How To: Safely use a crockpot

Next time you make dinner in your crockpot, be sure to follow these crockpot safety tips. The temperature should be at least 140 degrees. Food needs to cook at this temperature or higher to prevent the growth of bacteria. Do not put frozen foods into a crockpot. All foods should be defrosted before cooking, so the temperature can reach 140 degrees as quickly as possible. Do not lift the lid to stir, especially if you are cooking on the lowest setting. Each time you lift the lid, heat escapes and you'll need to cook the meal longer. f the power goes out while you're cooking, throw away the food. It's no longer safe to eat, even if it looks OK.
Remove cooked food from the crockpot or liner before you store it. Because the liner is made of thick material, the food won't cool down quickly enough to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.