A University of Extension Nutrition Educator is offering tips for maintaining that crock pot.

Crockpot recipes never go out of style, unfortunately, that crock pot may not be as timeless as the popularity of its recipes. Caitlin Mellendorf, nutrition educator with the University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties explains if you suspect your slow cooker may be going bad, there's an easy practice to test it out.

If you have a newer or older but functioning crock pot, Mellendorf says there are some things that can be done to maintain it. She recommends a gentle approach to cleaning and avoid using metal utensils if possible.

If you're new to slow cooker food preparation, Mellendor advises never use the 'keep warm' setting to cook. The best practice is to either use high or low.

The U of I Extension has a host of resources for slow cookers and other cooking methods at extension.illinois.edu.