After 12 years of cooking—mostly in my crockpot—I’ve learned a thing or two! Here, you’ll find answers to the most common slow cooker questions. There’s no need to feel intimidated—this comprehensive guide will help you make the most of your crockpot with confidence.

Can I use frozen meat?

Frozen meat shouldn’t be used in the slow cooker. Some studies suggest that the meat stays in the danger zone too long, and even when the slow cooker gets the meat to temperature, the bacteria may still exist.

What slow cooker should I buy?

I recommend a 6-quart Crock-Pot brand (with a timer) for anyone looking to buy a new slow cooker. Even if that size seems too big, you can still use it for smaller recipes. Then, when you need to make a large batch of chili or a whole chicken, you are good to go!

Can I cook rice in the slow cooker?

• Standard rice does not cook up well in the slow cooker. The slow cooker doesn’t get hot enough, fast enough to cook it properly, and you end up with gummy and chalky rice.
• If you choose to add uncooked rice to the slow cooker, try par-cooked rice such as Minute Brand Rice, for it has been parboiled and then dried again and works well in slow cooker recipes.

Can I cook pasta in the slow cooker?

Yes and no. Some pasta tends to get mushy and fall apart quickly. Though, I’ve had luck with Lasagna noodles, frozen ravioli/tortellini and refrigerated tortellini.

My slow cooker only has 4, 6, 8 and 10 hour functions, how do I cook for a different amount of time?

This is a common question. These buttons don’t mean that’s the only time you can cook for. Let’s say you need to cook a recipe for 7 hours on low. You set the slow cooker to 8 hours on low, but also set a timer on your phone or somewhere else for 7 hours and turn off the slow cooker when your 7 hour timer goes off. Do not try to cook your recipe for longer than what your recipe says.

What is the best way to clean my crockpot?

Here are my TOP ways to clean a slow cooker:

• Let your slow cooker cool off before attempting to wash, for you can crack your slow cooker if you add water to it while it’s still piping hot.
• Put your slow cooker insert in your sink and fill it with hot soapy water. Let soak for 30 minutes or longer, or overnight. After it has set for that time, scrub off any debris. You can wash it by hand at this point or wash it in your dishwasher.
• If your slow cooker has extremely stuck-on food, you can add water to the slow cooker and COOK that water in it on the HIGH setting for about 3 hours.

How to properly use a slow cooker liner:

• Add the liner to your slow cooker and smooth out the edges. Do not tuck the liner into the insert, it will melt.
• Do NOT latch the lid while it cooks. If you do, it will cause a vacuum effect and the liquid will spill out.
• Do not use a slow cooker liner in an instant pot (even on the slow cooker setting).

Should I preheat my slow cooker before adding food?

No need to preheat your slow cooker. It’s meant to add all your ingredients, put the lid on, then start it.

Can I reheat food in a slow cooker?

No, the slow cooker takes quite a while to heat up. It’s not meant for heating up a previous meal. Use the stove top or microwave to heat up your leftovers. However, you can heat up your food on the stove or oven, then transfer to the slow cooker for serving.

Can I cook a recipe ahead of time in my slow cooker, then reheat it again in the slow cooker to save time?

No, if you want a quality meal for your family or party, cook the meal fresh in your slow cooker, even if this means waking up early or setting a timer in the middle of the night. Also, the slow cooker is NOT meant for reheating foods. The slow cooker heats up food VERY slow, so it makes no sense to reheat food that you can cook fresh.

I left my food out all night in my slow cooker, is it safe to eat?

Absolutely not. Food should be stored within 2 hours of the slow cooker being turned off. Just because you never got sick before doing this, doesn’t mean you won’t another time.

Can I prep my food in the slow cooker and put in fridge, then cook the next day?

• Technically you can, but there is a great chance of your slow cooker cracking once you turn on the heat, for the insert will be cold.
• I have never had one crack, but have heard of many people who have.

Do I add water to the base of my slow cooker?

This is a common question. The slow cooker unit itself does not need water added to it. Only add liquids to the recipe itself.

How much power does a crockpot use?

Not much at all! Some studies say it’s about the same as a lightbulb. See this article “How much electricity does a slow cooker use” for a lengthy explanation.

Can I sear my meat the night before?

Do not sear meat like roasts the night before; the center of the meat may stay in the danger zone.

Shouldn’t I sear my meat before adding to the slow cooker?

• You do not have to sear meat (roasts) before adding to the slow cooker. If you do though, the browned meat will add a layer of flavor.
• You should, though, brown any “ground meat’ unless you are making meatloaf or meatballs that don’t call for being browned. Though, there are some chili recipes, and taco meat recipes that you do not have to brown the meat first.

Where is a good place to get replacement parts such a knob, stoneware or lid?

Find replacement knobs for a slow cooker on amazon. And lids and stoneware at erplacementparts (Crock-Pot Brand).

Why is my slow cooker boiling?

The boiling point of water is 212° Fahrenheit. Since the slow cooker on the low setting gets to about 200° Fahrenheit and on high about 300° Fahrenheit, most slow cooker meals WILL bubble on the edges even on low. Your meal is not overcooking if it’s bubbling! Just trust the process.

Does high-altitude affect slow cooking?

Yes, high altitude does affect slow cooking! Since water boils at a lower temperature at higher elevations, your slow cooker may take longer to cook food properly. Here are a few adjustments you may need to make:

• Increase cook time: Recipes may need 15-30 minutes more per hour of cooking time.
• Add more liquid: Moisture evaporates faster, so you may need extra broth, water, or sauce.
• Check doneness: Use a thermometer to ensure meats reach a safe internal temperature.
• If you’re cooking at 3,000 feet or higher, keep an eye on your crockpot recipes and adjust as needed!

Can I put the ceramic part of the slow cooker in the oven?

Do not put your stoneware under the broiler in the oven. However, according to Crock-Pot, their stoneware can be put in the oven up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (without the lid).

Can I put my crock pot stoneware on the stove burner?

Unless you bought a slow cooker that says you can use on the stove (those are usually made of metal), do not put ceramic stoneware on a burner. It will crack.

Why do the cakes I make in the slow cooker burn on one side?

Sometimes the insert is not centered on the heating element. If your slow cooker tenders to cook hotter on one side, you can flip your insert halfway through.

What are your most popular recipes on the Magical Slow Cooker?

Here are the MOST searched and clicked on recipes of all time (since 2013).

1. Chicken Enchilada Casserole layers tender chicken, tortillas, and cheesy enchilada sauce for a comforting, easy meal.
2. Creamy and packed with flavor, Crack Chicken combines shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheese for a rich and indulgent dish.
3. Buttery and fall-apart tender, Mississippi Pot Roast is a flavorful favorite with a zesty kick from ranch and pepperoncini.
4. Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans make for a simple yet satisfying one-pot meal, bursting with hearty flavors.
5. Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Pasta blends creamy pesto sauce, tender chicken, and melty mozzarella for an irresistible pasta dish.
6. A St. Patrick’s Day favorite, Corned Beef and Cabbage is slow-cooked until tender, delivering rich, savory flavors perfect for celebrating the holiday.

The information above is based on my experience and research, but occasional errors may occur. Have more questions? Drop a comment below—I might add it to the list!