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
How we build and check this calculator
This calculator runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter stay on your device. The math behind it is written by hand and tested against worked examples and standard references before the page goes live.
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