Can a Crockpot Go in the Dishwasher (The Do’s and Don’ts)

Crockpots have made cooking simple for everyone. It serves multiple benefits, but when it comes to cleaning them, a question arises, can a crockpot go in the dishwasher? 

Yes, that could be a valid question when a utensil like this comes with rules and instructions. 

You will find many guides and manuals claiming that you can put a crockpot in the dishwasher, Which is not valid!

You cannot put the whole crockpot in the dishwasher as it might damage and ruin its cooking effectiveness. 

However, you can clean certain parts of the crockpot in a dishwasher, like its lid and inner pot. In this article, we will be guiding you through the do’s and don’ts while washing crockpots. 

Let’s read on to find out what we’ve got for you. 

Can You Put a Crock-pot in a Dishwasher?

Since crockpots have electrical elements, it is not suggested to put them in a dishwasher. Putting a crockpot in a dishwasher can damage the electrical components and is at high risk of causing severe destruction to your dishwasher and other things placed near that area.

Parts of the Crockpot to Put in the Dishwasher

You can put several parts of the crockpot in the dishwasher for cleaning and not the heating base as it contains electrical wires. Always remember to read the user manual thoroughly before any action.

The parts that you can put in the dishwasher are:

Lid

You can put the lid of your crockpot in the dishwasher for cleaning. But, it is highly suggested to let it cool before placing it there as it can break due to thermal shock, which happens due to sudden changes in extreme temperatures.

Accessories

Not all crock pots have additional accessories like thermometers and stirrers, but some do. It is advisable to check the user manual before putting these accessories in the dishwasher. However, it is essential to handwash them.

Removable Pots

You might put them in the dishwasher if you got removable or stoneware pots with your crockpot. But, as preventive action, check the user manual to check if your particular pot allows its stoneware removable pots to be placed in the dishwasher.

LEARN MORE: Can Crockpot Go in Dishwasher? (& Tips…)

Is It Safe to Place a Crockpot in the Dishwasher?

No! It is not safe to put a crockpot in the dishwasher as it may harm and damage the electrical wirings in the hot plate. If you still put it, it can cause you or your household harm with circuit shock. 

Therefore, never try to put a crockpot in the dishwasher in a million years.

Crockpot Cleaning Method: Non-dishwasher Safe

It is very easy to clean crockpots that cannot go in the dishwasher. You just need basic cleaning skills with essential cleaning ingredients, which are: 

• Soap 
• Cloth
• Elbow grease
• Water

Scrub the outside and inside of the crockpot gently with a damp cloth and minimal possible soap on it. Wash and dry the fabric before wiping off the soap from the crockpot. 

Note: Do not use wet cloth and soap near the electrical areas, like a plug, wire, and hot plate.

Also, avoid using metal cleaners as they may scratch your crockpot and damage the nonstick coating.

For Stoneware Crockpot

It is not difficult to clean your stoneware crockpot; it just needs time; all you need is:

• Crockpot
• Water
• Distilled white vinegar
• Baking soda

Instructions

• First, fill your crockpot with water just above the food line. 
• Then add distilled white vinegar to it (½ cup for 3 quarts of the cooker and 1 cup for 6 quarts). 
• Similarly, with the same measurement in mind, add baking soda little by little and allow the bubbles to settle down. 
• Once the bubbles settle down, add some more.
• After that, cover your crockpot with its lid and set it on a low flame for 1-4 hours as per the toughness of the stains. 
• Once it is done, allow it to cool and rub gently with a cloth. 
• Clean it thoroughly and gently unless you get a stainless crockpot. 
• Dry and use.

What Cooking Pots Are Dishwasher Safe

Other several pots are dishwasher safe, and you can put them in the dishwasher. Some of them are:

Rice Cookers

You can put a rice cooker in the dishwasher but not completely; you can put several parts, like the removable inner pot. Do not put your rice cooker under the running water, and do not use a steel scrubber as it may damage the coating and film.

Instant Pots

All parts of instant cookers are dishwasher safe except the cooking base. It is better not to put the cooking base in the dishwasher and make it completely dry if exposed to wetness or water. 

Also, ensure to unplug the instant pot right after the usage to let it cool down completely to prevent thermal shocks.

LEARN MORE: Can I Put My Calphalon Cookware in The Oven?

What Cooking Pots Are Not Dishwasher Safe

On the other hand, several cookware items are entirely not safe for dishwashers, and many professionals recommend that they be cleaned by hand using manual ingredients. Some of them are:

Multi-Cookers

Multi-Cookers are somewhat dishwasher safe, like the lid and inner pot, but they can cause malfunction and damage the cookware with time. Therefore, it is recommended not to put a multi cooker in a dishwasher and clean it manually as much as possible.

Moreover, exposing it to running water and dampness is strictly prohibited.

Pressure Cookers

Dishwashers will not clean a pressure cooker. Staining from dishwashing liquid or indeed food particles may quickly jam the safety valves and the pressure regulator. Avoid putting the pressure cooker’s lid in water since this might damage or alter the safety valves.

Hand Cleaning or Dish Washing: Which Is Ideal for Crockpots?

Hand Cleaning

The pot that comes with your crockpot can often be removed without much effort and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. However, before you do so, you should examine the manufacturer’s instructions since this is not the case for every single brand that is now available.

Even though the bowl of your slow cooker can be cleaned in the dishwasher without any problems, whether or not you should do so remains up for dispute.

For instance, many believe that cleaning with one’s hands gives much better results. Some people are just unwilling to take the chance of placing the bowl in the dishwasher out of the worry that something terrible could occur.

Dishwashing

Stoneware pots may seem to be long-lasting, but in reality, they are susceptible to fluctuations in temperature. This is one of the reasons why only some types are suitable for use in the dishwasher, while others are not. 

With the possibility of bowls, glasses, and utensils moving about, you also incur the chance of your crockpot being tossed around, which increases the likelihood that it may shatter.

While this seldom occurs, it is possible, particularly if the pot has been washed several times in the same machine.

LEARN MORE: Can You Use Ceramic Cookware on a Glass Top Stove?

Final Thoughts

We have covered everything to provide the best possible answer to your issue, i.e. can a crockpot go in the dishwasher or not. Like much other cookware, crockpots are dishwasher safe to some extent; that is, you can partially put them there.

If you put the whole crockpot in the dishwasher, it is a calling to disaster. It is suggested to read the user manual.

Moreover, while manual cleaning, do not use abrasive scrubs and harsh elements. Always use soft damp clothes to elongate the lifespan of your cookware. Follow our tips and tricks for perfect guidance and enlighten us with more of them in the comments section below.