5 Best Non Toxic Slow Cooker in 2023

You can enjoy a lot of convenience and variety with slow cookers in your kitchen. They allow you to prepare delicious and nutritious meals with minimal effort and time. It should be noted that not all slow cookers are of equal quality. It’s important to be aware that some products may contain harmful substances or chemicals that have the potential to seep into your food and possibly cause harm to your health. That’s why choosing a non-toxic slow cooker that is safe and healthy for you and your family is important.

In this article, we will explain what makes a slow cooker non-toxic, the benefits of using one, and what factors to consider when choosing one. We will also review some of the top features of non-toxic slow cookers and recommend some of the best brands and models on the market. Finally, we will share some tips for safely using non-toxic slow cookers and answer frequently asked questions.

Understanding Non-Toxic Slow Cookers

Before we dive into the details of choosing a non-toxic slow cooker, let’s first understand what makes a slow cooker non-toxic, the potential health risks of traditional slow cookers, and how non-toxic slow cookers promote safety.

What Makes a Slow Cooker Non-Toxic?

A slow cooker is a kitchen appliance that utilizes low heat to cook food slowly. It has a base, a pot, and a lid. A slow cooker is non-toxic if it has no harmful materials or chemicals that can enter the food or the air. Some bad materials or chemicals are lead, cadmium, PTFE, and PFOA. A non-toxic slow cooker should be made of stainless steel, Glass, or ceramics. These materials are safe, strong, easy to clean, and good for the environment.

Potential Health Risks of Traditional Slow Cookers

Traditional slow cookers may contain toxic materials or chemicals that can leach into your food or release harmful fumes during cooking. These harmful substances can result in various health troubles, such as:

Neurological damage: Exposure to lead or cadmium can affect the brain and nervous system, causing symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, memory loss, mood swings, learning difficulties, seizures, coma, or death.

Kidney damage: Exposure to lead or cadmium can damage the kidneys and impair their function of filtering waste and toxins from the blood. This can lead to symptoms such as high blood pressure, swelling, anemia, bone loss, kidney stones, or kidney failure.

Reproductive problems: Exposure to lead or cadmium can affect the reproductive system and cause infertility, miscarriage, low birth weight, congenital disabilities, or developmental disorders in children.

Cancer: Exposure to cadmium or PFOA can increase the risk of developing various types of cancer, such as lung, kidney, bladder, prostate, or testicular cancer.

Liver damage: Exposure to PFOA can damage the liver and impair its function of metabolizing fats, hormones, drugs, and toxins. This can lead to symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or liver failure.

Thyroid problems: Exposure to PFOA can affect the thyroid gland and disrupt its hormone production, which regulates metabolism, growth, and development. Symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, depression, hair loss, cold intolerance, or goiter may occur.

How Non-Toxic Slow Cookers Promote Safety

Non-toxic slow cookers are designed to prevent toxic materials or chemicals from leaching into your food or releasing harmful fumes during cooking. They are made of materials that are inert, stable, and resistant to high temperatures and acids. They also have features that ensure even heat distribution, cooking performance, ease of use, and maintenance. By using a non-toxic slow cooker, you can enjoy the following benefits:

• Healthier food: Non-toxic slow cookers preserve your food’s nutrients, flavours, and textures without adding any unwanted substances. They also reduce the need for oil or fat, lowering your food’s calories and cholesterol.
• Safer environment: Non-toxic slow cookers do not emit toxic fumes that can pollute the air or irritate your eyes, nose, throat, or lungs. They also do not create any waste or residue that can contaminate the water or soil.
• Longer lifespan: Non-toxic slow cookers are durable and reliable and do not degrade or flake off over time. They also require less cleaning and maintenance, saving you time and money.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Non-Toxic Slow Cooker

Now that you know what makes a slow cooker non-toxic and why using one is important, let’s consider some factors. Here are some of the main aspects to look for when shopping for a non-toxic slow cooker:

Material Safety

The first and most important factor to consider is the material safety of the slow cooker. You want to make sure that the slow cooker is made of materials that are inert, stable, and resistant to high temperatures and acids. You also want to avoid any materials that contain toxic metals or chemicals that can leach into your food or release harmful fumes during cooking.

