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There’s always a learning curve when using a new kitchen appliance, but getting an error code can certainly take the wind out of your sails! The Crockpot Express E6 error is a common one, but these tips will help you get things working again quickly!
If you have a Crockpot Express, chances are you’ve seen this error code pop up. If it hasn’t yet, it probably will. Any time there is an error that pops up, the multi-cooker will stop the cooking cycle and then you’re left scratching your head trying to figure out what to do next. The Crockpot Express E6 error code seems to be the most commonly occurring one, and there are a few things you can do to fix it. We want to get you back to cooking great Crockpot Express Recipes like these! 🙂
If you’re having issues with a different error codes, scroll down to the end to read about all the other Crockpot Express error codes.
What does the manual say?
The Multi-Cooker will stop the cooking cycle. Unplug the Multi-Cooker and allow to cool. Once it is cooled down, remove the lid and check the cooking pot. Add liquid as necessary. Ensure a minimum of 8 oz. of liquid is used inside the removable cooking pot. If using a pressure cooking function, ensure that the steam release valve is in the “seal” (closed) position.
That’s all well and good, but it’s not exactly clear how long it will take to cool, why it got too hot, how much liquid is “necessary” if you already have the required 8 ounces, etc. I have found the manual to be a good starting place, but you’ll get lots more help from other users or just trying things on your own and experimenting a little. I have joined several Facebook groups for Crockpot Express users, and the information found in them is invaluable! We’d love to have you join our Crockpot Express Community as well!
What does the E6 error actually mean?
Basically, it means the unit is getting too hot. If you’re trying to cook on a pressure cooking setting make SURE you’ve checked these two things:
- Have you closed the steam release valve? If it’s left open the machine can’t come to pressure (because all the steam it’s trying to build up is escaping out the valve) and all the liquid will cook away. Then the pot will overheat and shut off.
- Is the sealing ring under the lid in place properly? If it’s too loose or not tucked in where it belongs, steam will escape around the outside of the lid. That’s a dead giveaway there’s something wrong. Eventually all the liquid will cook off and you’ll get the E6 error.
Note: if there’s steam coming out of the BOBBER VALVE (that’s the little hole in the lid) then that’s normal. It will sputter a bit and release steam as it’s leveling out and coming to pressure. It should do it for about a minute and then stop. Soon after the cooking countdown will begin. To learn more about this and other other common mistakes new users make, read 10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Using the Crockpot Express.
If you DO have the valve closed and the sealing ring in the lid but it’s still giving an E6 code, it’s usually one of two things:
- you don’t have enough thin liquid (see details below) or
- the unit is too warm because you switched from Brown/Saute mode to Pressure Cooking and it’s reading as too hot still. (This has never happened to me and it seemed to be the case for certain pots that were first released when the Crockpot Express was brand new-I rarely hear of this being an issue anymore. I use Brown/Saute and then switch straight to pressure cooking all the time.)
Thin liquid is needed for the pot to come to pressure. It needs to create steam inside and if you’re using something like BBQ sauce as your liquid, it’s not going to work. For pressure cooking, use 8 oz. of water, broth or sauces that have been thinned to a watery consistency.
Certain foods will give off liquids while they cook (like chicken, fruits, some vegetables, etc.) so you may see some recipes that call for less than the standard 8oz. of liquid. Stick with recipes from websites you trust until you get a feel for using the Crockpot Express. And if you experiment with something and get the E6 error, don’t worry- you can still fix it!
How do I fix a Crockpot Express E6 error?
- Check to be sure the steam release valve is closed when using the pressure cooking function. If not, switch it closed, unplug the machine and plug it back in to reset and then restart the cooking cycle.
- Check to be sure the ring inside the lid is firmly in place. The groove in the ring should be tucked behind the metal bar all the way around. If it’s old and stretched out, you may need to get new sealing rings. I like these colored rings from Amazon because I can switch them out for sweet and savory meals.
