As the dark nights draw in and summer salads are forgotten for a few months, most home cooks are turning their attention to more substantial foods that will warm up the family after a long day at work or school. This is where two gadgets, in particular, can be a reluctant chef’s lifesaver.

I’m a long-term fan of the slow-cooker, using it to create one-pot dishes that can either feed a large group or be frozen in batches for later use. They use less electricity than a conventional oven, tenderise cheaper cuts of meat and the preparation can be done in one step. You then leave it to work its magic and enjoy the finished meal a few hours later.

There is also something unmistakably comforting about the aroma of a stew wafting around the house in winter months. The only drawbacks, from my point of view, are the length of time that meals take to cook and the bulkiness of the slow-cooker itself taking up space on the kitchen counter.

With many expats in Turkiye thinking about their Christmas menu at this time of year, a small slow-cooker is also ideal for creating homemade soups or mulled wine. Knock on my door any time between Christmas Eve and New Year and you will undoubtedly be greeted with the smell of spiced fruity punch bubbling away for guests. I also use the slow-cooker to keep soup hot while preparing our festive lunch, as it means that I don’t need to use up a ring on the stove which will be needed for vegetables and gravy.

Many people I know have invested in an air-fryer, the remarkable gadget that can cook food in a fraction of the usual time, saving on energy bills. They also offer a healthier option of cooking, depending on whether you choose to use oil, and I’ve been assured that they are both versatile and easy to use.

However, I have also heard that they can be slightly tricky to clean, and the limited capacity might not be suitable for larger families. The popularity of the air fryer in recent months is evident in the number of shops selling them at discount prices but it’s a good idea to decide upon what size you need before purchasing.

There are also dozens of recipe books available to help even the most reluctant cook to get the most out of their newly acquired kitchen gadget. It is also a great alternative to traditional cooking for people on their own as you can cook both meat and vegetables together and a meal can be ready with both ease and speed.

Of course, lots of people still rely on their trusty microwave ovens to reheat or cook food in a hurry. They’re particularly good for things that usually require longer lengths of cooking time, such as jacket potatoes, but many of my friends have been really surprised to find out that I’ve never owned one.

It’s not that I worry about any negative impact, most microwaves are much safer nowadays than when they first became popular, but I genuinely do enjoy the preparation of cooking dinner.

There is definitely something satisfying about creating a meal from scratch, a labour of love in the peeling, chopping and slicing. But for many people life is hectic, so why not cut a few corners with the aid of a new kitchen gadget?

There will undoubtedly be plenty of opportunities to pick up a bargain in the January sales but just think how easy festive cooking could be with the help of a new kitchen aid.

A word to the wise for any men reading this and think it might be a good idea to purchase a slow-cooker or air-fryer for their nearest and dearest this Christmas. No kitchen gadget will ever replace the delight of receiving a piece of beautiful jewellery, artwork or clothing!