Has anybody used the slow cooker using the lid that is supplied? I am puzzled as to why there is a vent hole in the lid of a slow cooker. It would seem to be defeating the whole set it and forget it ability that you have using a slow cooker. Does the vent hole affect the recipe or do you need to keep it tended due to evaporation through the vent? Has anybody used the slow cooker using the lid that is supplied? I am puzzled as to why there is a vent hole in the lid of a slow cooker. It would seem to be defeating the whole set it and forget... » Read More Has anybody used the slow cooker using the lid that is supplied? I am puzzled as to why there is a vent hole in the lid of a slow cooker. It would seem to be defeating the whole set it and forget it ability that you have using a slow cooker. Does the vent hole affect the recipe or do you need to keep it tended due to evaporation through the vent? « Show Less
1226683
I have. The hole wasn't an issue. I believe its there to accommodate the other cooking methods (steaming, baking) but it didn't change the result of my recipes. I totally love that thing and it's multi functions. Hope this helped a little.
1781350
I use mine as a slow cooker most of the time, and it works wonderfully. In fact, my slow cooker recipes come out better in the Ninja than my old crock pot. The little hold does not seem to effect the cooking at all.
1781351
The hole on the top of the cover is for an electronic meat thermometer for your roasts and chicken, etc.
1781352
I have used it for cooking bbq pork and it seems to keep a lot of the moisture in. I don't think that it effects the liquid level as much as it appears.
1781353
I bought this and returned it. It works fine as a slow cooker. My slow cooker doesn't have a vent but it doesn't seal like a pressure cooker. I've reviewed this product see "mesomad"'s review for my details. Just not worth the $$.
1781354
I've used mine as a slow cooker, stove top cooker, and oven. It's one of my favorite appliances (and I've tried MANY during the last 29+ years of marriage.) I've had great results with it and am getting ready to buy a second one for my 23yo son who LOVED the spaghetti and meatballs I made in mine.
1781355
I've not had any problems. If you have doubts call Ninja or put a piece of foil over the hole.
1781356
According to Bob Warden from QVC yesterday he says he uses the hole to use a long thermometer in to test the temperature of the meat.
1781357
We are pretty sure that the vent hole in the top of the lid is there for specific reasons. We have had ( no ) problems with the vent hole. In fact my wife following the recipy book made meatballs and spaghetty with water , noodles, spaghetty sauce and meatballs. She set the pot on oven @ 300 degrees F for 25 min, stirring occationally. It came out absolutely perfect to my surprise, because I was wondering what was going to happen with any extra water. There was no need to drain the noodles. We were amazed at the results.
1759618
The problem I see is that the cord of the thermometer would would create a gap that would allow a lot of moisture/steam to escape the slow cooker. A regular oven has a flexible gasket like seal that allows the cord to extend out.
1463407
I ask the very same question when I received my crock pot but this is normal! Unlike the old version of crock pots that we are use to this one has heating elments all around the crock insert to allow even cooking! The lid allows steam to escape so you are left with perfect dishes everything! I have made all kinds of things in mine and have never had any issues..I'm still in love!
1038531
There is no hole. Steam comes out the edges of the lid.Parenthetically, having a steam vent is not the cause of sputtering. That would be overfilling and/or a dirty pot and/or unwashed rice.
1464205
I ordered this one for my son but I have one I have had for years and yes I use the lids. I have enjoyed mine so much and if I cooked more these days I would order me a new one. Hope this helps, I will try to remember to ask him next time I talk with him but I would think you would use lids or the steam would just go in microwave, things would not steam. Just my thoughts. June
1594132
Well I saw that to and was surprised. I have other crock pots that have the lock lid and I always locked it first. I suppose maybe because of pressure buildup.
746859
Hi there, if you don't want to steam up your room, let the cooker sit for at least 30 minutes to totally depressurize or release the pressure outside. Your food is cooked at a high pressure so that's what happens. The drip cup collects condensation from the lid, if you immediately open the lid and release all the steam into your room, that's where your moisture went. You can try using your oven vent to collect all that steam you release if you are pressed for time. Hope that helps.
1029894
You're not supposed to clamp the lid while cooking. For those who do, the hole allows pressure to escape with no damage.
1821817
Re: vent in the lid -- There's a small hole for a temperature probe, but not a vent where you can adjust it open/closed. I hope that helps!
2242391
Mine did not come with a vent hole plug, so I am assuming you are referring to the metal liner twisting. After I had used mine a few times, the inner metal liner twisted a bit, making it appear that the vent hole was closed. However, I determined that there is a space between the cover and the metal liner in the lid, so even though it twists so that the holes don't line up, it is still able to vent through the holes because of that space. I've been using mine for going on 2 years now with no trouble whatsoever.
669643
Yes. It acts as a vent. The crockpot has such a snug seal there would be too much steam building up if you didn't have that little vent!
2273778
Actually the hole is not there to let steam escape, but rather to let air in. You've probably had the lid of a pan (or slow cooker) get "stuck" after you heat the food, then let the pan cool with the lid on. The lid gets stuck because a partial vacuum forms in the pan as it cools. When there's a hole in the lid, a partial vacuum can't form because the hole let's a small amount of air in. Because the air pressure is the same on each side of the lid, it won't get stuck.
165718
There is a hole in the lid. The only time I used it, it did not cook evenly. Some potatoes, onions and carrots were done and some not. I was so unhappy with it I haven't used it again.
1788104
I am considering buying it myself, i got the IP-DUO60. Not sure why everyone thinks its to keep it warm, it might be that their electric pressure cooks do not have that option.I have been able to start the Sauteing and Slow cooking without any lids.In the user DUO60 manual it says under Slow cooking "1. Follow steps in the 'cooking preparation' section of this manual. the steam release can be at either Venting or Sealing positions. An optional glass lid can also be used"In the DUO60 user manual it says under Sauteing"1. Follow steps in the 'cooking preparation' section of this manual. Keep the lid open to avoid pressure from building up inside the cooker. An optional glass lid can also be used" I am considering buying it myself, i got the IP-DUO60. Not sure why everyone thinks its to keep it warm, it might be that their electric pressure cooks do not have that option.I have been able to start the Sauteing and Slow cooking without any lids.In the user DUO60 manual it says under Slow cooking "1. Follow steps in the 'cooking preparation' section of this manual. the steam release can be at either Venting or Sealing positions. An optional glass lid can also be used"In the DUO60 user manual it says under Sauteing"1. Follow... » Read More I am considering buying it myself, i got the IP-DUO60. Not sure why everyone thinks its to keep it warm, it might be that their electric pressure cooks do not have that option.I have been able to start the Sauteing and Slow cooking without any lids.In the user DUO60 manual it says under Slow cooking "1. Follow steps in the 'cooking preparation' section of this manual. the steam release can be at either Venting or Sealing positions. An optional glass lid can also be used"In the DUO60 user manual it says under Sauteing"1. Follow steps in the 'cooking preparation' section of this manual. Keep the lid open to avoid pressure from building up inside the cooker. An optional glass lid can also be used" « Show Less
1588317
Honestly I have not used it for that long of a period of time, I generally use my slow cooker for longer cooking times. Otherwise it is the best table top burner set that I have ever used.
41900
Hello,The glass lid is used for the saute function and the slow cook function. However, you could still use the original lid for the slow cook function if you would like. Kind Regards,
614623
The directions for the food, some microwave meals will say to leave food uncovered during cooking process. Hope this helps. I really like my new lid. It's so much better than our other one.