Crock-Pots are a versatile cooking format. They can be put into the oven, microwaves, toasters, to cook on stovetop, or even under the warming grace of the water bath. All of these options are very helpful!
Crock-Pots were first released in the 1960s as an instant potty for young children. Then, in the 1970s, they were introduced as slow cookers and porridge makers. Today, they are one of the most popular kinds of cookware out there due to their versatility and ease of use.
When choosing a Crock-Pot model it is important to know which one you have. Some have features that affect what kind of crock pot you have.
What is the difference between ceramic and stoneware?
Ceramic cookware is slightly more expensive than stoneware. This increases the demand for quality materials. Ceramic cookware can get very hot, so be careful!
opardi ceramics are made of ceramic, not glass. This means that it can be put in a pot and set over high heat without being totally cooked through. This is important when serving meat or meat-based dishes.
Stoneware is usually made of metal and does not heat as well as ceramic pots and pans. This limits the amount of times you can use one before needing to replace them.
Are these materials safe?
Both crock-pot and stoneware are reputable ceramic and glass products. Both materials are considered safe to use, even if your new crock-pot or stoneware pot is replacement material.
Crock pots have a glaze that is coated on the inside to make them ceramic. This makes them safe to use if they are taken care of, as they must be kept dry before using it. If you have a old crock pot that you do not use every year, then selling or donating it is a great way to keep the materials safe.
Stoneware pots can also be made of clay, but they must be kept dry before replacing it. If you have an old stoneware pot that has been sitting in the weather for years, then buying new material in order to replace it is needed!
Both crock-pot and stoneware pots are legitimate cookingMaterials.
What should I look for when replacing my stoneware?
When it comes to buying a new pot, the first thing you should do is to determine whether you need a larger pot or not. A smaller pot will likely be better for one-time use, but if you intend to use the pot more times then we suggest getting a bigger one.
Another good tip is to buy a matching saucisson. You will need your new pot to cook your saucisson in so this is an absolute must-buy!
Lastly, find a pot that matches your color scheme. We love the black and white looks and they are always trending these days.
What is the difference between the 6-quart and 5-quart oval slow cookers?
The biggest difference between the 5-quart and 6-quart oval slow cookers is that the latter is a larger size, allowing you to put more food in it. The newer model also has a handle on the side, making it easier to scoop your food into and out of the pot.
The other difference is that the newer model has a glass lid, whereas the older model did not. This glass lid allows you to see what is happening with your food, and if something is missing, you can purchase it!
If you are looking for some different stoneware for your crock-pot, then check out the 6-quart oval slow cooker from Crock-Pot®. It can be used in a small or large pot, so there is no size limit.
Can I use metal utensils with my ceramic or stoneware dish?
Not usually. Some metal utensils can create a hot, metallic ring around the ceramic or stoneware dish when you push the utensil into the dish. This can make it stick and take longer to cook your food.
We recommend only using soft, non-metal tools like knives, forks, and spoons for cooking. When taking off the pot to remove the cooked food, you want to make sure not to pull up on the pot as hard as you might with metal because that could break it.
Can I use other hardtops or covers with my Crock-Pot® 6-Quart Oval Slow Cooker – Black?
No, only these covers and pots can be used on this cooktop.
How do I clean my dish?
After using the crock-pot to make food, you have two options: Use the dishwasher or by hand. We suggest using the hand-cleaning method due to the residual oils from foods.
By hand-cleaning your dishes, you are giving yourself more time to prepare other things in your kitchen. You are also taking more time to clean your hands after washing and handling the crock-pot. You are also providing yourself with a source of clean water, which is wonderful!
We recommend starting with a short process of washing and drying the pot first.
Do these dishes contain lead?
No, these dishes do not contain lead. Instead, they are ceramic, which is considered an elevated carbonate material. Ceramic can make a dish slightly harder to clean as it cannot be heated and dropped into the dishpan or washbowl with water, but it does not contain lead like traditional stoneware dishes do.
How much ceramic you get in your pot or dish depends on how you make it. A well-made pot may only have enough ceramic to hold the liquid inside until cooked out and cooked down into the base of the pot. A poorly made pot may have too much ceramic and/or incorrect cutouts for pouring Liquid Clay onto or removing when finished cooking.
Know that there is some risk of lead exposure with using Crock-Pot® products if you do not maintain them in quality condition.
What should I look for in a replacement dish?
A high-quality replacement dish should not only look good in your kitchen, but also function well. You want to avoid one that is easy to stain, is flimsy, or that does not function as advertised.
We recommend looking for ones that are:
heavyweight (meaning they are made of heavy materials such as stainless steel or glass)
beware of thin, lightweight dishes that may be convenient to have on hand, but are less durable over time. These may break even faster than a thickly-made dish would.
of thickness (meaning the dish is thick enough to stay put while cooking something) | and/or thickness (meaning how thick the dish is) | and/or material (knowable by see if the dish is plastic or metal) \| .|/\|\|\|\|> >> where you want it!
If you need help selecting a replacement bowl, check out our article on the best non-dishware pieces to add functionality to your new bowl.
