Morphy Richards Sear & Stew
A practical slow cooker (3.5L, manual dial, sear-in-pot) for easy, budget-friendly slow-cooked meals.
Are Slow Cookers Safe to Leave On?
Slow cookers are designed to run unattended, but is it actually safe to leave one on all day or overnight? Here's the sensible guidance.
Quick answer
Yes, slow cookers are designed to be left on for hours, including while you're out or overnight, and are generally safe to do so. As with any appliance, use it sensibly: place it on a heatproof surface with space around it, keep the flex clear, don't leave it near anything flammable, and make sure it's in good working order.
Using one safely
Sit the slow cooker on a clean, dry, heatproof worktop with room around it, away from curtains, tea towels and the edge. Keep the lid on while cooking, use the setting the recipe calls for, and don't overfill it. Modern slow cookers switch to a 'keep warm' setting on many models, but a basic one simply holds a low temperature.
Sensible precautions
Check the flex and plug are undamaged, don't run it under cupboards where heat can build up, and don't leave a faulty appliance unattended. If you're out all day, an 8-10 hour low cook is exactly what slow cookers are built for. Cool and refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Morphy Richards
A practical slow cooker (3.5L, manual dial) for easy, budget-friendly slow-cooked meals.
#3 
Morphy Richards Sear and Stew
A practical slow cooker (6.5L, sear-in-pot) for easy, budget-friendly slow-cooked meals.
Frequently asked questions
Can you leave a slow cooker on overnight?
Yes - slow cookers are made for long, unattended cooking, so overnight on low is fine. Place it safely on a heatproof surface away from anything flammable and make sure it's in good condition.
Can you leave a slow cooker on when you go out?
Yes, that's one of the main reasons people use them. A low setting for 8-10 hours while you're out is normal and safe with a working appliance used sensibly.
Is it safe to leave a slow cooker unattended?
Generally yes - they're designed for it. Use a heatproof surface, keep it clear of flammable items, and don't use a damaged appliance.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Morphy Richards Sear & Stew (our score 9.6/10) - A practical slow cooker (3.5L, manual dial, sear-in-pot) for easy, budget-friendly slow-cooked meals..