Slow cookers are almost fool-proof. If you don’t have the energy or the time to spend hours cooking dinner, this kitchen appliance can save the day. Whether you’re making a dump dinner, a stew, or a roast, slow cookers can nearly do it all.
Slow cookers tend to be very durable, too. My family bought one decades ago and we’ve never replaced it. While all appliances experience some wear and tear over time, proper care can prevent damage and lengthen their lifespans. One mistake you might be making with your slow cooker involves the lid’s locking mechanism, which some models have. Here’s what you need to know.
Avoid This Slow Cooker Mistake
Clamping your slow cooker’s lid shut while it’s cooking can cause pressure to build up inside the stoneware, which could affect its performance and the taste of your food, according to Crock-Pot. Most importantly, the excess pressure could also cause the lid of your slow cooker to crack, which will ruin your appliance and upend your dinner..
That’s because slow cookers don’t work the same way as pressure cookers. While the former uses low heat to cook ingredients over a long stretch of time, the latter uses higher temperatures and pressure from steam to get the job done. Steam escapes from slow cookers through the small vents and the edges of the lid—so if you secure the lid with a lock, a dangerous amount could build up.
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