Talking about slow cookers, I’ve been looking at some modern ones on the Argos website. The odd thing is they seem to use more electricity than the Tower models from quarter of a century ago.
In the mid-1980’s Tower had three models and they had the following power ratings:
Auto: 100w-140w
Carefree: 70w-90w
Compact: 55w (I have this one)
The marketing of these centred around the fact that they used about the same amount of energy as a light bulb (100 watts).
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Still going strong after nearly 25 years (and doing a chicken stew): Tower Compact slow cooker |
Compare those vintage models to the modern day Morphy Richards slow cooker, which is rated at 330 watts. Or the Russell Hobbs at 160 watts.
The stainless steel Cookworks is rated at 160w-190w (and a real bargain at just £9.98 currently).
Do these slow cookers consume energy the whole time? Or does a thermostat turn them on and off occasionally to maintain the temperature? If so, the wattage given is a maximum and doesn’t tell the whole story. My 25-year-old 55 watt compact model seems to stay on permanently.
You might expect slow cookers to be even more energy efficient these days but it looks as if that may not be the case. I wonder if it’s because most modern-day slow cookers have a glass lid rather than the ceramic lids that are to be found on the old Tower models? Style over function and efficiency?
By the way, if you like stews and casseroles and haven’t tried this method of cooking, you are missing a treat. Cheaper cuts of meat turn out succulent and, whichever slow cooker you choose, it will use much less electricity than a standard oven, which may be rated at something like 2,500 watts.
Interesting. I have the Tower 2 litre version which was given to me as an engagement present 28 years ago. It has been used a lot over the years but more recently simply for steaming the Xmas pudding. However, with a revival in the concept of slow cooking along with energy saving I have started reusing it on a more regular basis. However, as the pot is badly crazed and it be good to have a larger capacity pot, I have been looking at buying a replacement. The joy of having a removable pot would be also be a great plus. The temperature issue is however an interesting one and seems to be where most criticism lies. Most comments are on how they actually burn the food, something these antique ones don’t. However,on the minus side, I always found that, if using the low setting, casseroles always seemed to have a rather unpleasant greasy taste which would be countered by using a higher temperature. Based on the comments I am reading I think I shall carry on with my antique until it does finally pack up unless I can replace it with something comparable. Also why are so many oval? Try cooking a large Xmas pudding in that shape!
Comment by Mary Lee
Friday 19 December 2008 @ 11:32 am
Since I wrote this entry I’ve bought the Cookworks slow cooker from Argos that I mentioned. The larger capacity makes sense because I can freeze half or cater for several friends. You’re right, the removable pot is more convenient — especially for washing up. Also I’m finding the glass lid useful for seeing what’s happening in there. So far I’ve done chicken and leek soup and two different stews with beef and have been very happy with the results (both on low setting). I suppose the oval shape makes storage easier but not so good for Xmas puds!
Comment by gary
Friday 19 December 2008 @ 12:03 pm
Yes we have an old Tower slow cooker (nearly 30 years old), with two heat settings, rated at 80 and 120W (if I remember correctly). While it does not have a removable pan it is very efficient and excellent for cooking casseroles and stews plus a range of other things. While the glaze is now somewhatcrazed it is intact and still perfectly usable. I can’t see the point in having a higher power rating, unless the volume to be cooked is significantly greater (which some of the modern ones are). However, I don’t see the point in saving energy by slow cooking larger amounts only to then freeze half of it - freezers use a lot of energy! I’m sure you’d be better off with a smaller capacity cooker and not freezing. However, if you are trying to save prep time then I can see the point.
Comment by Trev
Monday 29 December 2008 @ 1:24 pm
I have broke the ceremic lid on my Tower slow cooker (approx. 27 years old, dont know the model but its not the compact version and it has high and low temperature settings). Do you know where I can get a replacement? Thanks.
Comment by Christine
Friday 16 January 2009 @ 9:12 am
My partner broke the lid of our Tower slow cooker last night. It is a vintage tower approx 28 years old and like Christine’s ,it’s a large ceramic lift out pot If anyone does know where I can find a repacemetn lid I would also be very pleased to buy one .
As I don’t know how I will survive with out it.
Alison - Hampshire
Comment by Alison Thatcher
Friday 20 March 2009 @ 6:26 pm
You can’t see in the photo above but I actually broke the lid of mine some time ago. I glued it with super glue and it still works absolutely fine.
That may be your only option as I reckon replacement parts won’t be available from Tower after all this time. But who knows?
Tower is a brand name used by Salton Europe. You can contact them via their website:
http://www.saltoneurope.com
Let me know if you do get a lid!
Comment by gary
Friday 20 March 2009 @ 7:12 pm
Have been handed down a Tower Slow Cooker, which sounds like the one described in the first article: compact 50 watt x 240 volts, 1.5 litre, 2.64 pints. The model number is 3872-B. It also has marked T1. There is just one problem, no instructions, as how to use it. Any help or advice would be most useful.
Comment by Robin Lambert
Saturday 9 May 2009 @ 6:33 pm
I bought a Tower slo cooker on Ebay but the stoneware pot was broken during transport from England to the Netherlands because it wasn’t packed well enough.
Now I’m looking for a pot only, 2,5 ltr.
Can anyone help me please?
Thank you very much in advance
Kind regards,
An Veenman
Comment by An Veenman
Monday 14 September 2009 @ 11:27 pm
Re broken lid
If you measure the diameter of lid required and browse kitchen shops with the measurement , any ceramic or glass lid will do the job. Your not looking for an airtight seal its not a pressure cooker
Comment by alan
Sunday 27 September 2009 @ 6:55 pm
blimey, my mum has just given me the very model of slow cooker in the picture. I’ve been trawling the internet for recipes. I think the first time i use it, i will need to babysit it, incase its faulty after all these years. I have to say, it doesnt co-ordinate with my kitchen………….
Comment by AM
Tuesday 6 October 2009 @ 9:43 pm
I have had the Tower family-de-luxe model for 20 odd years and love it, however, last night my son dropped the lid - I felt like crying Have tried a pan lid this evening but it does not fit tightly enough. May have to buy a new one but will bear in mind energy ratings as I’ve always thought of them as energy efficient.
Comment by Jax
Monday 12 October 2009 @ 7:43 pm
Need a replacement indicator bulb for my Tower Slow Cooker Model 2917.
Any idea as to where I might obtain one?
Comment by Russell
Sunday 1 November 2009 @ 12:05 pm
I have a tower slow cooker A(but the family size one not the compact one and my flat mate has just broken the ceramic pot but the lid is ok. Does anyone know where I could get a replacement as I can’t live without my slo cooker?
Comment by Julie Fox
Friday 1 January 2010 @ 10:54 pm
Hello.. .. I need the instruction book for the older Tower Compact Slow Cooker, been given one but no book so please help..
thank you regards Christopher
reply to..
ukbizzybee@aol.com
other information
T1 Tower Compact Slow Cooker. 50 watt x 240 volts, 1.5 litre, 2.64 pints. The model
number is 3872-B.
This the all in one unit no removable pot.
Comment by Christopher Holdoway
Sunday 24 January 2010 @ 8:52 pm