Yes, a slow cooker is worth getting if you want hands-free cooking where you can set it and forget it. It’s also worth getting if you like hearty foods like stews, soups and braised meat. It is great for making large batches of food if you like to meal prep. However, slow cookers might not be worth it if you prefer quick cooking, crispy foods or foods that can turn mushy.

To use a rice cooker, start by measuring your rice with the provided cup. Rinse the rice until the water is mostly clear to remove extra starch. Place the rinsed rice into the inner pot of the rice cooker and fill the pot with cold water. Add water to the line that matches the amount of rice you used. Wipe the inner pot with a dry cloth and place it inside the rice cooker, then close the lid. Then select your cooking mode and press the cook button. When it’s finished cooking, let the rice sit with the lid closed for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

To clean your rice cooker after using it, disconnect the power cord and let it cool completely. Wash the inner pot with a soft sponge and mild dish soap. Avoid metal scrubbers or abrasive sponges to protect the nonstick coating. Remove the inner lid, rubber gaskets and steam vent, then wash them in warm water and dish soap. Clean any rice or residue from the heating plate and sensor. Finally, wipe the exterior with a damp microfibre cloth.

A sous vide cooker is a kitchen appliance that heats and circulates water in a cooking pot at a steady temperature so food sealed in a bag cooks evenly without overcooking. The sous vide cooker clips onto a pot of water and warms the water to a precise temperature. You place your food inside a food storage bag and put it into the pot for cooking. Sous vide lets you cook the food in its own juices in the sealed bag, which prevents moisture from escaping.