The slow cooker is an invaluable tool for busy Moms and anyone who appreciates delicious meals but struggles to find the time to cook. Although using a slow cooker is not a speedy cooking method, its set it and forget it functionality allows for effortless meal preparation. However, if we’re not vigilant, this slow cooking technique can result in a chemical soup due to the materials used in some cookers. In this guide, we will explore the best options for non-toxic slow cookers that prioritize your health and safety.

*Affiliate Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my link, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I take my affiliate partnerships seriously, and I only promote products and companies I trust and believe in.

*Suzi (Gurl Gone Green) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, designed for websites to earn advertising fees by linking to amazon.com.

Understanding Conventional Slow Cooker Materials and Their Safety

1. Evaluating Non-Stick Cookware for Your Slow Cooker

Advantages of Non-Stick Cookware

• The non-stick materials used in some slow cookers make cleaning very easy, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal rather than scrubbing pots and pans.

Disadvantages of Non-Stick Cookware

• Many non-stick inserts are made with PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), a substance that can release microplastics and harmful particles into your food.

• Cooking at high temperatures, especially above 500°F, or using damaged non-stick cookware can increase the release of harmful chemicals. Since acidic ingredients are often used in slow cooker recipes, they may degrade the non-stick coating, leading to potential food contamination.

• Previously, non-stick cookware was made with PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), a substance classified as a “forever chemical.” While most brands are now PFOA-free, it’s essential to verify their certification to avoid exposure to harmful substances.

• PFOAs belong to a group of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which can cause significant health issues, including reproductive and developmental problems, hormonal imbalances, and increased risks of chronic conditions like high cholesterol, obesity, and cancer.

2. The Benefits and Drawbacks of Ceramic Slow Cookers

Advantages of Ceramic Cookware

• Ceramic inserts typically come with a non-stick surface, which simplifies the cleaning process.

• Ceramic materials are highly heat-resistant, making them suitable for various cooking methods.

• Ceramic does not react negatively with acidic foods, such as tomatoes, preserving the integrity of your meals.

Disadvantages of Ceramic Cookware

• The non-stick coating on ceramic can be easily scratched, potentially leaching harmful chemicals into your food. Older slow cookers with glazed ceramic inserts may have lead, which can accumulate over time and adversely affect almost every organ in the body, particularly in children.

• Due to its susceptibility to chipping, ceramic cookware often has a shorter lifespan compared to other materials.

• Ceramic inserts tend to be heavier than metal options, making them less convenient to handle.

3. The Risks of Using Slow Cooker Liners

It’s surprising to see people using plastic bags as liners in their slow cookers, but many do so for what they claim is easier cleanup. However, is it worth the risk of ingesting BPA or its substitutes?

According to the Journal of Diabetes and Metabolism, BPA substitutes share structural similarities with BPA and have been shown to disrupt endocrine function, leading to numerous adverse health effects.

For a more natural solution to simplify cleanup, consider adding oil or butter to your slow cooker to prevent food from sticking instead of relying on plastic liners.

4. Understanding Prop 65 Warnings for Cookware Safety

The Prop 65 Warning is part of a California law known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, designed to protect consumers from exposure to hazardous chemicals. Unfortunately, many conventional slow cookers carry the Prop 65 label due to potential contamination from heavy metals like lead and cadmium.

The source of these harmful chemicals often comes from the glazes used in cookware. Prop 65 permits lead levels of up to 0.1 parts per million, which may seem minimal, but it poses serious risks, especially for children. After all, who wants to knowingly consume lead or any harmful substances, regardless of the quantity?

Identifying the Safest Materials for Slow Cookers

1. Stainless Steel is a highly durable material that is free from harmful chemicals and is easy to recycle. However, the quality of the stainless steel matters significantly. Opt for 18/8 or 18/10 steel to prevent corrosion.

While nickel and chromium can leach from stainless steel over time, especially when cooking with acidic ingredients, the amounts are generally minimal and depend on the quality of the steel, cooking duration, and usage of the cookware.

2. Unglazed Clay is a lesser-known yet promising material, as glazed options are often the primary source of lead and cadmium. Nonetheless, any naturally occurring substances in the clay may also find their way into your food. Additionally, unglazed clay can be more challenging to clean.

3. While slow cooker inserts often receive the most attention, it’s essential to consider the lids as well. Opt for glass or stainless steel lids to avoid the risk of microplastics that could potentially leach from plastic lids.

Comparing Slow Cookers and Pressure Cookers: Which is Best for Your Cooking Needs?

While certain recipes can be executed in both slow cookers and pressure cookers, there are usually notable differences in texture and flavor. For instance, if you’re aiming for tender, pull-apart barbacoa beef, a slow cooker is your best bet.

A slow cooker, as the name suggests, cooks food at low temperatures over an extended period, while a pressure cooker uses high heat and steam pressure to cook food quickly.

An appliance like the Instant Pot is invaluable when you’re pressed for time and need to prepare dinner in a hurry. I’ve owned mine for over seven years and continue to appreciate its functionality. I use my Instant Pot at least once a week for cooking rice, chicken, or quickly throwing together a soup.

If you’re focusing on cooking roasts or enhancing flavors, then a slow cooker will serve you well. The design of slow cookers allows them to accommodate roasts better than pressure cookers. The slow cooking process helps to break down tough cuts of meat, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

One interesting feature of the Instant Pot is that it includes a slow cook function, making it usable as a slow cooker. However, it’s worth noting that most users primarily utilize the Instant Pot for its ‘instant’ results. Additionally, the slow cook mode may not perfectly replicate the performance of a traditional slow cooker, particularly regarding heat distribution.

