Boneyard Tools

Slow Cooker Conversion Calculator

Enter the conventional cook time from a recipe to see how long it should take in a slow cooker on low or high. The ranges follow the standard crock pot timing chart.

How to convert a recipe to slow cooker time

  1. Type the conventional oven or stovetop cook time in minutes.
  2. Read the suggested slow cooker range for low and for high.
  3. Pick low for hands-off all-day cooking or high to finish in less time.

Examples

Braise on the stovetop

45 min conventional
Low 6 to 8 h, High 3 to 4 h

Quick simmer

20 min conventional
Low 4 to 6 h, High 1.5 to 2.5 h

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert oven time to slow cooker time?

Match the conventional time to a band. About 15 to 30 minutes becomes 4 to 6 hours on low, 30 to 60 minutes becomes 6 to 8 hours, and 1 to 3 hours becomes 8 to 10 hours on low.

What is the difference between low and high?

Low and high reach a similar final temperature, but high gets there faster. As a rule, one hour on high is roughly two hours on low, so high times are about half the low times.

Can I convert slow cooker time back to the oven?

Roughly, yes. Divide the low slow cooker hours by about eight to estimate oven hours, then check doneness. Conversion back is approximate because slow cookers hold moisture differently.

Should I reduce the liquid in a slow cooker recipe?

Usually. A slow cooker traps steam, so liquids do not reduce the way they do in an open pot. Cut added liquid by about a third unless the recipe is mostly broth.

Why are the results given as a range?

Slow cookers and ingredients vary, so a single exact time is not realistic. The range gives a safe window. Check for doneness near the lower end and keep going if needed.

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