Why You Should Never Put Your Crockpot on the Stovetop

Crockpots are an essential kitchen tool for many home cooks. They allow us to make hearty meals with minimal effort, from slow-cooked stews to tender meats. However, there’s one mistake that you should never make: putting your crockpot on the stovetop.

At first glance, this might seem like a harmless or even time-saving decision. After all, why not move your slow cooker onto the stove if you’re running out of counter space or need to speed things up? The reality is that doing so can lead to significant safety hazards, damage to your crockpot, and even a ruined meal. Here’s why you should always avoid this kitchen blunder.

1. Crockpots Aren’t Built for Direct Heat

Crockpots are specifically designed for slow and indirect heating. They use a base to gently heat the ceramic or stoneware insert, allowing food to cook over a long period at a low, consistent temperature. This design is what makes slow cookers so effective for dishes like pot roasts, soups, and casseroles.

When you place your crockpot on the stovetop, you expose it to direct heat, which can cause the ceramic or stoneware to crack, shatter, or even explode. The sudden temperature change from direct contact with a hot stove burner is far too intense for the crockpot’s materials to handle.

2. You Risk Damaging Your Crockpot

Most crockpots are made with stoneware or ceramic inserts, which are sensitive to rapid temperature changes. If you place your crockpot on a hot stovetop, the extreme heat can cause thermal shock, leading to cracks or breaks in the insert.

Even if the crockpot doesn’t crack immediately, repeated exposure to direct heat can weaken the material over time. This means that even small chips or cracks could eventually lead to your crockpot breaking entirely—rendering it unusable and a potential safety hazard in your kitchen.

3. Electrical Components Could Be Harmed

Your crockpot is an electric appliance, and it includes components like heating elements and wiring that aren’t designed to withstand the heat from a stovetop. By placing the base of the slow cooker directly onto a hot burner, you could melt or damage these electrical parts. This can create a fire risk or permanently break your crockpot.

Unlike stovetop-safe cookware, slow cookers aren’t designed for dual use. Their electrical systems rely on being plugged in and functioning in a cool, stable environment—not the high temperatures of a stove.