Discovering the Best Non-Toxic Slow Cooker Options

360 Stainless Steel Slow Cooker: The Top Choice for Health-Conscious Cooks

The 360 Slow Cooker set is crafted from surgical-grade stainless steel, combining stovetop Vapor® Cooking and a slow cooker base for exceptional versatility in your culinary endeavors.

---

Key Specifications of the 360 Stainless Steel Slow Cooker

• Slow-cooker base with lid for versatile cooking options.
• T-316 Surgical Grade Stainless Steel for durability and safety.
• Oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for versatile cooking.
• Compatible with all cooktops, including induction for flexibility.

Investment Cost

$380.00 – 3 Quart Slow Cooker Set

$430.00 – 4 Quart Slow Cooker Set

$460.00 – 6 Quart Slow Cooker Set

Pros of the 360 Stainless Steel Slow Cooker

• Completely non-toxic – The surgical-grade stainless steel is free from harmful chemicals or coatings.
• Versatile performance – The stockpot is suitable for use on the stove, in the oven, or as a slow cooker. You can also use other stainless steel pots on the slow cooker base.
• Tri-ply construction – This design ensures consistent and even heating, eliminating hot spots.
• Vapor Seal Technology – The vapor seal of the lid helps to preserve nutrients and can reduce overall cooking times.
• Space-saving design for efficient kitchen storage.

Cons of the 360 Stainless Steel Slow Cooker

• While not a traditional slow cooker, it offers superior functionality for those seeking quality.
• It lacks programmable settings, meaning you’ll need to use a timer to keep track of your cooking.
• While it doesn’t have a dedicated warm setting, you can keep food warm by turning the knob to 1 on the slow cooker base.

Customer Reviews

I absolutely love this crockpot! It does require some adjustment regarding temperature settings compared to a regular crockpot, but I’m thrilled to avoid using a toxic one.

I cooked a turkey in here with just a few garlic cloves, and it was incredible! So juicy and flavorful! I can’t wait to try cooking something else!

Excellent construction, straightforward to use, and easy to clean. What more could you ask for?

My first use was for making bone broth. Compared to my traditional ceramic crockpots, I experienced minimal fluid loss and ended up with more natural goodness. No hot spots or burned areas!

Use code gurlgonegreen25 to save 25% off your purchase!

Related Content: 360 Stainless Steel Cookware Review

Exploring Better Non-Toxic Slow Cooker Alternatives

In addition to my top pick for a non-toxic slow cooker, here are several other options that are considered superior to conventional slow cookers. Please note that I haven’t personally tested each of these alternatives.

Instant Pot: The Versatile Kitchen Companion

The Instant Pot is a budget-friendly and incredibly versatile cooking appliance! It features an 18/8 stainless steel inner pot with tri-ply construction, ensuring even heat distribution. This appliance can cook food at either fast or slow speeds and offers various cooking modes.

While I can hardly imagine my life without an Instant Pot, I understand how it might be overwhelming for first-time users. The Instant Pot is primarily recognized for its pressure cooking capabilities, but it also functions as a slow cooker.

Wolf Gourmet Multi-Cooker: A High-End Non-Toxic Option

The Wolf Gourmet Multi-Cooker has gained a well-deserved reputation in the non-toxic slow cooker market. With its beautifully designed tri-ply 18/8 stainless steel pot and lid equipped with a silicone seal, aluminum core, and programmable features, it offers a lot to love.

However, I do have some concerns regarding size, weight, and price. The Wolf Gourmet retails for around $600.00, has a 7-quart capacity, and weighs 27.5 lbs, taking up valuable counter space.

Miriam’s Earthenware Cookware Pot: A Sustainable Choice

The Miriam’s Earthenware Cookware Medium Pot with lid (2.5qt) is made from non-toxic clay, offering a sustainable cooking option. This pot has been tested and certified to be 100% pure clay, containing no lead, cadmium, or other harmful substances. Additionally, it is free from glaze, additives, plasticizers, or dyes. This pot can be utilized as a slow cooker, pressure cooker, yogurt maker, rice cooker, and more, all for a reasonable price of $109.00.

One thing to note about cooking in clay is that it can subtly alter the flavor of your food, which might be a positive or negative experience depending on your preferences. Although Miriam’s Earthenware claims to be free of heavy metals, I would like to understand how frequently they conduct testing. Plus, unglazed clay can be more challenging to clean.

My Top Healthy Slow Cooker Meals You Need to Try

If you haven’t yet discovered some must-try slow cooker meals, here are a few of my all-time favorites:

• Beef Barbacoa will elevate Taco Tuesday to new heights. Shredded beef can be used in numerous ways, but one of my favorites is creating Chipotle-style bowls.

• Orange Chicken is a dish I never tire of. It sounds gourmet, but it’s simple to prepare and absolutely delicious.

• White Chicken Chili is a perfect choice any day, especially on game days. This lighter version of chili is ideal for those who prefer to avoid tomato-based options or are concerned about red stains!

• Pot Roast is the classic pot roast recipe, and it’s incredibly easy to make while delivering a robust flavor.

• Spinach Artichoke Dip is not only a fantastic party appetizer but can also enhance movie night or any occasion when you crave a comforting and mouth-watering side dish.

Did I overlook your favorite non-toxic slow cooker recipe? Please share it in the comments below!

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out my previous articles: