Ditch Plastic Liners: Make Crock-Pot Cleaning Easy With This Accessory

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Crock-Pots can be a wonder tool in the kitchen. They make everything from puddings and cakes to tacos and curries, all with just a little prep and the click of a button. But the inside of a Crock-Pot is heavy and, unfortunately, it can be a little hard to clean. That is, of course, unless you get your hands on something to line the bowl. Plastic slow cooker liners are easy to find, but a silicone insert will work even better.

Silicone Crock-Pot inserts are completely reusable, which helps cut down waste. They can also cost as little as $5. An average packet of plastic liners will set you back around $11 per 20-pack, and you'll have to keep replenishing them.

If you're someone who really doesn't like to clean or you're making a particularly sticky recipe, like 2-ingredient slow cooker ribs or sweetly glazed meatballs, you might prefer having liners you can throw away. However, silicone options wipe down incredibly easily and many are dishwasher-friendly. There are even inserts with dividers in them (like the HDUYFYD Slow Cooker Silicone Liner Insert) so you can cook foods separately. Not to mention that silicone can be incredibly durable and leakproof.

There are a few drawbacks to silicone Crock-Pot liners. They can hang on to the aromas of certain foods, so some people like to use different ones for sweet and savory dishes. New inserts can also have their own strong smell, before you start cooking in them. You also need to make sure you select the right size since a flexible silicone liner can burn if it hangs over the outside of the Crock-Pot. We recommend choosing an insert that is BPA-free and heat-resistant up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also important to double-check that it's food safe.

If you do end up needing to clean the bowl, you can remove baked-on grime and grease from a slow cooker by scrubbing it with vinegar and baking soda. It's also possible to let a slow cooker deep-clean itself by filling it with vinegar, baking soda, and water and setting it on low for an hour. You hopefully won't need to worry about any of this if you use a silicone insert, but it's always good to be prepared.