How to Test Your Slow Cooker
To protect from foodborne illnesses, it's important to know that your slow cooker is cooking correctly. If you have an older model or have concerns about whether a newer model is cooking properly, use this easy method to test its performance.
Instructions
- Fill the pot half-full with water and cover with the lid.
- Cook on low for 8 hours.
- Measure the water temperature. It's important to take the temperature immediately after uncovering the water so that the reading is accurate (the water temperature can drop dramatically once it's uncovered). Some models have a hole in the lid for a thermometer that can be used to take the temperature without removing the lid.
- The water temperature should be between 185ºF and 200ºF.
Notes
Be sure to test on both low and high settings.
If either temperature reading is below 185º, it is probably time to update to a newer model.
