In our last article, we detailed every food safety measure you need to put in place when making use of your slow cooker.
A lot of our readers loved that article and even though we covered some frequently asked questions, we still got a lot of questions via email regarding slow cookers fire safety tips.
So, we thought it would be better to turn the questions into an article so that anyone can benefit from it.Without wasting further time, let’s get right to it.
Slow Cooker Fire Safety Tips/Answers
Here are the questions we were asked regarding the fire safety of slow cookers:
Can Slow Cookers Catch Fire?
It is very unlikely but not impossible. Cooking is one of the causes of home fires in the U.S.; however, slow cookers only occupy a minimal percentage in that regard.
With the highest wattage of most slow cookers set at 200-300, their chances of setting the house on fire is very slim. They cook on low heat and therefore don’t cause fires as much as ovens and stovetops do. But since they are electrical appliances, they can catch fire. Just make sure to observe all security measures when using slow cookers or any other thing that uses electricity.
Can A Slow Cooker Overheat?
Slow cookers, especially newer versions, can overheat. They tend to cook a lot hotter than older versions. To test the hotness of your slow cooker, fill your pot with two-third room temperature water. Turn it on and cover it to cook for 8 hours. At the end of 8 hours, check the temperature which should be 185 degrees Fahrenheit at least. Anything cooler than this is unsafe for cooking food.
What Is The Right Temperature For A Slow Cooker?
To safely cook foods, slow cookers should be 200 degrees Fahrenheit on low setting and 300 degrees Fahrenheit on high setting. Avoid slow cookers that cook lower than 140 degrees Fahrenheit as they will allow bacteria to multiply in the food when left for some time.
Can A Slow Cooker Be Left On While Out?
Yes. Slow cookers are designed to slowly cook your food while you go about your business. You can throw in all your food ingredients, add some water and set it on low to cook. You will come home to a well-cooked meal. So, yes, you can leave it on for several hours cooking on low.
Some models automatically shut off when it has reached 20 hours. Just ensure that the slow cooker is on a flat surface and in good condition.
Can You Leave A Slow Cooker On All Night?
Slow cookers do not cook with high heat like stovetop and ovens. So, it’s safe to say that you can leave your slow cooker cooking all night. Since some slow cooker recipes take up to 10 to 12 hours to cook, it’s safe to leave it on all night and wake up to a well-cooked breakfast.
However, a typical breakfast shouldn’t take more than 8 hours to cook on the slow cooker. In whatever you do, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and directions for best practices not forgetting recipe instructions.
How Long Can a Slow Cooker Be Left on For?
There are different things to consider when it comes to how long you should leave your slow cooker on. You have to consider the model of the slow cooker, the temperature setting, and of course, the food ingredient you want to cook.
It’s true that some models allow you to leave on your slow cooker for up to 24 hours. Regardless, you should try not to exceed 12 to 14 hours of cooking on low heat. It’s also okay to leave it on “keep warm” for extra 1 to 2 hours. But, you should never allow your slow cooker to run for more than 24 hours at a time.
Is It Safe To Cook On High Overnight Or While Out?
No, it’s not advisable. Cooking on high heat is best done when you can monitor the slow cooker. Most recipes that call for high heat on slow cookers do not exceed 4 to 6 hours. Since you would probably still be sleeping for that duration of time, it’s not safe to do so.
Besides, cooking on high for long hours will overcook the food. Cooking on high heat unattended might lead to the liquid in the food drying out which could start a fire. Therefore, if you intend using your slow cooker while out or overnight, it’s safer to cook on low heat.
How many house fires are caused by slow cookers?
According to Consumer Reports, they studied a report from the Federal Emergency Management Agency regarding fires that have been started from home appliances. The report showed that slow cookers caused 103 fires from 2012 through 2015. In that, only two people were injured with no fatalities. But there was property damage to the tune of $1.6 million.
However, in 2018, an old hand-me-down slow cooker with a faulty switch started a fire that took the life of a popular TV series actor, Jack Pearson, after inhaling too much smoke from the fire.
While this is an unfortunate incident, slow cookers still have the lowest number of kitchen fires when compared to its counterparts. Check out the figure – toaster ovens and toasters (1,416), microwaves (3,084), and coffee makers (256).
Precautions To Take When Making Use Of A Slow Cooker
The following fire safety measures will help protect you from using a faulty slow cooker:
1. Check For Exposed Wires
Everytime you want to make use of your slow cooker, especially if you have had it for a long time, always check the cord for exposed or frayed wires. If there is any, please dispose of the appliance without delay. Do not even think of using black tape as this may not stop it from posing a danger to you and anyone else that makes use of it.
2. Unplug When Not In Use
When you are not making use of your slow cooker or any other electrical appliances, always unplug them from the socket. While at it, ensure that the cord is folded in such a way that it will not fray the cord.
3. Store Slow Cookers on a Stable, Flat Surface
Always place your slow cooker on a flat surface away from any flammable item or material like cooking oil, curtains and kitchen towels. You should also store it away from your stovetop and kitchen sink.
4. Keep Out Of the Reach of Children
Just like every other electrical appliance, you should make sure that your slow cooker is not where the children can easily reach it, including pets.
5. Beware Of Used Slow Cookers
Many people are disposing of their old slow cookers for newer versions that come with auto shut off features. Buying or accepting used slow cookers may not be in your best interest. Some of them were disposed of because they started emitting off odors or getting too hot. While there may be good slow cookers sold off in garage sales, however, being that slow cookers are meant to be put on and left behind while you are at work, you should apply caution when going for a used one.
6. Get a Smoke Detector
Smoke detectors can alert you of smoke before the fire gets out of hand. If you don’t have a smoke detector before now, consider getting one. If you already have one, check that the batteries are still good. Preferably, change the batteries every 6 months and dispose of the smoke detector after 10 years.
Conclusion
Hopefully, we have been able to provide answers to most if not all the questions you may have concerning slow cookers fire issues.
Observing and applying these tips will enable you to enjoy your slow cooker without stress. If you still have any questions, concerns or contributions, please leave it in the comment section and we will attend to it.