Blame marketing. Blame the 1970s. When “Crock-Pot” became a household word, people started using it for everything. Like calling a hot tub a Jacuzzi. Or a copy machine a Xerox.
Slow Cooker Vs. Crockpot _ Slow Cooker vs Crock Pot: What’s the
The word “Crock-Pot” is a generic trademark. That means lawyers have to fight to keep it from becoming a regular word. They lose sometimes. “Escalator” used to be a brand. “Aspirin” too. The Crock-Pot is trying not to share that fate.
Does it matter? To your dinner guests? Nope. They just want tender pork. They don’t care if it’s branded or not.
The Weirdest “Facts” People Believe
Some say Crock-Pots run cooler. They don’t. Some say you can’t bake bread in generic slow cookers. You can. I’ve done it. The loaf was ugly but delicious.
There’s a rumor that Crock-Pots are safer. Untrue. All modern slow cookers meet safety standards. Leave them on while you’re at work. Trust them. They won’t betray you.
Oh, and the original Crock-Pot recipe book from 1974 advised cooking a whole chicken in five hours on high. That’s a food safety nightmare. Please don’t do that. Modern wisdom says no poultry under 165°F.
