How to Transport Your Slow Cooker

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: February 12, 2022

Slow cookers are an easy way to prepare and transport meals, making them excellent for attending potlucks or other events. Simply cook your favorite dish using the slow cooker, and then plug it in when you arrive at your destination to keep the food warm. In order to transport your slow cooker from your home to an event, you will need to keep the food warm, secure the slow cooker, and pack any additional items that you may need.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Keeping Food Warm

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Fully cook and heat food. Before you transport your favorite slow cooked meal to a dinner party or event, make sure that you fully cook and heat the food. To ensure that food does not spoil during transport, it is best to make sure the food is hot and ready to serve. Food should not dip below a temperature of 165 degrees fahrenheit (74 degrees celsius).^{[1]
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- Bring a thermometer so that you can check the temperature of the food throughout transportation and before serving.
2
Line a cardboard box or plastic bin with towels. In order to keep the slow cooker warm during transport, you should line a cardboard box or plastic bin with towels. This will help to insulate the slow cooker. It will also provide extra padding and help prevent the slow cooker from shifting and spilling while being transported.^{[2]
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Cover with aluminum foil. Another way to keep your food warm is by covering the slow cooker with aluminum foil. This can provide added insulation to the slow cooker and will also help to prevent the contents from slopping while in motion.
- Pace aluminum foil over the lid and down the sides of the slow cooker.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Securing the Slow Cooker

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Secure the lid of the slow cooker. When transporting a slow cooker it is common for the contents to spill. This is especially true if you are transporting soup or other liquids. In order to prevent spills, secure the lid to the slow cooker. This can be done in a number of different ways:
- Purchase a slow cooker that has a clamp on lid making it easy to seal the contents during transit.^{[3]
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- Secure the lid using painters tape. Simply tape the lid to the sides of the crockpot. Do this on all four sides.^{[4]
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- Use elastic bands to secure the lid. Wrap an elastic band around the handle of the slow cooker and then loop it around the handle on the lid. Do the same thing with the handle on the other side of slow cooker.^{[5]
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2
Place the slow cooker in a cardboard box or plastic bin. In order to transport the slow cooker and keep the contents secure, place it carefully in a snug cardboard box or plastic bin. Use a box or bin that is only slightly larger than your slow cooker. The tighter the box the better.^{[6]
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- Fill in any gaps with extra tea towels.
3
Consider purchasing a slow cooker carrier. You can also purchase an insulated slow cooker carrier designed to transport slow cookers. There are a variety of different options available with easy-to-carry handles. Search online to find a carrier that fits the dimensions of your slow cooker.^{[7]
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Position securely on the ground of your vehicle. Once you have placed the slow cooker securely in a carrier or bin, position it in a safe place in your vehicle. For example, you could place the slow cooker on the floor between the feet of a passenger. This will prevent the slow cooker from shifting and moving while the vehicle is in motion.^{[8]
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- Do not put the slow cooker on a seat. The slow cooker could easily topple off of the seat spilling the contents all over the vehicle.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Considering Additional Items

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Coil and secure the electrical cord. Before transporting your slow cooker, you should also consider safety. Always coil and secure the electrical cord so that you do not trip over it while transporting. For instance, you can roll up the cord and secure it with a twist tie or rubber band.^{[9]
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Pack any necessary utensils. Aside from transporting the slow cooker, you may also need to transport utensils, such as a ladle or serving spoon, as well as plates, napkins and bowls. If you are moving the slow cooker in a plastic bin or cardboard box, you could also put the extra utensils and plates in the box as well.
3
Take an extension cord. Depending on where you are headed, you may want to have an extension cord with you so that you are able to plug in your slow cooker once you arrive at the event. For instance, if you are transporting chili in your slow cooker to attend a football tailgate, you should also bring an extension cord with you. This way you will be able to reach the electrical outlet that may be quite some distance from the food table.

Warnings

While transporting hot food, you should always move slowly. If the liquid spills it may burn your skin. For added protection have oven mitts available.

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