People love to use slow cookers for thousands of reasons. Tender meats, friendly on the wallet, convenient, healthy- these are some of the reasons. So, it’s great that you are going to have one.
But do you know what temperature do slow cookers cook at?
It’s the most common question from novice users. If you are one of them or simply curious to know about slow cooker temperature, keep reading, you won’t regret it.
Slow cookers cook at a minimum of 145 degrees Fahrenheit to a maximum of 300 degrees Fahrenheit. First, however, you need to know a few things about slow cookers’ temperature juggle. Slow cooking preserves more nutrients than traditional cooking methods. And, that makes it more popular for certain people. Well, in the slow cooking process, you must be very careful about temperature. Because if you keep the temperature lower than 145 degrees Fahrenheit, then bacteria will overgrow to the food.
What temperature do slow cookers cook at?
Usually, there are two different modes of slow cooking. Low or High. According to your food and cooking period, you have to adjust it at low or high mode.
Low temperature mode
In this mode, the temperature is from 185 degrees Fahrenheit to 200 degrees. Therefore, it will take maximum time to cook. However, you shouldn’t set the temperature below 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
High temperature mode
When you have to make your food early, then you can set it to high temperature mode. The temperature will be 300 degrees Fahrenheit in this mode.
Difference between High and Low in slow cookers
Well, high or low temperature mode in slow cooking does not differ that much. Food will cook early in high temperature mode, and low temperature will take more time to cook. If you want to cook within a short period, then the high temperature mode is what you need. But, if it is the taste that is important to you, then slow cooking at low temperature mode is the best. Although it takes a lot of time, it provides the best flavors and nutrients.
Let’s take a look at the cooking time for few common foods –
| Food | Weight | Time on Low setting | Time on High setting |
| Beef Roast ( Prime cut) | 3 lbs | 3 to 4 hours | 1.5 hours |
| Beef Roast | 3 – 4 lbs | 8 hours | 6 hours |
| Beef Brisket | 4 – 5 lbs | 8 hours | 6 hours |
| Beef Stew meat | 3 lbs | 6 to 8 hours | 5 hours |
| Pork Tenderloin | 2 – 3 lbs | 3 to 4 hours | 1.5 hours to 2 hours |
| Pork Roast | 4 – 5 lbs | 6 to 8 hours | 3 to 4 hours |
| Pork Chops | 2 – 3 lbs | 6 hours | 2 to 3 hours |
| Turkey Breast | 6 lbs | 6 to 8 hours | 3 to 4 hours |
| Turkey Thigh | 3 lbs | 6 to 8 hours | 3 to 4 hours |
| Lamb Shank | 3 lbs | 8 hours | 5 hours |
| Lamb Breast | 3 – 4 lbs | 8 hours | 5 hours |
| Whole Chicken | 4 lbs | 6 to 8 hours | 4 hours |
| Chicken pieces with bone | 3 – 4 lbs | 4 to 6 hours | 2 to 3 hours |
| Chicken Breast | 4 lbs | 4 to 6 hours | 2 to 3 hours |
Slow cooking guidelines
If you are determined to do slow cooking, then you must follow the below guidelines. It will help you to cook better and safer with better taste as well.
- Never use frozen meat; use fresh meat instead.
- Internal temperature must be more than 160°F.
- Also, do not keep the meat whole piece. Cut it into chunks for better results.
- And, cook meat at high temperature for 1 hour, then shift into low temperature.
- Do not delay in starting time.
- Do not reheat food in a slow cooker.
Oven and slow cooker cooking times difference
| Oven | Slow Cooker |
| 15 – 30 minutes | 1 ½ – 2 ½ hours on High or 4 – 8 hours on Low |
| 35 – 45 minutes | 3 – 4 hours on High or 6 – 10 hours on Low |
| 50 minutes – 3 hours | 4 – 6 hours on High or 8 – 18 hours on Low |
Tips to Make The Most Use of A Slow Cooker
- Before you want to cook the food, make sure you remove them from the fridge at least 20 minutes prior to the cooking.
- Although it’s okay if you cook large pieces like a whole bird or something like this, smaller pieces will cook more quickly.
- Keep the cooker’s lid on all the time (except when you add ingredients); this will shorten the cooking duration.
- Try to add every ingredient right when you begin the cooking.
- Adding flour to thicken your sauces is an excellent idea if you are not gluten-free.
- Follow the ‘slow and low setting’ theory to get the best result.
Final Verdict
So, the slow cookers cook in two types of temperature mode and a maximum of 300 degrees Fahrenheit and a minimum of 145 degrees. If you keep the temperature low, it will take more time but offers better taste and nutrients. On the other hand, high temperature helps cook quickly.
Now it is up to you how much time you have to cook your food. If you have no problem with time, then we would suggest you use low temperature mode. But, make sure the temperature is not below 145 degrees Fahrenheit unless you want to spoil your food.