15 Tips to Get the Most out of Your Slow Cooker

Did you know a slow cooker can be used for more than food?

1. Air Freshener

Add water, any spices, and fruit or herbs that you desire to brighten up the aroma in your home.

2. Make Candles

No need to run to the store for gifts, make candles in your slow cooker. Melt the wax inside jars and keep the cleanup easy.

3. Bag Liners

Speaking of cleanup, are you using bag liners in your slow cooker? These bags will eliminate spills and constant scrubbing after each meal.

4. Two for One

Cook two dishes at once. Just place two bag liners side by side in the slow cooker to separate recipes. Both dishes will cook at once. Convenient, right?

5. Add Salt At The End

Tired of seeing your kids cringe after biting into your roast beef? If salt is added at the beginning it will result in a salty meal; add salt at the end.

6. Excess Liquid

If a mistake is made on a recipe and you’re left with soup instead of stew, here’s how to fix it. Remove the lid from the slow cooker, and turn the temperature up to get rid of the extra liquid.

7. Small Portions

If you only want to cook a small portioned meal, there is still a way to use a slow cooker. Add all of your ingredients into a ramekin and then place it into your slow cooker.

8. Don’t Peek

When the lid of the slow cooker is removed the temperature drops. It could take your slow cooker up to thirty minutes to get back to the correct temperature. But, if you spin the lid quickly the steam will clear off and allow you to peek in.

9. Cooking Spray

The recipe will not say this, however spraying your slow cooker with cooking spray first will help keep items like rice and noodles from sticking to the bottom.

10. Humidifier

A slow cooker can easily become a humidifier by placing water and a little Vick’s Vapor Rub inside. Place the slow cooker on a low heat setting and let it steam overnight while you sleep.

11. Bread Warmer

You can warm rolls, buns, and tortillas in your slow cooker. Spread a damp towel at the bottom and place the bread items on top of the towel. Place another damp towel over the top of the bread items and then cover with the lid. Adjust the heat to a low setting and warm until your desired heat.

12. Baking Soda and Vinegar

No more scrubbing. Placing baking soda, water, and vinegar in your crockpot and allow it to simmer for at least an hour. Doing this will do a deep clean and scrub your slow cooker for you.

13. Add Dairy Last

Did you know that adding your dairy items last will prevent curdling? You’re welcome!

14. Prep Recipes in Freezer Bags

Stay prepared for dinner every night. Prep multiple slow cooker recipes beforehand and place everything in a freezer bag. Store it in the freezer and pull out for dinner when needed.

15. Make Bread