Have you ever had a kitchen disaster that’s so unforgettable, you still cringe at the thought of it? I certainly have! Once, I placed a hot lid upside down on my brand-new glass stovetop, only to hear a dreaded cracking sound. That moment taught me a valuable lesson: even a small mistake in the kitchen can lead to expensive and frustrating consequences. Ever since then, I’ve been more careful and focused on learning about kitchen safety.

However, no matter how careful we try to be, sometimes accidents are inevitable. Just recently, I came across a post in my favorite kitchen group on Facebook. A member shared a photo of chili spilled all over her stovetop—so much that you could barely see the surface. She explained that she had cooked the chili in a crockpot on high for six hours, but it still wasn’t fully done. So, she placed the cooled crock on the stovetop to heat it up a bit more. When she tried to move it to the fridge, the bottom gave way, and the chili went everywhere. I can only imagine the frustration; if that happened to me, I’d probably be crying before I could even think about cleaning it up.

So, where did it all go wrong? The community comments made one thing very clear: you should never, under any circumstances, place a crockpot on the stovetop. But why is that the case?

Is It Safe to Put a Crockpot on the Stove?

No, it’s absolutely unsafe to put a crockpot on the stovetop. Crockpots are designed to be slow cookers, using low, steady heat to cook foods like soups, stews, and chilis. The ceramic insert in a crockpot isn’t built to withstand the high, direct heat that a stovetop burner produces. Stovetop heat is intense and focused, which can cause the ceramic to crack or break. As seen in the Facebook post, exposing the crockpot to direct heat can lead to a complete bottom-out disaster.

What Can Happen if You Put a Crockpot on the Stove?

The most common outcome of putting a crockpot on the stovetop is that the ceramic insert will chip, crack, or completely shatter, creating a huge mess. Not only does this mean you’ll have food spilled everywhere, but there’s also a serious risk of burns from the hot food or shards of ceramic. The ceramic pieces can also scratch your stovetop, especially if it’s glass or ceramic.

But it’s not just about an immediate crack or break. Sometimes, the ceramic can develop micro-cracks that aren’t immediately visible. These small fractures compromise the structural integrity of the crockpot, which makes it more likely to break in the future—even if you use it properly next time. Plus, there’s also a potential electrical hazard if the heating element of the crockpot gets damaged in the process.

Is Any Ceramic Safe for the Stovetop?

You might be wondering if it’s safe to use other ceramic dishes on the stovetop. The answer is typically no. Most ceramic cookware is not intended to be used on a stovetop burner. There are exceptions, like special flameware or heat-resistant ceramic cookware, but these are not the norm. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when using any ceramic dish on the stove to avoid accidents.

The Bottom Line: Keep Crockpots Where They Belong

So, what’s the takeaway here? Always keep your crockpot on the countertop or in the slow cooker base where it belongs. That’s where it performs best—slow cooking at low, consistent temperatures. If you need to transfer food to the stovetop for additional cooking, use a pot or pan that’s specifically made for stovetop use. Trust me, your kitchen (and your sanity) will thank you.

This lesson is one I’ve learned from experience. Ever since my own mishap with the glass top stove, I’ve become a bit of a kitchen safety enthusiast. I still love experimenting with new recipes and trying out different kitchen gadgets, but now I make sure to do so with more care. Each time I hear about someone else’s kitchen disaster, it reminds me that we’re all just one step away from the next big kitchen blunder. So, let’s be safe out there—keep your crockpots off the stovetops, and keep enjoying your cooking adventures with peace of mind.