Why You Should Never Put Your Crockpot on the Stovetop

Crockpots, or slow cookers, are constructed with ceramic crocks that can chip or break when exposed to drastic temperature changes or heat sources. If you put a ceramic insert on a stovetop, you are introducing it to a form of heat it was never intended to encounter. Stovetop burners, whether electric or gas, create a very focused heat source that can lead to the ceramic to heat up very quickly. This can cause cracks or even lead to the bottom of the crockpot cracking or breaking off as we saw on the infamous Facebook post.

What could happen?
If you place your crockpot on the stovetop, several things may occur, and none of them will be positive. The most frequent problem is that the ceramic insert will break or chip, and you will have a mess on your stove. This not only makes a lot of mess but also can lead to the risk of burns from the hot food. Also, the ceramic pieces may scratch your stovetop, especially if you have a glass or ceramic stovetop.

But that’s not all. However, the ceramic insert may not shatter on the spot and may develop micro-cracks that are not easily seen. These cracks can compromise the integrity of the crockpot and increase the chances of it breaking the next time it is used. We cannot rule out the possibility of electrical risks in case the heating element of the crockpot gets damaged during the process.

Is it safe to use a ceramic dish on the stove?
You may be asking yourself, is it okay to use any ceramic dish on the stovetop? The answer is usually no. Most ceramic dishware is not designed for use on the stovetop burner. Of course, there are some special kinds of pots such as flameware or ceramic cookware which can be used on the stove but these are not the norm. It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when using any ceramic dish on the stove.

So, what can we conclude from this? Keep your crockpot on the counter where it belongs. This is a slow cooking pot and that is where it shines best. If you need to move your food to the stovetop, use a pot or pan that are meant for use on the stovetop. Trust me, your kitchen (and your sanity) will appreciate it.

This is coming from experience though, after my own mishap with the glass top stove I have become something of a kitchen safety enthusiast. I still enjoy experimenting with new recipes and using the many kitchen tools I have, but I do so with more care. And each time I hear of someone else’s kitchen disaster, I’m always reminded that we are only a moment away from the next big kitchen oops. So let’s be safe out there and keep the crockpots off the stovetops!