Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on when I leave the house?

Yes, in fact this is one of the benefits of getting a slow cooker. Just follow these simple safety guidelines:

1. Don’t leave a new slow cooker. Stay around the first two or three times that you use it, just to rule out the possibility that the appliance is defective.

2. Put enough water or broth in the slow cooker so it doesn’t boil dry.

3. Leave enough space around the slow cooker. It doesn’t generate as much heat as other appliances, but at least any heat is easily dissipated.

4. If you have pets, place it in an area where they can’t get it, and secure cords so they don’t play with it or chew on it. (Read other tips on pet-proofing your home.)