Crock Pots may soon have some competition in the slow cooking game thanks to Wonderbag. The cleverly named invention is indeed a wonder as its insulated design allows food to safely continue cooking without the need for additional energy. The process is extremely easy and also helps alleviate that nagging in the back of your mind. Y'know, the one when you knowingly leave an appliance plugged in for 8 hours to cook while you're at work.

As seen in the image above, all you have to do is bring your started recipe to a rolling boil for as little as 5 minutes [sometimes longer for meat recipes] and seal it with a lid. Turn off your stove and transfer your hot pot to the Wonderbag. Let it stand for the required amount of time to ensure cooking is completed. Once your dish is ready just open the Wonderbag and uncover your pot lid to find your recipe piping hot ready for immediate consumption. Don't worry about your dish being questionable, because of the Wonderbag's insulation your food can be safely kept within its warm walls for up to 12 hours without it falling to an unsafe temperature. Recipes that can be made in this innovative creation include everything from more complex curries and stews, to something as easy as oatmeal. Aside from heating the Wonderbag can also keep your favorite drinks and food cold for up to 12 hours.

Because the Wonderbag is cordless and doesn't require any power, it's perfect for use nearly anywhere. Sarah Collins, creator and founder of Wonderbag originally developed her invention as a means to conserve cooking energy in developing nations such as her native South Africa. Besides saving energy the Wonderbag helps to reduce carbon emissions as well as wasted food from burnt pots. It also saves water, less evaporation occurs while insulated and reduces fuel usage by nearly 30 percent.

Wonderbag is now available in the U.S. for $50 via Amazon. For every Wonderbag sold in the U.S. a Wonderbag will be donated to a family in need in Africa. For more information on the Wonderbag peep the YouTube video below.

H/T HuffPo + PicThx Wonderbag