People in Sheffield can try this clever hack to making perfect pizza in a slow cooker

But it seems the useful electric stoves – which cook meals under a lid on a steady heat – can indeed be used to prepare the traditional Italian meal.

The key, according to members of the Facebook group Crockpot/Slow Cooker Recipes & Tips, is to use a tea towel.

Placing the cloth under the cooker’s lid is said to be the secret to stopping moisture from getting on to the pizza base and crust.

The list of ingredients is basic, comprising a ready-made base from the fridge section of the supermarket, mozzarella slices, tomato sauce and toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms and chicken.

To make the pizza, the base needs to be spread out and covered with the rest of the items, then left in the slow cooker on high for about 90 minutes.

Scores of people left comments giving the recipe the thumbs-up.

“Looks amazing, never thought of doing pizza in the slow cooker," one enthusiast said.

A fellow group member wrote: “Well done. Bet you used a dish towel under the lid to keep it from going soggy."

Others said they had already tried the method successfully.

"I made the pizza tonight, probably went overboard with cheese though," one person wrote. “It was amazing."

Another added: “Made it twice this week but with my own gluten-free pizza dough recipe. Family are now asking for recipe – definitely tea towel on lid, it's the best."