Why Your Slow Cooker Keeps Turning Off

Slow cookers are a convenient and easy way to create delicious meals, but sometimes they may stop working correctly. A slow cooker that keeps turning off is a considerable inconvenience and defeats the purpose of using one, so you likely want to know why it keeps turning off.

A broken fuse is likely the reason why your slow cooker keeps turning off. If it’s broken, it’ll make your slow cooker turn off randomly. You can replace the fuse, but it’s not always worth it. Other reasons may include a broken cord, broken circuit, or broken heating element. 

The rest of this article will discuss why a slow cooker keeps turning off in more detail. It’ll also discuss other common issues related to slow cookers and whether you can fix them or not.

Why Does My Slow Cooker Turn Off Before It Gets Hot?

An issue with the device’s thermal fuse or the heating element is likely why your slow cooker turns off before it gets off. A broken fuse will make the slow cooker turn off at random intervals, and a broken heating element will prevent the slow cooker from getting hot.

Your Slow Cooker’s Thermal Fuse Might Be Broken

Every slow cooker features a thermal fuse. It’s a safety device located in the slow cooker and is supposed to prevent overheating.

A functioning thermal fuse will force the slow cooker to turn off if it gets to a specific temperature. However, a broken thermal fuse may turn the slow cooker off at the wrong time.

A broken fuse isn’t only a major annoyance, but it’s also a safety concern. If you learn that the thermal fuse is broken, you should replace it or buy a new slow cooker.

The Slow Cooker’s Heating Element Might Be Broken

Since the heating element makes the slow cooker hot, it won’t get hot if it’s broken. It’s also possible that the thermal fuse and the heating element are broken, in which case you should either replace them both or buy a new cooker.

Before you replace any parts, you should compare the repair cost with the cost of buying a new device. Purchasing a new slow cooker can sometimes be cheaper than repairing an old one, so always do your research before committing to anything.

Why Won’t My Slow Cooker Work?

If one or more of the slow cooker’s elements are broken, then the slow cooker won’t work—this includes the thermal fuse and heating element. It could also stop working due to the cord being damaged or not plugged incorrectly. Ensure that the cable is fully plugged into the device.

As mentioned earlier, two possible reasons your slow cooker isn’t working are a broken fuse or a broken heating element.

However, you should always check the cord before checking anything inside the slow cooker. The first thing you should do is ensure the cable is plugged into the slow cooker correctly. Sometimes, you may think it’s plugged in properly even when it’s not. 

It would help to examine the cord for any damage, particularly at both ends of the cable. You’ll need to replace a damaged cord, and it must match the model of your slow cooker.

Why Won’t My Slow Cooker Get Hot?

A broken heating element is why your slow cooker won’t get hot, even if the device turns on OK. The heating element is responsible for heating the slow cooker; the cooker won’t work without it. However, the problem could also be the fuse or circuit.

The heating element is usually located at the bottom of most slow cookers. To examine it, you should turn it upside down and unscrew the base. Then, you can examine further. 

If the fuse is broken, it could be automatically turning your slow cooker off once it begins to get warm, which will prevent it from ever getting hot. 

Try Resetting Your Slow Cooker

Sometimes, all it takes is a quick reset for your slow cooker to work correctly again. Whether you’re having issues with your cooker not getting hot or if other problems are occurring, doing a reset should be one of the first things you try.

The resetting method varies depending on the type and brand of slow cooker you use. For example, to reset most crockpots, all you need to do is hold down the “Select” button for 30 seconds. 

Be Careful When Examining Parts of Your Slow Cooker

If you decide to open up your slow cooker to examine the parts, you must be extra careful. Before unscrewing anything, make sure it’s completely unplugged. 

Only attempt to replace a part if you know how to do so. You should avoid making repairs or replacements on an electrical device if you’re not trained to do it. Either get a professional to look at it or buy a replacement slow cooker.

Why Are the LED Lights on My Crockpot Blinking?

The LED lights on your crockpot are blinking because there’s likely a power outage. You’ll notice that even the buttons stop working. That said, all you need to do is do a quick reset by holding “Select” for 30 seconds. Ensure the cord is plugged directly into the wall if that doesn’t work.

You want to avoid extension cords because they can cause issues.

Blinking Lights Could Also Indicate That There Was a Power Outage

On some of your electrical devices, such as your oven or microwave, you may notice that a power outage will turn all the lights off. Once the power comes back on, you may see blinking lights. 

The same can happen with a crockpot or other slow cooker after a power outage has occurred, so keep that in mind if you randomly notice the lights blinking.

Are Slow Cookers Repairable? 

Slow cookers are repairable, and many parts and elements can be bought and replaced. Even if you can repair your slow cooker, there’s a chance that it’ll be cheaper to replace it entirely. You should only attempt to repair a slow cooker if you know how to do it.

If you decide to replace a broken part, make sure it’ll work with the make and model of your slow cooker. For example, if you have a crockpot, you can purchase replacement parts directly from their website.

If you have any worries about which parts to buy or whether you should repair your slow cooker or not, you can always contact the manufacturer; some companies may have a customer support line that you can call for advice and guidance.

Why Is My Slow Cooker Overcooking My Food?

Your slow cooker is overcooking your food because you may be using the wrong heating or timing settings. You can leave your food cooking for a shorter time by choosing a low heat and a short time setting, rather than a long time setting.