Comments on: Are crock-pots/slow cookers safe?

By: Robert S

Robert S — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:26:44 +0000

Yes, they’re designed to run all day.
Most have a thermal cut-out if they over heat.
Always put at least a cup of liquid into your recipe.
Tell the cats to leave it alone!

By: Sugar Pie

Sugar Pie — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:16:21 +0000

Yes, they are safe. They are UL tested (electric circuitry system) and hot enough to cook food and keep it out of the danger zone where bacteria grows best (45º-140ºF). There were some issues w/ slow cookers in teh 1970’s that did not reach adequate temp, but that was resolved 20+ years ago. Buy one and enjoy the convenience they offer!

By: mexi_fry_1

mexi_fry_1 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:59:01 +0000

Well do your cats get into things on the counter!? I would think they wouldnt touch it if its hot. Maybe do a test run like leave a bowl of food on the counter and when you get home if they havent got into it then I doubt they will try to get into the crock pot. ALSO after you buy it, use it for the first time on your day off that way you dont spend all day worrying about it. I have only had one issue with mine and it was because i left it on high and overfilled it and it spilled out over it OOPS! But I have been using the same one for years and LOVE IT!

By: Meri

Meri — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:27:16 +0000

They are totally safe. I was kind of freaked out too when I first heard about them. You do have to follow the directions, though, and leave space around them. You don’t want to put the crockpot on a crowded counter with no room for the heat to escape. That is for safety’s sake, but also because the stuff on the counter might react badly to the heat, which is really not that bad.

The cats will be fine with the crockpot. They will probably want what is in it, but they won’t be able to open it.

I like my Rival. get a bigger crockpot, and make sure to get one where you lift out the ceramic crock, not the kind where it is built into the electric component. Also, do not buy the kind that has the clips that clip the lid on. The clips do nothing and tend to break from the heat. You can still use the crockpot that way, but it seems silly to pay extra for clips that break.

I got mine at Costco. I strongly recommend Rival brand. I think they are the best. Also, get the Better Homes and Gardens Slow Cooker Book.
http://www.amazon.com/Biggest-Cooker-Recipes-Better-Gardens/dp/0696215462/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1225998656&sr=8-1

Or Not Your Mother’s Slow Cooker book

http://www.amazon.com/Your-Mothers-Slow-Cooker-Cookbook/dp/1558322450/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1225998823&sr=1-1

To get started, but don’t rule out sites like foodnetwork.com. My favorite slow cooker recipe of all time can be found here:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/robin-miller/slow-cooker-chicken-with-rosemary-apples-and-onions-recipe/index.html

I thought it was such a weird idea, and then I got one…and now I don’t know what I would do without it!

By: Rusty

Rusty — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:34:43 +0000

use them a lot it’s so nce to come home and supper is ready. We have 2 Little Yorkies and the crock pot os the only appliance I have ever left on while they were alone,

By: sandra t

sandra t — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:30:42 +0000

test the crock pot when your off work on weekends. if you don’t feel safe don’t use it. i personally wouldn’t leave one on i have two dogs and i feel the same way you do. i would be worried the whole time i was gone if i left it on

By: Gemini.

Gemini. — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:52:41 +0000

they’re safe!
i have mine on right now actually.
i came home about 2 hours ago and it was on for 7 hours while i wasn’t here and everything is fine (:

By: rman1201

rman1201 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:44:00 +0000

Yeah I wouldnt worry about it….My mom has one, she usually leaves it on while shes at work and she has 2 cats and 4 dogs lol. Not even a slight problem.

By: CorinaCorina

CorinaCorina — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:57:32 +0000

They’re very safe. I own a crock pot/deep fryer. I was a little scared at first too, but, they are great for getting things done and you really don’t have to worry about it. Throw it in and turn it on. They really help out when you’re busy on and always on the go.

By: Penny B

Penny B — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:00:27 +0000

i have used one for 20 years and I am still alive, so YES, they are safe..

Just make sure you have it on a solid dry, surface, no towels, or anything that may get too hot around it.