Slow Cooker Time Converter
Convert oven cooking times to slow cooker times for low and high settings. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Formula
Low Setting Time = Oven Time x (4 to 6) | High Setting Time = Oven Time x (2 to 3)
The conversion multiplier depends on the original oven temperature. Higher oven temperatures require a larger multiplier because the slow cooker cooks at a more consistent lower temperature. The low setting cooks at approximately 200 F and high at approximately 300 F.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Pot Roast Conversion
Problem: A pot roast recipe calls for 2 hours in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. What are the slow cooker times?
Solution: Oven time: 120 minutes at 325 F (moderate temperature)\nLow setting multiplier: 4x to 6x = 480 to 720 minutes\nHigh setting multiplier: 2x to 3x = 240 to 360 minutes\nLow setting: 8 to 12 hours\nHigh setting: 4 to 6 hours
Result: Low: 8-12 hours | High: 4-6 hours | Recommended: Low for 10 hours for most tender results
Example 2: Casserole Conversion
Problem: A chicken casserole bakes for 45 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Convert to slow cooker times.
Solution: Oven time: 45 minutes at 375 F (higher temperature, so use higher multiplier)\nLow setting multiplier: 5.2x to 7.8x = 234 to 351 minutes\nHigh setting multiplier: 2.6x to 3.9x = 117 to 176 minutes\nLow setting: approximately 4 to 6 hours\nHigh setting: approximately 2 to 3 hours
Result: Low: 4-6 hours | High: 2-3 hours | Add dairy and pasta in last 30 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert oven cooking times to slow cooker times?
The general rule for converting oven times to slow cooker times is to multiply by 4 to 6 for the low setting and by 2 to 3 for the high setting. For example, a recipe that takes 1 hour in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit would need approximately 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high in a slow cooker. The exact time depends on the original oven temperature, the type of food being cooked, and how full your slow cooker is. Always check that meats reach safe internal temperatures regardless of cooking time.
What temperature does a slow cooker cook at on low and high settings?
A slow cooker on the low setting maintains a temperature of approximately 190 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (about 88 to 93 degrees Celsius). On the high setting, it reaches approximately 300 degrees Fahrenheit (about 149 degrees Celsius). Both settings will eventually reach the same maximum temperature, but the low setting takes longer to get there. The simmering point of liquid in a slow cooker is around 209 degrees Fahrenheit, which is just below boiling. This gentle cooking method breaks down tough connective tissues in meat while preserving moisture and flavor.
Can all oven recipes be converted to slow cooker recipes?
Not all oven recipes translate well to the slow cooker. Recipes that work best include stews, soups, braises, pot roasts, chili, and dishes with tough cuts of meat that benefit from long, slow cooking. Recipes that do not convert well include baked goods like cookies and cakes, crispy or fried items, dishes requiring high dry heat for browning, and delicate fish or seafood that overcooks easily. Pasta and dairy products should typically be added in the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy or curdling. Quick-cooking vegetables should also be added late in the process.
How full should a slow cooker be for optimal results?
For the best results, a slow cooker should be filled between one-half and two-thirds full. If it is less than half full, the food may cook too quickly and could burn or dry out around the edges. If it is more than three-quarters full, the food may not cook evenly and could remain undercooked in the center. The liquid level should typically cover the solid ingredients by about one inch. Since slow cookers retain moisture much better than ovens, you generally need to reduce the liquid in a recipe by about one-third when converting from an oven recipe to a slow cooker recipe.
Does the size of the slow cooker affect cooking time?
Yes, the size of your slow cooker can significantly affect cooking times. A recipe designed for a 6-quart slow cooker will cook faster in a 4-quart model if the cooker is more full, and slower in an 8-quart model if the cooker is less full. The ideal ratio of food to cooker capacity stays between half and two-thirds full regardless of size. Smaller slow cookers (2 to 4 quarts) tend to cook slightly faster than larger models (6 to 8 quarts) because the heat source is closer to the food. Always check for doneness about an hour before the estimated completion time.
Should I lift the lid during slow cooking?
You should avoid lifting the lid of a slow cooker during cooking whenever possible. Each time you remove the lid, the internal temperature drops by approximately 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to recover that lost heat. This means that every time you peek, you may need to add 15 to 20 minutes to the total cooking time. The only times you should lift the lid are to add ingredients that should not cook the entire duration, to stir if specifically directed by the recipe, or to check the internal temperature of meat near the end of cooking for food safety purposes.