🚫 Why You Should Never Put a Crockpot on the Stove
Let’s be clear: a crockpot should never go on a burner. It’s not made for that kind of heat. Here’s why:
-
Crockpot inserts are usually ceramic or porcelain, and these materials don’t respond well to direct, intense heat. They're designed to handle gentle, steady warmth from the slow cooker base—not the open flames or rapid heat of a stove.
-
Thermal shock is real. Sudden temperature changes or high, concentrated heat can cause the insert to crack, shatter, or chip.
-
If your crockpot cracks mid-cooking, you’re not just left with a mess—you’re at risk of burns, damaged kitchen surfaces, and even electrical issues if liquid reaches parts of the heating element.
❓ Is Any Ceramic Safe on the Stovetop?
Most ceramic cookware is not meant for stove use unless it’s labeled as flame-safe or stovetop-safe ceramic (like flameware). These specialized products are engineered to handle the rapid, high heat of gas and electric burners.
Moral of the story: Always read the manufacturer’s guidelines before putting anything ceramic on the stove.
🧼 Cleanup Isn’t the Only Issue
Even if your crockpot doesn’t break right away, it might develop microscopic cracks you can’t see. The next time you use it, those weak spots could cause the pot to break suddenly—possibly while it's full of hot food.
Also, keep in mind: placing ceramic cookware on a glass or ceramic stovetop can lead to scratches, scuffs, or complete surface damage if anything goes wrong.
✅ Final Thoughts: Keep Crockpots on the Counter
Crockpots are wonderful for long, slow simmering—but they belong on the counter, not the stove. Want to speed up your cooking? Use a proper pot or pan designed for direct heat.
As someone who’s been burned by a kitchen mishap (literally and figuratively), I now double-check what goes where. Mistakes are part of cooking—but some, like placing a crockpot on a burner, are 100% avoidable.
So next time you’re tempted to transfer your slow cooker insert to the stove, stop and grab a saucepan instead. Your kitchen—and your future self—will thank you.
