Cooking Temperatures of Slow Cookers

[Shel_B]

I've been thinking about buying a slow cooker. However, I was wondering what approximate temperatures these slow cookers cook at. Perhaps instead of buying a slow cooker, I can use a Le Creuset or Staub in a slow oven and get a similar result. Any thoughts on this idea?

Edited November 25, 2012 by Shel_B (log)

[radtek]

I believe one can cook as low as 177F and up to boiling. However, my habit has been to use a slow oven or very low flame. Regardless, there is something to be said considering the efficiency of an electric slow-cooker such as a crock-pot. One isn't heating an entire oven to transmit the heat into a covered pot or dish. A burner faces similar issues.

Also, a crock-pot is convenient for holding food at serving temps and serving for parties and such without tying up the stove or oven.

[rotuts]

it can do a lot of interesting things more energy efficient than a stove or a stove top.

but ... understand how to use it and if it fits your cooking style first.

maybe find this book at your library first:

http://www.amazon.com/Your-Mothers-Slow-Cooker-Cookbook/dp/1558322450/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353887004&sr=1-3&keywords=slow+cooker+books

good luck!~

[HungryC]

Slow cookers are inexpensive, and to make them even cheaper, they're often found at thrift stores.

[Baselerd]

They're nice for east meals - most slow cooker recipes in existence generally consist of throwing all ingredients in the cooker and not much more. As mentioned before, they are great at keeping food warm for serving, and they're usually very low cost.

With that said, I haven't touched mine since getting a water bath a few years ago. I find that slow cookers don't offer much precision if you want to elevate your braised foods to the next level.

Edited November 26, 2012 by Baselerd (log)

[pkeibel]

My crock pot (~20 years old) has two settings, the Hight cooks at 177F and the Low cooks at 135F. I checked because of my desire to use it for cheese making

[Beth Wilson]

I love slow cookers! I usually put the ingredients into the crock the night before and put it in the fridge. In the morning I take the crock out of the fridge and place it into the outer shell and plug it in, turn it on low, and leave the house.

I come home to smells that are wonderful and sit down to eat almost immediately. It is one of the most convenient ways to cook and it takes such little prep time. I scored one from a thrift store and see them there all the time! Why someone would get rid of one is beyond me, but I will happily score a deal.

[Crouton]

They're nice for east meals - most slow cooker recipes in existence generally consist of throwing all ingredients in the cooker and not much more. As mentioned before, they are great at keeping food warm for serving, and they're usually very low cost.

With that said, I haven't touched mine since getting a water bath a few years ago. I find that slow cookers don't offer much precision if you want to elevate your braised foods to the next level.

I think it's safe to assume a slow cooker is used for convenience, not precision. If I'm using a slow cooker it's because I would like to come home from work and have dinner ready with minimal effort. Dragging out my vacuum sealer and Putting food in little baggies just seems counter productive.

[lindag]

I purchased a Cusinart PCS-350 to use for smaller slow cooker recipes. It's cooking temps are:

HIgh 212°F

Low 200°

Simmer 185°

Warn 165°

[Shel_B]

I purchased a Cusinart PCS-350 to use for smaller slow cooker recipes. It's cooking temps are:

HIgh 212°F

Low 200°

Simmer 185°

Warn 165°

Thanks!