so they can be useful if you’re the only one planning on using the blender.

Conclusion

Blenders are a really great attribute to any kitchen and take so much hassle out of the food prep process, but as with most modern products, there are always so many options to choose from and it’s hard to know which one will suit your needs best.

Here at Chef’s Pick, however, we know what we like and in the case of blenders, it’s the Ninja Nutri Slim Blender and Smoothie Maker that reigns supreme over all its competitors! Its strength, sturdiness, and agility make it our number-one choice, without a doubt.

Clara Taylor

Clara is a freelance writer and former chef. Though she may have hung up her apron, her love of food and cooking is still going strong! When she’s not whipping up a verbal storm, she’ll be in her kitchen sipping wine and whipping up a culinary storm.

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This article explores the space-saving design, diverse cooking functions, and real-world applications of combination microwaves, helping you decide if this kitchen appliance aligns with your cooking needs.

Join us as we take a deep dive into the advantages and disadvantages of this versatile kitchen appliance and answer the question: Is a combination microwave worth it?

What Are the Benefits of a Combination Microwave Oven?

A combination microwave oven, also known as a convection microwave oven, offers the benefits of both a traditional microwave and a convection oven.

Here’s a closer look at some advantages of these versatile kitchen appliances:

1. Versatility

Combination microwave ovens can perform a variety of cooking tasks. They can be used for basic microwave functions, such as reheating and defrosting, as well as for baking, grilling, and roasting with the convection feature.

This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of cooking requirements—they’re an all-in-one kitchen solution!

2. Speed of cooking

Combination microwaves are known for their speed in cooking or reheating food compared to traditional microwaves and microwave ovens, as they rely on two technologies:

• Microwave technology: Microwaves use electromagnetic waves to directly heat the water molecules in food. This process is very efficient for tasks like, and is particularly fast in heating the outer layers of food.
• Convection cooking: Convection ovens, whether standalone or part of a convection microwave, use a fan and heating element to circulate hot air around the food. This creates a more even cooking environment and speeds up the cooking process.

When you combine these two technologies in a convection microwave, you get the benefits of both.

The microwave function rapidly heats the food’s surface, while the convection function ensures even cooking throughout. This allows for faster cooking times compared to using either method alone.

3. Improved energy efficiency

Using a combination microwave oven for specific cooking tasks can be more energy-efficient than using a conventional oven.

For example, the microwave function uses less energy than preheating a full-size oven when reheating or defrosting.

Meanwhile, the convection function speeds up the cooking process, lowering energy consumption.

Some combination microwaves even come with energy-saving features, such as sensor cooking technology that automatically adjusts cooking times based on the moisture content of the food.

These features can contribute to more efficient energy use and lower calculated electricity costs.

4. Take up less space

Combination microwave ovens save space in the kitchen by combining multiple functions into one appliance.

You have all the multi-functions of a full-size oven and a microwave compacted into one countertop appliance that takes up minimum space.

They are especially useful in smaller kitchens or apartments where you’re tight on space.

5. Multi-stage cooking

Many combination microwaves offer multi-stage cooking, allowing you to switch between microwave, convection, and grill modes seamlessly. This feature is handy for recipes that require different cooking methods at various stages and automates the process.

Convection microwaves thus provide a convenient way to automate complex cooking tasks. This feature is particularly helpful for recipes that involve a combination of microwaving, baking, roasting, grilling, and other cooking methods.

It allows you to use various cooking techniques without constantly monitoring and adjusting the settings.

6. Crisp and brown food

One of the main drawbacks of reheating dishes in a traditional microwave is that your food can get a little soggy.

Microwaves are designed to heat food quickly but aren’t well-suited for creating a crispy texture on the exterior!

Combination microwaves solve this issue entirely. The convection and grill features in combination microwave ovens allow for browning and crisping of food.

This is particularly useful for preparing dishes like casseroles, pizzas, and baked goods that benefit from a crispy exterior.

However, they might not achieve the same level of crispiness that you’d get in a dedicated oven.

7. Preprogrammed settings

Some combination microwave ovens come with preprogrammed settings for specific types of food, making it easier to achieve great results without having to guess cooking times and temperatures.

For example, you might find settings specifically for cooking pizza, popcorn, potatoes, and vegetables.

