Can You Put a Crock Pot in the Oven?

The Crock Pot brand company reports that their removable stoneware insert is ovenproof and microwave safe for cooking up to 400°F.

The removable stoneware is the portion of the Crock Pot that is lowered into the base, which contains the heating element.

We probably don't need to say this, but just to be safe — do not try to put the entire crockpot inside anything. Remove and use just the ceramic insert.

You'd be surprised how many home cooks need to hear this.

The lid of the crockpot, however, cannot be placed in the oven.

So if you need to cover your food while cooking, you’ll have to use another oven-safe method such as aluminum foil to form a tight fitting lid over your delicious meals.

In short — do not put the whole thing in the oven! Your oven's heat will destroy it — definitely not a good idea.

This information is specific to the Crock Pot company! If you’re using another similar slow cooker brand, please refer to the user manual for more information. Inspect older models for cracks before use.

And remember, while the ceramic pot portion may be considered an oven-safe dish, you definitely need oven mitts to remove the inner pot from the oven.

This is true for all different models, as any hot Crock Pot or slow cooker will retain enough heat, even with a moderate oven temperature, to potentially burn your hands.

If you lost yours, you may be able to find it online by searching for the exact product.

WARNING: Crock Pots are not safe to use on the broiler setting in the oven, so be sure to never place your ceramic cookware in the oven on broil.

Can You Put a Crock Pot in the Oven?

Whether you’re out of bakeware, don’t own the proper size for a larger meal, or are looking to reheat a meal you’ve already prepared, you may be curious as to whether you can put a Crock Pot in the oven.

The Crock Pot brand company reports that their removable stoneware crockery is ovenproof and microwave safe for cooking up to 400°F.

The removable stoneware is the portion of the Crock Pot that is lowered into the base, which contains the heating element.

The lid, however, cannot be placed in the oven, so if you need to cover your food while cooking, you’ll have to use another oven-safe method such as aluminum foil to form a tight fitting lid over your delicious meals.

This information is specific to the Crock Pot company! If you’re using another similar slow cooker brand, please refer to the user manual for more information.

If you lost yours, you may be able to find it online by searching for the exact product.

WARNING: Crock Pots are not safe to use on the broiler setting in the oven, so be sure to never place your ceramic cookware in the oven on broil.

How Can You Tell If Ceramic Cookware is Oven Safe?

To know whether or not you can use your ceramic in the oven, turn the item over and check the bottom for an oven safe symbol or the words “oven safe.”

If you don’t see a symbol or the wording, it’s safest to assume that your cookware is not oven safe. You can always contact the manufacturers by phone or online to verify this.

Is it Safe to Put a Crock Pot on the Stove?

Some ceramic cookware is safe for use on the stove top, but it must be specifically designed for it.

If your cookware doesn’t specifically state that it’s stovetop safe, don’t use it to cook or reheat food on a stovetop.

Per guidance from the manufacturer, Crock Pot brand name cookware is not stovetop safe.

Is It Safe to Put a Crock Pot in the Microwave?

All Crock Pot removable crockery inserts may be used safely, without the lid, in a microwave for temperatures up to 400°F.

That is, assuming it will actually fit in your microwave!

Crock Pot Safety General Guidelines (Brand Specific)

Glass lid: dishwasher safe, not oven safe, not microwave safe, not stovetop safe

Stoneware: dishwasher safe, oven safe (with exception of broiler), microwave safe, not stovetop safe

Now that you know how you can use your Crock Pot for cooking meals, you may wonder if it is a good way to store meals.

So, Can You Put a Crock Pot in the Fridge?

The answer is yes, however, as with all hot foods, you will want to wait until they cool before placing them in the fridge.

You can store uncooked food in a Crock Pot to marinate, or simply prepare it in advance so you can start it quickly if you’re on the go.

You can also store previously cooked food in the fridge with the cover on.

Not waiting for the interior liner to cool before placing it in the fridge can cause a temperature difference that creates a crack or a weakness that may later crack.

