A silicon insert is a cool invention to try out, but it would only be worth it if you use your slow cooker a lot, and are looking for a liner that you can use with almost any food in the slow cooker. Alternative: Oiling The Slow Cooker Slow cookers vary considerably, so follow your manufacturer's manual for guidelines on temperatures and cooking times.

There’s more room in the dishwasher for other items, as there’s no need for this intensity of cleaning. Freeze leftovers easily This section covers everything you need to know about the potential downsides of using a slow cooker liner, including:But, if you’re making something with less water content (like a cobbler), then it should make cleaning easier. I don’t think this is a silver bullet, but it can be an improvement over a bare pot (for some recipes). I love using my slow cooker because it means I only have one pot to clean and for me it’s great for home-cooked meals.

Slow Cooker Liners are plastic sheets that are used to line the base of your slow cooker pot when cooking. They are predominantly used to eliminate mess, saving you time and energy! How do slow cooker liners work? The one con to using aluminum foil is that there might be a potential health risk involved with using it at high heat, especially with acidic foods. But, according to Reynolds Kitchen “At notime should the liner be lifted from the bowl with food inside.” While slow cooker liners are designed to withstand high heat, some people may be concerned about the potential for chemicals from the plastic to leach into their food. It is important to ensure that the liners you use are specifically made for slow cookers and are BPA-free to minimize such risks. Reynolds Kitchen tell us that “… the slow cooker liner…does not provide a barrier against moisture loss for food storage.Freezer storage is not recommended…”But, overall, parchment paper seems like a good substitute for slow cooker liners, as long as you use it with the right kind of recipes. Next up, aluminum foil. 2. Aluminum Foil

If making cakes or breads, you can line your slow cooker with compostable parchment paper for a DIY slow cooker liner substitute.If you’re thinking, what can you use instead of slow cooker bags, here are some options… A reusable silicone slow cooker insert You can also use aluminum foil to patch up your slow cooker if you need a makeshift lid if your lid is broken, or to line around the lid to prevent any heat and moisture from escaping. If the liner has burned onto the surface of the pot, soak the affected area in dishwashing water for a length of time and it should come off. No liquid escapes from a slow cooker, so when adapting a recipe not specifically written for a slow cooker, reduce any added liquid by a third.

Pros: Not using a liner is a cheap alternative that works just well, eliminates potential plastic or metal leaching, doesn’t produce waste, and prevents off-flavors in your food Design: Are you looking for a simple, budget-friendly option that just slow-cooks (but does it extremely well) or something more versatile that sous-vides, pressure cooks, bakes and roasts too? Do bear in mind that the more technological the slow cooker, the higher the price. Cook’s Illustrated says “it’s safe,” but goes on to say there are “legitimate concerns about health effects from overexposure to some of those plasticizing additives.” You can forgo the slow cooker liner and avoid the health risks that come with it. It could be worth it for the added peace of mind. Environmental concerns Disposable slow cooker liners are typically made of a heat-resistant plastic material, such as a nylon blend. Various sizes of liners are available to accommodate different slow cookers, ranging from one to three quarts, three to eight quarts, and even six to 10 quarts. They fit round or oval slow cookers that measure between 3 to 6.5 qt.

Aluminum foil is good for many different meals in the slow cooker. It does not dissolve like parchment paper does when used for high water content meals, and is suitable for bread, stews, casseroles, chili, and more. Moisture can form on the bag and drip down into the pot or outside the pot. This doesn’t affect the cooking. It just means you’ll need to wipe out the pot and the surroundings after use. The clean up won’t be entirely effortless but still shouldn’t entail soaking and scrubbing. Hot spots It is not a good idea to use a Ziploc or similar resealable bag in a slow cooker, as there is a good chance that the plastic might melt when exposed to the heat inside the slow cooker. Many people avoid using plastic items with their food (like plastic Tupperware and slow cooker liners) because some plastics contain BPA (bisphenol A), a chemical that can seep into food and have negative health consequences. (You can read more info about BPA from the Mayo Clinic.)