Using a liner in your slow cooker can make cleanup easier and prevent burning or overcooking. There are a variety of options for liners that are safe to use in a slow cooker. The most common liners are plastic, paper, foil and parchment paper. Each has pros and cons to consider when deciding which is best for your needs. Read on for more details on the different types of slow cooker liners and how to use them properly.
Plastic Liners
Plastic liners are a convenient option for slow cookers. They are designed specifically to fit various sized slow cookers and make cleanup a breeze. Here are some key points about using plastic liners:
Pros
- Prevent food from sticking to the interior of the slow cooker
- Make cleanup fast and easy – when cooking is done, simply dispose of the liner
- Allow for easy removal and transport of food
- Come in packs specifically sized for different slow cooker capacities
Cons
- Not reusable or recyclable
- Can melt or burn at very high temperatures
- May absorb smells and flavors
- Additional cost over reusable liners
Tips for Use
- Select a liner sized appropriately for your slow cooker insert.
- Make sure liner fits snugly and comes 2-3 inches up the sides.
- Trim any excess plastic hanging over the edge.
- Pour ingredients inside liner and cook as usual.
- Let slow cooker cool before attempting to lift liner out.
- Dispose of liner after each use.
Popular brands of plastic slow cooker liners include Reynolds, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, Slow Cooker Liners and Crawfish Bag.
Parchment Paper
Parchment paper is another option that can work well. Here are some key points on using parchment paper:
Pros
- Nonstick surface allows easy release of foods
- Can reuse parchment several times
- Doesn’t retain odors or flavors
- No chemicals – natural nonstick surfacing
- Can cut to fit any shape or size
Cons
- Not as convenient as pre-shaped plastic liners
- Can’t lift parchment out to transfer food easily
- May need to replace after a few uses
Tips for Use
- Cut parchment to fit bottom and at least partially up the sides.
- Make sure parchment lays flat with no air pockets.
- Fold over edges rather than cut for easy removal.
- Plan to replace parchment after a few uses when it starts to discolor.
When buying parchment paper, be sure to get heat-resistant parchment that can withstand slow cooker temperatures. Do not use wax paper.
Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil can also work as a liner but there are some precautions needed:
Pros
- Helps prevent burning or overcooking
- Can mold foil to any shape
- Easy to find in any grocery store
Cons
- Can react with acidic foods and lead to an aluminum taste
- Foil may tear during cooking if not sturdy enough
- Some foil brands are not oven safe at higher temperatures
Tips for Use
- Use heavy duty or extra thick foil – regular foil can tear easily
- Avoid cooking acidic foods like tomatoes, vinegar, citrus
- Make sure foil is molded smoothly to bottom with no gaps
- Bring foil up sides and trim any excess hanging over edges
The easiest option is to buy pre-cut foil liners made specifically for slow cookers that eliminate the need to cut and shape your own foil.
Paper Liners
There are some types of paper designed to withstand oven temperatures that can work:
Pros
- Natural and non-toxic material
- Helps absorb excess moisture from condensation
- Generally inexpensive option
Cons
- Paper may disintegrate before cooking is done
- Hard to find the right paper that withstands heat
- Not as convenient as pre-cut liners
Tips for Use
- Look for oven-safe parchment style paper
- Avoid regular paper or paper towels
- Replace once paper starts to deteriorate
- Use double layers for very moist ingredients
The best option is a parchment paper style liner specially made for slow cookers. Do not use paper with chemicals, wax or plastics that can leach into food.
Liner Recommendations by Food
Certain liners work better for different types of ingredients:
| Food | Best Liner |
|---|---|
| Stews, chilis, soups | Plastic liner |
| Rice, grains, beans, legumes | Parchment paper or foil |
| Chicken, roasts, beef | Foil or parchment paper |
| Casseroles | Plastic liner |
| Desserts | Parchment paper |
| Acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus | Plastic, parchment or paper |
Key Considerations
- Plastic – Best for soups, stews, chili, casseroles. Avoid with rice, grains, desserts.
- Parchment – Ideal for baking, rice, grains, desserts. Not as convenient for liquids.
- Foil – Works for meats, vegetables, but not for acidic ingredients.
- Paper – Least convenient option but can work for some baked goods.
The liner material can impact cooking time so you may need to adjust slightly from your normal recipe time when using liners. Pay attention to ensure food cooks thoroughly.
Can You Cook Directly in a Slow Cooker?
While liners make cleanup easier, it is possible to cook foods directly in your slow cooker. If doing so:
- Use cooking spray or oil to coat the interior.
- Make sure to grease all sides including under any lip around the edge.
- Avoid ingredients that can stick like rice, oatmeal or pasta.
- Soak insert after cooking to make scrubbing easier.
- Use Barkeeper’s Friend or baking soda to clean cooked on stains.
Cooking without a liner takes more effort to clean but can be done occasionally if needed. For daily use, liners help minimize the mess.
Can You Reuse Liners in a Slow Cooker?
It’s not recommended to reuse any slow cooker liners, including:
- Plastic – These are designed for single use and may start to break down and melt during subsequent uses.
- Parchment – Can reuse a few times but will discolor and deteriorate.
- Foil – Difficult to get foil to lay smoothly after reshaping.
- Paper – Will quickly disintegrate with multiple uses.
For food safety and to prevent chemicals leaching into food, stick to fresh liners each time. Reusable liners also hold onto stains, odors and bacteria even with washing.
Special Considerations for a Liner
There are a few other factors to keep in mind when selecting a liner:
- Match the liner size to the slow cooker insert for the best fit.
- For larger cookers, you may need to use two liners or pieces.
- Do not use plastic liners for high heat settings or prolonged cooking times.
- Parchment paper is the best choice for extended cooking times.
- Consider foil or parchment for large roasts, whole chickens or hams.
- Add extra time to recipes if using liners to account for insulating effect.
Testing out various liners to see which you prefer can help determine the best option for your common slow cooker uses. Consider the types of food along with your willingness to reuse vs dispose of the liner after each use.
Conclusion
Lining your slow cooker makes cooking and cleanup much easier. Plastic liners provide the most convenience while parchment paper is the most eco-friendly reusable option. Foil and paper can also work but may be less ideal for certain ingredients. Make sure to use liners specifically designed for safe slow cooker use and avoid reusing them. With the right liner, you can spend more time enjoying delicious slow cooked meals with minimal cleanup frustration!