Putting foil balls in a slow cooker is a common hack that some people use to elevate food slightly above the bottom of the slow cooker's insert. The purpose of this is to prevent the food from sitting directly on the bottom, which can help promote more even cooking and prevent potential burning or sticking.
However, using foil balls in a slow cooker is not necessary, and many modern slow cookers have a design that allows for even heat distribution without the need for foil balls. Slow cookers typically have a ceramic or stoneware insert that heats evenly, and the gentle, low-temperature cooking process minimizes the risk of burning or sticking in most cases.
If you prefer to use foil balls, make sure to use heavy-duty aluminum foil and shape them into small balls or crumpled foil pieces to create a makeshift rack inside the slow cooker. This should be done with caution to avoid puncturing the slow cooker insert or interfering with the cooking process.
In summary, while using foil balls can be a helpful technique in certain situations, it is not a mandatory step for slow cooking. Most slow cookers are designed to work effectively without the need for additional support inside the insert. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for the specific model of slow cooker you are using to ensure safe and proper usage.