Crockpot liners are heat-resistant bags that sit inside your slow cooker insert so food never touches the ceramic. When dinner is done, you lift the liner out and throw it away, and cleanup takes seconds.
But are slow cooker liners safe, and are they worth it? Here is the short answer, plus when we use them and when we skip them.
The Short Answer
Slow cooker liners are made from heat-resistant, food-safe nylon designed for slow cooker temperatures. Used according to the package directions, major brands are considered safe for cooking. They are most worth it for sticky, cheesy or sugary recipes like dips, casseroles and candy. If you prefer to avoid plastic, a greased crock, a parchment sling and a short soak work nearly as well.
How Slow Cooker Liners Work
A liner is a large, open bag that fits inside a round or oval crock. You fit it into the insert, fold the top over the rim, add your food and cook as usual. Afterward, let the food cool slightly, serve from the liner or lift the food out, then remove and discard the liner.
- Sizes: most brands fit 3 to 8-quart slow cookers.
- Material: heat-resistant nylon, labeled for slow cooker use.
- Use: one time only; do not reuse or cut them.
When Crockpot Liners Are Worth It
- Cheesy dips like buffalo chicken dip, where cheese bakes onto the sides.
- Egg casseroles such as our overnight breakfast casserole.
- Sugary recipes like apple butter, candy and cobblers.
- Parties and potlucks, when you do not want to scrub a crock at midnight.
When to Skip Them
Brothy soups, stews and roasts rarely stick, so a liner adds little. For a chuck roast or chicken noodle soup, a quick soak is all the insert needs.
Liner Safety Checklist
- Use liners made specifically for slow cookers, not oven bags or trash bags.
- Follow the package instructions for size and use.
- Do not preheat an empty slow cooker with a liner inside.
- Let food cool slightly before lifting the liner; hot liquid is heavy.
- Never cut a liner or let it hang against a heating element outside the insert.
Liner-Free Ways to Make Cleanup Easy
- Grease the crock with butter or cooking spray before cheesy or egg dishes.
- Parchment sling: line with parchment for lasagna, meatloaf and casseroles.
- Soak right away: fill with warm soapy water as soon as the crock is empty.
- Baking soda paste lifts stubborn stains without scratching.
- Use a wooden ladle instead of metal to avoid scratching the glaze.
Equipment I Used
- Large airtight food storage container: for leftovers and freezer portions.
- Teak wood soup ladle: will not scratch the ceramic crock insert.
- Stainless steel measuring cups and spoons: for sauces and spice blends.
New to slow cooking? The Easy Slow Cooker Recipes guide is a beginner-friendly collection of easy crockpot breakfasts and dinners.
Crockpot Liners FAQ
Are crockpot liners safe?
Liners made for slow cookers are made of heat-resistant, food-safe nylon and are considered safe when used as directed. If you prefer to avoid plastic, grease the crock or use parchment.
Do slow cooker liners change cooking time?
No. Cook times are the same with or without a liner.
Can I reuse a crockpot liner?
No. They are designed for one use only.
What can I use instead of a slow cooker liner?
Grease the insert, use a parchment sling, or soak the crock immediately after cooking.