Non-Toxic Materials for Construction

The best materials for non-toxic slow cookers are stainless steel, Glass, and ceramic. These materials are durable, corrosion-resistant, easy to clean, and do not react with food. They also do not contain any lead, cadmium, PTFE, PFOA, or other toxins.

Some other materials that are considered non-toxic are titanium, aluminum, and copper. These materials are also durable, corrosion-resistant, easy to clean, and do not react with food. However, they may have drawbacks such as higher cost, lower heat conductivity, or potential oxidation.

You should avoid any materials that are plastic, rubber, silicone, or coated with non-stick substances. These materials may contain BPA, phthalates, PVC, or other chemicals that can leach into your food or release harmful fumes during cooking. They may also melt, warp, crack, or peel off over time.

Avoiding Harmful Chemicals

Some slow cookers may have bad chemicals that can get into your food or the air. These chemicals may come from making, packing, cleaning, or washing the slow cooker. Some bad chemicals are formaldehyde, BPA, phthalates, PVC, and chlorine. These chemicals can make you sick in many ways. To avoid these chemicals, look for slow cookers certified by NSF, UL, or FDA. These are groups that check if slow cookers are safe and healthy.

It would help if you also looked for slow cookers that say BPA-free, phthalate-free, PVC-free, or chlorine-free. This means that slow cookers do not have these chemicals or have very little of them. You should also use gentle cleaners and water to clean your slow cooker and cook your food. This will keep your slow cooker and food clean and safe.

Heat Distribution and Cooking Performance

The second factor is the slow cooker’s heat distribution and cooking performance. You want to ensure the slow cooker can cook your food evenly and thoroughly without burning or drying it. You also want to ensure that the slow cooker has features that allow you to control the temperature and time of cooking.

Efficient Heating Mechanisms

The heating part of the slow cooker is the part that makes and moves heat to the pot that holds the food. The heating part can affect how fast and even the slow cooker can heat and cook your food. There are two main types of heating parts for slow cookers: wrap-around heating parts and bottom heating parts. Wrap-around heating parts are coils or wires around the pot on all sides.

They give even heat and fast cooking times. They also stop hot spots or burning on the bottom of the pot. But, they may use more energy and make more heat outside the pot. The bottom heating parts are coils or wires at the base’s bottom. They give direct heat to the bottom of the pot. They may use less energy and make less heat outside the pot. But, they may give uneven heat and slow cooking times. They may also make hot spots or burn on the bottom of the pot.

The best heating part for non-toxic slow cookers is wrap-around heating parts. They give even heat and fast cooking times without burning or drying your food. They also stop bad materials or chemicals from getting into your food from the bottom of the pot.

Temperature Control Features

The heat control of the slow cooker is the part that lets you change the cooking heat as you like or need. Heat control can affect how well and long you cook your food. There are three main types of heat control for slow cookers: manual control, programmable control, and smart control. Manual control is knobs, dials, or buttons that let you pick from a few set heat levels, such as low, medium, high, or warm. They are simple and easy to use, but they do not let you pick a specific heat or time for cooking.

They also do not turn off or lower the heat by themselves, so you have to watch your food and turn off the slow cooker when done. Programmable control is digital displays, touchscreens, or remote controls that let you pick a specific heat and time for cooking. They are more exact and flexible to use, and they turn off or lower the heat by themselves when the cooking time is done.

They also let you start the slow cooker later. Smart control is wireless or Bluetooth devices that let you control the slow cooker from your phone, tablet, or computer. They are the most advanced and handy to use, and they have all the features of programmable control plus more.

