You just made a killer batch of chili. Or maybe it was that creamy mac and cheese that everyone devoured in seconds. Either way—your crock pot (a.k.a. your kitchen MVP) is now sitting in the sink, crusty, saucy, and giving off “I’m gonna be a pain to clean” vibes.
And the question hits:
“Can I just toss this thing in the dishwasher and call it a day?”
The answer? Well… yes and no. But don’t worry—we’re about to make this super simple.
🧽 First, let’s break the crock pot down…
If you’re imagining chucking the whole appliance—cord and all—into the dishwasher… pause. Just for a second. Because that’s definitely a no.
Your crock pot has a few parts:
- The outer base (the one with the cord and heat settings): absolutely not dishwasher-safe. That’s the electrical part.
- The stoneware insert (where all the delicious magic happens): this is the part you’re wondering about.
- The lid: usually glass, sometimes with a rubber or silicone edge.
So let’s tackle each one.
🧼 The insert: dishwasher-safe (most of the time)
In most modern crock pots, the removable stoneware insert is designed to go in the dishwasher. That means after your slow-cooked feast, you can let it cool down (important!), scrape off the leftovers, and stick it in the bottom rack.
But wait!
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Let it cool completely before washing. Going straight from hot to cold can crack it (thermal shock is real).
- If it has a non-stick coating, check your manual first. Some coatings are a little precious.
- If it’s vintage or passed down from grandma—maybe don’t risk it. Those older inserts can be delicate.
Pro tip: If it’s really messy, let it soak for a bit first. Saves you from the “baked-on regret” that even dishwashers struggle with.
🧼 The lid: usually dishwasher-friendly too
Your crock pot lid is typically made of tempered glass—so yes, it can go in the dishwasher. Just be careful if there’s a rubber seal or metal rim; those might wear out faster with regular high-temp cycles.
Also, lids sometimes trap gunk around the handle. Give that area some love before or after running the cycle.
❌ What NOT to wash
The outer base. Let’s not get zapped, yeah?
Wipe it down with a damp cloth. Maybe a little soapy water if you’ve had a chili explosion. But keep that plug end dry. Like, desert-dry.
🧠 Still unsure? Quick rule of thumb:
If it plugs in, it stays out.
If it’s stoneware or glass, it can go in—after it cools.
Simple enough?
🧴 Bonus tip: Make cleaning even easier next time
Here’s a life hack: use a slow cooker liner. It’s basically a heat-resistant bag that sits inside the insert while your food cooks. When you’re done, just toss the liner and… boom, barely any mess to clean.
Some people love ‘em, some don’t. But hey, it’s an option—especially if you’re really not in the mood to deal with scrubbing.
Final verdict? 🎉
Yes! Most crock pot inserts and lids can go in the dishwasher.
Just don’t go throwing the entire unit in there (unless you’re cool with replacing it… which, we assume you’re not).
So next time your slow cooker saves dinner, you can return the favor with a super chill clean-up routine.
No scrubbing, no drama—just one less kitchen chore to stress about.
Still got crock pot cleaning questions? Or favorite recipes that totally destroy your insert? Let’s talk about it! Drop a comment or shoot us a message. 😊