Slow cookers are designed to cook for several hours without pause, and even though they operate at relatively low temperatures, the appliance itself can get very hot on the outside.
This, in combination with the fact that many users leave their slow cookers unattended during the day or night, makes it very important to pick the right foundation to place your slow cooker on.
The wrong material could be a potential fire hazard or melt by the heat surrounding the cooker. Some people also worry about their slow cooker damaging their countertop.
While I do have some expertise in the area now that I’ve used my slow cooker for quite a while, I still decided to do some research on the topic to give you the best answer available.
So, what should I put under my slow cooker? Any thick insulator material should be fine to place under the slow cooker and keep your countertop from taking damage. Preferable options include a wooden cutting board, a baking sheet, or a silicone mat.
Right now I’m using this mat. Check it out on Amazon.
That’s what I recommend and I truly believe it’s a much better option than placing your slow cooker on the stove, as quite a few users seem to do, according to the internet. The argument that your stove is a great place for your slow cooker is based on the fact that the stove is designed to handle the heat.
And yes, that’s true. I can even tell you that I’ve had success slow cooking on the stove several times myself. In addition to handling the heat very well, the stove is also very easy to clean. However, it is a pretty naive option to think that you’re safe placing your slow cooker on the stove.
Imagine if the stove was turned on accidentally by your kids, your pets, or your roommate? The results would be disastrous, therefore, I have decided to only slow cook on the stove when I’m home alone and able to monitor the slow cooker.
Can My Slow Cooker Damage My Counter?
Most slow cookers come equipped with two small feet to elevate the unit from the foundation underneath it, and this should be enough to keep the counter from taking damage. However, many newer models operate at higher temperatures than older slow cookers used to.
With the majority of the models I have tried, this hasn’t been an issue. I have successfully counteracted the small amount of heat produced by the slow cooker by placing it on a chopping board.
If you’re worried about the slow cooker staining or burning your counter just make sure to place your slow cooker on any material recommended in the article.
Can You Put a Slow Cooker on a Quartz Countertop?
Quartz countertops can resist scratching, scorching, and staining far better than most other natural surfaces. When it comes to slow cooking, you won’t have to worry about ruining your countertop if you spill as quartz countertops are very easy to clean – just avoid strong chemicals.
The only thing you need to know is that you should always place your slow cooker on a small trivet or on its feet when cooking on a quartz countertop. When a natural stone is exposed to sudden heat the stone may crack, this is called thermal shock.
By elevating the slow cooker just a little bit, you can prevent the thermal shock completely.
Where To Place Your Slow Cooker
We’ve focused entirely on the foundation underneath the slow cooker but that isn’t the only thing that should be taken into account when cooking with a slow cooker. There’s more to consider when locating the perfect spot to place your slow cooker.
For instance, placing your slow cooker under your kitchen cabinet during a cycle may damage the cabinet. Slow cookers operate at low temperatures, but they still produce a bit of steam and heat. Over the course of 8 hours, that kind of moisture could damage your cabinet.
Be well aware of the slow cookers surroundings to avoid accidentally burning plastic items, cords, or other flammable things.