When using the low setting on your slow cooker, it’s important to remember that it will take longer for your food to cook compared to the high setting. Typically, foods will take between 6 to 8 hours to cook thoroughly on low. This setting is ideal for recipes that require a longer cooking time, such as soups, stews, and roasts. Be sure to check your recipe for specific cooking times and adjust as needed.
If you’re short on time and need your meal ready faster, the high setting on your slow cooker is the way to go. Foods cooked on high typically take between 3 to 4 hours to reach the desired level of doneness. This setting is perfect for recipes that need to be cooked quickly, such as shredded meats, casseroles, and chili. Keep an eye on your dish to prevent overcooking, as the high setting can sometimes be too hot for certain recipes.
Warm Setting
The warm setting on your slow cooker is designed to keep your food at a safe serving temperature without overcooking. Once your meal is done cooking on either the low or high setting, you can switch it to warm to keep it ready to eat for hours. This setting is perfect for potluck dinners, parties, and buffets where you want to keep your food warm for guests to enjoy at their leisure. Just be sure to serve your food within a few hours to prevent it from spoiling.