The best slow cookers for effortless homemade meals, tried and tested

Whether you're making comforting curries, casseroles or chilli con carne, we've tested the top slow cookers for serving up winter warmers

The best blenders to blitz like a pro, tried and tested, from Ninja to Nutribullet

As January beds in and our craving for cosiness increases, you may be minded to dig out the slow cooker. Coming home to a warm, bubbling meal - with very little effort - is a real treat in the cold and dark. Plus, slow cooking can be an economical method of cooking.

If you have yet to experience the comfort and joy of a slow cooker, or if your ancient model has finally died a death, it could be time to treat yourself to a season of stews, casseroles, curries and more. I've spent weeks testing slow cookers to compile a shortlist of the most functional, useful and well-designed recommendations to transform your dinner time.

Best overall slow cooker:
GreenPan slow cooker
_{200 at GreenPan}

Best basic slow cooker:
ProCook digital slow cooker
_{49 at ProCook}

Best multi-cooker:
Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 PossibleCooker
_{120 at Argos}

Best pressure-cooking slow cooker:
Sage Fast Slow Pro
_{179.95 at Sage Appliances}