Why You Should Never Put Your Crockpot on the Stovetop

4. You Could Ruin Your Food

Beyond safety and equipment damage, putting your crockpot on the stovetop could ruin your meal. Slow cookers are meant to gradually build heat, allowing flavors to meld and meats to tenderize over hours. Exposing the bottom of your crockpot to direct heat can cause uneven cooking, resulting in burnt food on the bottom and undercooked food on top.

Even worse, if the crockpot cracks or shatters mid-cooking, you’ll lose all your food and have a huge mess to clean up. It’s just not worth the risk!

5. There Are Safer Alternatives

If you’re looking for ways to speed up your slow-cooked meal or need extra counter space, there are safer alternatives to putting your crockpot on the stove:

Use the stovetop separately: If you need to sauté or brown ingredients before slow-cooking, do so in a separate pan on the stovetop, then transfer everything to your crockpot for slow cooking.
Opt for a multi-cooker: Devices like the Instant Pot or other multi-cookers allow for slow cooking, pressure cooking, and even browning all in one appliance.
Move it to another surface: If you need more space on your countertop, move the crockpot to a stable, heat-resistant surface, like a kitchen island or a nearby table.

6. Warranty and Safety Concerns

Using your crockpot in ways it wasn’t designed for could also void the manufacturer’s warranty. Crockpot manufacturers typically warn users against placing their appliance on a stovetop or other direct heat source. Ignoring these guidelines could lead to you losing out on any repairs or replacements under warranty.

Final Thoughts

While it may be tempting to place your crockpot on the stovetop, the risks far outweigh any potential convenience. From damaging your appliance to creating safety hazards in your kitchen, it’s best to use your crockpot as intended: for slow, steady cooking on a safe, flat countertop.

Avoid costly repairs, prevent accidents, and keep your meals delicious by keeping your slow cooker away from the stovetop. Safe cooking is always the best recipe for success!