• Be sure the lid is well-placed over the ceramic insert, not tilted or askew. The steam during cooking creates a seal.
• Refrain from lifting the lid while using the slow cooker, unless the recipe instructs you to stir or add ingredients. The loss of steam each time you lift the lid can mean an extra 20 to 30 minutes of cooking time.
• Remember that slow cooking may take longer at higher altitudes.
• When food is finished cooking, remove it from the slow cooker within an hour. Promptly refrigerate any leftovers.
• Use a slow cooker on a buffet table to keep soup, stew, savory dips or mashed potatoes hot.
• Heat cooked food on the stovetop or in the microwave and then put it into a slow cooker to keep it hot for serving. Reheating food in a slow cooker isn’t recommended.
• Don’t forget your slow cooker when you go camping, if electricity will be available. When space is limited and you want effortless meals, the slow cooker is a handy appliance.