It can also affect surrounding foods, the efficiency of your fridge, and the safety of your food items.

Refrigerate your meal within two hours after cooking is finished. Leaving it out longer than that creates food safety concerns.

Does the Crock Pot Get Hot Enough to Cook Foods Safely?

Yes. Definitely. But it can take time — after all, this is a “slow cooker.”

Lean meats cook faster than meats with more fat. Chicken and pork tenderloin, for example, will cook more quickly than a pork shoulder.

Bone-in meats take longer than boneless cuts.

Most dishes take approximately 7-8 hours to reach a simmer point on the “low” setting and about 3-4 hours on “high.”

Once the vegetables and meat start to simmer and braise, flavors infuse and the meat will become tender.

According to the USDA, a temperature of at least 165°F will kill bacteria that causes illness.

If cooking instructions are followed correctly and the lid is not removed other than as called for by a recipe, the slow cooker will continue to heat up to a temperature that will allow for safe cooking.

Recipes that require removal of the lid for stirring, adding ingredients, or other directives will account for this step in their cook time.

Voltage variations, altitude, and humidity can account for longer or shorter cook times. Experience will help assist you with discovering what cook times are needed.

Plan your next meal with these easy slow cooker recipes.

Can You Cook Frozen Meat in the Slow Cooker?

You can cook frozen meat in a slow cooker pot, but the suggested cook time will most likely need to be increased.

There's no exact conversion time or general rule of thumb — the exact amount of time to achieve the best results will also depend on whether you're cooking on a high setting or low temperature.

Using a meat thermometer is a great way to ensure that proper temperatures have been reached. Meat that is tender will be well above 165°F.

If possible, however, we recommend thawing your meat overnight in the refrigerator first.

Can You Use a Slow Cooker Liner in the Oven?

No.

Slow cooker liners are only for use in slow cookers when they are used as-is.

The removable insert is not appropriate for use in the oven, Instant Pot, microwave, air fryer, convection oven, toaster oven, grill, or any other appliance.

Slow cooker liners are also not meant to be used as food storage bags. In other words, don’t try to get creative — the best way and only way to use a crockpot liner is to leave it with the slow cooker!

Why Should You Use Slow Cooker Liners in your Crock Pot?

Slow cooker liners are popular because they provide fast and easy clean-up and protect the slow cooker from wear and damage.

Food cooked for a length of time in a slow cooker is prone to sticking, and trying to wash it off can cause scratching or be difficult.

You may also need to soak the slow cooker in your sink or on your countertop for several hours, which can take up valuable kitchen space.

If you use a liner, you will still need to clean the inside of your slow cooker after use, but it will likely be a quick wipe down and rinse rather than a lengthy cleaning process.

Are Slow Cooker Liners Safe?

Slow cooker liners are considered safe to use on the appliance’s low, medium, and high settings for up to 400°F.

BPA-free liners that are made with heat-resistant, food-safe nylon are known to be safe and unlikely to tear.

Slow cooker liners are not meant to be used to lift cooked food from the pot.

Rather, they are a barrier that should remain in place until the time you are prepared to discard them.

Using them to lift food from the pot can result in damage to the liner which can create rips or tears that may allow scalding hot food to fall, potentially harming you or others.

Are Slow Cooker Liners Reusable?

Look to the manufacturer’s instructions for the use and reuse of your specific brand of slow cooker liners.

Some liners are reusable, and even dishwasher safe, making them a solid investment.

Others are disposable and meant to be used once and thrown away.

Do Slow Cooker Liners Come in One Size?

Slow cooker liners come in different size options to best fit your pot snugly.

You should not use a liner that does not appropriately fit your Crock Pot, as it might melt, burn, or stick to the insert.

Looking for slow cooker recipes? Our most popular recipe ever is for this Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak. But you can use your Crock Pot or slow cooker pot to make just about anything, from chicken teriyaki to our easy ham recipe or even lava cake.