If your slow cooker isn’t turning on, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common causes of this problem and how to fix them. Keep reading for more information!
Your slow cooker won’t turn on or stay on after starting if the inner pot is cracked or if any of the constituent elements are faulty, including the heater, power cord, knob, fuse, or circuit board. You’ll need to disassemble it and replace the broken parts, but start by checking the power supply.
Check your home’s main breaker box and reset any switches that are turned off, or replace any fuses that have blown. If you don’t see anything amiss there, unplug the slow cooker and plug it back in. If it still doesn’t work, try another outlet.
Common Issues that Cause Slow Cookers to Fail Turning On:
1. The inner pot is cracked.
The inner performs a critical function in the slow cooker, and if it’s cracked, the appliance won’t turn on. Cracks can occur if the pot is dropped or hit by a hard object. Inspect the inner pot for any cracks, and if you find any, replace it with a new one.
2. The heating element is damaged.
The heating element is what heats the food in the slow cooker. You can tell it’s damaged via elimination if the power cord and knob, fuse, or circuit board are all working, but it still won’t turn on.
You’ll need to order a new heating element from the manufacturer and replace it yourself, or take the easier route and hire an expert for such repairs.
3. The power cord is damaged.
If the power cord is frayed or otherwise damaged, the electric circuit won’t complete, and the slow cooker will fail to turn on. Inspect the cord for any damage, and if you find any, replace it with a new one.
4. The power knob is broken or faulty.
The knob can sporadically send power from the power cord to the heating element if it’s loose. It will cause the slow cooker to fail. If you are experiencing this issue, replace the power knob with a new one.
5. The fuse is blown.
If the fuse is blown, it won’t let electricity flow through, and the appliance will be unable to turn on. The fuse protects your slow cooker from electrical surges, so if it’s blown, it’s likely due to a power surge.
According to the American Safety Council, you should always unplug your appliance during a storm and not plug it back in until the storm has passed. It will help prevent power surges from damaging your slow cooker.
6. The circuit board is damaged.
The circuit board controls the flow of electricity to the various parts of the slow cooker. If it’s damaged, the appliance will fail to turn on. If you are experiencing this issue, you will need to replace the circuit board with a new one.
These are some of the most common issues that can cause your slow cooker to fail to turn on. If you have tried all of these troubleshooting tips and your appliance still isn’t working, it may be time to replace it.
7. Something is blocking the airflow.
The airflow is crucial for the thermodynamics of your slow cooker. If something is blocking the airflow, the slow cooker won’t heat up properly, and it may turn off.
The most common culprits are food splatters or grease buildup on the lid. Clean the lid thoroughly with hot and soapy water, and use a scrub brush. If that doesn’t work, try using a degreaser.
8. The pot is too full.
If the pot is too full, it will be difficult for heat to circulate properly, and the food won’t cook evenly. Only fill the pot up to two-thirds of the way so that there’s room for heat to circulate.
These are some of the most common reasons your slow cooker may not turn on. If you have
9. The temperature control is broken.
The temperature control regulates the amount of heat that flows to the heating element. If it’s broken, it could get stuck on the lowest temperature settings or turn off completely.
If you are experiencing this issue, you will need to replace the temperature control with a new one.
10. The slow cooker is too old.
Older slow cookers may not have the latest safety features, and as a result, they may be more prone to breaking down. If your appliance is more than ten years old, it may be time to replace it.
These are some of the most common issues that can prevent your slow cooker from turning on. If you have tried all of these troubleshooting tips and your appliance still isn’t working, it may be time to buy a new one.
How Long Should a Slow Cooker Last?
It depends on the quality and how well you take care of your appliances. Generally, high-quality slow cooker brands last from 6-10 years. If you have a slow cooker older than ten years, it may be time to buy a new one.
However, if your appliance has been well taken care of and you haven’t experienced any major issues, it may last longer. You know it’s time to replace your slow cooker if it does not reheat food to safe temperatures of 185℉ or above.
According to the American Consumer Council, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to appliances. It’s always best to consult with a professional if you’re unsure if your slow cooker is safe to use.
Why Is My Slow Cooker Not Heating Up?
You need to reset your slow cooker if it does not heat food to at least 185℉.
There are several reasons your slow cooker may not be heating up, some of which are listed below:
- Something is partially blocking the airflow, ultimately ruining the effectiveness of the thermodynamics.
- The pot is too full, so there isn’t enough air and heat circulation.
- The temperature control is broken, and it keeps turning the heat downwards or off.
- The slow cooker is old and doesn’t have the latest safety features.
- The circuit board has been damaged, so there’s no flow of electricity to certain parts of the appliance.
- The heating element is old, ineffective, or burnt.
If you’ve tried all of these tips and your slow cooker still isn’t heating up, it’s time to consult with a professional. They’ll be able to help identify the issue and whether or not the appliance is still safe to use.
How Can I Test If My Slow Cooker Is Working?
The best way to test if your slow cooker is working is by monitoring the food’s internal temperature.
Once you’ve prepared the food, insert a digital thermometer into the thickest part of the meat or poultry. If it reads 185℉ or above, then your slow cooker is cooking and heating the food correctly.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, all cooked food should reach an internal temperature of 165℉. However, the agency recommends cooking poultry and meat to 185℉, ensuring any bacteria present are killed.
You can also use the touch test to see if your slow cooker is working. Insert a metal spoon into the food and hold it there for a few seconds. If the food is hot enough, you will feel the spoon warming up.
It’s always best to consult with a professional if you’re still not sure if your slow cooker is working. They’re better equipped to troubleshoot and repair or rule the appliance as unsafe to use.