Alternatively, reusable slow cooker liners are available as an eco-friendly option for those who prefer to avoid single-use plastic products. These liners are made of materials like silicone, which are durable, heat-resistant, and can be cleaned and reused multiple times. Aluminum foil is another common alternative to slow cooker liners. It’s easy to use and can fit any slow cooker size. Fold a long piece of aluminum foil, making sure it is wide enough to cover the sides of your slow cooker. Place the folded aluminum foil in the slow cooker, pressing it against the sides. Depending on your recipe, you may be able to skip this step and just cook directly on the foil. One downside to liners is the added cost, as they’re not recommended to be reused. This single-use means for every meal you cook, you will need to use a new liner, adding about forty cents onto every meal. Health Concerns More reliable food media sources debate the safety or danger of cooking with plastic in the context of sous vide. However, if your slow cooker is harder or more cumbersome to clean, a silicone insert could be a great improvement during clean-up.

Slow cooker bags line the base of your slow cooker to prevent food from making the inside of the pot dirty. Once the base of the pot is lined with the slow cooker bag, you can then add food and turn on your slow cooker. Most slow cooker bags are made to fit 3-7 quart oval and round slow cookers. They are also completely safe and suitable to cook on high, low, or keep warm settings. Bon Appetit says “you should sous vide only if you’re comfortable with the gray area surrounding the effect of chemicals in non-BPA plastics.” Overall, I think pre-bagged slow cooker meals are a really cool idea, but they would cost you more than buying regular liners. 6. My Favorite Liner Alternative Slow cooker liners are a convenient solution for anyone who wants to reduce the time spent cleaning their slow cooker. With a liner in place, you can simply remove the bag and discard it after your meal, leaving the pot free from food residue and reducing the need for scrubbing.

🍪 Privacy & Transparency

Based on the known dangers of plastics, the rah-rah “cook in plastic” promos are irresponsible. Meredith brands reach nearly 95% of American women and with great power comes great responsiblity. Not only does aluminum foil help to line a slow cooker, but the aluminum helps food to cook more evenly, which is always a win.

With so many different slow cookers out there, choosing the right one for you can be confusing. Here are a few questions you might want to consider. Parchment paper is a good substitute for slow cooker liners, you just need to make sure you are using it with the right recipes to avoid a mushy paper mess. 2. Aluminum Foil Rice and pasta dishes work best cooked on high for the shortest time possible. Always use easy-cook rice, rinsed well first – the more starch you rinse from the rice, the better the finished result.The silicone insert can be used for almost any food in the slow cooker, from stews, casseroles, soups, and chili to bread and roast. It’s quite versatile. Although slow cooker liners are commonly available and widely used, there are some concerns regarding potential health risks associated with their use. It is essential to ensure that the specific liner product is made from materials that are safe to use with food and can resist high temperatures without melting or releasing harmful chemicals.