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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wonder if you can overcome that slow cooker taste?

116 replies

AStitchInTimeSavesN1ne · 21/02/2026 12:17

When slow cooking goes wrong, there is an identifiable taste to it.. I don’t know how or why it goes wrong.

AIBU to wonder if you can overcome that weird taste it develops?

OP posts:
Tickingcrocodile · 21/02/2026 14:23

I know what you mean but I can't describe it. I almost never use my slow cooker now becaise it doesn't taste quite right.

mrsgilfeathers · 21/02/2026 14:21

saltandvinegarpringles · 21/02/2026 13:07

It definitely does have a weird taste/smell and it always puts me off eating it.

I think people saying it doesn't are just used to it and don't notice it.

It definitely doesn’t. I have used a slow cooker for years and my oven has a slow cooker facility…absolutely no ‘slow cooker taste’ from any of the many things I slow cook.

Abustedflush · 21/02/2026 14:18

I agree OP.
i only use my slow cooker for pulled pork or braised brisket of beef, because they really need a long slow cook.
With other dishes Everything comes out too mushy for my taste, and the seasoning is seems to evaporate.
It ends up tasting like canned food.

saltandvinegarpringles · 21/02/2026 13:07

It definitely does have a weird taste/smell and it always puts me off eating it.

I think people saying it doesn't are just used to it and don't notice it.

trainedopossum · 21/02/2026 13:06

Is it a specific flavour or just blandness, like everything’s been boiled rather than oven roasted and reduced? (Obviously if you make rice or porridge or other things that don’t need browning this doesn’t apply.)

Browning and reducing are important for texture and depth of flavour, so I don’t use the slow cooker anymore. You can brown everything beforehand but to me that’s an extra step and an extra pot, I’d rather make it on the hob in an enamel pot and put it in a low oven.

Do you use recipes specifically for the slow cooker? You need less fluid than an ordinary recipe.

(ETA cross post, I see this has all been mentioned upthread.)

TheDandyLion · 21/02/2026 13:00

It's probably missing the maillard reaction that gives flavour when it's cooked at high heat. Need to brown off anything and probably soften onions to stop them tasting boiled.

gototogo · 21/02/2026 12:59

I think it’s the receipe, remember you use less liquid slow cooking so you have to adjust seasoning. I personally prefer to use the oven or hob because I’m too disorganised to put the slow cooker on

DancingNotDrowning · 21/02/2026 12:56

There’s definitely a slow cooker taste.

If I cook the exact same dish in my le creuset in the oven and also in my Lakeland slow cooker the latter has a distinctive taste- although I can’t put my finger on exactly what it is.

i do have very sensitive taste though- if you’ve used plastic spoons to stir my soup I can taste it.

Dinosweetpea · 21/02/2026 12:55

No weird taste here either! How old is your slow cooker?

ThePoshUns · 21/02/2026 12:53

I use a slow cooker a few times a week, not sure what you mean by a slow cooker taste? I make curries, stews, casseroles they alll taste like they should.

mindutopia · 21/02/2026 12:46

Slow cooker food shouldn’t taste funny. Unless you’re burning it or it’s degrading.

SnippySnappy · 21/02/2026 12:46

I think a lot of people who use a slow cooker tend to default to traditional slow cooker meals, like beef stew with tinned tomatoes. Then they associate that metallic-y tomato-ey taste with the slow cooker.

7238SM · 21/02/2026 12:43

I don't know what you mean OP? Burnt food? Is the coating coming off?
You can buy slow cooker liners if you think its a metallic taste. I don't know if heated plastic or heated metal is better for you though?

www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/310158345?srsltid=AfmBOoqJNf3lKTRVYwumZjD6IoKlpac68AVxv4rvs4ZQnJO_keVjVv4g

IDrinkTeaAllTheTime · 21/02/2026 12:40

I’ve used slow cookers for years and still don’t know what people are talking about when they refer to this slow cooker taste.

I only cook things in there that are suitable for slow cooking and have only ever used ceramic slow cookers, though my stainless steel multi cooker does have a slow cook function.

What kinds of things are you using your slow cooker for?

TheNoonBell · 21/02/2026 12:40

You might want to buy a new slow cooker.

Motherearthisbusy · 21/02/2026 12:21

I’ve often slow cooked sometimes for longer than they say but I’ve never heard of this taste thing?

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