Crockpot use question

amynicole21 wrote: Do you let the crockpot run when you aren't at home? I'd love to be able to start something in the morning before work, then have it ready to eat by the time we walk in the door. But, I'm scared that it will start a fire

coasterqueen replied: I do it all the time .

MommyToAshley replied: I used to do it all the time.

Now that we work from home, it is torture smelling the food cook all day long in the crockpot.

MomToMany replied: I have the same fear Amy! I've never really used mine for that very reason.

But now since I'm home all the time, I use it a lot more! Great little invention there !

5littleladies replied: I use mine when we're not at home all the time!

A&A'smommy replied: My mom does it almost every sunday

jdkjd replied: Yep. You can even prep everything in the removable pot the night before. And before work just take the pot out of the fridge and put it on low allday. The crockpot was invented to run allday without supervision. So don't worry about any hazards...

From www.crockpot.com:
Can Crock-Pot™ slow cookers be used while unattended?

Yes, they are very safe. The Crock-Pot™ Slow Cooker operates at a low wattage. Depending on the model, the wattages vary from 75 to 300 watts. This is one of the major benefits of using them. You can add your ingredients, go to work and come home to a "home-cooked" dinner.

MomToJade&Jordan replied: I am home all day so it hasn't been an issue when I use my crockpot, but my Mom has let hers goin all day.

paradisemommy replied: that's the great thing about a crock pot..i'm at home most of the day but just the ability to throw it all in the pot and leave it all day while it cooks up is GREAT!!! and now they make tons of stuff to make it easy for you..in the frozen section called crock pot helpers or something of the sort where all you have to do is dump it in..i haven't tried them yet but talk about easy!!.. i even found one on the shelves in the regular dinner in a box section, where all you have to do is add the meat...

ediep replied: yes, I do

Maddie&EthansMom replied: ALL the time.

Celestrina replied: Sure. However I usually let it run overnight.

ProudAunty replied: I use mine when i'm not at home and nothing has ever happened to it.. By the time i'm off of work my supper is ready for me

redchief replied:
I don't know of any manufacturer that will state it is safe to leave an electrical cooking appliance running while no one is home. That being said, the Rival Crockpot has an excellent fire safety record with the only recall coming when a certain model (no longer manufactured) had a recall due to the potential for handles breaking off the unit.

All cooking appliances should be frequently monitored while in use. Crock-pots are designed for long slow cooking and are generally very safe appliances as long as the instructions are followed. Even if you're at home, I recommend that the Crock-pot be placed on a noncombustible surface any time it is in use. If you have a combustible counter surface, place the pot on a stable stone or clay cutting cutting board. Make sure the cord is in good condition, is properly in the outlet (it has a polarized plug) and the cord doesn't get hot while the unit is in operation.

You can see the full set of safety and use instructions for the most common Rival Crock-pot here:

http://www.crockpot.com/support/manuals/manual_38601.html

I am a fire chief, certified NJ Fire Inspector and have fire investigation certifications.