What Temperature Does a Slow Cooker Cook (on Low and High)?
When discussing slow cookers, it is important to note that they have been in existence for almost 100 years and are commonly utilized for preparing stews and other dishes to perfection.
However, on the other hand, some slow cookers have different settings that cook at extremely varied temperatures, making optimal cooking challenging.
What Temperature Does a Slow Cooker Cook at?
On the Low setting, slow cookers may reach temperatures of 190-210 degrees Fahrenheit, and on the High setting, they can reach 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
On the other hand, slow cooker temperatures vary depending on manufacturer, model, cook time, and other factors.
Keep Warm, Low, and High?
These are the most frequent settings found on almost every slow cooker. But what exactly do they imply?
Keep Warm
It maintains the temperature of your meal, allowing you to take it whenever you want. The temperature is adjusted to 140°F (60°C) in general, which is the ideal food temperature for most individuals.
Low and High
The primary difference occurs whenever the slow cooker hits the simmering point, roughly 209°F just below the boiling point.
Do you recall all those tiny bubbles on your slow cooker’s sides? You know, the ones you’re afraid about, yet you’re okay with them in a regular pot on the stovetop?
Your slow cooker has reached the simmering point of 209°F. It usually takes 7 to 8 hours of cooking on low to get to that point and approximately 3 to 4 hours of high-heat cooking.
Temperature Differences in Slow Cookers
The difference in temperatures arises because a slow cooker’s heating element may reach temperatures well above 210°F. By a lot, I mean up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
This ‘additional’ heat now boosts the speed required to reach the boiling point faster. This is why, according to most slow cookers and recipes, 8 hours on low yields the same results as 4 hours on high.
It’s all about the speed. The faster the slow cooker heat source hits the simmering point, the hotter it gets.
How Do You Tell If Your Slow Cooker is at the Right Temperature?
So you’ve bought or received your slow cooker, checked the directions, and want to know if the claims it makes are valid.
Alternatively, you may have discovered an older kind and want to ensure that it can still perform as intended.
In any event, the test is relatively straightforward. You’ll need a slow cooker, an electrical outlet, some water, and some time.
Note: If you’re examining an older model, double-check that the power cable isn’t broken in any way before plugging it in. It has the potential to produce everything from overload to sparks and fire.
To the actual test:
Fill your slow cooker pot to the manufacturer’s specified maximum capacity, place it in its base, plug in your power cord, cover with a lid, select a program, and start.
Now we’ll do so for all of the settings, so spread it out over a few days or make sure you get enough opportunity in one day to test everything.
Note 2: Because we’re trying to figure out whether the slow cooker is working correctly, we’ll need some basic information.
In this situation, it’s the volume of water inside the pot and the slow cooker’s temperature, which should be at least room temperature – which is why it’s critical to let it cool down after every test.
The moment when the slow cooker hits the simmering stage is what we’re searching for: Keep Warm 30 minutes to 1 hour 2 to 4 hours – Low 1 to 2 hours – High
And it does so according to the parameters we set at the start of the test.
So, how are we going to do the test? Any food thermometer will suffice. An infrared remote or this cordless remote would be my first pick for this.
Infrared Testing
If you choose infrared, keep in mind that you will lose roughly 10-20 degrees as you remove the lid. As a result, add them to the temperature reading on your thermometer.
When an hour reaches, turn on your thermometer, get a lid, gently remove it – so you don’t get burned – and place your infrared on a pan of simmering water.
You should be able to get a solid reading on the temperature of the water.
Wireless Test
This method is a little more convenient and, I feel, more accurate for estimating the temperature of the liquid in a slow cooker.
ENZOO 500FT boasts an accuracy of 1.8°F, which isn’t just outstanding and helpful in this situation.
Don’t worry about the connection connecting the sensor to the base; it’s designed to endure a lot of heat.
You may “cook” the sensor in the water in this example while seeing the temperature rise in real-time. Finally, you’ll have precise information on the water temperature.
Now, as no one is flawless, you might choose to ignore a minor temperature miscalculation now and then, as the temperature in your slow cooker could not be just right.
However, don’t be too forgiving.
A degree or two is acceptable, but if your slow cooker reaches temperatures of 15 degrees or more by the timer’s conclusion, there is a problem with it, and you should return it or use it with extreme caution.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a slow cooker, what is the corresponding oven temperature?
The high setting cooks approximately twice as fast as the low setting. Slow cooking works well with foods baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or less in the oven or on the stove.
Are four hours on a high equal to eight hours on low?
The only difference between a slow cooker’s high and low settings is the time it takes to reach the simmer point or the temperature at which the device’s contents are cooked.
Alternatively, if a recipe asks for 8 hours on HIGH, it can be cooked on LOW for up to 12 hours.
Final Thoughts
Slow cookers can also prepare meals while you are at work. Because they take a long time to cook, you may prepare the dinner ahead of time, set it and forget it, and come home to a home-cooked supper.