Most combination microwaves also come with preprogrammed settings for specific cooking needs. These depend on the make and model but include settings such as:

• Defrost setting: Many convection microwaves have a defrost setting that allows you to thaw frozen food quickly and safely. You can input the weight or time needed for defrosting, and the combination microwave does the rest.
• Reheat setting: This setting is optimised for reheating leftovers like stir-fries, pasta dishes, and leftover takeaways. It adjusts the cooking time and power level to prevent overcooking or uneven heating.
• Sensor cooking: Some advanced convection microwaves feature sensor cooking technology. These microwaves use sensors to detect how much moisture is in the food and adjust the cooking time and power level accordingly.

8. Easy to clean

Many combination microwave ovens have features such as removable turntables and non-stick interiors, making them easier to clean compared to traditional ovens.

Some modern combination microwaves also come with steam-cleaning features. These features use steam to loosen and soften food particles, making it easier to wipe away stains.

9. Quick preheating

The convection feature in combination microwave ovens often allows for faster preheating times compared to conventional ovens, saving you time in the kitchen.

Some microwaves even have advanced features, such as “rapid preheat,” to accelerate the preheating process further.

That said, the wattage of the microwave is a significant factor. Microwaves with wattages in the range of 800 to 1200 watts are common, with higher wattages typically providing quicker preheating times.

If quick preheating is a priority, consider looking for a combination microwave with a higher wattage and features designed to speed up the preheating process.

10. Combination cooking

Combination microwaves allow you to combine two or more cooking methods (microwaving, baking, and grilling or broiling) during the same cooking cycle.

For example, you might use the microwave and convection functions together to quickly cook and brown a casserole or the microwave and grill functions to reheat and crisp a slice of pizza.

Combination cooking offers the benefits of both speed (from the microwave) and browning capabilities (from the convection and grill functions), providing more flexibility in preparing a range of recipes.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Convection Microwave Oven?

While combination microwave ovens offer many benefits, it’s important to note that they may not replace a full-size oven for specific cooking tasks. Here are some of the disadvantages to consider:

1. More expensive

Generally, combination microwaves tend to be more expensive than basic, standalone microwaves.

This is because combination microwaves offer additional cooking features, such as convection and grill functions, which can increase their complexity and versatility. The cost of repairs and maintenance may also be higher.

2. Added complexity

While combination microwaves have many additional features compared to traditional microwaves, they are generally designed to be user-friendly.

However, the combination of microwave, convection, and grilling features can make the appliance complex to use.

Due to the combination of cooking methods, there may be a learning curve. You may find it challenging to navigate the various functions, especially if you are unfamiliar with convection cooking.

Reading the user manual is essential for understanding the specific features and functions, and achieving the desired results may require some experimentation with settings and cooking times.

3. Require more countertop space

While convection microwave ovens are more compact than traditional ovens, they may still take up more counter space than a basic microwave. This can be a disadvantage in smaller kitchens with limited space on the countertop.

However, the size of convection microwaves can vary significantly based on the specific model and brand, so you should be able to find an appliance appropriate for your kitchen. For example:

• Compact models: Compact combination microwave ovens typically have a capacity of around 0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet. These smaller models suit individuals or small households with limited kitchen space.
• Mid-size models: Mid-size convection microwaves often have a capacity ranging from 1.1 to 1.5 cubic feet. These microwaves provide a balance between capacity and counter space, making them suitable for average-sized kitchens.
• Full-size models: Full-size convection microwaves can have a capacity of 1.6 cubic feet and above. These larger models are well-suited for families or individuals who do a substantial amount of cooking in the microwave but require a larger amount of space.

4. Limited capacity

When considering the size of a convection microwave, it’s essential not only to account for the external dimensions to ensure that the microwave fits into your kitchen setup—you must also consider the interior cooking space.

Even for full-sized models, the interior capacity of convection microwave ovens is generally smaller compared to traditional ovens.

This can be a limitation when cooking large meals or batches of food, especially for big families.

However, the limited capacity could be an advantage if you have a small household or are cooking individual portions.

5. Heavier appliances

Convection microwave ovens are generally heavier than standard microwaves due to the additional components required for convection and grilling.

On average, they weigh from around 10 kg for compact models up to about 20 kg for full-size models. This makes them less portable and more challenging to move around your kitchen.

