Slow Cooker: Doesn't Heat

If the switch that controls the temperature and cooking time on your slow cooker does not work, check the circuit board first. If the board is working, the switch might be worn out from use and time. In this case, replace the switch with a new one.

If your slow cooker is not heating up and the heating element works, check the thermal fuse. The thermal fuse protects your appliance from overheating by turning off the heat when it reaches a certain temperature. This prevents the appliance from catching on fire and is an important safety tool. If your fuse is burned out or broken, it will not be able to detect heat and will turn off at the wrong times. To repair it you will need needle nose pliers, screwdriver, and a metal cutter. First, flip the base upside down and remove the screws to access the interior. Unscrew ring terminal and uncrimp the metal crimp to remove the fuse. You can install the new thermal fuse by attaching it to the metal crimp connecter and putting the ring terminal back on.

Your probe, also known as a thermostat or sensor, should detect the temperature of the meat you are cooking in your slow cooker. If it does not read the temperature correctly, it may be broken and will affect your slow cooker from producing heat. Replace your probe for better results.

If your heating element is broken, it will not be able to produce heat in your slow cooker. To replace the element, first turn the base of the pot upside down and remove all screws, clips, and bolts to access the element. Disconnect wire connectors and remove the heating element from the leads. Tip: test the leads with a multimeter to see if the element is accepting electricity. If not, install a new one and reassemble the slow cooker.

If the controls or the circuit board are burned out or broken, your slow cooker will not heat up and the settings you are programming such as low or high temperatures will not work. You will need to replace the board to program your slow cooker correctly.