- Check to be sure you have at least 8 oz. of cooking liquid. Release any steam that’s built up, open the lid, check the liquid levels and add more if necessary. Unplug the machine and plug it back in to reset, then begin the cooking cycle again.
- Check to be sure the unit isn’t too hot. Sometimes, if you go straight from Brown/Saute to Pressure Cooking, the inner pot is too warm to get a good seal and pressurize properly. To cool down quickly, remove the inner pot and set on a trivet. Leave it out for 5 minutes. If you’re in a rush, try dipping the outside of the cooking pot in some cool water to bring down the temperature quickly. Unplug the machine, plug it back in to reset and try again. I like to use refrigerated liquids if I’m going from Brown/Saute to Pressure to help immediately cool the inner pot. NOTE: this is a rare occurrence anymore-it’s much more likely to be something else causing the errors.
- Check to be sure there isn’t food stuck on the bottom of the inner pot. If the food is thick or stuck on, the pot can’t read that there is liquid inside, even if you have more than enough. Give it a good stir and scrape the bottom (don’t use metal!) and then try again.
No matter what caused the error, in every instance it’s best to completely unplug the machine and then plug it back in. This will reset the computer and allow the cooking cycle to start back up. Be sure to adjust your cooking time. If the pot was on for a while, you may not need to cook as long anymore. The heating up cycle will take a long time before burning off all the liquids inside, and the food inside is cooking that whole time. When you have the lid off for fixing whatever the issue is, check the food inside and then adjust the new cook time from there.
I’ve tried everything and I’m still getting an E6 error!
Sadly, sometimes you just get a lemon. Fortunately, Crockpot has been excellent about replacing faulty Multi-Cookers, so don’t hesitate to call up their Customer Service and ask for a new one! They can be reached at 1-800-323-9519.
Personally, I have only had the E6 error pop up once, and it was when I was experimenting with my Crockpot Express Apple Oatmeal. When I opened it up, it was obvious I did not have enough water. I added more, closed the lid and restarted the cooking cycle. It worked like a charm! Hopefully you are error free in the future after trying one (or several) of these little tricks. Don’t forget to join our Crockpot Express Community on Facebook for help with other issues and lots of good recipes. Happy cooking!
What do all the other error codes on the Crockpot Express mean?
“Close Lid” blinking light
This one is pretty self explanatory. If the lid isn’t closed correctly, the machine won’t turn on. Be sure the lid is turned all the way to the locked position. The arrow should align with the lock symbol. You may also need to check the ring inside the lid in case it’s out of place and preventing a proper seal.
E1 and E2 error codes
No details are given about these codes in the manual, other than to say the pot will turn off (which it does any time an error code pops up) and you need to contact customer service. In my experience, these errors seem to point to an electrical issue in the panel and customer service usually ends up sending a replacement.
E3 error code
This is another error code connected to the lid. Make sure all the parts and pieces of the lid are assembled correctly and then try again. If the error pops up another time, contact customer service.
E4 error code
I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone asking about this particular code, but according to the manual, it’s very similar to an E6 error. All the suggestions for fixing it are the same as those for the E6 error. Check for sufficient liquid, make sure steam isn’t being released anywhere, etc.
E5 error code
This error code pops up if you are using the lid with a setting that is meant to be used with the lid removed-Brown/Saute, Simmer, Sear, etc. Those settings are designed for the pot to be used like a skillet. The pot should be open for them. They aren’t pressure settings. Also, if you’re using the lid for the Slow Cook setting (which is totally fine) you may get this error if you forget to leave the steam release valve OPEN. For slow cooking, you want a little bit of a vent.
If you’re ready to branch out into “pot in pot” recipes or just want to upgrade to a silicone trivet, check out this list of Crockpot Express Accessories! You can also shop directly in my Amazon store where I have several cookbooks, accessories and pots that I love. They are all items I use personally or have been recommended highly by other CPE users. Visit my Amazon shop here.
