15 Clever Crock-Pot Tricks You May Not Have Tried Before

Forget apple cider vinegar; did you know that your slow cooker can be one of the most versatile items in your kitchen? That’s right, the same thing that cooks your dinner while you are at the office is capable of so much more than you could ever dream of. Here are 15 brilliant ways you can use, clean, and hack that trusty Crock-Pot.

  1. Use it as a fondue pot

    No need to purchase a separate fondue pot for your next classy gathering. Simply melt your favorite ingredients into your slow cooker instead!

  2. Use it as an air freshener

    Love that warm smell of cinnamon during Christmastime? Instead of purchasing pricey candles and air fresheners, just add this special apples and cinnamon concoction, directly into your Crock-Pot.

  3. Use it to make homemade Play-Dough

    Sure, there are many other Play-Dough recipes out there, but we think this one is the absolute easiest around!

  4. Use it to keep your mashed potatoes warm

    Because there is nothing worse than serving your guests cold, crusty mashed potatoes with their Thanksgiving dinner.

  5. Use it to cook your ENTIRE meal

    Most home chefs have no idea that simply wrapping your main dish and sides in foil before throwing them into the Crock-Pot can allow all items to cook simultaneously.

  6. Use it to make a warming cider

    Slow cookers aren’t just for stews and soups. It’s easy to forget that they also act as perfect heating vessels for our favorite hot beverages!

  7. Use some foil and a liner to turn one slow cooker into two

    Simply fashion a tin foil barrier that fits snugly across the middle portion, then use a liner to protect the foods from transferring. A genius way to cook two meals at once!

  8. Use it to make a decadent lava cake

    If you are a dessert hound who hates to bake, then this sweet technique is definitely right up your alley.

  9. Use it to make homemade candles

    It’s a safe and virtually mess-free way to make your very own candles at home.

  10. Use it to make pumpkin butter

    Don’t waste up to 8 bucks on the store-bought stuff when making it on your own is such a breeze!

  11. Use it to remove caked-on paint

    The no-scrub way to removing crusty, gooey paint from small, metal objects.

  12. Use it to make your own candy

    No need to purchase expensive candy for gifts. Just make your very own and wrap them up however you’d like. It’s our favorite way to cut that holiday budget in half!

  13. Use it to make oatmeal

    Rest easy knowing that you will wake up with some delicious, nourishing oatmeal for breakfast.

  14. Use it as a humidifier

    Spring allergies got you down? If so, look no further than your Crock-Pot. Just keep it filled with water, and give those lungs a break.

  15. Use vinegar and baking soda to clean it

    We admit it, slow cookers can be a real pain to clean. That’s why we love letting the appliance do the work for us!

Have you ever tried any of these hacks? Do you have any of your own that you would like to share? What is your favorite thing to make in your slow cooker? Tell us all about your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!