How to Safely Use a Crockpot

with Rachel Edelman

Transcript: How to Safely Use a Crockpot

Hi, I'm Rachel Edelman for About.com Food. Today I'm going to show you some important safety tips for when you're using a crockpot.

Cook Food at a Safe Temperature

The temperature should be at least 140 degrees. Food needs to cook at this temperature or higher to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Do not put frozen foods into a crockpot. All foods should be defrosted before cooking, so the temperature can reach 140 degrees as quickly as possible.

Adjust Recipes as Needed

Liquids do not boil away in a crockpot. So if you're making a recipe that wasn't specifically developed for the crockpot, you may need to use one-third to one-half less liquid.

Do Not Lift the Crockpot's Lid

Do not lift the lid to stir, especially if you are cooking on the lowest setting. Each time you lift the lid, heat escapes and you'll need to cook the meal longer.

To check progress without lifting the lid, spin the cover until the condensation falls off. Then it's easy to see inside.

Throw Away Food if the Power Fails

If the power goes out while you're cooking, throw away the food. It's no longer safe to eat, even if it looks OK.

Store Food in a Separate Container

Remove cooked food from the crockpot or liner before you store it. Because the liner is made of thick material, the food won't cool down quickly enough to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the Web at food.about.com.

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