Quick Answer
Yes, you can use a crock pot on a grill! While crock pots are traditionally used indoors in a kitchen, they can also be placed on an outdoor grill as long as certain precautions are taken. The key is to provide even, consistent heat to the crock pot and protect it from direct exposure to grease and flames. With some simple setup, a crock pot can be used on a gas or charcoal grill to cook food outdoors.
Setting Up A Crock Pot On A Grill
Using a crock pot on a grill takes a little bit of preparation but can be a unique way to utilize outdoor cooking space. Here are some tips for setting up a crock pot on a gas or charcoal grill:
Gas Grill
– Place crock pot on an even grilling surface, like a griddle accessory or sturdy aluminum pan. This protects the ceramic vessel from direct heat and creates an insulating air barrier for even heating.
– Use low to medium heat settings for optimal crock pot cooking. High direct heat can crack ceramic.
– Elevate crock pot above the hottest grilling area, like over the outer burners instead of directly over the flame.
– Stir and check food frequently, as a gas grill heats up faster than a traditional oven. Adjust temperature as needed.
– Keep the grill covered as much as possible to contain the heat.
Charcoal Grill
– Place a metal stand or sturdy grilling rack inside the grill to elevate crock pot above coals.
– Arrange charcoal evenly around the crock pot for even, indirect heating. About 2 inches clearance is ideal.
– Use a water pan or foil tray filled with water underneath the crock pot to provide a moist environment.
– Regulate temperature by adjusting air vents and adding more charcoal as needed.
– Keep grill covered as much as possible, opening only to stir food and replenish charcoal.
Benefits Of Using A Crock Pot On A Grill
Cooking with a crock pot on an outdoor grill provides several unique benefits:
– Imparts smoky barbecue flavor into crock pot dishes, like chili, pot roasts, or beans.
– Allows for slow cooking during outdoor gatherings, picnics, camping trips, or tailgates.
– Provides extra cooking space when grilling other foods.
– Conserves oven space when cooking large holiday meals.
– Uses residual grill heat or dying charcoal effectively.
– Provides an alternative cooking method during power outages. Gas grills may still operate.
Tips For Grilling With A Crock Pot
Choose An Appropriate Crock Pot
– Pick a compact, lightweight model made from a single piece of glazed ceramic. Heavy stoneware is prone to cracking.
– Ensure the crock pot is heat-safe. Stovetop-safe models can better withstand grill heat. Avoid models with electronic controls.
– Make sure lid fits snugly. Clamps or silicone rings help contain moisture.
– Opt for a 4-6 quart size. Large crock pots are heavy and bulky on grills.
Use Cautious Heating Methods
– Maintain even, indirect heat by elevating crock pot above direct flames.
– Use low to medium temperature settings to prevent cracking.
– Preheat grill before placing crock pot to prevent thermal shock.
– Put a foil tent or cookie sheet over pot if grill gets too hot.
Take Other Safety Precautions
– Don’t move crock pot after it heats up. Sudden shifts can crack hot ceramic.
– Use potholders when adjusting crock pot. The vessel gets very hot!
– Avoid opening the lid often. This maintains temperature and moisture.
– Place crock pot away from the edges of the grill to prevent tipping.
– Monitor grill frequently and refuel judiciously to maintain ideal temperature.
Dishes That Work Well When Slow Cooked On A Grill
Many classic crock pot recipes translate perfectly to outdoor grilling. Dishes that benefit from smoky flavor or do well with extended cook times are ideal candidates for grill-crocking. Some great options include:
Chili
Smoky, savory chili is a classic crock pot meal. The moist environment and radiant heat from charcoal or gas impart deep flavor.
Pot Roasts
Tough cuts of meat become fall-apart tender when slow cooked low and slow on the grill. Pot roasts are infused with delicious smoke.
Pulled Pork
Shredded, tender pulled pork is easy to achieve by slow cooking pork shoulder or ribs in a crock pot on the grill.
Baked Beans
Beans cook up tender with a hint of smoke when simmered for hours in a crock pot on the grill. Add sauce or seasonings for extra flavor.
Stews and Curries
From beef stew to chicken curry, these saucy dishes develop deep flavor when cooked in a crock pot on a grill.
Dips and Spreads
Smoky spinach artichoke dip, cheese dips, meatballs in sauce, and other warm appetizers are great to make in a grill crock pot.
Desserts
Cobblers, cakes, and even macaroni and cheese can be made in a crock pot on the grill for a unique, wood-fired taste.
Tips For Adapting Crock Pot Recipes To The Grill
Many classic indoor crock pot recipes can be modified for successful outdoor grilling. Here are some useful adaptations:
– Add extra liquid to compensate for evaporation. Use water if no additional seasoning is needed.
– Bring sauces, diced vegetables, and meats to room temperature before adding to crock pot to prevent excessive cool down.
– Preheat crock pot by filling with hot water while grill preheats. Discard water before adding food.
– Brown or sear meats beforehand for enhanced flavor. This preserves moisture as well.
– Use a meat thermometer. Grill cooking can take slightly longer than traditional crock pots.
– Adjust seasonings to suit outdoor cooking. You may need extra spices or salt to counteract smoke.
– Stir more frequently and adjust heat as needed to prevent burning on the grill.
Grilling Safety Tips When Using A Crock Pot
While using a crock pot on a grill opens up creative cooking opportunities, it also requires close monitoring for safety. Follow these essential tips:
– Check grilling surface for stability before placing crock pot. Use a pan for extra support if needed.
– Ensure grill is completely cool before removing crock pot to prevent burns.
– Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby in case of emergencies.
– Place crock pot near the edge for easy access and to minimize reaching over flames.
– Keep children and pets away from hot grill area to prevent accidents.
– Clean grill thoroughly of grease to avoid flair ups under crock pot.
– Use well-fitting lid and wrap pot in foil or towels to contain heat on grill.
– Know your grill’s hot spots and adjust positioning of crock pot accordingly.
– Monitor temperature gauges frequently and make adjustments to avoid overheating.
Conclusion
Crock pots and outdoor grilling may seem like unlikely partners, but with the right setup they can be used together successfully. A crock pot on a grill creates tender, smoky dishes, provides extra cooking space, and allows for slow cooking during outdoor gatherings. While some precautions need to be taken, the brilliant combination of searing grill heat and moist crock pot environment results in incredibly flavorful food that takes advantage of the best of both techniques. With some strategic placement and temperature control, you can safely reap the delicious benefits of using your crock pot directly on an outdoor grill. So fire up that grill and plug in the crock pot for a whole new way to utilize the power of your outdoor cooking space.