Cooking & Kitchen

Slow Cooker Time Calculator

Low is roughly twice as long as high for the same dish, because the lower temperature cooks more gently.

This result gives the equivalent cooking time on the other setting, so a recipe written for high can be planned for low, and a recipe written for low can be planned for high.

Formula

Low time = high time x 2. High time = low time / 2.

How it works

The factor of two is a rule of thumb, not a law: very lean meat and delicate vegetables need more care when converting.

Avoid lifting the lid to check — each peek drops the temperature and can add 20–30 minutes to the cook.

Worked example

For example, a dish that takes 4 hours on high takes 4 × 2 = 8 hours on low.

FAQs

Is low always better?
Often for tough cuts, which turn tender with long gentle cooking. Lean cuts can dry out on either setting if overcooked.

Can I convert any recipe this way?
Most stews, curries and braises convert well. Baking and rice dishes are less predictable in a slow cooker.

Does the conversion change the liquid?
Usually not, but use a little less liquid on low, since less evaporates over the longer cook.

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