Frozen Meat In A Slow Cooker-Yea or Nay?

[+ Gar1eth]

The USDA (unless the standards have changed) doesn't advise it as the meat might not reach a safe internal temperature within the two hour safety time limit. But my new Hamilton Beech slow cooker (link below) comes with a mode to cook frozen meats. There is a temperature probe. But I'm not sure how that helps unless it causes the cooker to heat up faster. But even then, I would wonder if it's not just a limitation of crock pots that they can't heat slabs of frozen meat quickly enough to stay out of the danger zone. I think I emailed Hamilton Beech but didn't get a reply. I also sent of an email to the County Extension Office Nutritionist. But I never heard back. 
 

https://hamiltonbeach.com/set-and-forget-6-quart-defrost-slow-cooker-silver-33869

[+ Gar1eth]

Anyone with any thoughts on this? Bueller....Bueller?

[samhexum]

On 4/20/2025 at 3:57 PM, Gar1eth said:

I emailed Hamilton Beech but didn't get a reply. I also sent of an email to the County Extension Office Nutritionist. But I never heard back. 

 

14 minutes ago, Gar1eth said:

Anyone with any thoughts on this? 

yes... maybe they just don't like you.

 

Edited April 23 by samhexum
for shits and giggles

[+ friendofsheila]

On 4/22/2025 at 10:02 PM, Gar1eth said:

Anyone with any thoughts on this? Bueller....Bueller?

for me it woudl depend on how thickk the meat is.  thinner meat frozen I'dd be okay putting in slowcooker for an all-day cook.

[+ friendofsheila]

On 6/14/2025 at 3:58 PM, friendofsheila said:

for me it woudl depend on how thickk the meat is.  thinner meat frozen I'dd be okay putting in slowcooker for an all-day cook.

i forgot to say that a big thick roast I wouldn't put in frozen.

[+ Gar1eth]

I'm still miffed that I didn't get an answer on this query from either Hamilton Beach or the County Extension Nutritionist. 

[kajunboots]

Hmmm---I usually pat meat dry and then sear it in a pan before putting it in a slow cooker.  I also brown ground beef/pork before slow cooking chili or a similar dish in a slow cooker.  I wonder if sticking frozen meat in a slow cooker would increase the volume of liquid when all is said  and done.  Something else to consider as well as food safety issues.  

KB