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For many people, crock pots have become essential kitchen appliances. especially those who must prepare meals at home despite having a busy schedule. We adore how simple it is to prepare meals in slow cookers without worrying about burning them.
There is no need to worry about bacteria in your meals because the crockpot cooks food at temperatures between 170 and 280 degrees.
Since the crockpot is an electrical appliance, there is a chance that issues with the electrical component of the crockpot could arise. We have discovered that many people frequently have inquiries about the crockpot’s electric component. “What to do when the power goes out while the crock pot is still in use” is a frequent question, many users ask.
A crockpot, as previously mentioned, is an electrical device made to cook food slowly and at a low temperature between 170- and 280 degrees F. The crockpot’s entire structure guarantees that food-borne bacteria are destroyed, making your food safe for ingestion.
Depending on the type and model of crock pot you have, you can leave food that has been cooked in it for up to 4 hours.
Power Went Out When Using Crockpot (What to Know)
Many people frequently leave their crockpot on while they go to work or take care of other errands because slow cookers allow you to cook meals for a lengthy time. But what happens if the electricity goes out? The following are items to be aware of and to do.
- If the power goes out while your food is still being cooked in a crockpot and your food is not done, then it is recommended that you transfer the cooking to a gas oven or an outdoor grill. Ensure you complete the cooking before you eat the food.
- If the food Is done at the time of the power outage, then it is safe to eat. You can also keep it in the slow cooker for about 2 hours more.
- If you weren’t home at the time of the power outage, and it’s been over an hour or more, it is advised that you throw the food away. Do not eat it or keep it in the slow cooker, even if it looks done. According to the USDA, there is a high tendency that bacteria would have begun to grow in the food at this time. this is dangerous and can cause food poisoning.
- If the food is done at the time of the power outage, we advise you not to leave the food in the crockpot for over 2 hours. this is because bacteria may begin to grow in the food at this point. move the food to the fridge if there are leftovers.
- If the food has been cooked for 2 hours or more, before the power outage, it is suitable for consumption. even though it is cooked at 170 to 280 degrees F, the long hours are enough to get rid of bacteria
- If the food has been cooked at 40 to 140 degrees F, it is advised that you throw it out as that temperature is not enough to get rid of food poisoning-causing bacteria.
USDA Tips On Using Crockpot
The following are some more tips on using crockpots by the United States Department of Agriculture.
- You should keep food in the refrigerator before cooking it in the crockpot. This will reduce the growth of the bacteria while the food is cooking.
- Ensure to thaw the meat before cooking it in the crockpot.
- It is recommended that you cook food on high heat for about 2 hours first, before moving to a low heat setting. This reduces bacteria growth in your food.
- Food prone to rot should be stored in the fridge.
- Do not reheat food in the crockpot. It may trigger bacteria growth. You should only reheat it in the oven or on a stove.
- If you are cooking on low heat in the crockpot, be informed that it will take 3 hours for the food to be safe to eat and free from bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Stop The Crockpot And Restart It?
Yes, you can put off the crockpot and restart it. However, it is not safe. restarting a crockpot, after turning it off for a while can give room to the growth of dangerous bacteria which can cause food poisoning.
Does The Crockpot Turn Itself Off?
Yes, crockpots are designed to turn themselves off after many hours. most models turn themselves off after 20 hours of staying on. This feature helps protect us and our crockpot. In case you forget to turn off your crock pot before leaving home, it will turn itself off after some hours.
How Long Can I Keep Food Unplugged In The Crockpot?
You can keep food in your unplugged crockpot for about 2 hours. however, we recommend that you do not store food in the crockpot if it is not in use. you should store food in the fridge for better preservation
Final Thoughts
While the crockpot is a great appliance, it is advised that you adhere to the instructions provided by the USDA.
Crockpots may breed bacteria that can cause food poisoning if you are careless with them. It is recommended that you toss the food away if it has been over 2 hours since the power went out. This protects you from contracting a foodborne disease.
