Even though there are different models, most crockpots have lower and higher range temperatures of 190 degrees Fahrenheit and 300 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively.
A crockpot has an optimum cooking temperature which is between 200 degrees Fahrenheit and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the crockpot is on a high setting, it will take 4 hours to reach the temperature and 8 hours if it is on a low setting.
Upon reaching the optimum temperature, it should be maintained for several hours till the cooking time is reached.
Best temperatures for slow cooking
To ascertain the best temperatures for slow cooking, you should check whether the recipe you are preparing recommends either high or low while cooking.
It is paramount to know the ideal temperature for slow cooking. Thus, you should ensure the crockpot reaches 200 F on a low setting and 300F on a high setting.
Therefore, you should heat water in the crockpot for 4 hours on a high setting and quickly measure temperature using a thermometer.
The temperature drops drastically by approximately 15 upon opening the lid hence, it should be around 285 F.
If you set the crockpot at low temperatures, the reading will be around 185 F.
Which is better, cooking on low or high?
There are a few things you should keep in mind while you are trying a slow cooker such as;
• Temperatures will continuously rise as you cook in a slow cooker.
• The food taste will be affected by the temperature of the food since heat dissipates slowly into the food.
It is paramount to check the recipe and avoid shortcuts while cooking. For example, if a meal is supposed to be on a low setting, you should not cook it on a high setting.
A crockpot will take different times to reach a simmering point depending on whether it is on a high setting or low setting.
In addition, a meal will develop flavours greatly if it takes a longer time to cook.
Basic slow cooking information
A slow cooker can cook a variety of foods. However, to be successful in slow cooking, you should follow a few basics.
Before placing the ingredients into the slow cooker, always preheat it and check the models since some heat faster than others.
Unless specified in the recipe, it is paramount not to open the lid of the crockpot. Many temperatures are lost after opening the lid, and you will require additional time to make up for the heat lost.
Adjust the cooking times
To avoid overcooking, it is paramount to consider a table of the crockpot. Below is a clear guide on how to adjust times if you need your food to cook for longer;
• High setting 3 hours – 7 hours on low
• High setting 4 hours – 8 hours on low
• High setting 5 hours – 9 hours on low
• High setting 6 hours – 10 hours on low
• High setting 7 hours – 11 hours on low
Also, you should note that cooking time varies with the amount of food being cooked.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.