While slow cookers offer effortless meal preparation, placing a traditional ceramic crock directly onto a stovetop burner can cause severe damage.
Direct, concentrated burner heat subjects the stoneware to extreme thermal shock, which can cause the vessel to crack and spill hot food.
To safely brown meat or sauté vegetables, cooks should always use a separate skillet before transferring the ingredients into the slow cooker.
Checking manufacturer guidelines for oven safety and allowing hot crocks to cool naturally will prevent costly mistakes and keep your kitchen safe.