- Chocolate Orange Cookies - November 2, 2024
- Nutella Banana Bread - October 14, 2024
- Bacon Onion Dip - September 13, 2024
Bobbi says
Hello. My crockpot express is only 4 years old.Just yesterday I got a weird code. I don’t get a number code, but it shows ‘hea and an upside down f’. I’ve unplugged it, tried different settings, and it won’t go away. I’ve thoroughly cleaned the lid, etc. Any ideas?
Nicole Burkholder says
That’s not an error code- the display always reads “heat” when it’s pressurizing. Are you seeing it when you select a pressure cook option and then press start/stop? That simply means it’s warming up to pressurize.
James says
I use it to warm/cook spiral sliced ham. I’ve been getting the E6 error more often. I’ve noticed that you really have to clean the ridges/seal of the lid. Get in there with some muscle and wipe all the way around. The E6 stops happening after that.
Emma says
Yeah, I just ruined an important dinner. I’m fuming. I def got one of the bad batches.
When I went to the website to report it…the contact form had an error & wouldn’t submit.
I’m 5 seconds away from hurling it into the backyard.
Nicole Burkholder says
Here’s the best way to reach customer support
Customer Support: Consumer Care Team phone number is 1-800-323-9519. They are open from 9 am to 6 pm EST. They can also be reached through email or chat by clicking on the link below.
https://www.crock-pot.com/customerservicecontact?cid=contactus
Barry Matson says
Mine just shows dashes on the display and will not do anything. Is there any way to force a reset on this?
Nicole Burkholder says
I have heard of a few instances where this happens. None of the buttons work at all? You can try unplugging it and plugging back in, or even moving to a different outlet to be sure. However, it’s likely the pot is a lemon. 🙁 If that’s the case, return it to the store to exchange for a new one, or contact customer service to see about getting a replacement. They may also be able to walk you through some kind of troubleshooting method for that. (I haven’t heard anything other than a few people who discovered it was a bad cord connection.)
Barry Matson says
Thank you very much. I have tried it in other places but it is the same. it is only two months old, but I don’t have the receipt and I don’t think that the retailer will exchange it.
Is there a customer service number for Australia? US 1 800 numbers do not work here.
Nicole Burkholder says
I’d still give it a try at the retailer first. Even if they only allow an exchange rather than a return, that will be faster. I’m sorry, I don’t know the phone number for Australia, but the website also has a chat feature so you can interact with customer service online. Maybe try that and see what they say?
Shawna says
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I almost returned my crockpot express. All I had to do was add water. This should be included on the trouble shooting on crockpots FAQ’s page.
Deanna says
I cannot figure out how to get mine to cook manually. Some recipes call for a specific time and temp (usually high temp). Can you anyone help me?
Nicole Burkholder says
You just need to choose a preset that’s close to the time you want and then adjust up or down. Beans/Chili will go as low as 5 minutes and Steam will go as low as 3 minutes. Those are the two buttons that I use the most. All the pressure cook buttons do the same thing, they just default to different times and pressure settings.
chef gene says
thank you for the information. So, if I am getting the e6 message and I believe it has enough water, just give it a stir?
thank you for any advice
Nicole Burkholder says
Yes, start with that. It may be something stuck on the bottom. If it’s still not working, allow the pot to cool (pull it out and set it aside somewhere) and then unplug the machine. Sometimes it just gets “stuck” after throwing an error code and needs a hard restart.
Hero says
My dumb self didn’t put water in it and spent hours troubleshooting unplugging, taking things apart, attempted to send it back to amazon all to learn that it just needed water. smh
Nicole Burkholder says
Hahaha! Sorry to laugh, but that just struck me as funny! 🙂 When all else fails…read the manual. Carefully 😉 You are in good company-there are plenty of people who do the same thing. Which is why this post is my #1 most searched post via Google 😉 Glad you got it figured out before giving up and returning it, though! 🙂
William Wexler says
Pull p’ug for a few seconds, plug back in and give the pot a good bit with the palm of your hand and the steam valve will close. Sticky steam valve.
