Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low?

The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high .

What is the equivalent of high to low in a crockpot?

If a recipe calls for cooking on the HIGH setting for three hours, you can cook it for seven hours on the LOW setting instead. Or if a recipe calls for eight hours on HIGH, it can be cooked for up to 12 hours on LOW.

Should you put salt in slow cooker?

“If too much stock, sauce, or seasonings are added to the slow cooker before or during the cooking process, a dish that seemed properly seasoned may end up tasting too salty,” he explains. Your better bet? Season with a teeny bit of salt at the beginning, and do the heavy-duty salting at the finish.

Can I leave my slow cooker on low for 12 hours?

People do this all the time, but many aren't truly confident that it's 100 percent safe — I, for one, am one of those people. So I did a little digging to get the hard facts. The truth is, yes, leaving the slow cooker on and going about your day is safe, as long as you are using the appliance properly .

How much does it cost to run a slow cooker on low for 8 hours?

At the time of writing, and in accordance with the current energy price cap, the cheapest slow cooker will cost you around 2.5p to run for an hour. For eight hours, this will set you back 20p .

Is 3 hours on high the same as 6 hours on low slow cooker?

If a dish usually takes: 15-30 mins, cook it for 1-2 hours on High or 4-6 hours on Low. 30 mins – 1 hour, cook it for 2-3 hours on High or 5-7 hours on Low . 1-2 hours, cook it for 3-4 hours on High or 6-8 hours on Low.

What happens if you slow cook on high instead of low?

Let's say you want to slow cook a pork roast recipe that calls for 8 hours on Low, but you need it done in much less than 8 hours. Switching to High for the sake of time savings can leave you with a roast that's dried out or even burned on the exterior, but undercooked and not at a food-safe temperature in the center .

Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in the CrockPot?

Always cook your boneless skinless chicken breasts on LOW for the best results . I do not recommend cooking boneless chicken breast on HIGH, as it will become very dry and tough, even if you check it early. On high, the chicken turns out drier; I consistently have the best results with low.

Why put paper towel under Crockpot lid?

The paper towel will absorb excess moisture and prevent any condensation from dripping back onto the food . Be sure to reach for a good-quality, sturdy paper towel that can absorb moisture effectively without falling apart.

Why putting a tea towel over a slow cooker?

Try putting a tea towel over the top of the slow cooker before replacing the lid. This absorbs the excess moisture, thickening the dish and deepening its flavours . The cloth can be replaced with a fresh one when needed, but usually one tea towel during the final couple of hours will do the trick.

What temperature is equivalent to low on a slow cooker?

Slow cookers generally operate between 190°F (on the low setting) and 300°F (on the high setting). In comparison, when using an oven as a slow cooker, you'll typically set the temperature between 325°F (similar to the low setting) and 375°F (resembling the high setting).

How to convert slow cooker times from low to high?

According to the Crock-Pot website, Crock-Pot low temp to high conversion times are: Twelve hours on low equals eight hours on high. Ten hours on low equals six hours on high .

Can you cook chicken on low for 8 hours?

A great rule of thumb is: For a whole chicken – Place it in your slow cooker breast side down. Cover with the lid and cook on High for around 4-5 hours or Low for 6-8 hours .

Low-Sodium and Low-Fat Delicious Crock-Pot Recipes (2024)

Recipes By Course
Dinner
Healthy Mains

Low-fat and low-sodium recipes for your slow cooker

Linda Larsen

Linda Larsen is a journalist, quick-cooking and slow-cooking expert, and accomplished cookbook author with over 30 years of experience in testing and developing recipes.

Learn about The Spruce Eats'Editorial Process

Updated on 04/14/21

Trending Videos

Have you noticed that many crockpot recipes use canned condensed soups, soup and salad dressing mixes, and big chunks of meat? All of those ingredients make delicious recipes, of course, but will add a lot of sodium and fat to your meal. Having a good selection of healthy crock pot recipes that are low-sodium, nutrient dense, and low-fat will not only be better for your familybut will also make you a better cook.

There are things you can do to update your regular slow cooker recipes to be healthier. If you refrigerate canned broths before using them, the fat will congeal in a layer on top so it can be removed before adding to the recipe. Also, use low-sodium and low-fat ingredients, and trim the fat and skin from meats before cooking. You also may want to try vegetarian recipes once a week, or add lots of veggies to anycrockpot recipe—any recipe that uses a lot of fresh vegetables will be healthier than one with processed ingredients.

