When I was growing up, my mom always had Crock-Pot going. It seemed like she was always cooking something in it. Now that I’m a mom, I understand why she loved her Crock-Pot so much.
It’s really convenient to be able to put something in the Crock-Pot in the morning and have it ready for dinner later in the day. But what about when you want to speed things up a bit and have your meal ready sooner? Can you microwave Crock-Pot?
Can a Crock-Pot Go In The Microwave?
On their website, the maker of the Crock-Pot has clearly stated that their Crock-Pot inserts are both microwave safe and oven safe. It can withstand temperatures of up to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, just because the insert is safe for the microwave doesn’t mean it is okay for the lid. The lid itself should not be placed in the microwave or oven.
If you want to use the Crock-Pot in the microwave, either leave the lid off or place a microwavable cover to cover it up.
The problem with microwaving a Crock-Pot lid is that it has a metal screw band to secure the lid to the base. And as you may already know, putting metal in the microwave is a recipe for disaster!
When you put metal in the microwave, it deflects the microwaves and sends them off in erratic directions all around the inside of the microwave.
It’s really not a good thing to do because it can interfere with the microwave’s ability to cook your food properly and potentially damage your oven. Over time, the interaction of the microwaves with the metal can even cause a fire inside your microwave.
It doesn’t matter whether you use a Crock-Pot or other brands of slow cookers, the lid should never be microwaved.
You can use a microwave-safe plate to cover the insert instead of the lid if you’d like. There are many good microwave-safe covers that you can find in the kitchen section of your local box store or on Amazon.
There are several options available when it comes to microwave-safe covers. Silicone is a common microwave-safe material used as it provides a lightweight, collapsible option. Plastic is the most affordable option, it’s also a light option and easy to clean.
Glass is my favorite and probably the best option available. Glass is durable and can often do double duty as a baking dish since many are oven-safe. You also don’t have to worry about BPA as you do with silicone or plastic.
The downside is that it’s heavier and bulkier than the other options, which can make it difficult to store if you’re short on cabinet space.
What If You Use Another Slow Cooker Brand?
If you’re using a slow cooker insert that’s not made by Crock-Pot, you’ll need to check with the manufacturer or refer to the owner’s manual to be sure that it is safe for microwave use.
If the manufacturer doesn’t mention it clearly on their website or in the owner’s manual, you can check what materials it’s made out of.
In general, inserts made with stoneware or ceramic are safe for microwave use. However, not all manufacturers use these materials, some brands make their inserts out of metal, which you should never put in the microwave (also read: Can You Heat Stoneware in the Microwave?).
That said, it’s better to play it safe. If the manufacturer doesn’t clearly say that their inserts are microwave safe, it’s best not to use them in the microwave regardless of the material they are made out of.
Safety Tips To Keep In Mind
Even if you opt for a Crock-Pot insert that is microwave safe, there are still some safety precautions to take.
- First, remove the lid before placing the insert in the microwave. Always use microwave-safe covers if you need to cover the insert.
- Next, it may seem obvious, but the outer part of the Crock-Pot, which has an electrical plug, is definitely not safe to put in the microwave.
- Since Crock-Pot is designed to run on low or medium heat, don’t use high heat settings in the microwave.
- Whether it is stoneware or ceramic Crock-Pot inserts, always monitor the temperature of your microwave. You should never allow your microwave to get hotter than 400 degrees because the inserts won’t be able to handle it and you could end up with a broken Crock-Pot insert.
- Lastly, the Crock-Pot will be hot if it’s been in the electrical unit for a while, so be careful when you move the insert from the unit to the microwave or take it out of the microwave. Always use oven mitts to protect your hands from burns.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, you can use a Crock-Pot insert in the microwave but not the lid.
It is important to check with your manufacturer before microwaving any slow cooker because some brands are unsafe for this purpose.
A microwave-safe cover such as plastic, silicone, or glass can be used to cover your Crock-Pot insert while microwaving.
My question is, why would you even want to use the microwave with the Crock-Pot anyway?
In my opinion, it defeats the purpose of using the Crock-Pot in the first place. After all, it’s designed to cook food slowly, meaning you can leave it cooking unattended for hours without having to worry about overcooking your meal.
Let your Crock-Pot do what it was made to do and use your microwave for other things that need to be heated up quickly.