They also let you use voice commands to control the slow cooker. They also let you get recipes, tips, or alerts from slow cookers or other apps. The best heat control for non-toxic slow cookers is programmable control. They give good cooking performance and safety without losing convenience or flexibility. They also stop overcooking or undercooking your food, which can change the quality and nutrition of your food.

Size and Capacity

The third factor to consider is the size and capacity of the slow cooker. You want to ensure that the slow cooker can fit in your kitchen space and hold enough food for your needs. You also want to ensure the slow cooker is manageable for your recipes.

Choosing the Right Size for Your Needs

The size of the slow cooker is the measurement of its dimensions, such as length, width, height, or diameter. The size of the slow cooker can affect how much space it takes up in your kitchen and how easy it is to store or transport.

The size of the slow cooker can range from 3 inches to 24 inches in diameter or from 1 quart to 10 quarts in volume. The slow cooker size should match your kitchen space and your preference. To ensure it fits well, you should measure your countertop, cabinet, or shelf space before buying a slow cooker. It would help to consider how often and where you will use the slow cooker and whether you need a portable or stationary one.

Generally, smaller slow cookers are more suitable for single-person households, small kitchens, dorm rooms, RVs, or camping trips. They are easier to store and transport but can only cook small batches of food. Larger slow cookers are more suitable for large families, big kitchens, parties, or potlucks. They can cook large batches of food but are harder to store and transport.

Capacity Considerations for Different Recipes

The capacity of the slow cooker is the measurement of how much food it can hold. The capacity of the slow cooker can affect how well it can cook your food and how much leftovers you will have.

The slow cooker’s capacity can vary from 1 quart to 10 quarts. The capacity of the slow cooker should match your recipe and serving size. You should check the recipe instructions before buying a slow cooker to ensure it specifies the dish’s recommended capacity. Consider how many people you will serve and how many leftovers you want.

Generally, smaller-capacity slow cookers are more suitable for soups, stews, dips, sauces, or desserts. They can cook faster and more evenly but only serve one or two people. Larger capacity slow cookers are more suitable for roasts, ribs, casseroles, or whole chickens. They can cook slower and less evenly but serve four or more people.

A good rule of thumb is to fill the slow cooker at least half full and no more than three-quarters full for optimal cooking performance and safety. If you fill it too little, it may dry out or burn your food. If you fill it too much, it may overflow or take too long to cook your food.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

The fourth factor to consider is the slow cooker’s ease of use and maintenance. You want to ensure the slow cooker is user-friendly and easy to clean. You also want to ensure the slow cooker has features that enhance its functionality and durability.

Programmable Features

As mentioned earlier, programmable features are digital displays, touchscreens, or remote controls that allow you to set a specific temperature and time for cooking. They provide more precise and flexible operation and have automatic shut-off and keep-warm functions that turn off the slow cooker or lower the temperature when the cooking time is up. They also have delay-start functions that allow you to start the slow cooker later.

Programmable features make the slow cooker easier to use and more convenient. They allow you to customize your cooking according to your preference or recipe. They also save you time and energy by eliminating the need to monitor your food closely or manually turn off the slow cooker when done.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Cleaning and maintenance tips are instructions or guidelines on properly cleaning and caring for your slow cooker. They provide information on what materials or products to use or avoid, how often to clean or inspect your slow cooker, and how to troubleshoot any problems or issues.

Cleaning and maintenance tips make the slow cooker easier to clean and more durable. They help prevent dirt, grease, or residue from building up or staining your slow cooker. They also help you prevent any damage, corrosion, or malfunction from occurring or worsening.

Some of the common cleaning and maintenance tips for non-toxic slow cookers are:

• Unplug the slow cooker and let it cool down completely before cleaning.
• Wash the cooking insert or pot and the lid by hand with mild soap and water or in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe. Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners or scrubbers that may scratch or damage the surface.
• Wipe the base unit and the heating element with a damp cloth or sponge. Do not immerse them in water or use cleaners or solvents that may damage the electrical components.
• Dry all the parts thoroughly before reassembling or storing the slow cooker.
• Store the slow cooker in a cool, dry, and clean place. Do not stack anything on top of it or wrap the cord around it that may cause damage or fire hazards.
• Check the slow cooker regularly for any signs of wear, tear, or damage. Replace any parts that are broken, cracked, or missing. Contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician for any repairs or replacements.

