Slow Cooker Conversion Calculator
Convert cook times between the oven, slow cooker LOW and HIGH settings, and Instant Pot pressure cooking.
Slow Cooker Converter
Convert between slow cooker, oven, and Instant Pot times
Times are guidelines — cuts of meat, quantity, and your cooker's temperament all matter. Instant Pot times exclude the 5–15 minutes it takes to come to pressure, and pressure cooking needs at least 1 cup of liquid.
Oven to Slow Cooker Conversion Chart
Heat moves differently in a slow cooker than an oven, so the conversion works in ranges:
| Oven / Stovetop | Slow Cooker LOW | Slow Cooker HIGH | Instant Pot |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15–30 min | 4–6 hours | 1.5–2 hours | 9–12 min |
| 30–45 min | 6–8 hours | 3–4 hours | 18–24 min |
| 45–180 min | 8–12 hours | 4–6 hours | 24–36 min |
Instant Pot times are at high pressure and exclude the 5–15 minutes of pressurizing. Check meat and poultry against our meat temperature guide.
Tips for Converting Recipes
Cut the Liquid
Slow cookers trap steam that an oven lets escape. When moving a recipe to the slow cooker, reduce the liquid by about a third — unless it's a soup.
Pressure Needs Liquid
An Instant Pot needs at least 1 cup of thin liquid to reach pressure. Add it even if the slow cooker version doesn't call for any, and thicken after cooking.
LOW for Tough Cuts
Brisket, chuck, and pork shoulder turn out more tender on LOW — the long, gentle climb gives collagen time to break down into gelatin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do slow cooker LOW and HIGH times compare?
The rule of thumb is 2:1 — one hour on HIGH equals about two hours on LOW. Both settings finish at roughly the same simmering temperature (around 209°F / 98°C); LOW just takes longer to climb there. So a recipe that says 8 hours on LOW can run 4 hours on HIGH, though tough cuts of meat turn out more tender on LOW.
How do I convert a slow cooker recipe to an Instant Pot?
Multiply the slow cooker HIGH hours by about 6 to get high-pressure minutes (so 4 hours HIGH / 8 hours LOW ≈ 25-30 minutes at high pressure). Make sure there is at least 1 cup of liquid so the pot can reach pressure, and remember it takes another 5-15 minutes to pressurize before the timer starts.
How do I convert an oven recipe to a slow cooker?
Use ranges rather than a formula: 15-30 minutes in the oven becomes 4-6 hours on LOW (1½-2 hours on HIGH); 30-45 minutes becomes 6-8 hours on LOW (3-4 on HIGH); 45 minutes to 3 hours becomes 8-12 hours on LOW (4-6 on HIGH). Reduce the liquid by about a third, since slow cookers trap steam that an oven would evaporate.
Can I lift the lid to check on food in a slow cooker?
Try not to. Each peek releases trapped heat and steam and can add 15-30 minutes to the cook time. Slow cookers are designed to run unattended — check only near the end, when you would test doneness anyway.
What oven temperature is equivalent to a slow cooker?
A covered Dutch oven at 250°F (120°C) roughly mimics LOW, and 300-325°F (150-160°C) roughly mimics HIGH. Keep the pot covered so moisture stays in, and check meat for tenderness rather than relying on time alone.