Crockpots can be sourced inexpensively ($5-$10) at thrift stores and can use relatively small amounts of current.¹⁾ In addition to the normal uses (stews, chilis, roasts, etc) a crock can be used to bake bread, cornbread, pizza, heat water, warm leftovers, bake potatoes, etc.

12v crockpots do exist²⁾ but they tend to be rather expensive.

Used home crockpots are available for cheap at thrift stores everywhere, and even new analog ones are inexpensive (see below) As a bonus, analog crockpots can be run on cheap-and-simple MSW inverters; below 100w they can be run on inverters powered by the ciggy port.³⁾

The power consumption of the crockpot is of great concern, both for adapting recipes and for powering the device for the hours it will be running. Check the wattage information on the bottom of the crock (used) or packaging (new) before purchase.

Some general trends:

• mini crocks may have one setting (ON) which will likely be 60-75w.
• Standard round crockpots (~3qt) will have a HI settings around 150w.
• Medium oval crockpots (~4qt) have HI settings around 200w.
• Large oval crockpots (5+ quarts, typically) have HI settings around 250w+. Perhaps better for RV use due to size and power consumption.

Very small crocks, such as those for nacho cheese dip, may be 25w-45w and may not practical for actual cooking.⁴⁾

• 2qt Crock-Pot 100w-rated with HI/LO measured at 95w/67w
• 3qt Crock-Pot round 150w-rated 3120 with HI/LO measured at 140w/69w
• 4qt Crock-Pot oval 190w-rated with HI/LO/WARM measured at 190w/130w/45w

Note that while you can turn down power on a higher-powered crock there is no way to turn up the power on a lower-powered crock.

Analog crockpots have simple hand dials to control power settings and run nicely on less-expensive MSW inverters.

Digital crockpots have electronic pushbuttons and often displays. These will likely require the more-expensive PSW inverters.

As we've seen above, larger crockpots tend to use more power. But the physical size of the crockpot is an important factor for those living in small spaces.

Even if you have the power to run a big oval 250w crock do you have counter space to run it, or space to store it when not in use? If needed, measure your spaces with a tape measure and bring it with you to the thrift store.

Some crockpots have permanent crock linings that cannot be removed for cleaning. This is less important in a vehicle than it would be in a house with a dishwasher.

If buying used, buy whatever is priced best and otherwise fits your needs. If buying new, the removable type may cost more for no practical benefit.

There are millions of recipes online for crockpot cooking. Use search terms like:

• crockpot / crock-pot/ crock pot
• slow cooker
• one pot

People who charge with an isolator will have excess power while driving. For decades RV people have put a crockpot in the kitchen sink and cooked with it while motoring down the road.

Using alternator ower means the crock's wattage is not particularly important.

Crockpots can also be used with solar power. With lithium batteries this cooking can happen at any time. With lead-chemistry batteries cooking needs to be done after the bank is mostly charged and there is excess solar power.

On cold days a running crock can be “free heat”. Conversely, on warm, still days you may want to cook outside. Be aware that windy days can wick too much heat off the crock when outside.

Because the contents are often wet and steamy, crockpots are usually fairly easy to clean. You might lightly oil the inside of the crock before cooking something sticky, or line with foil. Parchment paper is a common liner for baking in the crock and can be reused until it tears. Disposable crockpot liners do exist but tend to be expensive.

on cold days you can run your crock a few minutes then proof your yeast-risen doughs in it. Perhaps put it on the dash in the sunlight with the clear light on to keep it warm without overheating.

• avoid splashing a hot crock with cold water or other cold items: a cautionary tale.
• use outdoors in the wind may not allow the crock to stay caught up. Place in a box?
• crockpots are usually not well-insulated and may have very hot exteriors.
• if cooking dry beans ensure your crock is capable of boiling them eventually

• kaylee's vandwelling crockpot recipes
• secessus' vandwelling crockpot recipes
• Cooking With 12 Volts in My Minivan (yt)
• Van Life; Baking Bread In A Van! Using A 12v Crockpot! (yt)
• Minivan Deep Dish Pizza (yt)