Top Features of Non-Toxic Slow Cookers

Now that you know what factors to consider when choosing a non-toxic slow cooker, let’s look at some of the top features of non-toxic slow cookers that make them stand out. Here are some of the features that you should look for when shopping for a non-toxic slow cooker:

Non-Stick Coatings and Alternatives

Non-stick coatings are substances applied to the cookware’s surface to prevent food from sticking or burning. Non-stick coatings can make cooking and cleaning easier and faster, but they can also pose health risks if they contain toxic materials or chemicals such as PTFE or PFOA.

Non-stick coatings and alternatives provide non-stick properties without using toxic materials or chemicals. They can be natural or synthetic but are inert, stable, and resistant to high temperatures and acids. They can also be removable or permanent, depending on the design of the slow cooker.

Some of the best non-stick coatings and alternatives for non-toxic slow cookers are:

• Ceramics: Ceramics is made of clay, water, and other minerals. It is hard, smooth, easy to clean, and does not leach any chemicals into the food. Ceramics are also recyclable and eco-friendly. Ceramics can be used as a coating on metal pots or as a material for ceramic pots.
• Silicone: Silicone is a synthetic polymer that is flexible, durable, easy to clean, and does not leach any chemicals into the food. Silicone is also recyclable and eco-friendly. Silicone can be used as a coating on metal pots or as a material for silicone pots.
• Oil: Oil is a liquid from plants, animals, or minerals. It is natural, edible, easy to apply, and does not leach any chemicals into the food. Oil can be an alternative to non-stick coatings by coating the pot with a thin layer of oil before cooking.

Glass or Ceramic Cooking Inserts

Glass or ceramic cooking inserts are removable pots holding food inside the slow cooker. They are made of Glass or ceramic materials that are inert, stable, and resistant to high temperatures and acids. They do not leach chemicals into the food or release harmful fumes during cooking.

Glass or ceramic cooking inserts are features that provide safety and quality for your food. They preserve your food’s nutrients, flavors, and textures without adding unwanted substances. They also reduce the need for oil or fat, lowering your food’s calories and cholesterol.

Glass or ceramic cooking inserts are also features that provide convenience and versatility for your cooking. They are easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher. They are also oven-safe and microwave-safe so you can use them for other purposes besides slow cooking.

BPA-Free Lids and Handles

BPA-free lids and handles are covers and grips attached to the slow cooker. They are made of plastic materials that do not contain BPA (bisphenol A), a chemical that can leach into food or water from plastic containers or metal cans. BPA can disrupt the endocrine system and cause hormonal imbalances, infertility, obesity, diabetes, or cancer.

BPA-free lids and handles provide safety and comfort for your cooking. They prevent BPA from leaching into your food or water during cooking. They also prevent heat from escaping from the pot and keep your food warm longer. They also prevent burns from touching hot surfaces, making lifting or carrying the pot easier.

Safety Certifications and Standards

Safety certifications and standards are marks or labels that indicate that the slow cooker has been tested and certified by reputable organizations or agencies for public health and safety standards. They ensure the slow cooker is free of lead, cadmium, PTFE, PFOA, and other toxins. They also ensure the slow cooker is safe and poses no fire or shock hazards.

Safety certifications and standards are features that provide trust and confidence for your cooking. They assure you the slow cooker is safe and healthy for you and your family. They also assure you that the slow cooker is reliable and durable and will not malfunction or break down easily.

