Using a slow cooker in the oven can be a convenient way to cook food, especially if you need the oven for other dishes. However, it’s important to use caution when putting a slow cooker into an oven to avoid potential safety issues or damage to the slow cooker.
Can You Put a Slow Cooker in the Oven?
Yes, you can put a slow cooker in the oven, but there are some limitations. Not all slow cookers are oven-safe, so you need to check the manufacturer’s instructions first. Slow cookers that have plastic components or electronic controls often cannot withstand oven temperatures. However, some basic slow cookers with metal or ceramic casings can be used in the oven.
Slow Cooker Oven Safety Tips
If your slow cooker is oven-safe, follow these tips for safe use:
- Double check that your model is approved for oven use. Don’t assume it is without verifying.
- Only use it in a conventional oven, not a microwave, toaster oven, or other appliance.
- Don’t exceed the maximum oven safe temperature recommended by the manufacturer, usually 300-375°F.
- Place the slow cooker on a baking sheet or oven-safe trivet. Don’t set it directly on the oven rack.
- Keep at least 2 inches of clearance on all sides between the slow cooker and oven walls.
- Cook with the lid off so steam can escape.
- Monitor the oven temperature and food closely.
- Use oven mitts when removing the hot slow cooker.
Ideal Oven Temperatures for Slow Cookers
The ideal oven temperature range for most slow cookers is 200-325°F. Here are some guidelines:
Low (200-250°F)
Cooking at the oven’s lowest temperature setting mimics a slow cooker’s low or warm setting. It provides gentle, even heat for long cooking times. Good for stews, roasts, dried beans, etc. Liquids may not simmer or bubble at this temp.
Medium Low (275-300°F)
This range works well for food that would cook on high in a slow cooker for 4+ hours. Liquids will simmer slowly. Use it for chili, pasta sauce, thick soups, braised meats, etc.
Medium (325°F)
At this oven temp food will cook about as fast as on high in a slow cooker. Use for food that takes 2-4 hours on high like chicken dishes, egg casseroles, many vegetables, smaller cuts of meat, etc.
Tips for Cooking in the Oven
Follow these tips to successfully use your slow cooker in the oven:
- Preheat the oven before placing the filled slow cooker inside.
- Use a thermometer to monitor internal food temp and doneness.
- Check food and stir occasionally for even cooking.
- Add extra liquid since ovens are drier than slow cookers.
- Cover roasts, casseroles, etc. with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Allow extra time for oven to reheat if checking food.
- Cook on a lower oven rack for best heat circulation.
Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker in the Oven
There are several advantages to using a slow cooker in the oven:
- Convenient cooking: Allows you to cook a slow cooker meal while freeing up the cooker itself for another dish.
- More consistent heat: Ovens heat food more evenly than slow cookers.
- Better browning: The dry heat of an oven can brown and crisp foods better.
- Food safety: Oven heat eliminates bacterial growth concerns associated with improper slow cooker use.
- Lower energy use: Ovens are better insulated than most slow cookers.
- Extra capacity: You can fit a large slow cooker meal in the oven.
Disadvantages of Slow Cooker Oven Cooking
There are also some downsides to consider:
- You lose the convenience of a slow cooker automatically cooking food unattended.
- Ovens don’t provide as moist heat, so meats may dry out without sufficient liquid.
- Food can overcook faster if oven temperature isn’t low enough.
- Some oven-safe slow cookers don’t retain heat well when removed from the oven.
- You need to monitor food more closely than with a standalone slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Oven Cooking Guide
Here is a general guide for oven cooking times based on typical slow cooker settings:
| Food | Slow Cooker Setting | Oven Temperature | Approx. Oven Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soup, stew, chili | Low (8-10 hours) | 200°F | 6-12 hours |
| Pot roast, pulled pork | Low (8-10 hours) | 225°F | 6-10 hours |
| Chicken, fish | High (3-4 hours) | 325°F | 2-3 hours |
| Vegetables | High (3-4 hours) | 325°F | 2-3 hours |
| Rice, grains | High (2-3 hours) | 300°F | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| Beans (unsoaked) | Low (8-10 hours) | 250°F | 6-10 hours |
*Cooking times are estimates and may vary based on exact recipe, amount of food, appliance wattages, and other factors. Always use a food thermometer to check for safe internal temperatures.
Tips for Specific Foods
Here are some tips for cooking common slow cooker recipes in the oven:
Soups & Stews
- Use a lower oven temp (200-250°F).
- Check liquid level hourly and add more as needed.
- Stir occasionally for even cooking.
- Allow to simmer uncovered for thicker stews.
Chili
- Cook at 275°F uncovered to thicken chili.
- Top with cheese and broil last 15 mins for baked chili.
- For Texas style chili, cook in oven then simmer on stovetop.
Roasts
- Use meat thermometer and pull at 5-10°F before ideal doneness.
- Cook low and slow at 200-250°F.
- Baste or add broth every hour to prevent drying out.
- Tent with foil if browning too much.
Chicken & Turkey
- Use a meat thermometer for doneness – 165°F breast, 175°F thighs.
- Cook covered at 300-325°F.
- Check halfway through and add broth as needed.
- Uncover at end to brown skin.
Rice & Grains
- Bring liquid to boil then cover and bake at 300°F.
- Check doneness at lowest time and allow extra baking if needed.
- Stir before serving for fluffier rice.
- May need to add extra liquid.
Beans (unsoaked)
- Cook low and slow at 200-250°F.
- Always use fresh water, not bean soaking water.
- Check beans hourly, add water to keep covered.
- Cook until skins are soft and beans are cooked through.
Conclusion
Cooking in a slow cooker placed in the oven can be a handy technique when you need your slow cooker but also need the oven space. As long as you use a verified oven-safe model, monitor food closely, and adjust time and temperature appropriately, your favorite slow cooker recipes can be easily adapted for the oven. Refer to this guide for tips on converting slow cooker times and settings to oven cooking.