Do slow cookers use more energy?

immuno

As per title. Does using a slow-cooker use more electricity? I can't see how it can be economical to use one for 6-8 hours, even if on a low heat?

Thanks

vuvuzela

They have insulated walls so less heat energy escapes from the ceramic crockpot than it would if it were on a gas or electric hob. Combined with thermostatic control of temperature and they are pretty economical to run.
A few of the many other threads about them :
slow cookers
Question about slow cookers
Comparing Running Costs of Remoska/Pressure Cooker/Slow Cooker
slow cookers.

molerat

My slow cooker is old style with a big stoneware pot and lid. It uses 80w. My oven element is 2250w so that means 28 hours of slow cooking for 1 hour of oven element use.

PasturesNew

Yes they do, but it's hard to pin down exactly how much. But, taking a made up situation of one casserole at an assumed rate of 15p/kWh because that makes the maths easier:

Oven, 1 hour at 3000 watts: 3000 watts, 45p
Oven, 1 hour at 2000 watts: 2000 watts, 30p
SC, 4 hours on high at 200 watts: 800 watts, 12p

Of course, both of them will only be drawing current when they've cooled from the temperature gauge, which is why you can't nail it.

Chunks

If I have stewing beef and want to slow cook it, the oven isn't the tool for the job in my place. Might not be a slow cooker either but I would guess that between the two options, the slow cooker uses less leccy, especially if it is a modern, well insulated type.

It has got to be about the power setting used (so actual electrity required for the job so to speak) and how often the device is 'on' (while the chosen temperature setting is re-established).

Mojisola

If you want to save money on cooking, try a thermal cooker -
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4934041

captainhindsight_2

i'd go for pressure cooker instead, same results in a fraction of the time IMO.

topicalcat

I go with the pressure cooker method in winter as we have a gas hob and the spare heat helps heat the kitchen. In summer I use the slow cooker as we have solar PV so the electricity is free. Just as I use a kettle on the gas hob in winter and a 1.9kw electric kettle in summer when again it is free