Can a Crockpot Go in the Dishwasher?
Cooking with crockpots is easy. But cleaning them can be hard. Some people try to put them in the dishwasher without thinking. But before you do that, you should think about whether or not that is a good idea.
Read More: Best Dishwasher under $300.
Can You Put a Crockpot in the Dishwasher?
The short answer to this question is “sometimes.”
You can’t put the entire slow cooker in the dishwasher. You will need to remove the inner stoneware bowl from the heater base. If your slow cooker is older or smaller, it might not have a detachable stoneware bowl. In these situations, you will only be able to wash them by hand.
You should always read the instruction booklet when you buy kitchen equipment. These will advise you on how to clean your appliances correctly. Check the bottom of the crockpot for any engravings that might contain cleaning instructions if you destroyed the manual. The words “Dishwasher Safe” may be printed on the bottom of some crockpots.
If you are unsure, it is always better to hand-wash your slow cooker. This way, you can avoid any inconvenience. Plus, it’s always good to be safe rather than sorry!
What Parts of a Crockpot Are Dishwasher Safe?
Usually, you can put the glass lid of your crockpot in the dishwasher. If you can take the internal bowl out, you can also put that in the dishwasher. But be careful with the central heating part – it’s never safe to put that in the dishwasher. Luckily, you don’t need to wash this part.
Crockpot accessories, such as roasting racks or thermometers, differ depending on the manufacturer and material. If you have any questions, consult the instruction booklet.
What Kinds of Crockpots Are Not Dishwasher Safe?
To avoid the damaging of a non-removable inner bowl of a crockpot, it should not be put in the dishwasher. You will always have to hand-wash these. If your crockpot’s manual states that it is not dishwasher safe, you should still hand-wash it. Even if the stoneware bowl is removable, the warning is there for a reason.
The Materials of Your Stoneware Bowl
So, you think that your slow cooker is dishwasher safe. But is it actually a good idea to put it in the dishwasher?
Before placing that stoneware bowl in the dishwasher, find out whether it’s ceramic or stainless steel. You should also verify if it has a non-stick surface.
Ceramic and steel bowls can be put in the dishwasher without any problems. However, if your crockpot has a non-stick coating, you might want to wash it by hand. The dishwasher’s heat can wear down the coating over time. If the manual says it is dishwasher safe, you should still avoid putting it.
Is It Better to Put a Crockpot in the Dishwasher, or Clean It by Hand?
Even if your crockpot can go in the dishwasher, is it really worth it? Or should you make the extra effort of hand-washing it? The most effective cleaning technique will depend on two factors: the size of your crockpot and the amount of stuck-on food. Many crockpot bowls take up a lot of space in the dishwasher. This means you might have to wash more dishes anyway.
If there is dried-up food on your crockpot, your dishwasher may not clean it all the way. In the end, you might have to wash the crockpot by hand. If your crockpot’s bowl is small, you can put it in the dishwasher. But make sure to give the bowl a good rinse before the food dries up. This will help the dishwasher clean it properly.
If you clean your crockpot in the dishwasher, it will save you time and effort.
How to Clean Your Crockpot Bowl by Hand
Is your slow cooker’s bowl dishwasher-safe? Do you simply want to wash it by hand instead of putting it in the dishwasher? Although it is big and unwieldy, cleaning crockpots in your kitchen sink isn’t as difficult as it appears. As always, wait for the crockpot to cool down completely before washing it.
While the food soaks, protect it from drying out by allowing it to soak in some soapy water. Just be sure it’s warm water; rapid temperature changes can cause ceramic to fracture.
You may clean it with a soapy sponge or dishcloth once it’s cool. Avoid using harsh chemicals or a rough-textured sponge, especially if the surface is nonstick.
If you have a crockpot with a non-removable base, be careful when you’re handling it. Don’t let the sink fill up with water while you’re washing it. Try to wash it without getting the base wet at all. Once you’ve finished, hand-dry it with a towel or place it upside down on a drying rack.
If there is food trapped in your crockpot, soak the bowl in soapy water overnight. The food will soften and become much easier to remove after soaking. You may also buy stoneware-specific cleaners if necessary. Even if you don’t use them, they’re a good idea because cleaning your crockpot on a regular basis keeps food from getting stuck. Once you’ve scrubbed off all the food and washed all of your crockpot pieces, rinse them thoroughly with clean water.
In Conclusion
Crockpots are well-known for their ease of use and convenience. When it comes to maintenance, though, the truth is that they can be a little difficult. In general, you may clean most modern crockpot bowls and lids in the dishwasher. Even so, you should exercise caution. Dishwashers may destroy certain crockpot bowls with time. They can also leave behind a lot of stubborn stains. There are different ways to clean your crockpot. It is important to keep your crockpot looking new.
