Getting a good Crockpot slow cooker can improve the quality of your cooking. But if you don’t use the temperature settings, you might end up with a poorly cooked meal. Luckily, you can avoid this scenario using the tips offered in this article.
Now these settings can be used with various sizes of the product. But before you use our adjustments, we suggest that you check the owner’s manual of your Crockpot or the official Crockpot website.
Best Crockpot Temperature Settings
Before using the temperature settings on the Crockpot, you will have to consider the type of meal cooked as well as the desired cooking time. Now here are the various settings that you can use with the Crockpot:
Warm Setting (145 and 165°F)
If you want to heat already prepared food, you can use the Warm setting on the Crockpot slow cooker. Unlike other temperature settings, this mode comes up automatically especially when the set cooking time expires.
When selected, this mode allows the cooker to stay within 145 and 165°F. By using this mode. You can warm your food without getting it burned.
Although the Warm mode produces heat, it should not be used for preparing raw food. So if you are looking for settings for cooking with the Crockpot, try the following modes.
Low Settings (200°F)
If you choose the Low setting on your Crockpot cooker, you should get a temperature of 200°F. As you use this setting, the slow cooker requires more time to prepare meals. Ideal recipes for this setting include chilis, Salisbury steak, pulled pork sliders, and even hot cocoa.
High Settings (300°F)
For quicker cooking times, you should choose the High setting on the Crockpot. When it comes to it, this mode helps the cooker reach up to 300°F. So if you are making some French Toast Casserole or even ramen.
What are the Basic Crockpot Settings?
On most crockpots, the basic settings consist of Low, Warm, and High. By choosing these settings, you have various temperatures and cooking times. For instance, the Low setting offers 200°F, High reaches 300°F and Warm stays between 145 and 165°F
Can I Leave Food in Slow Cooker Overnight Off?
No, you cannot leave food in an inactive Crockpot for an extended period. But if you have plans to keep the food overnight, ensure the cooker is set to Warm. Besides, do not allow the food to stay longer than 4 hours,
What Setting Do You Leave a Slow Cooker On?
Although various recipes require different heat settings, it is advised that you leave your slow cooker on Low. With this setting, you can leave the kitchen without worrying about undercooked food. Moreover, this mode prevents burning and even the occasional spillage of ingredients.
What is the High Button on the Crockpot?
The High button allows you to increase the temperature of the Crockpot slow cooker. When pressed, the High LED indicator lights up while the cooker produces a temperature of up to 300°F. After the chosen cooking time expires, the cooker switches from Warm to High.
Do Slow Cookers Use a Lot of Electricity?
No, slow cookers do consume a lot of energy. According to experts, this device requires the same power as a regular electric bulb thereby making it an energy-efficient item.
How Do I Get the Best Results from a Slow Cooker?
Asides using the ideal temperature settings, you can improve the performance of your cooker by using the following tips:
- Cook the Right Amount of Food
As you cook with a slow cooker, ensure that the container is not filled to the brim. If you ignore this tip, you will have longer cooking times with bland-tasting meals. To avoid this issue, use the slow cooker two-thirds full.
- Stick with the Fat
Due to their moistness, fattier cuts tend to cook better and quicker with crockpots. But if you prefer leaner meat, you will end up with a longer cooking time and unappealing results.
- Cover the Pot
During cooking, allow the pot to remain uncovered until the food becomes done. With the lid covered, the cooker produces enough heat for faster cooking.
Do Slow Cookers Turn Off Automatically?
Yes, some slow cooker models have auto shutdown features. But before the device goes off automatically, it should stay idle for 24 hours.
What Cannot Be Cooked with a Slow Cooker?
Unlike regular cookers, tons of foods cannot be cooked with a slow cooker. Such items include milk, lean cuts of meat, soft vegetables, milk, alcohol, rice, and pasta.
Can I Put Raw Meat in A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can cook raw meat with slow cookers. But before you can get the desired results, stick with fattier cuts such as pork shoulders, lamb hanks, and chuck roasts.
