Slow cookers are a staple in many households for making delicious soups, stews, roasts and more. The convenience of throwing ingredients into the slow cooker pot in the morning and coming home to a hot, home-cooked meal after a long day can’t be beat. However, over time, the inner pot of your slow cooker can become damaged through regular use. Small cracks, chips or dents may start to form. You may also experience more noticeable damage like a large crack or hole. This can make your slow cooker unsafe and ineffective to use. Rather than throwing out the whole slow cooker, you may be wondering if it’s possible to repair the inner pot and save your appliance.
What causes damage to a slow cooker pot?
There are a few key ways that slow cooker pots tend to become damaged:
High heat – Slow cookers are designed to cook food for long periods of time on low heat. Using your slow cooker on high heat settings repeatedly can cause the glazed ceramic or metal pot to expand and contract too quickly, resulting in cracks or chips. This type of thermal shock weakens the material over time.
Sudden temperature changes – Similarly, sudden temperature changes can damage the pot. For example, adding cold liquid into a hot insert or moving a hot pot into water to soak can also result in cracks or breaks.
Drops or impacts – Since slow cooker pots are made of ceramic, they don’t react well to sudden impacts. Dropping the insert while moving or cleaning it can easily cause chips, cracks or shattering.
Metal utensils – Scraping the pot vigorously with metal spoons, spatulas or other utensils can scratch and wear down the glazed surface over time.
Cleaning – Using abrasive scouring pads or cleaners on stubborn food remnants stuck on the pot can also scratch and damage the surface.
What are the options for repairing a slow cooker insert?
Depending on the type and extent of damage, there are a few possible ways to repair your slow cooker pot:
Epoxy or porcelain repair kits – For small cracks, chips or scratches, you can purchase porcelain and ceramic epoxy kits at hardware stores. These allow you to fill in and seal small flaws with heat-resistant compounds. Once dried, you can smooth and paint the repair to match the original surface.
High-temperature silicone sealant – For minor damage less than 3 inches, you may be able to patch a crack or hole using a flexible, food-safe silicone sealant rated for high temperatures. This can help seal out moisture and prevent further cracking.
Brazing for metal pots – If you have an aluminum or stainless steel multi-clad insert, large cracks or holes can sometimes be repaired through brazing, a welding process that joins metal together using a copper filler metal. A professional will need to perform this repair.
Professional re-enameling – Heavily damaged ceramic or porcelain pots may need to be sent to a company that specializes in ovenware repair and re-enameling. This involves stripping off the old enamel glaze layer and applying a new one. This is best for extensive damage.
DIY slow cooker pot repair instructions
For minor chips, cracks or scratches, DIY repair kits provide an affordable solution. Here are some step-by-step instructions to complete the repair yourself:
Step 1: Clean the damaged area thoroughly. Remove any dirt, grease or debris so the adhesive will bond properly.
Step 2: Dry the area completely. Use a hair dryer if needed to remove all moisture.
Step 3: Prepare the epoxy adhesive according to package directions. Consider mixing in a bit of coloring powder to closely match the original pot color.
Step 4: Apply the prepared epoxy over the damaged spot, pressing it firmly into any cracks or chips to fill completely. Apply a thin layer just beyond the damaged area.
Step 5: If needed, smooth the epoxy gently with a plastic putty knife. Remove any excess.
Step 6: Allow the epoxy to fully cure as directed on the package, usually 24-48 hours.
Step 7: Once fully cured, take fine grit sandpaper and smooth over the repaired spot so it’s flush with the pot surface.
Step 8: Use primer and porcelain paint in a matching color to cover the repair. Allow paint to dry fully before using.
Be sure to carefully follow all product label instructions to ensure food safety and avoid chemical exposure during the repair process.
Tips for preventing slow cooker pot damage
To help avoid needing repairs in the future, here are some handy care tips:
– Only use your slow cooker on low settings unless recipe specifies high heat
– Allow pot to cool before washing
– Handle insert gently when transporting
– Avoid using metal utensils or scouring pads
– Hand wash with non-abrasive sponges and dish soap
– Use protective wraps or pads under hot inserts
– Don’t preheat empty insert
When to replace a damaged slow cooker pot
While minor chips, cracks and scratches can often be repaired at home, more significant damage requires replacement for safety:
– Large cracks wider than 3 inches
– Multiple cracks covering a large portion of the pot
– Visible punctures, holes or perforations
– Damage along the bottom or sides impacting structure
– Deformation from overheating
– Loose ceramic or enamel pieces
– Rusting of metal pots
Look for an exact replacement insert from the manufacturer or third party sellers. Make sure to match the size, shape, material and connections. Replacing just the inner pot can save you from buying a whole new slow cooker.
Professional repair services
For extensive damage or metal insert repairs, seek out professional assistance:
Appliance repair shops – Many appliance repair pros have experience working with slow cooker inserts and can assess viability of brazing metal or replacing electrical components if needed.
Hardware stores – Some home improvement stores offer ovenware repair clinics on occasion. Check for upcoming workshops.
Online mail-in services – Companies like The Pottery Patch and The Ceramic Restorers offer ceramic and porcelain repair mail-in services with free estimates, reasonable pricing and professional work.
Is it worth repairing a slow cooker insert?
In many cases, repairing a damaged slow cooker pot is definitely worth the effort and more affordable than fully replacing your slow cooker appliance. However, if the insert is very old and repairs are estimated to cost over 50% of the price of a brand new slow cooker, you may find it makes sense to invest in a new model.
Evaluate the repair costs compared to available budgets and replacement cost. Also consider how much life is likely left in the appliance even with a repaired pot. For minor damage though, the ease and low cost of DIY kits can help you get more life out of your slow cooker.
Conclusion
From small cracks and scratches to large holes and punctures, there are DIY and professional repair options available to fix many types of slow cooker pot damage. Minor imperfections can often be repaired at home with specialty epoxy kits. More significant damage like brazing metal inserts or re-enameling ceramic requires professional expertise.
While preventing damage through proper use and care is ideal, understanding your repair options can help you fix up your slow cooker pot and avoid needlessly replacing the whole appliance. With some effort, an imperfect but working repaired pot may be just as good as new. Evaluate the damage carefully and utilize the right solution to get your slow cooker back in order.