BEFORE YOU BUY
■ A slow cooker transforms cheaper cuts of meat into tender dishes and livens up economical healthy pulses, like lentils, beans and peas. Plus, while it can be on all day, it will only cost pennies to run.
■ They’re generally quite affordable so you can snap one up for as little as £25, but it’ll be pretty basic in terms of features. Spend more and you’ll get more functionality. Differences might include a metal pot instead of a