Comments

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  Sandy (Community Guide)

  They are so trying to freak you and everybody else out. When cooking with a slow cooker or any other method you have to use common sense. Dont let your food sit in your slow cooker if its turned off. Reheat food properly. I love the bacteria touch. Have fun with your slow cooker!

  over 2 years ago
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  Kendra

  Ha, Real Simple is one of those magazines that usually makes sense to me, but I'm thinking Sandy's right.. But now I have to ask about cooking times, because they always say 7 hours on low or 4 hours on high or whatever. If I'm home to keep track of it either way, is one way or the other better?

  over 2 years ago
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  Chef Heather (Food on the Table)

  @ Jessica~ Hi this is Chef Heather from Food on the Table. Slow cookers are perfectly safe. They are designed to be left on and unattended for long periods of time. Cooking food to 140 degrees will kill any bacteria and most slow cookers reach temperatures of 170 – 300 degrees. To ensure you are using your slow cooker properly flow the recipe directions and like any appliance read the owner’s manual to ensure you are using it correctly. Use a meat thermometer to check that the meat has reached its proper temperature before pulling it out of the cooker and consuming. Also if you have an older model slow cooker use a thermometer to check that the liquid is reaching the proper ‘simmering’ temperature of 209 degrees. Avoid opening the lid of the slow cooker too much during the cooking process because this will allow heat to escape and cause for longer cooking times. Remember that the warm setting is not for cooking the food and therefore the food should not be stored or held on this setting for long periods of time (a low setting is best if you are running late or need to push dinner back).

  over 2 years ago
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  Chef Heather (Food on the Table)

  And last (I am reiterating Sandy) remember to store leftovers properly and reheat to proper temperatures. I honestly don’t think this article was trying to scare you just provide information and clear up myths that they are not safe.

  over 2 years ago
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  Sandy (Community Guide)

  Kendra from what I know the only difference between cooking at high and low is how fast it gets done and some people prefer slow cooking because it has better taste.

  over 2 years ago
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  Anonymous

  Slow cookers have been on the market for how many years? If they weren't safe they'd have stopped making them a long time ago. Agree with everyone else.

  about 1 year ago