Some of the common safety certifications and standards for non-toxic slow cookers are:

• NSF International: NSF International is an autonomous organization that evaluates and verifies products to ensure they meet public health and safety standards. They have a certification program for cookware and bakeware that ensures the products are free of lead, cadmium, PTFE, PFOA, and other toxins.
• UL (Underwriters Laboratories): UL is a global safety certification company that tests and certifies products for electrical, fire, and mechanical safety standards. They have a certification program for slow cookers that ensures the products are safe and do not pose fire or shock hazards.
• FDA (Food and Drug Administration): FDA is a federal agency that regulates food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices in the United States. They have a regulation for cookware and bakeware that ensures the products are safe from contact with food and do not leach any harmful substances.

Popular Brands of Non-Toxic Slow Cookers

Now that you know what features to look for when choosing a non-toxic slow cooker, let’s look at some popular brands of non-toxic slow cookers. Here are some of the best brands and models of non-toxic slow cookers on the market:

1. Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Set & Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock & Lid, Temperature Probe, Stainless Steel

This is a 6-quart slow cooker that has a stainless steel base unit, a ceramic cooking insert, and a glass lid. It has wrap-around heating elements, programmable settings, a temperature probe, a lid lock, and BPA-free handles. It is certified by UL and FDA.

The key features of this slow cooker are:

Wrap-around heating elements: This feature provides even heat distribution and faster cooking times without burning or drying out your food. It also prevents any toxic materials or chemicals from leaching into your food from the bottom of the pot.

Programmable settings: This feature allows you to set a specific temperature and time for cooking. It also has automatic shut-off and keep-warm functions that turn off the slow cooker or lower the temperature when the cooking time is up. It also has delay-start functions that allow you to start the slow cooker later.

Temperature probe: This feature allows you to insert a probe into your food and monitor its internal temperature during cooking. It helps you prevent overcooking or undercooking your food, which can affect the quality and nutrition of your food.

Lid lock: This feature allows you to secure the lid on the pot with clips that prevent it from opening or spilling during transport. It helps you prevent messes or accidents when moving or carrying the pot.

BPA-free handles: This feature prevents BPA from leaching into your food or water during cooking. It also prevents burns from touching hot surfaces and makes lifting or carrying the pot easier.

Pros and Cons

2. Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)

This is a 7-quart slow cooker that has a stainless steel base unit, a stoneware cooking insert, and a glass lid. It has bottom heating elements, manual settings, BPA-free handles, and dishwasher-safe parts. It is certified by UL.

The key features of this slow cooker are:

Bottom heating elements: This feature provides direct heat to the bottom of the cooking insert or pot. It may consume less energy and generate less heat outside the pot. However, it may cause uneven heat distribution and slower cooking times. It may also create hot spots or scorching on the bottom of the pot.

Manual settings: This feature allows you to choose from four preset temperature levels, such as low, high, warm, or off. They provide simple and easy operation, but they do not allow you to set a specific temperature or time for cooking. They also do not have any automatic shut-off or keep-warm functions, so you have to monitor your food closely and turn off the slow cooker manually when done.

BPA-free handles: This feature prevents BPA from leaching into your food or water during cooking. It also prevents burns from touching hot surfaces and makes lifting or carrying the pot easier.

Dishwasher-safe parts: This feature allows you to wash the cooking insert or pot and the lid in the dishwasher. It makes cleaning easier and faster, but it may damage the surface or leave residues that can contaminate your food.

Pros and Cons

3. Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195)

This is a 10-quart slow cooker that has a black base unit, a stoneware cooking insert, and a glass lid. It has wrap-around heating elements, manual settings, a lid lock, BPA-free handles, and dishwasher-safe parts. It is certified by UL.

The key features of this slow cooker are:

Wrap-around heating elements: This feature provides even heat distribution and faster cooking times without burning or drying out your food. It also prevents any toxic materials or chemicals from leaching into your food from the bottom of the pot.

Manual settings: This feature allows you to choose from three preset temperature levels, such as low, high, or warm. They provide simple and easy operation, but they do not allow you to set a specific temperature or time for cooking. They also do not have any automatic shut-off or keep-warm functions, so you have to monitor your food closely and turn off the slow cooker manually when done.

