Help Center Crockpot NA (2024)

FAQs

Why is the slow cooker not working? ›

See if the slow cooker is plugged into a proper electrical outlet. If it is, unplug the slow cooker. Plugin the slow cooker. If the slow cooker still does not work, check the household fuse or circuit breaker on the electrical circuit the slow cooker is connected to and make sure the circuit is closed.

Ensure that the power cord is securely connected to a functioning power outlet. Check if the temperature control knob is set to the desired heat level. Make sure the lid is tightly sealed to retain heat. Try using the Crock-pot on a different power outlet.

The most common problem

If your electric oven isn't working, the most likely explanation is that the heating element is faulty. The element is the part of the oven that actually heats up, and it's relatively easy to replace.

You may need to reset your slow cooker. To do this, simply hold down the mode and power buttons for 30 seconds while it is plugged in. You will then want to unplug the unit and plug it back in.

You can test yours to see if it's working properly. “Fill the slow cooker 2/3 to 3/4 of the way full with tap water -- tepid, not too hot or cold,” said O'Dea. “Set it to the low setting, and then check with a food thermometer after eight hours. The thermometer should read at least 185 degrees.”

If your oven isn't heating up, it may be because the igniter or heating element is damaged or isn't working properly. Make sure to inspect the temperature sensor for any visible damage and the gas line for any leaks or defects, as an unobstructed gas supply is essential for your oven to heat up effectively.

Try putting a tea towel over the top of the slow cooker before replacing the lid. This absorbs the excess moisture, thickening the dish and deepening its flavours. The cloth can be replaced with a fresh one when needed, but usually one tea towel during the final couple of hours will do the trick.

The heat bounces off from the lid and allows your food to cook faster. Also, you will not lose any of the steam that usually evaporates.

If possible, turn the cooker on the highest setting for the first hour of cooking time and then to low or the setting called for in your recipe. Foods take different times to cook depending upon the setting used. Certainly, foods will cook faster on high than on low.

One hour on HIGH generally equals two hours on LOW.

What happens if you slow cook on high instead of low? ›

Let's say you want to slow cook a pork roast recipe that calls for 8 hours on Low, but you need it done in much less than 8 hours. Switching to High for the sake of time savings can leave you with a roast that's dried out or even burned on the exterior, but undercooked and not at a food-safe temperature in the center.

Water or liquid is necessary to create steam. When cooking meat or poultry, the water or liquid level should cover the ingredients to ensure effective heat transfer throughout the crock. Some manufacturers of slow cookers recommend adding liquid to fill the stoneware 1/2 to 3/4 full.

Foods take different times to cook depending upon the setting used. Certainly, foods will cook faster on high than on low. However, for all-day cooking or for less-tender cuts, you may want to use the low setting.

If it don't shred you either don't have the right cut or you didn't cook it long enough. The right cuts that work best for slow cooking are the ones that have a lot of connective tissue/fat throughout the meat.