Slow Cooker Conversion Calculator
Convert oven recipes to slow cooker times and temperatures.
Returns High and Low setting equivalents for meats, soups, casseroles, and one-pot meals.
How Slow Cooker Time Conversions Work
Slow cookers work at two temperature settings. Low runs at approximately 190°F (88°C), and High runs at approximately 300°F (149°C). Because the cooker is sealed, the actual food temperature reaches the boiling point of water (212°F / 100°C) on both settings — but the time to get there differs significantly.
Time conversion rule:
High setting time × 2 = Low setting time Low setting time ÷ 2 = High setting time
Common conversion table:
| Oven/Stovetop | Slow Cooker (High) | Slow Cooker (Low) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 1–2 hours | 4–6 hours |
| 1 hour | 2–3 hours | 6–8 hours |
| 2 hours | 3–4 hours | 8–10 hours |
Worked example — beef stew:
A stovetop beef stew simmers for 2 hours. Converting to slow cooker:
- High: 3–4 hours
- Low: 8–10 hours
Oven temperature to slow cooker conversion:
If the oven recipe calls for a specific temperature, use this rough guide:
- Below 300°F: use Low
- 300–350°F: use High (or Low with extra time)
- Above 350°F: slow cooker cannot replicate high-heat roasting (no browning effect)
Critical tips:
- Do not lift the lid during cooking — each peek adds 15–20 minutes of cook time
- Fill level matters: slow cookers work best 1/2 to 3/4 full
- Dairy and pasta should be added in the last 30 minutes — both become grainy with prolonged heat
- Root vegetables go on the bottom (slowest to heat through)
- Frozen meat should always be thawed first — it cools the cooker and slows cooking dangerously