The answer to the question of whether you can put a crockpot in the fridge is somewhat mixed. You can’t store the entire crockpot in the refrigerator, but you can place the inner pot of the crockpot in the fridge. However, you shouldn’t put it directly into the fridge after cooking. You need to allow it to cool to room temperature first.
Confused? Don’t worry, I’ve explained everything in detail in this article, with proper reasons and solutions. So, keep on reading till the end.
Can You Put a Whole Crockpot in the Fridge?
The answer is a clear No. You cannot put the entire crockpot in the refrigerator because it can cause the electrical components, such as the wiring, boards, and connectors, to become damp. If they get wet and you turn on the crockpot, it can become damaged and even cause a fire.
Can you put the Inner Pot of the Slow Cooker in the Fridge?
Yes, you can keep the inner pot of the slow cooker in the fridge. Because it is generally made of ceramic or such material that is safe to refrigerate. However, there is one condition. You can’t put it into the fridge before cooling it down to room temperature. If the temperature of the inner pot is okay then it is safe to freeze the pot.
Putting a Warm Crockpot in the Fridge: What Happens?
As previously mentioned, putting the entire crockpot in the fridge is not recommended because it can damage the electrical components.
But what if you put a warm inner pot in the fridge? Unfortunately, the answer is still no. Why is this the case?
Putting a warm or hot inner pot in the fridge can cause the ceramic dish to crack and break apart due to thermal shock, making it unsafe to use.
Is it okay to store hot food in the refrigerator?
No, hot food should not be stored in the refrigerator immediately after cooking. Instead, it should be allowed to cool to room temperature to prevent the temperature inside the fridge from rising and causing other food to spoil.
To prevent cross-contamination, cover the food with a lid or wrap it in plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator. Also, use shallow containers to store the food to allow for faster and more even cooling
Step by Step Guide to Safely Store a Crockpot in the Fridge
I’m going to share with you my own experience, of how you can store a crockpot safely in the refrigerator:
- Remove the inner pot from the electric base of the crockpot.
- Wait until the food has cooled down to room temperature, which usually takes 2-3 hours.
- Once cooled, remove the glass lid to seal the inner pot.
- Place the inner pot in the refrigerator and store it overnight or for as long as needed.
Note: When taking the inner pot out of the fridge, do not immediately place it back in the crockpot. Instead, allow it to come back to room temperature first.
- Take the inner pot out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature.
- When it has warmed up, place it back in the electric base of the crockpot.
As a crockpot user you might have a related question – can you put aluminum foil in a crockpot? To check the answer go to the link.
Takeaway
By now I think you’ve understood whether can you put a crockpot in the fridge or not.
The answer is positive only if you maintain certain rules. However, I’ve also explained a whole segment on explaining the right way of storing crock pots in the fridge. That’s all for today.