6. Noisier operation

Compared to traditional ovens, microwaves – including combination microwaves – tend to be quieter.

However, combination microwaves make more noise when using the convection and grilling functions compared to the noise of a standard microwave oven. This is due to the operation of the convection fan and heating element.

The noise level can vary among different models, but it is generally not considered excessively loud. However, you may find it bothersome if you’re sensitive to noise.

7. Not a full replacement for ovens

While convection microwave ovens are incredibly versatile, they are not a one-to-one replacement for a dedicated convection oven or grill. The main differences include:

• Heat distribution: Traditional ovens often offer more even heat distribution and control over temperature settings than combination microwave ovens.
• Number of racks: Dedicated ovens have a larger capacity with multiple racks, while double ovens have two separate compartments for cooking food simultaneously at different temperatures. Combination microwaves only consist of one smaller compartment.
• Browning and grilling: While combination microwaves can grill to some extent, ovens with grills are also better at browning and crisping than combination microwaves.

Therefore, cooking certain dishes – such as roasting large joints of meat, crisping the top of a pasta bake, or cooking a roast dinner with many oven-baked elements – may only be possible when using a traditional oven and grill.

Is It Worth Getting a Combnation Microwave?

Whether it’s worth getting a convection microwave depends on your cooking needs, preferences, and lifestyle.

While they may be more expensive upfront, they can offer added value and versatility in the kitchen, especially if any of the following sound like you:

• You’re looking for a space-saving alternative to a traditional oven. For those with limited kitchen space, a convection microwave provides a space-saving solution by combining the functions of a microwave and a convection oven in one appliance.
• You want to prepare tasty meals quickly. The combination of microwave and convection cooking allows for quicker cooking times, making them suitable for busy individuals or families who need to prepare meals in a hurry.
• You often cook using a variety of different methods. If you regularly use a variety of cooking methods (reheating, baking, roasting, and grilling), you may find a convection microwave versatile and convenient.
• You’re looking to find more energy-efficient cooking methods. Convection microwaves are often more energy-efficient than traditional ovens, as they require less time to preheat and cook delicious recipes.
• You live by yourself and frequently prepare meals for one. Smaller households may find convection microwaves suitable for their needs. The compact size and versatility make them well-suited for preparing meals in smaller quantities.

It’s important to note that while convection microwaves offer many advantages, they aren’t “worth it” for everyone. The decision to choose a convection microwave should align with your individual needs.

If budget is the only consideration holding you back, it’s a good idea to compare prices, features, and customer reviews to find a combination microwave that fits both your cooking needs and your budget.

Prices can vary substantially based on the brand and the specific features offered, so it doesn’t need to hold you back from efficient and effortless cooking.

Hannah

Hannah is a freelance content writer and self-proclaimed foodie. When Hannah isn’t sitting tapping at her laptop, you’ll probably find her in the kitchen. As an ex-chalet host, she’s used to cooking four-course meals for 10+ people and loves feeding friends and family whenever possible.

The post Is a Combination Microwave Worth It? appeared first on Chef's Pick.

If you’ve ever used a tea towel to remove something from an oven, you’ll know how careful you need to be. Each time you take something out of the oven, you run the risk of burning yourself, but oven gloves ultimate that almost altogether.

Today, we have the best oven gloves in the UK just for you. We have lots of styles of oven gloves to choose from, and we even have a guide to choosing oven gloves as well.

How to Choose the Right Oven Gloves for You

Choosing a pair of oven gloves may sound really simple, right? You could simply go and buy whichever oven gloves you first see, and they will do just fine for you.

However, if you put a bit of thought into how you cook and what you’ll be using the gloves for mainly, you could actually buy some oven gloves that are going to protect you really well and look good hanging in your kitchen.

So, here’s a quick guide on buying oven gloves that are perfect for you.

Oven glove materials

Silicone

Some people love having lots of grip on oven gloves and will always choose silicone oven gloves as a result.

My dad has silicone oven gloves and gets on with them really well. These oven gloves last a lot longer than cotton ones, and the grip never really fades from them either, unless you are using them for hours at a time.

Silicone also has excellent heat resistant properties, so your hands will be protected from the heat for a long time.

I’m sure we’ve all picked something up in old, worn-out oven gloves in the past and have needed to put it down very quickly; otherwise, dinner will be all over the floor.

