It didn't take long into the fall season for me to pull my slow cooker out of its under-cabinet storage. It's back to doing its good thing, making great meals in the kitchen. I'm not afraid to share how much I use it; we're busy people! But when I mention the frequency to others, nearly everyone has the same reaction: "I'd love to use mine more, but it's such a pain to clean." It's true. Even when you spray your Crockpot with cooking spray, it can still get pretty bad in there.
Whether it’s a cozy stew on a chilly evening or a hearty dish for Friendsgiving, slow cookers offer great results. But there’s one accessory that often gets overlooked in the slow-cooking process—the humble slow cooker liner. This unsung hero can save you time, effort, and maybe even a little bit of your sanity both on Monday evenings and during the busiest cooking season of the year.
The Magic of Slow Cooker Liners
Why isn't everyone using these, I ask on the regular? Slow cooker liners are thin, heat-resistant bags designed to fit inside your pot. They act as a barrier between your hot food and the pot, keeping the mess contained while still allowing the slow cooker bowl to work its magic. Crockpot liners are available in most grocery stores and come in packs, often next to foil and plastic wrap. If you like a sous vide, pretend that's what we're doing here.
Can Crock Pot liners withstand high heat?
Yes! Or I wouldn't be here telling you to use them. Slow cooker liners are designed to handle the low and slow heat of a crockpot, as well as the higher temperatures needed for more intensive cooking. They're typically made from materials that can handle heat up to 400°F, so you don’t have to worry about them melting or affecting your food. As a follow-up, people also ask if it's okay to use slow cooker liners in the oven, and the answer is no. Reynolds advises against using its slow cooker inserts in ovens, rice cookers, grills, air fryers, on the cooktop, and in countertop ovens and convection ovens. Use oven bags if you need to bake a moist turkey in the oven.
Are slow cooker liners safe for food?
Absolutely. Slow cooker bags are made from FDA-approved, food-safe materials. We initially worried about the chemicals or ingredients, too, but the plastic products don't affect the taste or quality of your food and are specifically designed to be used with heat and food for extended periods. As I said, slow cooking in a liner is sort of like sous vide, but... not.
The Benefits of Slow Cooker Liners at a Glance
Slow cooker liners are a game-changer, especially during the busy holiday season. Here’s why:
- Effortless Clean-Up: After cooking a hearty meal in the kitchen, no one wants to scrub baked-on food. With a liner, you just lift it out, toss it, and give your appliance a quick rinse. No more soaking or heavy scrubbing.
- Food Won’t Stick: Liners prevent food from sticking to the pot, which means less burning and easier cleanup. This also helps preserve the cooker's surface by reducing wear from constant scrubbing.
- Versatility: Slow cooker liners aren’t just for soups and stews! Use them for casseroles, desserts, and even your family's favorite pasta dishes. They make meal prep and clean-up faster and easier, especially during the holiday rush.
- Convenience: Perfect for busy cooks, liners save time by eliminating the need for heavy-duty cleaning, allowing you to focus more on enjoying meals with your family and less on the clean-up.