Lid lock: This feature allows you to secure the lid on the pot with clips that prevent it from opening or spilling during transport. It helps you prevent messes or accidents when moving or carrying the pot.

BPA-free handles: This feature prevents BPA from leaching into your food or water during cooking. It also prevents burns from touching hot surfaces and makes lifting or carrying the pot easier.

Dishwasher-safe parts: This feature allows you to wash the cooking insert or pot and the lid in the dishwasher. It makes cleaning easier and faster, but it may damage the surface or leave residues that can contaminate your food.

pros and Cons

4. Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quart.

This is a 6-quart multi-cooker with a stainless steel base unit, a stainless steel cooking insert, and a plastic lid. It has bottom heating elements, programmable settings, smart settings, a pressure release valve, BPA-free handles, and dishwasher-safe parts. It is certified by UL and FDA.

The key features of this multi-cooker are:

Bottom heating elements: This feature provides direct heat to the bottom of the cooking insert or pot. It may consume less energy and generate less heat outside the pot. However, it may cause uneven heat distribution and slower cooking times. It may also create hot spots or scorching on the bottom of the pot.

Programmable settings: This feature allows you to set a specific temperature and time for cooking. It also has automatic shut-off and keep-warm functions that turn off the multi-cooker or lower the temperature when the cooking time is up. It also has delay-start functions that allow you to start the multi-cooker later.

Smart settings: This feature allows you to control the multi-cooker from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. It provides the most advanced and convenient operation and has all the features of programmable settings plus more. It also has voice control functions that allow you to use voice commands to operate the multi-cooker. It also has app integration functions that allow you to access recipes, tips, or alerts from the multi-cookers app or other compatible apps.

Pressure release valve: This feature lets you release the pressure inside the multi-cooker after cooking. It helps you prevent explosions or injuries from hot steam or liquid. It also helps you prevent overcooking or undercooking your food, which can affect the quality and nutrition of your food.

BPA-free handles: This feature prevents BPA from leaching into your food or water during cooking. It also prevents burns from touching hot surfaces and makes lifting or carrying the pot easier.

Dishwasher-safe parts: This feature allows you to wash the cooking insert or pot and the lid in the dishwasher. It makes cleaning easier and faster, but it may damage the surface or leave residues that can contaminate your food.

Pros and Cons

5. Calphalon Slow Cooker with Digital Timer and Programmable Controls, 5.3 Quarts, Stainless Steel

This is a 5.3-quart slow cooker with a stainless steel base unit, a ceramic cooking insert, and a glass lid. It has wrap-around heating elements, programmable settings, BPA-free handles, and dishwasher-safe parts. It is certified by NSF International.

The key features of this slow cooker are:

Wrap-around heating elements: This feature provides even heat distribution and faster cooking times without burning or drying out your food. It also prevents any toxic materials or chemicals from leaching into your food from the bottom of the pot.

Programmable settings: This feature allows you to set a specific temperature and time for cooking. It also has automatic shut-off and keep-warm functions that turn off the slow cooker or lower the temperature when the cooking time is up. It also has delay-start functions that allow you to start the slow cooker later.

BPA-free handles: This feature prevents BPA from leaching into your food or water during cooking. It also prevents burns from touching hot surfaces and makes lifting or carrying the pot easier.

Dishwasher-safe parts: This feature allows you to wash the cooking insert or pot and the lid in the dishwasher. It makes cleaning easier and faster, but it may damage the surface or leave residues that can contaminate your food.