Well, with silicone oven gloves, you may never experience that. These oven mitts last for a very long time, offer plenty of grip (usually for the life of the gloves), and can look very stylish too.

The only downside to silicone oven gloves is that they are not as flexible as cotton gloves, so picking up small items with these gloves can be tricky.

Cotton

Cotton oven gloves are great if you want flexibility. Lots of people feel that silicone oven gloves don’t provide enough feeling when handling things, and we understand that knowing you have a firm grip on something (especially something hot) is a big concern. So, cotton oven gloves may be the best route for you.

These oven gloves are nice and thick, so you’ll still have some good heat resistance, but they do wear out quicker than silicone gloves.

However, cotton oven gloves usually come in a lot of different styles, so you can choose the perfect gloves for your kitchen and the paint scheme.

Plus, as they don’t last as long, cotton oven gloves are usually cheaper than silicone ones.

Neoprene

Neoprene gloves offer a few advantages over other types. These gloves are known for their heat resistance, and provide a reliable protective barrier against high temperatures. Their water resistance also makes them versatile, as you can use them for tasks that involve liquids or steam.

One great thing about neoprene gloves is their flexibility and grip. They give you a secure grip on hot cookware, and the material is also flexible so you can move your fingers around easily.

One downside to neoprene gloves is that they can lack breathability compared to certain other materials, potentially resulting in a warmer feel during extended use.

Also, the thickness of neoprene gloves can mean they aren’t ideal for handling small items.

Neoprene gloves tend to be more flexible and form-fitting than silicone gloves. Compared to cotton gloves, neoprene has superior heat resistance but can be less breathable and a bit heavier.

Attached or separate?

Having used both separate oven gloves and attached oven gloves recently, I can certainly say that I prefer using single ones. I feel I have more control with single oven gloves, and I often only use one oven glove anyway.

If you’re a maverick like me and only use one oven glove, you’ll know that using attached oven mitts can be really unsafe as the other glove dangles down and gets in the way.

Of course, attached oven gloves still have their place in the kitchen and are great for certain tasks. Attached or detached oven gloves is really a personal thing. So, you could give both a try and see which you prefer.

Size and fit

Consider the size of your hands when choosing oven gloves. If your gloves are too small, they’ll feel constrictive and uncomfortable. On the other hand, if they’re too big, they’ll be challenging to control. Go for a snug yet not too tight fit if you can.

Most gloves on the market are available in a choice of sizes, so you should carefully choose which size is likely to be best for you. If you’re buying them in person rather than online, you can try them on and choose the gloves that fit snugly without being overly tight.

If you’re buying online, check any sizing charts or guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Measure your hands and see if they will fit. If you’re not sure, try to buy a product that you will be able to return if necessary.

Conclusion

Well, we hope you found the best oven gloves for your kitchen above. We loved the MasterClass oven gloves. The grip of the silicone is really unmatched by most oven gloves in the UK.

If you want to buy a new oven to really give your new gloves a proper test, Chef’s Pick has an article for you!

We have everything a kitchen needs to be the heart of the home right here, so check out the rest of our cookware articles while you’re here.

Scott

Scott is a writer and a passionate home chef. His passion for cooking began when he was 10 years old. Scott has been writing professionally for over five years now and loves to combine his passion for cooking with his day job.

The post Best Oven Gloves (UK) appeared first on Chef's Pick.

These cheap appliances allow you to throw a bunch of ingredients into the cooker in the morning and come home to a delicious, warming meal in the evening.

Plenty of recipes have been written specifically for slow cookers. Still, it’s also common practice to adapt a favourite recipe so that it can also be cooked using this appliance.

This generally works well for stews or casseroles, but it can be hard to know what to add when cooking other dishes, particularly those that aren’t cooked in a sauce.

Can you dry-cook these foods like normal? Or do you need liquid in a slow cooker?

In general, your slow cooker does require liquid to work correctly. However, it may not be in the way you imagine. Read on for a detailed guide.

Is It Safe to Use a Slow Cooker Without Liquid?

To cook food properly, slow cookers require some liquid. To understand the reason for this, let’s take a quick look at how slot cookers heat food:

1. The appliance heats up and warms the liquid inside.
2. When heated, this liquid evaporates and creates steam.
3. The steam is then trapped by the lid of the appliance and condenses.
4. The liquid drips back down the side of the appliance and into the food.

