Can I Leave a Slow Cooker on Overnight? (2024)

You may be unsure how to use a slow cooker and if it’s completely safe to leave a slow cooker on overnight or all day. Slow cookers are designed to be left to cook for long periods of time, so the truth is that it’s entirely safe to leave your slow cooker on overnight or throughout the day if you are out the house all day, if you follow all the directions and the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you are considering leaving your slow cooker on overnight, you may also want to know if you can leave your slow cooker on all day. The short answer is yes, you can leave a slow cooker on all day. However, we recommend following the guidance below.

Can I Leave a Slow Cooker on Overnight? (1)

We’ve collated some slow cooker tips to help you ensure that you’re completely safe when using your cooker and your mind is at rest.

  1. Can you leave a slow cooker on Low all day or overnight?

Yes, you can leave your slow cooker on all day or overnight. However, if you are planning to leave your slow cooker on overnight, make sure it’s on a low heat. You may wonder how long can you leave a slow cooker on low for? Well, the recommendation is a maximum of 8 hours on a low heat for most slow cookers.

  1. Be mindful of the surface you place it on

A wooden surface isn’t completely heat proof, so if you can, place your slow cooker on granite or tiled service. The surface should also be flat and hard so there’s no risk of the slow cooker falling over or spilling.

  1. Choose the right recipe

Not sure what to cook when using a crockpot overnight? Choose a simple slow cooker recipe that needs to be cooked for a long period of time. You can find out what to cook in a slow cooker by reading our previous blog post:How to use a slow cooker and what to cook.

  1. Keep slow cookers away from the walls

It is a general recommendation that you should keep your slow cooker at least 6 inches from a wall or any other kitchen appliance. The chord should also be kept away from the kitchen walls.

  1. Keep the cord away from any liquids

Keep the cords of your slow cooker away from liquids to avoid a fire hazard. There’s a chance of an electric fire breaking out if the wires are hot and encounter anyliquid.

Can I Leave a Slow Cooker on Overnight? (2024)

FAQs

Can I Leave a Slow Cooker on Overnight? ›

Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on for 12 hours? Yes, you can use your slow cooker for longer than eight hours, as long as you keep an eye on it. Many slow cookers do have an automatic shutoff after 24 hours.

How long can you leave a slow cooker on overnight? ›

Safe to leave on overnight. Just make sure you have nothing which can burn around it. No breeze/ wind blowing in ( our door's and windows are always closed) so it's safe And as always make sure your home is equipped with smoke detectors. I make my own bone broth and leave my slow cooker on for 24-40 hours.

Is it safe to leave the slow cooker on while not home? ›

Absolutely! If you feel comfortable leaving your crockpot on while you're at work, you should also feel safe using it overnight. However, if your slow cooker is old, it may be time to toss it.

Can I keep a slow cooker on warm overnight? ›

Given how close that temperature is to the Danger Zone, Crock Pot recommends that you only keep food on the warm setting in your slow cooker for up four hours.

Can you leave raw meat in slow cooker overnight? ›

What are the risks of doing so? Yes, it is generally safe to cook meat in a crock pot overnight, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low? ›

Low: 7-8 hours to reach the simmer point. High: 3-4 hours to reach the simmer point.

Can you put everything in a slow cooker the night before? ›

Make-ahead when possible: If your slow cooker has a removable insert, assemble the ingredients the night before and refrigerate the entire insert overnight. It's important to note that starting with cool ingredients may lengthen cooking time (but be sure to keep them out of the temperature danger zone).

Does the crockpot turn off automatically? ›

Some let you choose a desired temperature down to the degree. Auto Shut-Off: There's no need to worry about these slow cookers burning your food – they shut off automatically when they're done cooking. Timer: You won't need to worry about setting your alarm when cooking with these Crock Pots.

Do slow cookers use a lot of electricity? ›

According to the Energy Saving Trust, a slow cooker is one of the most energy efficient kitchen appliances. On average, a slow cooker draws about the same amount of energy as a standard electric light bulb. This means that despite being on for a longer period of time, a slow cooker actually uses very little energy.

Do crock pots get hot on the outside? ›

A: Both the metal exterior and the ceramic insert are hot to the touch when cooking, but not as hot as if they had been in an oven. You can touch the side handles, which stay cool, and you can remove the glass lid by the knob.

Can I slow cook chili for 12 hours? ›

The Best Way to Cook Chili:

You can slow cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.

What is the equivalent of 8 hours on low in a slow cooker? ›

Adapting recipes
Time Chart for Adapting Recipes
If the recipe says:Cook on LOW:Cook on HIGH:
15-30 minutes4-6 hours1 1/2-2 hours
35-45 minutes6-10 hours3-4 hours
50 minutes to 3 hours8-16 hours4-6 hours

Can I leave stew out overnight to cool? ›

Food should not be at room temperature for more than two hours. Shallow containers or small amounts of hot food can be placed directly in the refrigerator or rapidly chilled in an ice or cold water bath before refrigerating.

Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on for 12 hours? ›

Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on for 12 hours? Yes, you can use your slow cooker for longer than eight hours, as long as you keep an eye on it. Many slow cookers do have an automatic shutoff after 24 hours.

Can you leave stuff in the crockpot overnight? ›

One of the most frequently asked questions we get is, “are slow cookers safe to use overnight or unattended?”, and the answer is- yes!

Can I leave slow cooked meat out overnight? ›

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food and safety basics states cooked food can be left at room temperature up to two hours.

Can you eat slow cooker food the next day? ›

Save it, of course. Many slow-cooked dishes, like soups and stews, taste even better a day or two later, and also freeze beautifully. If you store them properly, of course. Read on for why you shouldn't rewarm food with your slow cooker.

Can you put a crockpot in the fridge overnight? ›

If you're short on time in the morning, prepare everything you need for your slow-cooked meal the night before, put it into the slow-cooker dish, cover and store in the fridge overnight.

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