Pros and Cons

Tips for Safe Usage of Non-Toxic Slow Cookers

To make the most of your non-toxic slow cooker, you should follow some tips for safe usage to ensure optimal cooking performance and safety. Here are some of the tips that you should keep in mind when using your non-toxic slow cooker:

Proper Handling and Storage

You should properly handle and store your non-toxic slow cooker to prevent damage, corrosion, or malfunction. You should:

• Unplug the slow cooker and let it cool down completely before cleaning or storing it.
• Wash the cooking insert or pot and the lid by hand with mild soap and water or in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe. Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners or scrubbers that may scratch or damage the surface.
• Wipe the base unit and the heating element with a damp cloth or sponge. Do not immerse them in water or use cleaners or solvents that may damage the electrical components.
• Dry all the parts thoroughly before reassembling or storing the slow cooker.
• Store the slow cooker in a cool, dry, and clean place. Do not stack anything on top of it or wrap the cord around it that may cause damage or fire hazards.
• Check the slow cooker regularly for any signs of wear, tear, or damage. Replace any parts that are broken, cracked, or missing. Contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician for any repairs or replacements.

Cooking Time and Temperature Guidelines

You should follow your non-toxic slow cooker’s cooking time and temperature guidelines to prevent overcooking or undercooking your food. You should:

• Read the user manual or the recipe instructions carefully before using your slow cooker. They will provide the recommended settings and timings for different food and dishes.
• To customise your cooking experience, modify the cooking time and temperature according to your liking or the recipe you follow. Utilising a thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of your food while it’s cooking is recommended. You can also use a fork or a knife to check the doneness of your food.
• Refrain from filling your slow cooker. A good rule of thumb is to fill it at least half full and at most three-quarters full for optimal cooking performance and safety. If you fill it too little, it may dry out or burn your food. If you fill it too much, it may overflow or take too long to cook your food.
• Wait to lift the lid or stir the food too often during cooking. This will release heat and moisture from the pot and extend the cooking time. It would help if you only lifted the lid or stirred the food once or twice during cooking or when checking the doneness of your food.
• Do not add cold ingredients or liquids to your slow cooker during cooking. This will lower the temperature of the pot and extend the cooking time. Bring any ingredients or liquids to room temperature or slightly warm them before adding them to your slow cooker.

Food Safety Practices

You should follow the food safety practices for your non-toxic slow cooker to prevent any foodborne illnesses or infections. You should:

• Wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces before and after handling raw meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, or dairy products. They may contain harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins that can cause food poisoning or other diseases.
• Thaw any frozen ingredients completely before adding them to your slow cooker. They may take too long to cook and create a breeding ground for bacteria. It would help if you thawed them in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave, but not on the counter.
• Cut large pieces of meat, poultry, seafood, vegetables, or fruits into smaller pieces before adding them to your slow cooker. They will cook faster and more evenly and reduce the risk of bacteria growth.
• Do not reheat any leftovers in your slow cooker. They may not reach a high enough temperature to kill any bacteria that may have grown during storage. It will help if you reheat them in a microwave, an oven, a stovetop, or a toaster oven until they are steaming hot throughout.
• Do not store any leftovers in your slow cooker. They may spoil faster and become unsafe to eat. After cooking, transfer the food into an airtight container and refrigerate it within two hours. You should consume them within three to four days or freeze them for longer storage.

Conclusion

Non-toxic slow cookers are safe and healthy devices that cook food slowly without using harmful materials or chemicals. They are made of stainless steel, Glass, or ceramic and have features that make cooking and cleaning easy and convenient. Non-toxic slow cookers benefit your food, environment, and wallet. They keep your food nutritious, tasty, and low in fat. They do not pollute the air or water or create any waste. 

They are durable and reliable and save you time and money. To choose a non-toxic slow cooker, consider the device’s material, heat, size, and ease of use. It would help if you also looked for non-stick, Glass or ceramic, BPA-free, and certified features. You should also follow some handling, storage, cooking, and food safety tips. Some of the best brands and models of non-toxic slow cookers are Hamilton Beach, Crock-Pot, Instant Pot, and Calphalon. This article has helped you learn about non-toxic slow cookers and how to choose the best one for your needs. Happy slow cooking! 😊