The water continuously recirculates, adding moisture to your food and increasing the internal temperature of the cooker without increasing its energy usage.

In fact, this heating method makes slow cookers extremely energy efficient despite running for hours at a time!

The form this liquid takes does not matter; the process will work the same whether you use water, tinned tomatoes, wine, or stock.

It’s also possible to increase the liquid content in a slow cooker through the use of marinades and oil.

The former works well when cooking meat, while the latter is great for recipes like this one for roast potatoes.

Some foods, such as fatty meat, already have a high enough water content themselves that no added liquid is required. In these instances, dry cooking is possible in your slow cooker.

This being said, we recommend submerging these foods in liquid if you want them to be soft and easily break apart.

What Happens If You Put Too Much Liquid in a Slow Cooker?

Because slow cookers require a lid to work properly, any liquid that is added to the pot cannot evaporate as it would when cooked on the hob. This means you must be careful when adding liquid to a slow cooker, as a meal can quickly become too watery.

As a rule, the amount of liquid you would usually add to your recipe when cooking on the hob needs to be reduced by a third when using a slow cooker. At most, your cooker should not be more than ¾ of the way full.

If you do accidentally add too much liquid to your slow cooker, it’s not the end of the world. Your food will be edible; it just may also be slightly overcooked and a bit bland.

However, there are a few things you can do to try and rectify the issue:

• Drain the excess liquid using a colander
• Remove the lid from your slow cooker towards the end of the cooking time so that some of the liquid evaporates
• Add a thickener (such as plain flour or one of these alternate options) to the sauce

You can also add more of your seasonings nearer the end of the cooking time if your dish has become too watered down and bland. We recommend taste-testing your meal first to ensure you don’t overdo it!

Top Tips for Using a Slow Cooker

Aside from adding too much or too little liquid, there are a few other common mistakes that people make when using a slow cooker.

To avoid these mistakes yourself, we recommend using the tips covered below:

• Vegetable placement: When cooking vegetables in a slow cooker, try to arrange them on the bottom and sides of the pot. Vegetables tend to take the longest to cook in a slow cooker, and this will bring them closer to the heat source.
• Frozen food: Always defrost food before adding it to a slow cooker. Not only will frozen foods increase the water content in the pot, but they will also take longer to heat up. This is especially bad when using frozen chicken or meat, as it increases the chances of bacteria growth, therefore making your meal unsafe to eat.
• Removing the lid: Once you have turned on your slow cooker, resist the temptation to lift the lid and look inside. Every time the lid is lifted, the temperature in the pot will reduce, causing the cooking time to increase. The exception to this is if you are reducing your liquid content toward the end of cooking.
• Overfilling: When adding your ingredients to the slow cooker, leave at least one inch of free space at the top of the pot. This gives you some leeway in case the food boils over and ensures that the lid will sit flat and trap in the heat.

Hannah

Hannah is a freelance content writer and self-proclaimed foodie. When Hannah isn’t sitting tapping at her laptop, you’ll probably find her in the kitchen. As an ex-chalet host, she’s used to cooking four-course meals for 10+ people and loves feeding friends and family whenever possible.

The post Do You Need Liquid in a Slow Cooker? appeared first on Chef's Pick.

A chef’s knife is a versatile knife used by chef’s and cooks for a variety of tasks including slicing joints of meat and dicing vegetables. Chef’s knives come in a range of sizes, but the standard chef’s knife is 20 centimetres (8 inches) long and 3.8 cm (1.5 inches) wide.

Chef’s knives come in two main varieties: French and German. French knives have a straighter cutting edge, whereas German knifes are more curved. They both work just as well as each other, but some people prefer the shape of one to the other.

The blade of a chef’s knife is usually made from one of these materials:

• Stainless steel – Less sharp than carbon steel knives, but they don’t rust
• Carbon steel – Easy to sharpen but can rust
• Ceramic – Need sharpening less often, but are brittle

You can also buy knives with a ‘laminated’ blade. This means that several materials have been layered on top of each other to try to take advantage of each material’s unique qualities.

One of the most popular materials used in budget chef’s knives is high-carbon stainless steel.