Timothy Murray says
I’ve had my Crock-Pot pressure cooker for about one month and I use it every other night. It’s so great. I cooked chicken and rice for 35 people during hurricane Michael last Wednesday before or power went out. I am cooking cubed steak, onions, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans in my pressure cooker tonight. I finally got the E6 error message, I have nearly 3 cups of liquid in the pot. The flour from my cubed steak was sticking to the bottom of the pot, it was overheating. Gave it a good stir and now it’s working great. Awesome coming tool!
debra elabdallah says
Thanks so much, I tried the troubleshooting steps that you suggested several times and still kept getting the error message. When I called I explained to the customer service representative what was going on. At first she tried to just give me troubleshooting advice. When I insisted that the problem had been going on for a while and that I have thoroughly troubleshooted, and had plenty of liquid and no food stuck to the bottom she immediately processed my claim and sent me out a return label. They are probably trained not to offer replacement right off the bat. Just be polite yet insistent and they will take care of you
Deborah says
Here is another reason for E6 message. I was feeling pretty proud because I ‘d never gotten it. Then today it happened. Unplugged, restarted, happened again so I decided to open lid to see what was going on. When I reached for lid I discovered that it was not fully closed! Chicken wings are now cooking as they should!
Nicole Burkholder says
Oh, good one! I’ll add that to the list! Thanks 🙂
Mimi says
Can some one help I got a crockpot brand pressure cooker. Trying to hard boil eggs. Read a few recipes however when I set it to steam I get readout that says heat. Never changes off of it
Nicole Burkholder says
How long are you waiting? It does take about 10 minutes on average for the pot to come to pressure before it switched off from Heat and starts the time cycle.
The other thing that it most likely would be is the steam release valve is open. Make sure it’s flipped closed (to the symbol with the X) so the pot can build up pressure.
Marianne Quam says
WAited 20-25 min. Valve moved to closed but is it supposed to click it doesn’t
Nicole Burkholder says
No, it sits there pretty loosely. It does sit down a little bit it doesn’t click or anything. It’s meant to be loose. Make sure you add water again when trying as well. The first cup will have evaporated and you need a full 8 ounces to get up to pressure.
I recommend joining the Facebook group if you’re on Facebook. (Crockpot Express Community) You’ll get a lot of helpful advice and get it quickly! There’s a link in the post and up at the top of the page 🙂
Dave S says
Got that message cooking under the Poultry button. Turns out there was too much liquid. Changed to the Beans button and everything turned out fine.
Nicole Burkholder says
Well that’s odd. There’s no difference between poultry and beans as far as cooking. Both are high pressure- they just default to different cooking times. Did you fill it up past the “max” line, so that’s how you knew there was too much liquid? I’ve never heard of that happening before!
E. A. Haus says
I was continually getting the E6 error code for anything I didn’t have on a trivet. So, soup, chili, casseroles. I always followed each trouble shooting step listed here, but I ended up adding so much liquid, everything was thin and watered down. Live chat argued with me and said I must have the pressure gasket in backwards. I hadn’t removed it since I opened it, and besides, anything on the trivet or pot-in-pot worked. When I persisted and asked if there was a faulty series of pots, she said absolutely NOT. I did have the extended warranty, so if I pack it all up they’ll send a paid shipping label and said they’ll replace it, but clearly they aren’t happily doing so.
Nicole Burkholder says
Wow, that’s a shame! They must be getting a lot of calls lately or something, because others I know who have gotten replacements didn’t seem to have so much trouble. It’s odd that it works on a trivet but not within the pot itself. Something is definitely wonky there, no matter what they say. I’m glad they are going to replace it for you, though! Soups are one of the best things to make in the CPE!