01 of 16
Slow Cooker Pork Roast With Vegetables
This delicious slow cooker pork roast with vegetables is seasoned with allspice, horseradish, and apple butter. The combination of sweet and savory (with a little bite) makes for a unique and satisfying dish. And best yet, a pork sirloin roast is a lot leaner than beef, and the addition of a whole acorn squash and two sweet potatoes make the dish high in Vitamin C and B6.
02 of 16
Crockpot Barley Casserole
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Barley is chewy and nutty and so good for you. This delicious and healthy crockpot barley casserole recipe can be served as a vegetarian main dish or a side dish. Chock full of fresh vegetables such as onion, garlic, peppers, and mushrooms, as well as plenty of herbs, this dish is hearty and filling. The sprinkling of pine nuts at the end adds just the right crunch.
03 of 16
Simple Crockpot Beef Stew
This simple crockpot beef stew recipe uses just a few ingredients, yet it's healthy and tastes so good. The potatoes add a bit of natural creaminess, and the canned tomatoes and frozen bell peppers and onions bring nutrients and flavor to the stew.
04 of 16
Slow Cooker Beef Fajita Stew
This easy and healthy slow cooker beef fajita stew is high in protein, fiber, and vitamin C. This recipe calls for either store-bought fajita seasoning (use the lower sodium version), oryour own homemade fajita seasoning mix, which allows you to control the amount of salt.
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05 of 16
Southwest Crockpot Steak and Beans
Cooking flank steak in your crockpot makes the most tender, juicy, and flavorful meat. Once cooked, make sure that you cut the meat against the grain for best results. This delicious Southwest crockpot steak and beansstew is full of nutritious vegetables and beans with flavors of the Southwest from the addition of salsa and chili powder.
06 of 16
Crockpot Chicken and Apples
Tart apples, apple juice, curry powder, and garlic combine to create this unique and delicious crockpot chicken and apples dish that is easy to make. The curry adds another layer of flavor and makes the recipe somewhat reminiscent of the Indian dish chicken Mughlai. Serve over rice, couscous, or pasta to soak up the sauce.
07 of 16
Healthy Crockpot Beef Stew
Beef stew doesn't have to be full of fat and loaded with salt. This healthy crockpot beef stew features green beans, carrots, and red wine to add flavor and color to this simple dish. Feel free to add more vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, corn, or potatoes to up the nutrients as well as the flavor.
08 of 16
Crockpot Black Bean Chili
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Ultimate Low-Carb Caramel Pecan Sticky Bun Recipe - Simply So Healthy
This colorful crockpot black bean chili is easy to make and sure to please even the meat-eaters, as it's full of flavor. Vegetable broth combines with lots of seasonings including cumin, chili powder, and red pepper flakes, as well as bell peppers, corn, and black beans to make a thick chili with deep flavor—and lots of nutrients!
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09 of 16
Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
Cacciatore means "hunter" in Italian, and when a dish is alla cacciatore it means it is prepared "hunter-style," with onions, tomatoes, and herbs, the sauce cooked with either chicken or rabbit. A thick tomato sauce coats tender boneless chicken in this easy and healthy crockpot chicken cacciatore recipe.
10 of 16
Crockpot Chicken Curry
Curry is the term used to describe both a blend of spices as well as dishes that are cooked in a sort of gravy. In this crockpot chicken curry recipe, purchased curry powder adds richness and color to a melange of vegetables and chicken. Onion, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes round out the dish, creating a delicious yet complex flavor.
11 of 16
Crockpot Creamy Chicken and Veggies
Perfect when you're craving a comforting dish but don't want to feel guilty afterword, this rich-tasting entree is actually low in fat, and very high in Vitamin A and potassium. It is the light sour cream that gives the dish its thick and creamy texture, and Dijon mustard and honey that create the sweet and tangy flavors. This crockpot creamy chicken and veggies recipe calls for carrotsbut is ideal for adding other favorites such as broccoli.
12 of 16
Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers
Chock full of vegetables and herbs, this is a sausage and peppers dish you can feel good about. Swap the pork sausage for chicken or turkey, and you will cut the fat even more. This slow cooker Italian sausage and peppers recipe is fabulous and served over some fettuccine cooked al dente.
Continue to 13 of 16 below.
13 of 16
Crockpot Roast Beef Dinner
This crockpot roast beef dinner recipe is tender and delicious, and it's a meal in one pot. Complete with potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic, this dish has all the makings of a traditional roast beef dinner. Feel free, however, to throw in some other vegetables if so desired—parsnips and mushrooms would compliment the meat nicely.
14 of 16
Slow Cooker Orange Roast Pork
Frozen orange juice concentrate is the secret ingredient, providing a bit of tang and sweetness in this easy five-ingredient slow cooker orange roast pork recipe. The pork becomes tender and juicy and is the ideal meat for the sauce made of orange juice and brown sugar.
15 of 16
Crockpot Turkey Breast
This crockpot turkey breast is a great way to cook aturkeywhen it's not the holidays! You'll have a fabulous meal, as well as leftovers for great sandwiches all week long. No worrying about taking up space in the oven and checking for doneness—just put the fully thawed turkey breast in the slow cooker and let it do its thing for five to six hours!
16 of 16
Crockpot Turkey Meatloaf
This crockpot turkey meatloaf starts with ground turkey. (Be sure to buy mixed dark and white meat ground turkey for best results.) Forget about dried out meatloaf—the slow cooker guarantees a moist meatloaf the whole family will love.