Chef’s knives vary greatly in price, from under £20 to over £100. For the purposes of this article, we’ll say that ‘budget’ chef’s knives are those available for under £50. However, we can’t guarantee that they will still be available for that price when you read this article.

How to Choose a Chef’s Knife

There’s no single best chef’s knife that will suit everyone. Choosing a chef’s knife is a very personal thing, and a knife that feels good to you might not feel right for someone else. Here are some things to consider when choosing a chef’s knife.

Budget

A budget chef’s knife could cost around £10, while a really high-quality one could cost over £100.

Size

Chef’s knives come in a range of sizes, from 3.5-inch pairing knives to 10-inch knives for high-volume veg prep.

If you’re looking for a versatile all-rounder, a knife of around 7-8 inches is your best bet. This is what most home cooks use, and it should be fine for most tasks in professional kitchens.

Bear in mind that you will need a large chopping board if you opt for a larger knife.

Testing knives

If possible, you should try different knives out for yourself before buying one. Many online retailers will let you return the knife if it doesn’t feel right, which is an alternative to buying one in a shop.

When testing out a knife, keep an open mind and try to judge the knife by how it feels rather than by its price or how it looks.

If you’re able to test a knife out in the kitchen, try using it to do a few common tasks like mincing herbs, dicing onions, and cutting carrots into strips.

How to know if you’ve found a good knife

A good knife should feel like an extension of your hand. You should feel completely in control of it, and it should be comfortable and easy for you to work with.

Here are a few things to think about:

• Balance: When you grip it by the handle, the knife shouldn’t feel like it’s tipping forwards toward the blade or backwards toward the handle.
• Weight: Some people prefer heavy knives as they seem to fall through foods, while others prefer a light knife that they can move about more easily..
• Size: If you want a versatile blade, you should probably choose an 8-inch knife. If you need something more nimble, consider a 6-inch knife. 10-inch knives are good for chopping large quantities of food quickly.

Chef's Pick

Chef’s Pick is your guide to the best kitchen equipment and appliances in the UK.
We help you understand the confusing world of cookers, ovens and cookware so you can get the most out of your kitchen.

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Many mashers are flimsily built and will break after just a few months of use. Others are heavy and uncomfortable to use.

We’ve researched the market and picked out the best potato mashers available in the UK. Read our reviews below.

Choosing a Potato Masher

Metal or plastic?

Something to consider when buying a potato masher is whether to go with a metal masher or a plastic (nylon) masher. This choice of masher may seem a bit trivial, but it can make a lot of difference in your mashing.

For example, metal mashers are typically heavier than their plastic counterparts. This means that you can rely on their weight during mashing. Also, metal mashers are a bit easier to clean than plastic ones.

With a metal potato masher, you can really put some elbow grease to them without any fears of breaking them. With a plastic masher, you may find that the plastic can become brittle over time and so you can’t mash with them or clean them as thoroughly.

Just one more thing. Metal mashers will typically last a lot longer than most plastic mashers. You see, metal mashers are generally one piece of bent metal rather than a piece of plastic that has been injected moulded.

If the plastic hasn’t been moulded correctly, which is often the case with cheaper plastic parts, this can mean that the potato masher will fail quickly.

Potato mashers are far more complex than you first thought, right?!

Potato masher vs. ricer

You’re probably aware that there’s more than one way to mash a potato! You could use a fork, a potato masher, or a potato ricer.

A potato ricer is a bit like a large garlic press that turns boiled potato into small grains of mashed potato with a rice-like consistency. If you use a ricer you won’t get any lumps—all of the potato will be very finely riced. However, it takes longer to use a ricer than a potato masher.

Ultimately, which you prefer is a matter of personal preference. Below is a summary of the pros and cons of each.

• Potato masher: Quicker to use but harder to get a fine and consistent mash. Can be uncomfortable to use.
• Potato ricer: Creates a finer mash but is more time-consuming to use. More comfortable to use.

Conclusion

If we had to pick just one of these mashers to recommend, it would be the OXO Good Grips Smooth Potato Masher. It has a tough stainless-steel and a comfy nylon handle, making it both effective and easy to use.

Hope this article helped you choose the perfect tool for making mashed potato!

Scott

Scott is a writer and a passionate home chef. His passion for cooking began when he was 10 years old. Scott has been writing professionally for over five years now and loves to combine his passion for cooking with his day job.

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